Metroid fans were caught completely off-guard by the announcement of Metroid Dread in 2021. Originally meant to be a Nintendo DS release, Metroid Dread entered development hell, leaving most to assume it would never release. The Metroid series hadn’t had a true 2D sequel since Metroid Fusion for the Game Boy Advance in 2002. The series had since deviated to the first-person shooter realm with its Metroid Prime series. While Nintendo is keeping mum on the status of Metroid Prime 4, the Metroid series has been kept afloat by remakes, spinoffs, and Samus’ appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series.
During Metroid‘s dormancy, many independent developers have picked up Nintendo’s slack by releasing a trove of games within the Metroidvania genre. For fans of Metroid Dread and the series as a whole, there is no shortage of indie games that will appease the appetite of those wanting more.
10 The Axiom Verge Series Is A Love Letter To Metroid
The Axiom Verge series initially launched on the PlayStation 4 in 2015 to critical acclaim. The original tells the story of Trace, a scientist, who wakes up after an explosion to find himself in a mysterious world. Axiom Verge heavily draws from the Metroid series for its setting, combat, and exploration. Axiom Verge is a must-play for fans of Metroid.
The Axiom Verge series would later receive a sequel, Axiom Verge 2, which was released August 2021 for PC, PS4, and Switch. The sequel was praised for how it built upon its predecessor.
9 The Shantae Series Has Been Developing A Big Following
Metroid fans looking for other Metroidvania games can have their wish granted through the Shantae series. The Shantae series centers around the title character who is the daughter of a human father and a genie mother. Shantae has to rely on her limited magical powers and her transformative dancing abilities to bring peace to her home.
The series originally debuted on the Game Boy Color in 2002 and was met with disappointing sales. However, the series was revived as a DSiWare title in 2010 with Shantae: Risky’s Revenge. Risky’s Revenge was successful enough to spawn three more sequels in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Metroid fans looking for another strong heroine-led Metroidvania will find the Shantae series to be an absolute delight.
8 For Those Looking For Difficulty, Hollow Knight Has You Covered
Hollow Knight was widely praised upon release for its gorgeous visuals, tight gameplay, and beautiful soundtrack. Hollow Knight is most known for its high level of difficulty giving it comparisons to the Dark Souls series. Fans of Metroid looking for something more difficult within the Metroidvania genre need to look no further than Hollow Knight.
Hollow Knight was released in 2017 for the PC before being released for other consoles in 2018. Hollow Knight would go on to release multiple meaty expansions and has an upcoming sequel titled Hollow Knight: Silksong.
7 Metroid Fans Will Really Dig The SteamWorld Dig Series
The SteamWorld series took a different approach to the Metroidvania style when it was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2013. The SteamWorld series centers around mining as the player character, in the original Rusty, as he digs and explores the mines beneath the town of Tumbleton.
SteamWorld would later release a tactical spinoff title, SteamWorld Heist, before releasing a true sequel in 2017. SteamWorld Dig 2 would go on to receive critical acclaim as well as numerous awards and nominations. Regardless of one’s feelings toward the Metroidvania genre, SteamWorld Dig is definitely worth a try.
6 The La-Mulana Series Belongs In A Museum
The La-Mulana series takes the classic Metroidvania style and gives it an Indiana Jones coat of paint. Originally a 2006 Japan-only PC game, the game was later remade for the Nintendo Wii in 2011 and later localized for the Wii and PlayStation Vita. La-Mulana is designed to honor the classic feel of MSX games and was praised for that upon release.
La-Mulana would later receive a sequel through a Kickstarter campaign, telling the story of the original lead’s daughter as she searches for her father, Lemeza. A collection of both games were released for the PS4, Switch, and Xbox One in 2020.
5 Dust: An Elysian Tail Is A Gorgeous Game Full Of Depth
Dust: An Elysian Tail is a beautiful game. Originally released through Xbox Live Arcade in 2012, Dust would later release on PC and PlayStation 4 before finally releasing on the Switch years later in 2018. Dust is set in a world of anthropomorphic animals and tells the tale of the title character on a journey to save his home from a genocidal General Gaius. Dust also boasts voicing acting and RPG elements.
Dust would go on to receive critical acclaim for its visuals and depth. To this day, the game has yet to receive a sequel, but don’t let that stand in the way of this gem.
4 The Bloodstained Series Draws More From Castlevania, But Is Well Worth Playing
The Bloodstained series leans more heavily in the -vania side of the Metroidvania genre, drawing its biggest inspiration from the Castlevania series. Bloodstained was produced by Koji Igarashi, a former Konami employee and Castlevania producer, who sought to create a true spiritual successor to the classic Castlevania series. Igarashi’s goal was met through a highly successful Kickstarter campaign.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was released in 2019 to positive reviews and would receive two companion games set prior to Ritual of the Night, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon and Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2.
3 The Ori Series Boasts Two Of The Best Indie Games Ever Made
When Ori and the Blind Forest was released in 2015 for the Xbox One, it was widely praised for its take on the Metroidvania genre, its visuals, atmosphere, and storytelling. Ori and the Blind Forest quickly became a strong Game of the Year contender and is often considered one of the best indie games ever created. After four years of being a Microsoft exclusive, Ori and the Blind Forest was released for the Switch in 2019.
The series would receive a sequel. Ori and the Will of the Wisps was released in 2020 on both Microsoft and Nintendo platforms to universal acclaim.
2 Dead Cells Adds A Roguelike Twist To Metroidvania
With a genre that has been around for as long as Metroidvania, it’s difficult to develop a game that feels truly fresh. Motion Twin sought to develop a fresh take on the genre by combining it with another genre: the roguelike. The result is the award-winning 2018 game Dead Cells.
In Dead Cells, players take on a series of corpses in an attempt to escape a dungeon. True to its roguelike genre, players are faced with a permadeath system, which causes players to start over upon death. Players can purchase permanent upgrades to help them progress further and further with each run. Metroid fans looking for a new take on the genre should give Dead Cells an honest look.
1 The Guacamelee! Series Slams The Competition
One of the most iconic indie series ever created is also one the most perfect games for fans of Metroid. 2013’s Guacamelee! draws a lot of inspiration from Mexican culture and folklore and tells the tale of a luchador by the name of Juan. Juan is on a journey to avenge his own death at the hands of Carlos Calaca and save his kidnapped love interest.
The Guacamelee! series boasts colorful visuals that honor the artistic style of Mexican culture coupled with fantastic writing and humor. Drinkbox Studios would later release Guacamelee! 2 in 2018. Those who already love Guacamelee! can look at another Drinkbox game titled Severed. Severed shares similar dungeon-crawling Metroidvania elements coupled with Guacamelee!‘s visual style. However, Severed is played in the first person with touch-based combat.
About The Author
