Summary
Since the originalMetroiddebuted on NES in 1986, it’s become one of Nintendo’s most recognizable video game franchises. Although new entries in the series are few and far between, with the most recent beingMetroid Dreadfor Nintendo Switch, many game developers have pointed to the side-scroller as a huge influence on their future creations.
So much so, that the similarity of many games toMetroidor its twin,Castlevania,has resulted in the genre of “Metroidvania” referring to 2D sidescrollers encouraging vast exploration. These ten games, whether old or new, are the most reminiscent ofMetroidand its later 2D titles, though they could never overshadow the adventures of Samus Aran.
Updated on December 7th, 2024, by Blaise Santi:The Metroidvania genre remains one of the most popular subgenres in the world of indie games. Nevertheless, oftentimes Metroid fans may feel slighted by titles that boast Metroidvania qualities by really only emphasize the “vania” part in their execution. It can be tough to find a perfect game that captures not just the vibe of the Metroid franchise, but adequately expands upon and reinvents the iconic gameplay. These additional games, added to this list with its latest update, aren’t just sci-fi sidescrollers with 2D open worlds, but are worthy of a Metroid-sized franchise in their own rights, no matter how little or small these adventures may be for gamers.
Genre
Metroidvania
Outbuddiesis truly the indie game dream. What started as a Metroidvania-influenced passion project evolved intoone of the premiere indie titlesof the sub-genre. Even for a game with retro esthetics and cartoonish monsters, it boasts a vast 2D open world, a variety of armor upgrades and abilities, and even enough lore to makeMetroidfans sweat.
More than any other title on this list, though,Outbuddieslives up to its title by offering local co-op play. If players are looking for a properMetroidclone that doesn’t simply live in the shadow of the games it’s inspired by,Outbuddieshas it all: A fascinating sci-fi world, fun gameplay, tricky puzzles, engaging combat, and lots of variety to make every playthrough unique.
Platformer, adventure
Trash Questmay not be as dense as anyMetroidgame or indie title like it, but it’s certainly worth its price. For only $2.99 on Steam, players get the adventure of a lifetime, controlling a lone raccoon navigating a spaceship that is determined to rid itself of unexpected lifeforms. The only catch? There are no checkpoints; it’s likean entire game made of just the Countdown sections fromSuper Metroid.
With its Game Boy-inspired animations and high-octane action,Trash Questis short, sweet, and to the point. Even with its insanely difficult boss fights and often repetitive gameplay (considering players will always respawn at the same point), it shouldn’t take experienced gamers more than 2 hours to beat. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to spend a quick afternoon play session speed-running!
Platformer
What happens when the sci-fi gameplay and world of theMetroidfranchise meet the procedurally generated chaos of Roguelikes? Well, it probably looks something likeA Robot Named Fight!.Players must navigate a unique labyrinth, powering up their robotic hero through forgotten technological artifacts to face the Mother Brain-esque Megabeast.
In terms of style,A Robot Named Fight!maybe bites off a lot more from theMetroidseries than other games on this list. It does, however, have a much darker tone and a heavy emphasis on gore, so if players are looking for something a teensy bit more hardcore than a Nintendo franchise, this would be the game for them.
Samus is obviously one of the greatest video game characters of all time, so everyMetroidclone has big shoes to fill with their protagonists. Fortunately,HAAKis one of the lucky ones with its titular hero, a caped adventurer who sets out to find his brother admist a dangerous wasteland. The only thing better than its completely stunning art design is the faithful re-imagining ofMetroid’s gameplay.
Exploring ruins and fighting bosses, players ofHAAKwill certainly feel the influence of Nintendo’s sci-fi staple. Moreso than many otherMetroidclones,HAAKhas a strong emphasis on combat, requiring players to hook and slash their way through mysterious creatures of darkness. Plus, it has a huge difficulty curve, so this is definitely the right choice for fans who want something a little more challenging.
As far asMetroidclones go, they really don’t get more wholesome thanIslets. This 2022 Metroidvania finds players controlling Iko, a warrior tasked with reuniting the disparate floating islands through the power of connection and hope. Aesthetically, it shares a lot in common withThe Legend of Zelda,more so thanMetroid, but itsMetroidinfluence is all over its gameplay.
From the emphasis on 2D sidescrolling exploration to unlocking upgrades,Isletshas a lot to loveeven for those who aren’t fans of the Metroidvania genre. Plus, it’s a great excuse to start playing through all of the Metroidvania titles made by developer Kyle Thompson, including the charming 2024 releaseCrypt Custodian, or the predecessor toIslets,Sheepo.
Although the world ofMetroid, especially in titles likeSuper Metroid, is dark with a gritty sci-fi influence, some Metroidvania games take a more family-friendly approach. That’s the case with this 2022 sidescrollerHaiku, the Robot, whereplayers control a Kirby-esque robotnavigating a world overrun by a corrupt computer virus.
Though it has drawn comparisons to more recent tentpoles in the Metroidvania genre,Haiku, the Robotfeatures many aspects of 2DMetroidtitles, such as acquiring power upgrades and exploring maze-like levels. However, some critics felt it didn’t match up with theMetroidseries in terms of complexity and difficulty, though that certainly gives it a more worldwide appeal.
The Creatures Are Much Cuter Than Nintendo’s
Platform(s)
Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U
Released in 2014,Xeodrifterwas developed by Renegade Kid, the developer behindDementium: The WardandMutant Mudds, two wildly different games in terms of tone. Those tones blend together inXeodrifter, which certainly takes after theMetroidfranchise in terms of gameplay as well as its sci-fi setting.
Though the game’s protagonist resembles theAmong Usastronauts more so than Samus Aran, it features many similar Metroidvania elements of exploring uncharted planets and navigating mysterious facilities, though generally has a lot less content than its spiritual predecessor. Initially a 3DS title, the game was ported onto Nintendo Switch in 2018.
Some so-calledMetroidclones feature unique elements that greatly set them apart from Nintendo’s famed sci-fi franchise. One example of this isYoku’s Island Express, which was released in 2018. Taking place on a vastMetroid-esque map, players control a dung beetle delivering mail to various anthropomorphic islanders on a remote island.
Though it also shares platforming and aesthetic similarities totheDonkey Kong Countryfranchise, as well as a pinball mechanic letting players zip around the map with ease, the world feels so entrenched in an homage toMetroidthat one can’t help but get lost, both literally and metaphorically, in this charming landscape.
TheShantaefranchise dates back to 2002 on the GameBoy Color but has since seen a revival in the world of indie games starting in 2010. Although its most recent entry isShantae and the Seven Sirensin 2019, many fans have a soft spot for the 2016 titleHalf-Genie Hero. Notably, this installment was crowdfunded by fans through Kickstarter.
Although theShantaeseries has many influences,Metroidstands out in this particular title, given how each individual stage is more split from the others, reminiscent of exploring various planets in theMetroidgalaxy. The game is also popular amongst speedrunners, making it even closer in relation to titles likeSuper Metroid.
One of the most critically-acclaimed Metroidvania games out there isAxiom Verge, which was originally released on PlayStation 4 in 2015. It shares a lot of similarities with games likeSuper Metroid, including its cinematic sci-fi setting, vast exploration of an unknown world, and even the characterization of beings like Elsenova, who resembles Mother Brain.
In fact,Axiom Verge’s creator, Thomas Happ, had previously worked onMetroidfangames in his early days as a video game designer. It received a sequel,Axiom Verge 2, in 2021, featuring a new protagonist and an evolution of its Metroidvania aspects, albeit with more inspiration from games likeThe Legend of ZeldaandShadow of the Colossus.
