The Metroidvania genre encompasses a number of gameplay mechanics. These gameplay mechanics were popularized by the Metroid video games from the 1980s and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night from 1997. The word Metroidvania is a portmanteau of Metroid and Castlevania.
The Metroidvania Concept
The basic concept of Metroidvania is characterized by a game world consisting of interconnected levels. At the beginning of a Metroidvania game, many areas and levels are initially not accessible. Only by finding, collecting and fighting new weapons, upgrades and tools can players gradually unlock and explore these areas. In this way, players also gradually expand their abilities. These often have to be used in boss fights, which then receive a dynamic difficulty level. Such elements can be found, for example, in a classic of the 2D action genre like Mega Man X from 1994.
Classic Metroidvania games were usually 2D platformers. They focused on a non-linear structure. This means that it was often possible to reach secret areas earlier through exploration if certain items were found at the right time. Other players, on the other hand, can find a completely different way through the game. This is how Metroidvania games are characterized by the regular return to previously traversed game sections, in which players can then open previously locked doors and access items that were previously inaccessible.
However, the influence of the Metroidvania concept can still be observed in many 3D video games today. Different elements can be found, for example, in Batman: Arkham Asylum, the Dark Souls series, and the Tomb Raider games.
Metroidvania Boom between 2010 and 2020
In addition, there has been a spectacular return of the genre in recent years, especially among Indie Studios. Games like Dead Cells, Iconoclasts, and Hollow Knight combine various Metroidvania mechanisms with other genres. Some of the pure Metroidvania games of recent years include the platformers Ori and the Blind Forest and The Messenger.
Two current, critically acclaimed Metroidvania Games are Kunai, which was released for Microsoft Windows and Nintendo Switch in February 2020, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The latter game was released on March 11, 2020 for Microsoft Windows and Xbox One.
Whether Guacamelee!, Axiom Verge, Salt and Sanctuary or Owlboy: Game Keys for these and many other Metroidvania Games and Games with Metroidvania Elements can be found in our Keyfuchs Comparison Portal. Feel free to have a look around and discover the many cheap offers.
