Difference between revisions of "Metroidvania"

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[[Image:Metroid - NES - Start.png|thumb|256x256px|The game that pioneered the genre.]]
+
[[Image:Metroid - NES - Screenshot - Start.png|thumb|256x256px|One of the games that pioneered the genre.]]
  
'''''Metroidvania''''' is a genre of [[video games|video game]] traditionally described as 2D platformers with a strong emphasis on exploration and action, while also featuring ways to increase the strength of your character. This usually is done by collecting items which give you more powerful abilities, leveling up through the accumulation of experience, or both. As the name suggests, the genre was popularized in the late 1980s by the [[Metroid (Universe)|Metroid]] and [[Castlevania (Universe)|Castlevania]] series.
+
A '''''Metroidvania''''' is a genre of [[video game]] succinctly described as a "combat adventure." Metroidvanias marry reflexive combat action mechanics with a lot of adventure elements. Metroidvanias typically require the player to increase the strength of their character by finding items or upgrading statistics as the player progresses through the game's story line. The genre is named after two pioneer franchises, ''[[Metroid (universe)|Metroid]]'' and ''[[Castlevania (universe)|Castlevania]]'', but the style of game play predates them both with origins in the early 1980s with games like ''[[Montezuma's Revenge]]'', ''[[Pitfall II: Lost Caverns]]'', and ''[[Below the Root]]''. It wasn't until the late 1990s that the game really started to be identified as a unique genre with the release of ''[[Super Metroid]]'' and ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]''. Metroidvanias traditionally are platformers, that is, they use a side-view perspective in a 2-D gravity-bound environment. However, games which present a top-down perspective are just as common and tick all the same boxes with titles like ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' and going back even earlier to 1980 with the Atari 2600's ''[[Adventure (1980 video game)|Adventure]]''.
  
These games tend to be among my favorites for several reasons. I like the fact that they tend to be graphically beautiful with a thought-provoking atmosphere. I like that, if areas are too difficult, you can grind monsters or explore other areas and try again when you're stronger. I also like feeling of accomplishment when you return to earlier areas after you've become stronger and seeing how powerful you've become.
+
==Personal==
 +
These games tend to be among my favorites for several reasons. I enjoy well-tuned real-time combat mechanics. I prefer story-based games over abstract games. I like the fact that Metroidvanias tend to be graphically beautiful with a thought-provoking atmosphere. I like that, if areas are too difficult, you can grind monsters or explore other areas and try again when you're stronger. I also like the feeling of accomplishment when you return to earlier areas after you've become stronger and seeing how powerful you've become.
  
 
==Properties==
 
==Properties==
 
These are the specific properties I have identified that I feel can be used to accurately determine whether a game is a Metroidvania and are also fairly easy to gauge as a yes or no. Other properties may much more accurately determine a game's genre, but are greatly a matter of opinion, so I don't include them. Those games with the largest number of matching properties are more of a "pure" Metroidvania game.
 
These are the specific properties I have identified that I feel can be used to accurately determine whether a game is a Metroidvania and are also fairly easy to gauge as a yes or no. Other properties may much more accurately determine a game's genre, but are greatly a matter of opinion, so I don't include them. Those games with the largest number of matching properties are more of a "pure" Metroidvania game.
  
* '''Side-view Platformer''': Traditionally, Metroidvanias are side-view platformers. While a top-down remake of Metroid would certainly be wonderful, it would lose some of the feel of the game.  
+
* '''Side-view Platformer''': Although I don't think the perspective really matters, Metroidvanias are traditionally side-view platformers.
 
* '''Non-linear Map''': Part of the allure of Metroidvanias is being able to explore a large complex map when you can return to past areas at your leisure. Compare this to stage-based games where you're forced to move at the game's pace.
 
* '''Non-linear Map''': Part of the allure of Metroidvanias is being able to explore a large complex map when you can return to past areas at your leisure. Compare this to stage-based games where you're forced to move at the game's pace.
* '''Power-up Collection''': For this page, a "power-up" is something that remains with you once you collect it (Samus's high jump boots).
+
* '''Power-up Collection''': For this page, a "power-up" is something that remains with you once you collect it (like Samus's high jump boots).
* '''Usable Inventory''': This includes items that are placed in your inventory and later can be consumed (like a healing potion). It does not include things like ammo.
+
* '''Usable Inventory''': This includes items that are placed in your inventory and later can be consumed (like a healing potion). It does not include things like ammo or money.
* '''Hidden Passages''': Areas of the map that are not readily apparant, but can be discovered with persistence.
+
* '''Hidden Passages''': Areas of the map that are not readily apparent, but can be discovered with persistence.
 
* '''Stat Leveling''': Often through experience rewards for defeating enemies. This causes the player to grow in strength over time.
 
* '''Stat Leveling''': Often through experience rewards for defeating enemies. This causes the player to grow in strength over time.
 
* '''Money''': A lot of Metroidvanias include money, usually dropped by enemies, that can be used to purchase items.
 
* '''Money''': A lot of Metroidvanias include money, usually dropped by enemies, that can be used to purchase items.
* '''Minibosses''': In addition to a final boss, Metroidvanias often have minibosses for various areas which serve as gatekeepers to new areas.
+
* '''Mini-bosses''': In addition to a final boss, Metroidvanias often have minibosses for various areas which serve as gatekeepers to new areas.
 
* '''Environment Puzzles''': Many Metroidvania games have puzzles created from their environments which require a bit of ingenuity to solve and often feature power-ups as a reward.
 
* '''Environment Puzzles''': Many Metroidvania games have puzzles created from their environments which require a bit of ingenuity to solve and often feature power-ups as a reward.
  
 
==Games==
 
==Games==
 +
: For all Metroidvania games, see [[:Category:Video Game Genre - Metroidvania|the category]].
 +
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
! Game
 
! Game
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! Stat Leveling
 
! Stat Leveling
 
! Money
 
! Money
! Minibosses
+
! Mini-bosses
 
! Environment Puzzles
 
! Environment Puzzles
 
! Total
 
! Total
 +
|-
 +
| [[Adventure (1980 video game)|Adventure]]
 +
| 1980-??-??
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| 2
 +
|-
 +
| [[Axiom Verge]]
 +
| 2015-03-31
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| 6
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Below the Root]]
 
| [[Below the Root]]
Line 96: Line 125:
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| 4
 +
|-
 +
| [[The Castle]]
 +
| 1985-04-??
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| 4
 +
|-
 +
| [[Castle Adventure]]
 +
| 1984-??-??
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | Yes
 +
| 3
 +
|-
 +
| [[Castlequest]]
 +
| 1985-11-??
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| 4
 
| 4
 
|-
 
|-
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| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
+
| 8
| 9
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]
 
| [[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]
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| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| 7
 
| 7
 +
|-
 +
| [[Demon's Crest]]
 +
| 1994-10-21
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| 8
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[The Goonies II]]
 
| [[The Goonies II]]
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| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
| 5
+
| 6
 +
|-
 +
| [[The Legend of Zelda]]
 +
| 1986-02-21
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 +
| 6
 +
|-
 +
| [[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]
 +
| 1991-11-21
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| 7
 +
|-
 +
| [[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening]]
 +
| 1993-06-06
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| 6
 +
|-
 +
| [[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]]
 +
| 2004-11-04
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| 7
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Metroid]]
 
| [[Metroid]]
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| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | Yes
+
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| 6
 
| 6
 
|-
 
|-
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| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
| 6
+
| 5
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Momodora: Reveris Under the Moonlight]]
+
| [[Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight]]
 
| 2016-03-04
 
| 2016-03-04
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
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| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| 8
 
| 8
 +
|-
 +
| [[Rambo (NES)|Rambo]]
 +
| 1987-12-04
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| 5
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[River City Ransom]]
 
| [[River City Ransom]]
 
| 1989-04-25
 
| 1989-04-25
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| 5
 +
|-
 +
| [[Rygar (NES)|Rygar]]
 +
| 1987-04-17
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| 6
 +
|-
 +
| [[Seiklus]]
 +
| 2003-08-15
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| 5
 
| 5
 
|-
 
|-
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| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
| 5
+
| 6
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Super Metroid]]
 
| [[Super Metroid]]
Line 305: Line 477:
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| 6
 
| 6
 +
|-
 +
| [[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (video game)|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]
 +
| 1989-05-12
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| 4
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[VVVVVV]]
 
| [[VVVVVV]]
Line 317: Line 502:
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
| 2
+
| 3
 +
|-
 +
| [[Wonder Boy in Monster World]]
 +
| 1991-10-25
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 +
| 7
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[You Have to Win the Game]]
 
| [[You Have to Win the Game]]
Line 331: Line 529:
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No*
 
| 3
 
| 3
 +
|-
 +
| [[Ys III: Wanderers from Ys]]
 +
| 1989-07-28
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 +
| style="background-color:#FF7070;" | No
 +
| 7
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]
 
| [[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]
Line 343: Line 554:
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
 
| style="background-color:#70FF70;" | Yes
| 6
+
| 7
 
|}
 
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki> This game has a minimal amount of this, but not enough to mark it "Yes."
+
<nowiki>*</nowiki> This game has aspects of this, but not enough for me to mark it as a "Yes."
  
 
==Favorite Games==
 
==Favorite Games==
 
My favorite Metroidvania games include:
 
My favorite Metroidvania games include:
 +
* [[Axiom Verge]]
 
* [[Castlevania: Circle of the Moon]]
 
* [[Castlevania: Circle of the Moon]]
 
* [[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]
 
* [[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]
Line 355: Line 567:
 
* [[Metroid: Zero Mission]]
 
* [[Metroid: Zero Mission]]
 
* [[Super Metroid]]
 
* [[Super Metroid]]
 +
* [[Wonder Boy in Monster World]]
 +
 +
==Media==
 +
===Videos===
 +
{{YouTube|t-QyGZOHU2w|Metroidvania Works - 0, Introduction.}}
 +
{{YouTube|u3dbExYmYBM|Metroidvania Works - 1, Zork.}}
 +
{{YouTube|TxDXie_2wck|Metroidvania Works - 2, Adventure.}}
 +
{{YouTube|8-_FMdpP7GE|Metroidvania Works - 3, Donkey Kong.}}
 +
{{YouTube|48R-usJ_XKU|Metroidvania Works - 4, Venture.}}
 +
{{YouTube|YgzDMPNKUvE|Metroidvania Works - 5, Pitfall!}}
 +
{{YouTube|Mlib3aTni8E|Metroidvania Works - 6, Montezuma's Revenge.}}
 +
{{YouTube|jZ2rP6r-KOU|Metroidvania Works - 7, Pitfall II: Lost Caverns.}}
 +
{{YouTube|Eq93OKZ13OE|Metroidvania Works - 8, Knight Lore / Xanadu / The Legend of Zelda.}}
 +
{{YouTube|UoXEk_vegkc|Metroidvania Works - 9, Metroid / Vampire Killer / Milon's Secret Castle.}}
 +
{{YouTube|j_UNGUreA-g|Metroidvania Works - 10, The Wing of Madoola / Relics / Zillion.}}
 +
{{YouTube|_wcefuuDoBU|Metroidvania Works - 11, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link / Rygar / The Goonies II.}}
 +
{{YouTube|Ktp1FNt6DGo|Metroidvania Works - 12, Romancia / Ys / Legacy of the Wizard / Faxanadu.}}
 +
{{YouTube|Ktp1FNt6DGo|Metroidvania Works - 13, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest / Golvellius.}}
 +
{{YouTube|Gt4WtGJGP6I|Metroidvania Works - 14, Knightmare / Metal Gear.}}
 +
{{YouTube|j1kW1-yY5dA|Metroidvania Works - 15, Rambo / The Magic of Scheherazade.}}
 +
{{YouTube|tUs3WDAg4WU|Metroidvania Works - 16, The Battle of Olympus / The Guardian Legend / Exile.}}
 +
{{YouTube|IprQf5EDS1g|Metroidvania Works - 17, Blaster Master / Bionic Commando.}}
 +
{{YouTube|xj0Fm4NMhVg|Metroidvania Works - 18, Clash at Demonhead / X-Z-R.}}
 +
{{YouTube|tUPbmrg0MKw|Metroidvania Works - 19, Strider / Willow.}}
 +
{{YouTube|jibHFuZy6pg|Metroidvania Works - 20, Ys III / River City Ransom.}}
 +
{{YouTube|LUvqqq5kTUA|Metroidvania Works - 21, Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap / Neutopia / Golden Axe Warrior.}}
 +
{{YouTube|23_FCIq_GAE|Metroidvania Works - 22, A Boy and His Blob / Crystalis.}}
  
==Category==
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{{YouTube|NcbB09mjMGk|What Makes a Good Metroidvania?}}
* Category: [[:Category:Metroidvania|Metroidvania]]
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==See Also==
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* [[Metroidvania Review]]
  
 
==Links==
 
==Links==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroidvania en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroidvania] - Wikipedia.
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{{Link|Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroidvania}}
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/genre-explorable-platformer-metroidvania mobygames.com/game-group/genre-explorable-platformer-metroidvania] - MobyGames.
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{{Link|MobyGames|https://www.mobygames.com/genre/sheet/metroidvania}}
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* [http://store.steampowered.com/tag/en/Metroidvania store.steampowered.com/tag/en/Metroidvania] - Steam.
 
* [http://store.steampowered.com/tag/en/Metroidvania store.steampowered.com/tag/en/Metroidvania] - Steam.
  

Latest revision as of 09:23, 10 August 2023

One of the games that pioneered the genre.

A Metroidvania is a genre of video game succinctly described as a "combat adventure." Metroidvanias marry reflexive combat action mechanics with a lot of adventure elements. Metroidvanias typically require the player to increase the strength of their character by finding items or upgrading statistics as the player progresses through the game's story line. The genre is named after two pioneer franchises, Metroid and Castlevania, but the style of game play predates them both with origins in the early 1980s with games like Montezuma's Revenge, Pitfall II: Lost Caverns, and Below the Root. It wasn't until the late 1990s that the game really started to be identified as a unique genre with the release of Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Metroidvanias traditionally are platformers, that is, they use a side-view perspective in a 2-D gravity-bound environment. However, games which present a top-down perspective are just as common and tick all the same boxes with titles like The Legend of Zelda and going back even earlier to 1980 with the Atari 2600's Adventure.

Personal

These games tend to be among my favorites for several reasons. I enjoy well-tuned real-time combat mechanics. I prefer story-based games over abstract games. I like the fact that Metroidvanias tend to be graphically beautiful with a thought-provoking atmosphere. I like that, if areas are too difficult, you can grind monsters or explore other areas and try again when you're stronger. I also like the feeling of accomplishment when you return to earlier areas after you've become stronger and seeing how powerful you've become.

Properties

These are the specific properties I have identified that I feel can be used to accurately determine whether a game is a Metroidvania and are also fairly easy to gauge as a yes or no. Other properties may much more accurately determine a game's genre, but are greatly a matter of opinion, so I don't include them. Those games with the largest number of matching properties are more of a "pure" Metroidvania game.

  • Side-view Platformer: Although I don't think the perspective really matters, Metroidvanias are traditionally side-view platformers.
  • Non-linear Map: Part of the allure of Metroidvanias is being able to explore a large complex map when you can return to past areas at your leisure. Compare this to stage-based games where you're forced to move at the game's pace.
  • Power-up Collection: For this page, a "power-up" is something that remains with you once you collect it (like Samus's high jump boots).
  • Usable Inventory: This includes items that are placed in your inventory and later can be consumed (like a healing potion). It does not include things like ammo or money.
  • Hidden Passages: Areas of the map that are not readily apparent, but can be discovered with persistence.
  • Stat Leveling: Often through experience rewards for defeating enemies. This causes the player to grow in strength over time.
  • Money: A lot of Metroidvanias include money, usually dropped by enemies, that can be used to purchase items.
  • Mini-bosses: In addition to a final boss, Metroidvanias often have minibosses for various areas which serve as gatekeepers to new areas.
  • Environment Puzzles: Many Metroidvania games have puzzles created from their environments which require a bit of ingenuity to solve and often feature power-ups as a reward.

Games

For all Metroidvania games, see the category.
Game Released Side-view Platformer Non-linear Map Power-up Collection Usable Inventory Hidden Passages Stat Leveling Money Mini-bosses Environment Puzzles Total
Adventure 1980-??-?? No Yes No Yes No* No No No No 2
Axiom Verge 2015-03-31 Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes 6
Below the Root 1984-??-?? Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes No No* 6
Bionic Commando (Game Boy) 1992-07-24 Yes Yes Yes No* No* Yes No Yes No* 5
Bionic Commando (NES) 1988-07-20 Yes Yes Yes No* No* Yes No Yes No* 5
Bionic Commando: Elite Forces 2000-01-?? Yes Yes Yes No* No* Yes No Yes No* 5
Blaster Master 1988-06-17 Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No 4
The Castle 1985-04-?? Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Yes 4
Castle Adventure 1984-??-?? No Yes Yes No* No* No No No Yes 3
Castlequest 1985-11-?? Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Yes 4
Castlevania II: Simon's Quest 1987-08-28 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No* Yes No* Yes 7
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow 2003-05-06 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 9
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon 2001-03-21 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 9
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance 2002-06-06 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes 8
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night 1997-03-20 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 9
Cave Story 2004-12-20 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes 7
Demon's Crest 1994-10-21 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes 8
The Goonies II 1987-03-18 Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No No No 4
Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story 1986-12-19 Yes No* Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No 6
The Legend of Zelda 1986-02-21 No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No* 6
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 1991-11-21 No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes 7
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening 1993-06-06 No Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes 6
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap 2004-11-04 No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes 7
Metroid 1986-08-06 Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes No* 5
Metroid II: Return of Samus 1991-11-?? Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes 6
Metroid Fusion 2002-11-18 Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes 6
Metroid: Zero Mission 2004-02-09 Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes No 5
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight 2016-03-04 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes 8
Rambo 1987-12-04 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No No 5
River City Ransom 1989-04-25 No* No* Yes Yes No* Yes Yes Yes No 5
Rygar 1987-04-17 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No 6
Seiklus 2003-08-15 Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No No Yes 5
Super Mario World 1990-11-21 Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes 6
Super Metroid 1994-03-19 Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes 6
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989-05-12 Yes Yes No Yes No No No Yes No 4
VVVVVV 2010-01-11 Yes Yes No No No No No No Yes 3
Wonder Boy in Monster World 1991-10-25 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No* 7
You Have to Win the Game 2012-05-06 Yes Yes Yes No No No No* No No* 3
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys 1989-07-28 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No 7
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link 1987-01-14 Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes 7

* This game has aspects of this, but not enough for me to mark it as a "Yes."

Favorite Games

My favorite Metroidvania games include:

Media

Videos

Metroidvania Works - 0, Introduction.
Metroidvania Works - 1, Zork.
Metroidvania Works - 2, Adventure.
Metroidvania Works - 3, Donkey Kong.
Metroidvania Works - 4, Venture.
Metroidvania Works - 5, Pitfall!
Metroidvania Works - 6, Montezuma's Revenge.
Metroidvania Works - 7, Pitfall II: Lost Caverns.
Metroidvania Works - 8, Knight Lore / Xanadu / The Legend of Zelda.
Metroidvania Works - 9, Metroid / Vampire Killer / Milon's Secret Castle.
Metroidvania Works - 10, The Wing of Madoola / Relics / Zillion.
Metroidvania Works - 11, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link / Rygar / The Goonies II.
Metroidvania Works - 12, Romancia / Ys / Legacy of the Wizard / Faxanadu.
Metroidvania Works - 13, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest / Golvellius.
Metroidvania Works - 14, Knightmare / Metal Gear.
Metroidvania Works - 15, Rambo / The Magic of Scheherazade.
Metroidvania Works - 16, The Battle of Olympus / The Guardian Legend / Exile.
Metroidvania Works - 17, Blaster Master / Bionic Commando.
Metroidvania Works - 18, Clash at Demonhead / X-Z-R.
Metroidvania Works - 19, Strider / Willow.
Metroidvania Works - 20, Ys III / River City Ransom.
Metroidvania Works - 21, Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap / Neutopia / Golden Axe Warrior.
Metroidvania Works - 22, A Boy and His Blob / Crystalis.
What Makes a Good Metroidvania?

See Also

Links

Link-Wikipedia.png  Link-MobyGames.png