The 10 best Metroidvanias to play right now
There is arguably no more idiosyncratic descriptor in the entirety of gaming than “Metroidvania.”
A portmanteau of the beloved Metroid and Castlevania franchises, the term refers primarily, though not exclusively, to a subgenre of side-scrolling action-adventure games that emphasize nonlinear exploration and utility-based progression. Over the last two decades, Metroidvanias have undergone a renaissance in popularity beyond its namesakes with the advent of a wave of critically acclaimed games led by independent developers.
From time-tested masterpieces like Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Metroid Prime to modern masterpieces like Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and more, here are the best Metroidvania games you can play right now.
Where to play: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Windows PC, and Xbox One
Nearly a decade (and one sequel) later, the original Axiom Verge remains an outstanding entry in the Metroidvania genre thanks to its crunchy, lo-fi aesthetic, amazing soundtrack, and interesting abilities. Created solely by Thomas Happ, Axiom Verge places you in the white lab coat of Trace, a laboratory assistant charged with saving a crumbling alien civilization. As with other Metroidvanias, you’ll explore the world and unlock new areas as you gain new abilities.
The usual suite of grappling hooks and health upgrades is supplemented by some more unique options. One early example, the Address Disruptor, allows you to alter the behavior of some enemies and even change your environment. I won’t spoil anything here, but Axiom Verge is a game that encourages you to experiment and not take anything at face value.
After you’ve mastered Axiom Verge, you can dive back in with its randomizer option. This generates a procedural world seeded with all the same bosses and abilities, but challenging you with a unique map layout and progression system. You’ll encounter bosses in a different order, and enemies will be placed
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