Unveiling the Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Collection of 8 Mind-Blowing Metroidvania Games!

Highlights

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

is a great starting point for new players in the Metroidvania genre, offering a blend of challenge and accessibility.

Chasm

is a recent entry in the genre that features procedurally generated maps and challenging boss fights, making it suitable for aspiring Metroidvania players.

Guacamelee

Content This genre provides a refreshing and more entertaining approach, offering players the opportunity to enjoy a flexible gameplay and cooperative support, which is particularly helpful for newcomers.

The Metroidvania genre holds a significant place in the history of gaming. Two iconic franchises in the gaming world, Metroid and Castlevania, have had such a lasting impact that their unique style has evolved into a distinct genre within the gaming industry. It continues to be highly popular among indie developers. The combination of elements from both Metroid and Castlevania results in the creation of exceptional games.

8 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

: Exploring the Metroidvania style can be challenging, but luckily, there are several modern games that are perfect for newcomers to the genre. These games skillfully create imaginative worlds and gradually introduce the more intense elements of Metroidvania, allowing players to develop a passion for playing more challenging titles like Hollow Knight in the future.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Castlevania, a franchise that has been released on multiple platforms including PS1, PS3, PS4, PSP, PS Vita, Sega Saturn, and Xbox 360, first graced the gaming world on October 2, 1997. While there are undoubtedly easier Metroidvania games out there, it would be remiss to overlook the significance of starting one's journey in this genre with a game that played a crucial role in its creation. Both Castlevania and Metroid are considered the pioneers of the Metroidvania style, and Symphony of the Night stands head and shoulders above the rest as the finest Castlevania game ever made. Its influence can be seen in many recent games that have followed in its footsteps.

7 Chasm

Despite the initial perception, this serves as an ideal entry point for several reasons. One notable aspect is that the perceived difficulty of this game is actually not as daunting as it may first appear. In the realm of Metroidvania games, challenges are commonplace, but Castlevania, in particular, offers players the option to easily surpass the recommended levels, resulting in a less challenging experience if desired.

Chasm

Platform(s): PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Developer(s): Bit Kid, Inc.

Released in 2018, Chasm is a remarkable addition to the Metroidvania genre. What sets Chasm apart is its extensive world map, which is procedurally generated, offering a fresh experience with each playthrough. Drawing inspiration from Castlevania, Chasm offers a unique twist by incorporating procedural generation on a larger scale, encompassing the entire world map rather than just the contents of individual dungeons.

The story of Chasm revolves around a young boy's quest to prove himself as a worthy knight. Along the way, players will encounter several challenging boss fights. These battles offer aspiring Metroidvania players an opportunity to test their skills and strategize against formidable opponents. While the boss fights in Chasm require learning attack patterns, they are generally less challenging compared to those in other games of the same genre.

6 Guacamelee

Guacamelee

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS3, Wii U, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Linux

Release Date: April 9, 2013

Developer: DrinkBox Studios

Guacamelee offers a unique blend of comedy and lightheartedness within the Metroidvania genre. While not a traditional Metroidvania game, it combines elements of this style with those of a brawler game. Centered around the protagonist Juan, the game draws inspiration from Mexican culture. Juan is killed but brought back to life in the Land of the Dead, where he obtains a transformative mask that bestows upon him the powers of a mighty Luchador.

5 Axiom Verge

Guacamelee offers various features that are reminiscent of the Metroidvania genre, notably its non-linear gameplay and the collection of coins to acquire new abilities. One aspect particularly beneficial for beginners is the option to have a second player join the game to provide assistance, greatly easing the challenges posed by this Metroidvania game.

Axiom Verge

Axiom Verge, released on March 31, 2015, is a Metroidvania game available on PC, PS4, PS Vita, Switch, Wii U, and Xbox One. Developed by Thomas Happ Games, it embodies the essence of the indie development scene's contribution to the genre. This highly underrated game tells the captivating tale of a scientist who wakes up on an alien planet following a laboratory explosion. The art and storytelling, heavily influenced by Metroid, make Axiom Verge an exceptionally intriguing and captivating game, setting it apart as one of the most fascinating releases in recent times.

4 Owlboy

With an abundant collection of over sixty power-ups and a multitude of levels to conquer, Axiom Verge presents itself as an ideal introductory game in the Metroidvania genre. This allows players the freedom to progress at their own pace and acquire numerous abilities, ultimately facilitating smoother gameplay compared to those who try to rush through it.

Owlboy

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One

Released: November 1, 2016

Developer: D-Pad Studio

Although it deviates from the typical intricacies of Metroidvania games, this title still presents itself as an excellent option for players looking to explore the genre. Its ability to introduce numerous elements of Metroidvania to newcomers makes it a worthwhile experience.

3 Timespinner

Owlboy offers a straightforward gameplay experience, allowing players to tackle various puzzles and engage in combat using a range of abilities, including Owlboy’s unique flight. The game underwent a lengthy nine-year development process to refine the flight mechanics and other abilities, resulting in a delightful and captivating experience ideal for newcomers to the Metroidvania genre. Surprisingly, the indie developers responsible for Owlboy have another exciting game in the pipeline.

This game draws significant inspiration from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Players assume the role of a time messenger who embarks on a castle exploration. They engage in battles against various foes while seeking upgrades that enable access to previously unattainable sections.

The remarkable aspect of Timespinner is its ability to acquaint players with the majority of controls commonly found in Metroidvania games. However, what truly sets Timespinner apart as an exceptional introductory game is the player's capacity to pause time at their discretion, enabling them to consistently orient themselves and leisurely progress through the game.

2 Shadow Complex

Shadow Complex

Shadow Complex, released on August 19, 2009, is a game developed by ChAIR Entertainment. It is available on PC, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. This 2.5D game draws heavy inspiration from the Metroid franchise and is set in an underground cavern where a couple accidentally end up after a failed spelunking adventure. Similar to Metroidvanias, players can explore and revisit areas with newfound abilities, collect helpful items, and engage in various tasks.

1 Ori And The Blind Forest

Shadow Complex is an exceptional game, separate from renowned franchises that helped establish the Metroidvania style. Despite its independence, the game has garnered numerous Game of the Year award nominations upon its release. While there are additional challenging levels to explore, the main game itself is suitable for beginner players, offering a manageable level of difficulty. Furthermore, the game has recently undergone a remastering process specifically for the PS5 console.

Ori and The Blind Forest

Released on March 11, 2015, Ori and the Blind Forest is a remarkable game available on platforms such as Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Developed by Moon Studios, it is widely acclaimed as one of the finest games of the last decade, transcending the boundaries of the Metroidvania genre. Offering players a captivating narrative, a myriad of new abilities and locations to explore, and a breathtaking artistic style, Ori and the Blind Forest weaves a stunning world infused with unexpected darkness.

Ori and the Blind Forest has successfully attracted a significant number of new fans to the Metroidvania genre. This remarkable game offers several challenges that are definitely worth experiencing, without reaching a level of difficulty that could cause extreme frustration. Additionally, for those seeking a more demanding experience after completing the game, there is a highly challenging sequel available.