Unraveling the Ultimate Collection of Games Like Hollow Knight: A Prelude to Silksong

Despite the disappointment of fans eagerly awaiting news about the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, the recent developer showcases and Summer Game Fest have once again failed to provide any information. Many had hoped for a 2023 release after Phil Spencer's comments at last year's Xbox Games Showcase, but that hasn't been the case. With no mention of the game at the Nintendo Direct either, it seems fans will have to wait even longer for Silksong to see the light of day.

However, the absence of Hollow Knight: Silksong doesn't mean there is a lack of quality Metroidvania titles. In fact, there are plenty of developers who have created action-platformers with deep combat systems and hidden secrets during the long wait for the sequel. Some of these games can even be considered on par with Hollow Knight, making them worthwhile investments of time.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night truly owes its existence to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, as it is the game that birthed the Metroidvania genre. The creator of Symphony, Koji Igarashi, continued to refine his formula in the subsequent Castlevania releases for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. However, he eventually took a step back from game development. Fortunately, Igarashi returned to his roots with the release of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night in 2019. This game is widely regarded as the spiritual successor to both Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and the acclaimed Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow on the GBA.

One of the standout features of Bloodstained is its extensive customization options and the implementation of the Soul system, referred to as "Shards" in the game, which originated from Aria of Sorrow. Players have the ability to absorb the powers of defeated enemies, which serves as a strong incentive to thoroughly explore the entire map and complete the Bestiary in order to obtain all of the game's numerous abilities. With a wide array of gear to collect, captivating and diverse environments to traverse, and a dark and intriguing narrative, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night can be considered the closest fans will ever come to a true sequel to Symphony of the Night. It stands on its own as a worthy entry in the Metroidvania genre.

Blasphemous

Blasphemous resides in the same realm as Hollow Knight and Salt and Sanctuary, known as the "Soulsvania" territory. It stands out among other games on this list due to its captivating visuals and incredibly challenging gameplay, particularly its boss battles which are considered some of the best in the genre. While many Metroidvania games draw inspiration from either Metroid or Castlevania, Blasphemous leans more towards the "Soulslike" style, with its gothic-horror aesthetic adorned with religious symbolism.

The influence of Dark Souls is evident in Blasphemous through its emphasis on precise dodging and well-timed parrying in combat. The game's environment is filled with treacherous hazards that players must navigate carefully to avoid meeting a premature demise. The recent announcement of a sequel to Blasphemous, set to release this summer, provides yet another incentive for players to revisit the original game. It is highly likely that Blasphemous 2 will successfully satisfy fans' anticipation for Silksong, just as its predecessor did.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells has successfully merged the roguelite and Metroidvania subgenres, just like Rogue Legacy, and has become an inspiration for other games in the genre. The developer, Motion Twin, has consistently updated the game with impressive DLC that introduces new biomes, weapons, and boss encounters. These updates have also enhanced the game's progression system, allowing players to choose their own adventure and explore the expansive maps. The recent Castlevania crossover further solidifies Dead Cells' status in the Metroidvania "Hall of Fame". While the game may lack a robust story, its combat mechanics are exceptional, offering players numerous build options and a wide variety of weapon combinations. In terms of melee combat, Dead Cells stands out as the best-in-class experience.

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth

Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth, developed by the talented team at Team Ladybug, stands out as one of the finest Metroidvania games released in recent times. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed manga and anime series Record of Lodoss War, as well as the captivating novel series The Crown of The Covenant, this title offers a compelling narrative that will captivate fans of the genre.

However, Deedlit goes beyond just its enthralling story. It boasts exceptional combat mechanics reminiscent of the beloved Symphony of the Night, while also incorporating an intriguing elemental-based traversal and defense system. The inclusion of inspiration from Treasure's Ikaruga sets Deedlit apart, showcasing its unique and innovative gameplay elements.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

Ender Lilies stands out as a title that eases the anticipation for Silksong, rivaling the heights reached by Hollow Knight. Drawing inspiration from Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia's glyph-wielding Shanoa, the protagonist Lily harnesses the souls of fallen knights instead of conventional weapons. Ender Lilies captivates players with its breathtaking art direction, captivating soundtrack, and a somber, atmospheric tone reminiscent of their journey through Hallownest. This overlooked gem ranks among the finest Metroidvanias available. Hollow Knight: Silksong is currently being developed for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.