A Metroidvania, that caught me off guard was The Mummy: Demastered, which really surprised me that a game based of a "bad" film, would totally line-up having a really good game.
If you like The Mummy: Demastered, might I suggest giving Alien: Infestation on Nintendo DS a shot. Also made by Wayforward, its a metroidvania with permadeath and is fucking fantastic.
Mummy Demastered was great but it does have one MASSIVE design flaw. There is exactly 1, 1, traversal upgrade that is assigned to an item that CAN be lost when you die. When you are heading towards the end of the game in the sand stripped streets of London, there is a jump that can't be done without said item. If you manage to die after that jump(the area has spawning flying monsters with a similar pattern like the old Medusa heads of Castlevania) you are fucked. I had to actually restart the game when this happened because the zombie agent avatar would just use the best guns and kill you fast...never able to regain your gear. It's weird because it's the only traversal upgrade you get that can actually be lost upon death.
Hell yeah Ori and Hollow knight where they belong up top! I really hope we get more from both of these franchises. I feel like both of these are the true worthy successors to Castlevania and Metroid and could do what they did, defining a genre for a whole generation
Could not agree more about The Messenger. The movement is so fluid and clean, it just feels so good to play. And they did such a perfect job of pacing out the abilities and giving you new environments to master them in. So good.
Me too. Then i played Half-Genie Hero and my love that has built it self up for the series got immediately destroyed. Don't play that game! Just play Pirates Curse and keep your good memories.
@@dunkelwelpling Half Genie Hero is the only linear game in the series and is beyond short, so I can see why you didn't like it. It literally only has like 5 levels and that's it. Ultimate Edition tried to make up for it with 100+ random bonus modes, but even that can't make up for a game so absurdly short. While mediocre, at least Seven Sirens was an actual semi-metroidvania and had skill cards which were basically souls/shards from Castlevania so that's cool. They were also able to better impliment animal transformations into the exploration, something they weren't able to do seemlessly until this game. Heck, the meta reason why they didn't use transformations in pirates curse (and why Shantae lost her powers) was because they thought transformations couldn't be implimented we into Metroidvania gameplay. Luckily they were able to find a good middle ground with seven sirens which returned to the series standard, so yay. If you liked Pirates Curse, you should play the other games you haven't played yet in Chronological Order. Shantae on the Game Boy Color, Shantae Risky's Revenge on the DS, and Shantae and the Seven Sirens on iOS. Of course, all the games have been ported to both steam (and therefore the upcoming Steam Deck) and the switch, and I highly buying and playing them on there rather than on their original consoles.
@@ethanbrust5917 yeah, the snes and the saturn were probably the golden age. Not to say they arent great now, but that was when they where truly huge budget and everywhere
That is in my top 5 for sure. I even know one of the voice actresses in that game. Amber Lee Conners aka the one who voiced Ginger and was also Android 18 in DBZ abridged! She's a friend for mine!
ngl Dust was the worst Metroidvania I have ever played -there are 3 movement upgrades (I won't spoil what they are but they are all boring, and the first of which you don't unlock until the game is 75% over) -said movement upgrades aren't used to get to any new or interesting areas. every single one iirc is used to get to a chest/key which unlocks a chest, which gives you money to buy more keys to unlock more chests -as other people have said, the combat is horrible, mindless beat em up button mashing -and perhaps the cardinal sin a metroidvania can commit: the map is NOT interconnected. when you get to the end of an area it brings you to a world map where you choose where to go next.... absolutely horrendous
When I first picked up The Messenger, I hadn't been keeping up much with it - so when I found out it was secretly hiding a really damn good Metroidvania behind its Devolver humor and retro inspiration, I was so pleasantly thrilled. Glad to see it on your list, let alone so high. I still need to go back and try out its DLC one of these days!
Iconoclasts is one of the best metroidvania's I personally have ever played. It has such I great story with nice gameplay plus a great soundtrack all made by 1 guy. I suggest anybody to play it. The story gets better and better as you uncover things throughout the game. It truly is a master piece!
I agree. I thought it was a great game with really great art and an excellent story. To be honest though, I can't remember now if I actually finished the game.. Definitely put a lot of hours into it but I'm not positive I finished it. Definitely need to boot it up and check.
Same! Steamworld Dig 2 was so good, and I loved that it became a full metroidvania! (And it does mix up the digging with the hand-crafted challenge rooms).
agreed! I played it first on release and it was "just" very good back then, but recently I did a 100% ng+ playthrough with the true-true ending and it made me straight up fall in love with the game. Easily my number 2 at the moment (after Hollow Knight ofc)
@@doctorwhouse3881 I'd agree at original release, but all the free dlcs made the game more of a metroidvania imo. Although it is still true that none of the movement abilities are required to get the game's worst ending
@@CaelenSawyers i completed the first guacamelee, the super turbo etcetera... and guacamelee 2. And imho Guacamelee 2 is more balanced and less frustrating.
I had just moved back to the US after living in Korea for two years when Dust came out. Missing Korea, I picked this up, and it has been one of my favorite games since. A must play.
My favorite game in the genre is actually my favorite game of all time: La-Mulana. I can't recommend it enough, and hopefully one day Jirard will make a video of this masterpiece of a game.
@@Raktasdelespacio I haven' finished 2, but I still played a lot to tell you this: While 2 does improve in several minor aspects, it also is a sequel that relies on you having played the first one to fully understand what's going on. The story isn't incomprehesable if you haven't, but you'll be missing a lot of context. And the remake still holds up great. I personally recommend playing it in order. Even better if you first try the freeware version, but that one is very difficult to make it run propertly on modern OS.
It also has a brilliant soundtrack, though so many of the games that made the list did. Really, metroidvanias have some of the best music in gaming. But the chiptunes from the OG La-Mulana will always hold a special place for me
I played it. It wasn't that great. Should have been more like Castlevania. Also not a single mention of Timespinner. While the gameplay is really good in that game, (it basically copied Castlevania to a tee with a couple twists) the story was extremely cringy and was basically Tumblr fanfiction. But yeah, still a good game. At least Blasphemous had gameplay footage. Timespinner got nothing. The soundtrack is also super underated. It's actually god-tier. You should check it out. It's so obscure that there isn't even any extensions of it on RUclips!
So glad to see Cave Story on the list. It too often gets left out of the Metroidvania conversation because it's progression is largely story driven rather than exploration focused, but it wears the Metroid influence too closely to not deserve the nod.
Both fighting and traversing the world are bolstered by our protagonist's abilities. It's something fans of metroidvanias should check out. My only gripe with the game is that I just want more.
A game that deserved a spot is Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, a really good metroidvania, full of stuff to unlock and secret to discover, it's pretty long and has a good and fun story too.
It's an incredible game! One of my favourite metroidvania games for sure, and probably one of the most polished games in the genre. You can tell it was a labour of love
Valdis Story is so underrated and forgotten, it was such a good metroidvania. It had multiple characters, secret weapons, hidden bosses, hidden storylines that impact the world. Nobody ever mentions it.
I've played nearly every game on this list and I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see The Messenger be #1. I had so much damn fun with this game. Great video, Flawless J!
Forgotten gem, some of the level packs people made for that have stuck with me after many years. Iji isn't quite a Metroidvania, but it's also a good forgotten indie from that era
I loved the messenger, its just a really good game in every way, so while i would place HK #1 still, i really like the messenger earning a really high spot
Couldn’t agree more. Hollow Knight is my favorite game of all time, but I still respect the heck out of the messenger, and would not be shocked at anyone listing it as their favorite
Completely agree. Both were really fun. I can see why Gerard ordered them the way he did, even if I would not have. Ori is also a good choice for third, although I haven't even played the second one yet, the first was short but sweet.
@@cioplasmmajic8327 agreed there. I think the fact that all the Metroidvania abilities and exploration are tied exclusively to side content slightly ruined the metroidvania feel itself
Honestly though one thing I love about Hollow Knight is the massive replayability the game has. So many charm builds to experiment with. Even the pantheons offer different bindings to challenge yourself with. Hollow Knight is my favourite game in the entire galactic universe :). I an currently replaying it on my Switch OLED in wait for its sequel Hollow Knight Silksong where you get to play as Hornet!
Yeah. Every time I see something hollow knight I just sigh in fond memories. My gaming habits haven't been the same since I completed it. I have been gaming since 1995 and It's one of the best games of all time. Period!
Wanted to see your opinion on these: - Blasphemous - Salt and Sanctuary - Ender Lilies - Mummy Demastered - Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (Newest one) Hope you have the time to make a part two :)
@@casualjordan9844 Never. We haven't heard literally anything since January 2020 and that was only an update that they're still alive. It's been over a year and a half with no updates whatsoever. Last gameplay we saw was at E3 2019 with the kiosk demo. (That I actually played, fun fact) Don't be surprised if something bad happened to one of the devs (it's only a two person team) and the game's cancelled. The game should be out by now. It looked relatively complete back in 2019. At least they could give us another trailer or even an update but we've got nothing. Hollow Knight fans are so desperate for new content that they're literally producing their own fan-sequels/ripoffs to tide themselves over.
@@krimsonkatt Iirc, there was an article published by EDGE last december about Silksong, they interviewed Team Cherry and asked some questions about the game. Hollow Knight is a big-ass game, especially for a metroidvania, and Team Cherry has repeatedly talked about Silksong being an even bigger game. Whilst i do agree that they could be a little more "communicative" about the state of the game, i don't think them being radio silent is some sort of bad omen, they just want to work on their game and hype everyone up when the time comes.
Favorite genre by far, something about the beauty and simplicity, as well as the way fameplay changes with new abilities. I still think about the teleport bug gun thing from Axiom Verge and wonder who will make something like that next.
Thank you for mentioning Shadow Complex. I bought the game yesterday because of this video as I've never heard of it prior. The game is FANTASTIC! It's exactly what I want in a Metroidvania: Good difficulty where I haven't gotten mad at the game, has secrets that are rewarding to find, great artwork, great environments, FUN! I've already played it for 7 hours and I bought it less than 24 hours ago!
I hoped I would see Iconoclasts on this list. I played it earlier this year and finished it so fast. Idk if there will be more but that game was addicting with fun characters and writing.
Ender Lilies also just came out, one of my favorite games so far ❤️❤️ the gorgeous environments and beautiful music and such a sorrowful yet hope-filled story is truely breathtaking
Mine too. It took a little bit from hollow knight but did it's own thing as well. THANK GOD the HK fandom did not go after this game. Did you see what happened to crowsworne or whatever its name was?
@@arishkhan5918 Crowsworn has literally made more than 5x its kickstarter taret with 12 day left to go, it's doing excellently. Now there was another game I don't remember the name of that also got a lot of flak for looking a lot like Hollow Knight that didn't do so well.
I started it after I got it for free on epic. But I was immediately put off from not being able to use the mouse as part of the controls, so it felt horrible to play. At the time I didn't have a controller to use, but I do now. Does it support controller?
My favorite rn has to be monster sanctuary, it’s an indie metroidvania monster tamer, 3v3 combat and the battle mechanics are so fun to experiment with
@@recht_voor_zijn_raap5506 From my experience anyone whose played Hollow Knight as their first MV ends up dissapointed by Super Metroid. Be it for the slower gameplay, somewhat dated controls, low difficulty, relatively simple platform design, thin lore, and muffled music/sound design.
@@halowillneverbegoodagain1868 You can rebind the controls of Super Metroid on the main menu, if placement is the issue. Otherwise, any particular reason that you find the controls outdated? I played Hollow Knight recently but couldn't get into it. I got to the three bug lords in the praying mantis area and I just got bored to tears with no desire to pick it back up. I don't think it's bad, not in the least; it's wonderfully constructed in nearly every way, but I just couldn't stick with it. Super Metroid I could play every day though. That game is so engaging and it tends to go between my 1st and 2nd favourite game, depending on the day.
@@residentevilman64 Ive played Super Metroid upwards of 100 times and ive never found a binding that made shooting or inventory feel natural. Not gamebreaking by any means but its really hard to go back too after the GBA games. Super is still one of the GOATs but may feel basic to those who have indulged in so many unique indie offerings.
@@halowillneverbegoodagain1868 I sacrifice my down-angle aiming and put run on L, shoot on Y, jump on B, cancel on A and weapon cycle on X. I see where you're coming from though; the weapon cycling took me a while to get used to and the default layout feels awkward. I hadn't considered what playing newer games might do to Super Metroid. Thank you for the new perspective. I've often wondered what my young cousin would do if I sat him down in front of the original Metroid. I envision a deer-in-headlights look from him.
I love the look the music the world its self but it needs a wuss mode for those of us who just want to experience the whole game I finally beat the main game only to dlc kick my ass in
@@L33PL4Y I'm not a fan of naming a game type after the series that did it first. It's like calling all FPS' "Doomlike", or all platformers "Mariolike". Chasm for example plays like Symphony of the Night. Is it then a Castlevanialike or a Metroidlike?
So happy to see Yoku on the list! My top two are definitely Quackamelee and The Messenger but I've yet to experience Shantae and looking forward to them!
I’m 30, I’ve played Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night when the were released and they changed my gaming tastes forever. However, I can safely take my nostalgic glasses off and recognize that Hollow Knight is the greatest Motroidvania ever. What a flawless game.
41 here. Definitely played a lot of games. But Ori 1 and 2 lasted longer on my mind then hollow knight did. But my problem always is trying to say one game was better then another when I absolutely loved both while playing.
@@LeanPicachu I can somewhat understand your opinion but in my opinion the Metroid lore is way more interesting. It’s not even like I haven’t played hollowknight I literally 112% the game and beat every possible challenge + watched the mossbag lore videos it’s just that I think I will always prefer Metroids sci fi lore instead of bugs and shadow demons and though I love both games gameplay the lore is why I buy the games I just enjoy slowly picking away at it and then watching countless theory videos after beating the game
i liked super metroid before SOTN but i never owned it till i was a teenager, by than SOTN was already out and i had play it till my eyes bleed. i also have the first metroid for NES that i got back in the early 90s.
@@JoeySocko I too have my original Metroid for NES. It's lacking the casing so I can only play it when I plug it into the Game Genie. Can't remember how the casing came off for the life of me. I suspect my brother had a hand in that.
The shopkeeper was awesome, probably the best part of the game. The level design was infuriating though, because I wanted to go fast, and the level designs required a lot of waiting... especially near the end of the game. The Messenger started out fun, but by the end I couldn't wait to be done so I could put it away and never play it again. Whoever did the writing deserves a raise, but the level designer should probably choose a different type of work.
@@ToyKeeper Honestly, had the game ended before the big twist reveal where it turns into a metroidvania, I wouldn't have been mad. It felt excruciatingly long / tedious getting through all those levels, having the story say you were almost done, and then it pushing more at you over and over again. By the time the big reveal happened, I was like "Are you F'kn serious?" and just stopped playing the game. Sure, it was a neat twist, but godamn that game had terrible consistency and pacing.
@@ToadstedCroaks Yeah, that's definitely the point where it started to go downhill. It's no mystery why most of the speedrunners only do the first portion of the game... since that's where most of the fun is. After that, it kinda turns into a walking simulator.
Thank you for including Shantae and the Pirate's Curse. It's sooooooo good in every way. Without exaggeration, it was my favorite original 3DS game, and one of my all-time favorites.
I'm so pleased to see Yoku's Island Express here. That game needs all the love it can get cause I want an expanded sequel so badly. The gameplay was so unique and the world was so enjoyable.
I love metroidvanias, but there are so many games on this list that would go no where near my top 10. Some of mine are: VVVVVV Strider Dust Valdis Story Deedlit in Wonder Labrinth/Luna Nights La Mulana Fez
@@DontGiveUp_Skeleton when people coined the term metroidvania, it was born after Symphony of the Night. So previous metroidvanias Unlocking new abilities that help with exploration and unlocking paths. Just like how Samus and Alucard gained new abilities that helped them move past areas. It's more than a 2d platformer with a metroid/SotN map.
Hell yeah! Love this list. I'm more surprised to see SteamWorld Dig 2 beat out Axiom Verge in your rankings than I am to see The Messenger beat out Hollow Knight, but I'm also just so damn happy that you've played and enjoyed any SteamWorld game. Such a vastly underrated series. I hope you complete SWD2 someday...but I hope you'll complete SteamWorld Heist more. Bet you're looking forward to Metroid Dread!
"What? What can possibly top Hollow Knight?" "Oh. Yeah I'll allow it." I played The Messanger because of Jirard and I was blown away, easily one of the best games I played, I only wish I wasn't in such a terrible place emotionally then. (Maybe I can use this as an excuse to play it all again!)
I watched the top 10 hoping to find some games that I might add to my collection as I love Metroidvanias. I come away with two: Yoku's Island Express and Steamworld Dig 2. I already own the rest.
One of my favorite genres! Only issue with many great modern ones is they are too short much of the time (under 10 hours instead of closer to 20) but theres so many great ones on PC. This is a great list!
I mean, one of the 2 games to make up the Metroidvania name are known for being very short, being able to be beaten in under 4 hours, with a few of them being beatable with 100% in under 2 hours.
Rabi-Ribi still remains one of my favorite Metroidvania with Luna Nights. You should also check Ender Lilies : Quietus of the Knight that just released recently and encompasses all the good aspects of the Metroidvania with a Dark Soulesque setting.
Rabi-Ribi's great! A lot of Metroidvania's will have you tackle areas in a specific order, but Rabi-Ribi is so non-linear that you can play the game in just about any order you can think of. It's honestly the #1 example of what a good Metroidvania should be, IMO.
Rabi-Ribi just feels gross to watch, let alone play. I’ve never felt like such a creepy person as when I watched that game being played. Like seriously! Put some damn pants on your characters!
I'm very pleasantly surprised that Yoku made the list, it's a very novel mashup that I had a blast going for 100% on! I'd also LOVE to recommend Dandara to anyone reading the comments here!
Wow, I noticed that I played through every one of the titles on your list 🤯, good choices! Still, I expected Salt & Santuary (sequel is in the works, yay), which is the best Metroidvania I've played so far besides Super Metroid. Dust - An Elysian Tail is also a game that genre Fans should have played at some point. Big recommendation if you haven't.
@@desmondhawkins5362 Because there is no imrpvement in the character's mobility or traversal abilities that enhance exploration and backtracking, opening up previously unreachable areas. All you get in Blasphemous are combat abilities and keys. If that can be called a metroidvania, then all old school Resident Evil games are metroidvania, all open world games are metroidvania, almost every game with a bit of exploration become a metroidvania. And if all those game are metroidvanias, then there is no real metridvania genre at all.
Hollow Knight is pretty great. Guacamelee is silly and full of mechanics which feel good to use. Haven't tried Axiom but I hear it's awesome. The Messenger, however, is really not much of a Metroidvania. It technically is one, but it's not very good at it. I stopped enjoying it about halfway through, but finished it anyway, and then was happy and relieved to go back to other games. I never get sick of Hollow Knight, for example. And Celeste (not a Metroidvania) feels so good to play that I got into speedrunning it. But The Messenger feels like a chore now, and I'm not surprised that its speedrunning community mostly focuses only on the early game. The late game, where it has some Metroidvania features, is kind of slow and tedious.
Just last night i was watching your top 10 2d platformers episode and thought "Damn i hope he does a metriodvania episode soon". I was far from dissappointed. I have been looking for a new MV and now can't decide which to start next lol. Keep on keepin on! Can't wait to see what the next vid will be. I actually love you. Don't tell my dad.
I was glad to see a Shantae game on this list. Seven Sirens is my favorite Metroidvania ever. I am not a very skilled gamer and it is super easy. A lot of the time I find myself getting stuck on a game and feeling like I wasted my money on it.
I'm gonna throw in three that I love. Chasm, Outland, and severed. Chasm is randomly generated each new game and so has great replay without being a roguelite, Outland takes the mechanics of ikaruga and translates them into a metroidvania, and although severed is first person it definitely belongs here and it's story and world are so haunting
I wish people ( not directed at you personally ) would stop saying Chasm is a metroidvania, or a roguelite. Nothing about that game requires new powers / items other than as a key to get into the next zone; it's entirely redundant. There's no backtracking, or anything resembling a metroid game. It's basically a 2d platformer with some redundant leveling aspect to it. As for the randomization / roguelite aspects, it has zero of that. All the random items are pointless, and aren't even that random; the same goes for the room layouts which are always done in the same pattern, just shuffling some of the foliage around. The creator even acknowledged the game doesn't really do anything random, it's just to make it look like it does. He kept the terms as a marketing tag to sell the game, since he was constantly removing huge portions of the game that would have made it those two genres, before finally releasing a shell of his original plan just so it would finally get out and earn some money after half a decade of being overwhelmed with no idea what he was doing. It's a fine game for a first playthrough, if you go in expecting nothing and having heard nothing about what the game was suppose to provide. It's certainly not something with huge replay-ability, variety, or interesting game mechanics. It barely has a story to begin with after you leave the intro castle; dropped that interesting plot almost immediately.
YES! I was shocked that hollow knight wasnt number 1 because thats what everyone does but then I heard the chiptune and got so excited. I think the messenger is one of the most underrated games ever
Ayy The Messenger getting the love it deserves! It’s an amazing game. I am a little sad Sundered isn’t on the list. If anyone is looking for a co-op metroidvania, I can’t suggest Sundered enough!
I played the demo years ago and it blew my mind that I was basically playing a pinball Metroidvania with a ton of character and unique ideas. It’s always been in my mind. Thanks for the reminder
Weird, I've never though of Cave Story as a metroidvania 🤔 I usually saw it more akin to the megaman zero games, tho it does fit as a metroidvania now that I think about it.
axiom verge was fantastic. i really thought that the weapons were original, and some of the puzzles were almost infuriatingly random, but somehow in a way that i was still able to figure out what to do. When a game can be that non-linear LOGICALLY, but still WORK, it deserves recognition.
While watching this I found myself thinking of Ghost 1.0, which definitely gives me Metroidvania vibes and has a control scheme that is both different and utterly satisfying.
Other metroidvania games that are worth a shout out:
- Dust: an Elysian Tale
- Blasphemous
- Salt and Sanctuary
I wanted to like Blasphemous but it was too frustrating with infrequent check points!
@@ZeynoCat it has more than enough check points.
@@poli2514 ok
@@ZeynoCat bruh wtf in my opinion the game was way to easy
@@laughingman9574 go cry about it isn't that hard and yes the updates fixed it
A Metroidvania, that caught me off guard was The Mummy: Demastered, which really surprised me that a game based of a "bad" film, would totally line-up having a really good game.
I totally agree. I don’t think it’s too 10 material; but the Mummy: Demastered is such a surprising good Metroidvania. Not great, but very good.
WayForward also made Shantae. They have clout
If you like The Mummy: Demastered, might I suggest giving Alien: Infestation on Nintendo DS a shot. Also made by Wayforward, its a metroidvania with permadeath and is fucking fantastic.
Mummy Demastered was great but it does have one MASSIVE design flaw. There is exactly 1, 1, traversal upgrade that is assigned to an item that CAN be lost when you die. When you are heading towards the end of the game in the sand stripped streets of London, there is a jump that can't be done without said item. If you manage to die after that jump(the area has spawning flying monsters with a similar pattern like the old Medusa heads of Castlevania) you are fucked. I had to actually restart the game when this happened because the zombie agent avatar would just use the best guns and kill you fast...never able to regain your gear. It's weird because it's the only traversal upgrade you get that can actually be lost upon death.
I really love that game. I’ve actually bought it on multiple platforms
One that might've slipped under everyone's radar is Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, a successor to the Wonder Boy series.
Came here to say this. Just actually played it recently for the first time. Super underrated but great.
That game is super charming though.... I don't think it hits as hard as these one, but it's definitely worthy of a top 20 spot along with Blasphemous.
I agree, it was a wonderful surprise of a game and it's definitely in my top 10
Just another one that wants to add Monster Boy. It's great advancement to the gameplay of Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap.
Yes this game is beautiful to look at too.
Hell yeah Ori and Hollow knight where they belong up top! I really hope we get more from both of these franchises. I feel like both of these are the true worthy successors to Castlevania and Metroid and could do what they did, defining a genre for a whole generation
The Completionist is my hero because he’s the only youtuber with a large following who has talked about Ori lol
@@wizaro2487 Fr
@@wizaro2487 yeah
Metroid is back though, so it's great to see the king along with it's "knights". ;)
@@Ray_2112 eyyyyyyy
Could not agree more about The Messenger. The movement is so fluid and clean, it just feels so good to play. And they did such a perfect job of pacing out the abilities and giving you new environments to master them in. So good.
Me and the boys waiting patiently for Hollow Knight to be on the list
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Pirates curse was the first Shantae game I ever played, it was pretty enjoyable. The art style is great and the music is good too
Me too. Then i played Half-Genie Hero and my love that has built it self up for the series got immediately destroyed. Don't play that game! Just play Pirates Curse and keep your good memories.
It's the only good one "If you like Metroidvania's" unfortunately.. The other games just don't have the same charm outside the quirks of the story.
The biggest issue I have with Pirate's Curse is simply that Shantae didn't keep the pirate look beyond a gag scene :(
Shantae series is my favorite gaming experience
@@dunkelwelpling Half Genie Hero is the only linear game in the series and is beyond short, so I can see why you didn't like it. It literally only has like 5 levels and that's it. Ultimate Edition tried to make up for it with 100+ random bonus modes, but even that can't make up for a game so absurdly short. While mediocre, at least Seven Sirens was an actual semi-metroidvania and had skill cards which were basically souls/shards from Castlevania so that's cool. They were also able to better impliment animal transformations into the exploration, something they weren't able to do seemlessly until this game. Heck, the meta reason why they didn't use transformations in pirates curse (and why Shantae lost her powers) was because they thought transformations couldn't be implimented we into Metroidvania gameplay. Luckily they were able to find a good middle ground with seven sirens which returned to the series standard, so yay. If you liked Pirates Curse, you should play the other games you haven't played yet in Chronological Order. Shantae on the Game Boy Color, Shantae Risky's Revenge on the DS, and Shantae and the Seven Sirens on iOS. Of course, all the games have been ported to both steam (and therefore the upcoming Steam Deck) and the switch, and I highly buying and playing them on there rather than on their original consoles.
We're living in a golden age of 2D platformers right now. I'm enjoying it cause it won't last forever.
I feel like the golden age was the Sega saturn
@@ethanbrust5917 yeah, the snes and the saturn were probably the golden age. Not to say they arent great now, but that was when they where truly huge budget and everywhere
Dust: An Elysian Tail is an amazingly good Metroidvania, made by one person. The art style and gameplay are breathtaking.
The problem with Dust is that it uses a braindead brawler combat system, with gated screens where you have to defeat the enemies to continue.
@@zzasdfwas I really dont think its braindead. Just normal is far to easy. Try and see if though or hardcore suite you better!
That is in my top 5 for sure. I even know one of the voice actresses in that game. Amber Lee Conners aka the one who voiced Ginger and was also Android 18 in DBZ abridged! She's a friend for mine!
ngl Dust was the worst Metroidvania I have ever played
-there are 3 movement upgrades (I won't spoil what they are but they are all boring, and the first of which you don't unlock until the game is 75% over)
-said movement upgrades aren't used to get to any new or interesting areas. every single one iirc is used to get to a chest/key which unlocks a chest, which gives you money to buy more keys to unlock more chests
-as other people have said, the combat is horrible, mindless beat em up button mashing
-and perhaps the cardinal sin a metroidvania can commit: the map is NOT interconnected. when you get to the end of an area it brings you to a world map where you choose where to go next.... absolutely horrendous
When I first picked up The Messenger, I hadn't been keeping up much with it - so when I found out it was secretly hiding a really damn good Metroidvania behind its Devolver humor and retro inspiration, I was so pleasantly thrilled. Glad to see it on your list, let alone so high. I still need to go back and try out its DLC one of these days!
The final boss sequence in the DLC is worth admission alone.
The DLC is *SO* good!
@@mysterwhymedia Unbelievably so! The first and last fights are two of the best in the game, imo (even if the first gave me tons of trouble)
@@JonathanScarlet yeah it was pretty hard
I loved playing it until I got to that Dragon boss and his cheap ass disappearing clouds, I raged and quit.
Iconoclasts is one of the best metroidvania's I personally have ever played. It has such I great story with nice gameplay plus a great soundtrack all made by 1 guy. I suggest anybody to play it. The story gets better and better as you uncover things throughout the game. It truly is a master piece!
Yeah, that's the one that stands out as missing to me. It's not as well-known as it ought to be.
Iconoclasts was OK, but I found some of the puzzles to be tedious.
Iconoclasts is one of my favorite metroidvania, I really love this game.
the art is great but the game itself is pretty meh
I agree. I thought it was a great game with really great art and an excellent story. To be honest though, I can't remember now if I actually finished the game.. Definitely put a lot of hours into it but I'm not positive I finished it. Definitely need to boot it up and check.
The SECOND I heard the town theme from Steamworld Dig 2, I got so excited
A well deserved placement on this list. Such a gem!
Ah, I see you are a shiner of culture as well
Same! Steamworld Dig 2 was so good, and I loved that it became a full metroidvania! (And it does mix up the digging with the hand-crafted challenge rooms).
Blasphemous deserved to be on here honestly. Primarily because of its lore. There are some amazing concepts in that game
I waited for Blasphemous to be on here. Didn't bat an eye until it wasn't in the top 3. Insanely good game.
agreed! I played it first on release and it was "just" very good back then, but recently I did a 100% ng+ playthrough with the true-true ending and it made me straight up fall in love with the game. Easily my number 2 at the moment (after Hollow Knight ofc)
Great game. Not really a Metroidvania, though, even if it shares a lot with them and does those things great.
@@doctorwhouse3881 I'd agree at original release, but all the free dlcs made the game more of a metroidvania imo. Although it is still true that none of the movement abilities are required to get the game's worst ending
@@doctorwhouse3881 How is it not a Metroidvania?
Number 1 is EXTREMELY well deserved. I loved it too.
Happy to see Guacamelee here!
The overall presentation of those games really stand out to me.
Feel like saying the second one is better when it has so much less content is a bit strange but they are both very good games
@@CaelenSawyers i completed the first guacamelee, the super turbo etcetera... and guacamelee 2.
And imho Guacamelee 2 is more balanced and less frustrating.
I felt the first one had a better story and better characters.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is definitely my number one. That game is the definition of a masterpiece. I can't wait for the third game.
There will be no third game.
Yea will of the wisp was the last one in the series.
Did it make u cry like a bitch?
I was literally asking for recommendations for my next metroidvania last night! Thank you Jirard!
Less of a completionist, more of a prophet.
I was... also doing this. Weird.
If you have a friend or two to coop a metroidvania, try Sundered.
phoenotopia awakening
I've been having a great time with Ender Lillies, highly recommend it. As for the list, some great names, probably my favorite is Ori.
Yes, I hope to see A Completionist video about that game
Ever played Dust: An Elysian Tale? That one is awesome, definitely recommend
I had just moved back to the US after living in Korea for two years when Dust came out. Missing Korea, I picked this up, and it has been one of my favorite games since.
A must play.
My favorite game in the genre is actually my favorite game of all time: La-Mulana.
I can't recommend it enough, and hopefully one day Jirard will make a video of this masterpiece of a game.
I'm wishlisting it. Should I play 1 or would you recommend to dive into 2 right away?
@@Raktasdelespacio I haven' finished 2, but I still played a lot to tell you this: While 2 does improve in several minor aspects, it also is a sequel that relies on you having played the first one to fully understand what's going on.
The story isn't incomprehesable if you haven't, but you'll be missing a lot of context. And the remake still holds up great. I personally recommend playing it in order. Even better if you first try the freeware version, but that one is very difficult to make it run propertly on modern OS.
Yes! La Mulana is also my favorite game of all time!! Such an underrated masterpiece.
It also has a brilliant soundtrack, though so many of the games that made the list did. Really, metroidvanias have some of the best music in gaming. But the chiptunes from the OG La-Mulana will always hold a special place for me
@@Raktasdelespacio definitely start with one
Just got to #10 and had to say: Yoku's Island Express is amazing!
The fact that Blasphemous isnt on this list is a blasphemy
I played it. It wasn't that great. Should have been more like Castlevania. Also not a single mention of Timespinner. While the gameplay is really good in that game, (it basically copied Castlevania to a tee with a couple twists) the story was extremely cringy and was basically Tumblr fanfiction. But yeah, still a good game. At least Blasphemous had gameplay footage. Timespinner got nothing. The soundtrack is also super underated. It's actually god-tier. You should check it out. It's so obscure that there isn't even any extensions of it on RUclips!
@@krimsonkatt I don't think it should've been that high, but it should be up there.
Timespinnwr and blasphemous pls
@@krimsonkatt why should it be more like castlevania? Same could also be said about blasphemous's OST. Theres nothing like it.
@@davidtownsend6092 Yes Timespinner is good.
I had a feeling the messenger wasn't gonna be on here, but I'm so happy it was. My favorite game I've played this year.
So glad to see Cave Story on the list. It too often gets left out of the Metroidvania conversation because it's progression is largely story driven rather than exploration focused, but it wears the Metroid influence too closely to not deserve the nod.
Especially the final escape. It reminds me of any Metroid game but harder.
"I like pirates!"
That explains how you got your role on Cuphead: the Musical! 🤩
Wait, he was in a Cuphead musical?
@@DeronHargrove He was the pirate in the opening! :D Look for Random Encounters' musicals!
@@laurenhodges6411 Might have to check it out! Thanks for this info
Touhou Luna Nights is an amazing metroidvania. Everything from the animation to the remixed music is top notch I just hope we get a sequel
Hell yes! Bullet hell and Metroidvania are amazing. Rabi Ribi is another amazing Metroidvania bullet hell. Fanservice aside
Yes! A rare gem that I felt lucky to have discovered.
yes, underrated Metroidvania. Some of the games on Jirard's list aren't even Metroidvanias.
Both fighting and traversing the world are bolstered by our protagonist's abilities. It's something fans of metroidvanias should check out. My only gripe with the game is that I just want more.
I have the same sentiments. When your only complaint with a game is “I wish there was more of it”, that’s when you know it’s a masterpiece.
A game that deserved a spot is Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, a really good metroidvania, full of stuff to unlock and secret to discover, it's pretty long and has a good and fun story too.
This one definitely doesn't get enough love. Fantastic game.
I really lov that game. I remember buying it at 0 o clock and then just playing 11 hours straight. Couldn't put it down the game is so beautiful.
Yes definitely. It's no Monster World, but it's great in it's own way.
@@HappyLight. Same, i started the game just to try it for a bit, and suddenly 7 hours were passed. I coudn't put down the game at all.
It's an incredible game! One of my favourite metroidvania games for sure, and probably one of the most polished games in the genre. You can tell it was a labour of love
Valdis Story is so underrated and forgotten, it was such a good metroidvania. It had multiple characters, secret weapons, hidden bosses, hidden storylines that impact the world. Nobody ever mentions it.
I've played nearly every game on this list and I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see The Messenger be #1. I had so much damn fun with this game. Great video, Flawless J!
Hollow knight is definitely on a different level of amazing. You feel like a GOD by the end of your first playthrough.
You essentially become a god. Although i know Terraria isnt a metroidvania, it definately has the same feeling towards the end.
gotta agree, one of the few games where I keep coming back to it for more playthroughs
Disagree. I enjoyed the game, but didn't feel like a God by the end of my first playthrough. I WOULD feel like a God if I finished the Godmaster DLC.
Hollow Knight just really doesn't give you incentive to do anything. It's all but feeling like a god, you don't even have upgrades.
@@Thirteen13551355 ???
The Knytt games were some of my favorites as a kid, there's something so surreally peaceful about them
Forgotten gem, some of the level packs people made for that have stuck with me after many years. Iji isn't quite a Metroidvania, but it's also a good forgotten indie from that era
i absolutely adored knytt and knytt stories. would love to see them put on modern consoles one day!
@@hisgrinningskull2122 there's knytt underground but that one was a bit too ambitious for me
I loved the messenger, its just a really good game in every way, so while i would place HK #1 still, i really like the messenger earning a really high spot
I totally agree
Potentially waiting for the prequel before playing this.
Couldn’t agree more. Hollow Knight is my favorite game of all time, but I still respect the heck out of the messenger, and would not be shocked at anyone listing it as their favorite
Completely agree. Both were really fun. I can see why Gerard ordered them the way he did, even if I would not have. Ori is also a good choice for third, although I haven't even played the second one yet, the first was short but sweet.
@@stolidfox7528 ori isn’t really a metroidvania imo. It’s far too linear
Me seeing that Blasphemous isn't in the list: *Sad noises*
same bruh
Personally, I always felt that Blasphemous was more Souls-like feeling than metroidvania feeling.
@@cioplasmmajic8327 agreed there. I think the fact that all the Metroidvania abilities and exploration are tied exclusively to side content slightly ruined the metroidvania feel itself
@@cioplasmmajic8327 a souls game is basically a 3d metroidvania, find keys, unlock new area from place you already went, etc
@@cioplasmmajic8327 Souls games are just 3D metroidvanias... lol
Ever since playing & finishing Hollow Knight my life hasn't been the same. Such a masterpiece
Honestly though one thing I love about Hollow Knight is the massive replayability the game has. So many charm builds to experiment with. Even the pantheons offer different bindings to challenge yourself with. Hollow Knight is my favourite game in the entire galactic universe :). I an currently replaying it on my Switch OLED in wait for its sequel Hollow Knight Silksong where you get to play as Hornet!
Yeah. Every time I see something hollow knight I just sigh in fond memories. My gaming habits haven't been the same since I completed it. I have been gaming since 1995 and It's one of the best games of all time. Period!
Wanted to see your opinion on these:
- Blasphemous
- Salt and Sanctuary
- Ender Lilies
- Mummy Demastered
- Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (Newest one)
Hope you have the time to make a part two :)
Hell yeah, Axiom Verge is on this list. IIRC, the sequel is coming out this year, assuming it doesn't get delayed further.
speaking of sequels, when are we getting more silksong news
@@casualjordan9844 Never. We haven't heard literally anything since January 2020 and that was only an update that they're still alive. It's been over a year and a half with no updates whatsoever. Last gameplay we saw was at E3 2019 with the kiosk demo. (That I actually played, fun fact) Don't be surprised if something bad happened to one of the devs (it's only a two person team) and the game's cancelled. The game should be out by now. It looked relatively complete back in 2019. At least they could give us another trailer or even an update but we've got nothing. Hollow Knight fans are so desperate for new content that they're literally producing their own fan-sequels/ripoffs to tide themselves over.
@@krimsonkatt Iirc, there was an article published by EDGE last december about Silksong, they interviewed Team Cherry and asked some questions about the game. Hollow Knight is a big-ass game, especially for a metroidvania, and Team Cherry has repeatedly talked about Silksong being an even bigger game. Whilst i do agree that they could be a little more "communicative" about the state of the game, i don't think them being radio silent is some sort of bad omen, they just want to work on their game and hype everyone up when the time comes.
@@dimi-kun5968 Oh okay. But that's still a long time ago. At least I know now that they PROBABLY didn't die to CV19.
That game was grating to my ears and eyes. I tried so hard to like it, instead it drove me mad. Horrible and overrated game.
Favorite genre by far, something about the beauty and simplicity, as well as the way fameplay changes with new abilities. I still think about the teleport bug gun thing from Axiom Verge and wonder who will make something like that next.
damn, i thought Dust: An Elysian Tail would be somewhere on this list
I don’t think jirard has ever played dust
Took the words right out of my mouth. Great game, great story, underwhelming final boss, but that is acceptable because the ending is fantastic.
Dust is good and unlike many on this list, it actually is a Metroidvania.
@@hepwo91222 i feel like the term for many encompasses a ton of sidescrolling videogames. The term has lost a lot of its meaning.
Dust was great. I heard that there might be a sequel some day which really excites me.
Thank you for mentioning Shadow Complex. I bought the game yesterday because of this video as I've never heard of it prior. The game is FANTASTIC! It's exactly what I want in a Metroidvania: Good difficulty where I haven't gotten mad at the game, has secrets that are rewarding to find, great artwork, great environments, FUN! I've already played it for 7 hours and I bought it less than 24 hours ago!
Yes! The Messenger doesn’t get talked about enough, it’s such a fantastic experience.
I hoped I would see Iconoclasts on this list. I played it earlier this year and finished it so fast. Idk if there will be more but that game was addicting with fun characters and writing.
Iconoclasts had such a great start but the last half of the game really fell off sadly T_T.
Ender Lilies also just came out, one of my favorite games so far ❤️❤️ the gorgeous environments and beautiful music and such a sorrowful yet hope-filled story is truely breathtaking
Mine too. It took a little bit from hollow knight but did it's own thing as well. THANK GOD the HK fandom did not go after this game. Did you see what happened to crowsworne or whatever its name was?
@@arishkhan5918 Crowsworn has literally made more than 5x its kickstarter taret with 12 day left to go, it's doing excellently. Now there was another game I don't remember the name of that also got a lot of flak for looking a lot like Hollow Knight that didn't do so well.
Same!! Just finished it after 152 hours lol
@@julieta12 how much content does the game have???
@@arishkhan5918 not more than Hollow Knight. But I would say enough content to keep you busy for a week if you play everyday for 5+ hr each day.
Just want to add, if you want a SotN itch scratched, check out Ender Lilies.
Ender Lilies is fantastic
never heard of it. maybe ill have to look that game up.
Just watched the trailer and I'm sold. Buying now!
@@chesspunk489 If you want your hollow knight itch to be filled play enderlilies
@@arishkhan5918 to be honest i am one of the few who doesn't like hollow knight.
Call me basic, but Hollow Knight stole my heart and it's not letting go.
I love your pick for #1. The humor, plottwists and gameplay make this game so unique and awesome.
The Messenger is a MASTERPIECE. I wish they were making a second one but am still looking forward to their next project.
It was amazing. I only died enough to read all the unique death dialogue twice!
What a game
I wish they would release a retail physical :( not those limited bs
Oh yeah. Not gonna lie, I was like “whaaat Hollow knight is #2? What’s better than- OH THE MESSENGER, okay nevermind have a great day.”
I started it after I got it for free on epic. But I was immediately put off from not being able to use the mouse as part of the controls, so it felt horrible to play. At the time I didn't have a controller to use, but I do now. Does it support controller?
Strider 2014 is definitely one of my top Metroidvanias. Really cool, fun, and criminally overlooked game.
I 100% agree. It's amazing, yet I never see anyone mention it in these lists.
I enjoyed it, however there was something off when playing it.
Strider 2014 is a game for closet homosexuals.
Good game gets alot of hate even from my family while playing it like wtf lol lil bro was not impressed haha
@@Ponaru Why exactly is the game "gay?" I don't understand.
So glad to see Yoku get some recognition on this list!! I feel in love with it due to its completely unique take on the Metroidvania genre
I think my favorite metroidvania is Owlboy. That game just means a lot to me.
Really
My favorite rn has to be monster sanctuary, it’s an indie metroidvania monster tamer, 3v3 combat and the battle mechanics are so fun to experiment with
I love that game, too!
Yes! Monster Sanctuary is my second favorite game of all time!
Hollow knight is what got me into the genre and I love it
Try Super Metroid.
Its still the best Metroidvania ever.. (for obvious reasons)
@@recht_voor_zijn_raap5506 From my experience anyone whose played Hollow Knight as their first MV ends up dissapointed by Super Metroid. Be it for the slower gameplay, somewhat dated controls, low difficulty, relatively simple platform design, thin lore, and muffled music/sound design.
@@halowillneverbegoodagain1868 You can rebind the controls of Super Metroid on the main menu, if placement is the issue. Otherwise, any particular reason that you find the controls outdated?
I played Hollow Knight recently but couldn't get into it. I got to the three bug lords in the praying mantis area and I just got bored to tears with no desire to pick it back up. I don't think it's bad, not in the least; it's wonderfully constructed in nearly every way, but I just couldn't stick with it. Super Metroid I could play every day though. That game is so engaging and it tends to go between my 1st and 2nd favourite game, depending on the day.
@@residentevilman64 Ive played Super Metroid upwards of 100 times and ive never found a binding that made shooting or inventory feel natural. Not gamebreaking by any means but its really hard to go back too after the GBA games. Super is still one of the GOATs but may feel basic to those who have indulged in so many unique indie offerings.
@@halowillneverbegoodagain1868 I sacrifice my down-angle aiming and put run on L, shoot on Y, jump on B, cancel on A and weapon cycle on X. I see where you're coming from though; the weapon cycling took me a while to get used to and the default layout feels awkward.
I hadn't considered what playing newer games might do to Super Metroid. Thank you for the new perspective.
I've often wondered what my young cousin would do if I sat him down in front of the original Metroid. I envision a deer-in-headlights look from him.
I'm surprised Blasphemous wasn't mentioned even though it was shown.
It's kind of blasphemous to be honest.
Its pretty weird that Blasphemous isn't on this list. It has to be one of the better ones I've played in a long time.
It would be my number one. But I understand it is not everyone’s cup of tea
I love the look the music the world its self but it needs a wuss mode for those of us who just want to experience the whole game I finally beat the main game only to dlc kick my ass in
Can't mention EVERY game in a top 10 list...
What is a Metroidvania?
A FUN LITTLE PILE OF SECRETS!
A bullshit term people use when they really mean Metroidlike!
Enough talk have at you!
@@L33PL4Y but what if they want it Castlevanialike?
@@niclaswa5408 Castlevania is just an action-platformer series. Only a few Castlevania games are Metroidlikes.
@@L33PL4Y I'm not a fan of naming a game type after the series that did it first. It's like calling all FPS' "Doomlike", or all platformers "Mariolike".
Chasm for example plays like Symphony of the Night. Is it then a Castlevanialike or a Metroidlike?
So happy to see Yoku on the list! My top two are definitely Quackamelee and The Messenger but I've yet to experience Shantae and looking forward to them!
Pro move putting the messenger at the top, well played sir, well played
I’m 30, I’ve played Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night when the were released and they changed my gaming tastes forever. However, I can safely take my nostalgic glasses off and recognize that Hollow Knight is the greatest Motroidvania ever. What a flawless game.
metroid DREAD
41 here. Definitely played a lot of games. But Ori 1 and 2 lasted longer on my mind then hollow knight did. But my problem always is trying to say one game was better then another when I absolutely loved both while playing.
@@A_cracker14 hollow knight in my opinion is a better game and is $15 instead of 60 not buying overpriced Metroid dread
I will just borrow a cartridge from someone and dump the rom and emulate it
@@LeanPicachu I can somewhat understand your opinion but in my opinion the Metroid lore is way more interesting. It’s not even like I haven’t played hollowknight I literally 112% the game and beat every possible challenge + watched the mossbag lore videos it’s just that I think I will always prefer Metroids sci fi lore instead of bugs and shadow demons and though I love both games gameplay the lore is why I buy the games I just enjoy slowly picking away at it and then watching countless theory videos after beating the game
metroidvanias have been my favorite genre since SOTN came out!
I was too young when I had Super Metroid to truly appreciate it so I'm in the same boat.
Metroid for me, but I totally agree.
i liked super metroid before SOTN but i never owned it till i was a teenager, by than SOTN was already out and i had play it till my eyes bleed. i also have the first metroid for NES that i got back in the early 90s.
@@JoeySocko I too have my original Metroid for NES. It's lacking the casing so I can only play it when I plug it into the Game Genie. Can't remember how the casing came off for the life of me. I suspect my brother had a hand in that.
The Messenger is the funniest game I have ever played. The shopkeeper is one the best characters ever.
The shopkeeper was awesome, probably the best part of the game. The level design was infuriating though, because I wanted to go fast, and the level designs required a lot of waiting... especially near the end of the game. The Messenger started out fun, but by the end I couldn't wait to be done so I could put it away and never play it again. Whoever did the writing deserves a raise, but the level designer should probably choose a different type of work.
@@ToyKeeper Honestly, had the game ended before the big twist reveal where it turns into a metroidvania, I wouldn't have been mad. It felt excruciatingly long / tedious getting through all those levels, having the story say you were almost done, and then it pushing more at you over and over again. By the time the big reveal happened, I was like "Are you F'kn serious?" and just stopped playing the game.
Sure, it was a neat twist, but godamn that game had terrible consistency and pacing.
@@ToadstedCroaks Yeah, that's definitely the point where it started to go downhill. It's no mystery why most of the speedrunners only do the first portion of the game... since that's where most of the fun is. After that, it kinda turns into a walking simulator.
Thank you for including Shantae and the Pirate's Curse. It's sooooooo good in every way. Without exaggeration, it was my favorite original 3DS game, and one of my all-time favorites.
Yoooo finally someone picked the Messenger. It's easily my favorite indie game I've ever played.
For me it's Blasphemous and Dust: An Elysian Tail
Jirad should play La-Mulana sometime. I want to see his reaction to the reward for completing the bonus dungeon. ;)
yeah, should complete both games
I’ve literally never heard of this game, but the idea of a bonus dungeon, presumably as a completion reward, actually sounds really awesome.
*Jirard
Super glad someone else brought up this game. He should play the original MSX style one first, then the remake... Then 2!
@@co11in__18 It's an insane game for insane people! But maybe the greatest of all time!
I'm so pleased to see Yoku's Island Express here. That game needs all the love it can get cause I want an expanded sequel so badly. The gameplay was so unique and the world was so enjoyable.
I love metroidvanias, but there are so many games on this list that would go no where near my top 10. Some of mine are:
VVVVVV
Strider
Dust
Valdis Story
Deedlit in Wonder Labrinth/Luna Nights
La Mulana
Fez
Honestly some of these aren't metroidvanias. Similar but metroidvanias aren't just 2d platformers with a metroid map
@@kevinvu5432 You think that isn't is the unifying element between metroid and castlevania?
@@DontGiveUp_Skeleton when people coined the term metroidvania, it was born after Symphony of the Night. So previous metroidvanias Unlocking new abilities that help with exploration and unlocking paths. Just like how Samus and Alucard gained new abilities that helped them move past areas.
It's more than a 2d platformer with a metroid/SotN map.
@@kevinvu5432 you'll have to help me then, because literally every game I listed gate areas behind abilities or items.
@@DontGiveUp_Skeleton not your list. The completionists list. Yours is fine.
God, I love the Ori games! I originally bought Blind Forest because of the art style and thought my niece would love to play it.
The Messenger is definitely a modern classic, and still so underappreciated. :3 Thanks a lot for recommending to us back in the day.
Hell yeah! Love this list.
I'm more surprised to see SteamWorld Dig 2 beat out Axiom Verge in your rankings than I am to see The Messenger beat out Hollow Knight, but I'm also just so damn happy that you've played and enjoyed any SteamWorld game. Such a vastly underrated series. I hope you complete SWD2 someday...but I hope you'll complete SteamWorld Heist more. Bet you're looking forward to Metroid Dread!
Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth, the metroidvania the internet forgot.
With a title like that I can see why; no criticism of the game itself but man that name is a mouthful
I can't wait for that game to finish being made. It's great so far.
@@Humbird00 It's finished already lol
yeah its one of the best. another one from same devs - touhou luna nights. both are short and sweet.
@@zeebs101 Luna Nights's got the highest rating out of any metroidvania on steam.
Ender lilies, vigil the longest night and salt and sanctuary deserve a spot on the list imo!
"What? What can possibly top Hollow Knight?"
"Oh. Yeah I'll allow it."
I played The Messanger because of Jirard and I was blown away, easily one of the best games I played, I only wish I wasn't in such a terrible place emotionally then. (Maybe I can use this as an excuse to play it all again!)
I hate your combination of picture and name lmao
@@L33PL4Y thanks
I watched the top 10 hoping to find some games that I might add to my collection as I love Metroidvanias.
I come away with two: Yoku's Island Express and Steamworld Dig 2. I already own the rest.
The Messenger. OMG such a great game. Played it after your video and so glad you didnt forget about it. Became my favorite indie game.
The metroidvania will always be one of my top 5 favorite game genres
The Messenger is amazing. Absolutely a fantastic game.
Also I think it's funny that Chasm was part of the intro but didn't make your list.
One of my favorite genres! Only issue with many great modern ones is they are too short much of the time (under 10 hours instead of closer to 20) but theres so many great ones on PC. This is a great list!
I mean, one of the 2 games to make up the Metroidvania name are known for being very short, being able to be beaten in under 4 hours, with a few of them being beatable with 100% in under 2 hours.
HK be like: 60 hours
Rabi-Ribi still remains one of my favorite Metroidvania with Luna Nights. You should also check Ender Lilies : Quietus of the Knight that just released recently and encompasses all the good aspects of the Metroidvania with a Dark Soulesque setting.
I LOVE ENDER LILIES. But what's ribi rabi?
Rabi-Ribi's great! A lot of Metroidvania's will have you tackle areas in a specific order, but Rabi-Ribi is so non-linear that you can play the game in just about any order you can think of. It's honestly the #1 example of what a good Metroidvania should be, IMO.
@@TheMultiTasker3 I see. Let me search it up.
@@TheMultiTasker3 I searched it up right now... Is it a metroidvania?
Rabi-Ribi just feels gross to watch, let alone play. I’ve never felt like such a creepy person as when I watched that game being played. Like seriously! Put some damn pants on your characters!
I'm very pleasantly surprised that Yoku made the list, it's a very novel mashup that I had a blast going for 100% on!
I'd also LOVE to recommend Dandara to anyone reading the comments here!
Looks interesting!
A good game in its own right but it’s very light on the metroidvania elements in my opinion. It’s also pretty short. I liked it however.
Wow, I noticed that I played through every one of the titles on your list 🤯, good choices!
Still, I expected Salt & Santuary (sequel is in the works, yay), which is the best Metroidvania I've played so far besides Super Metroid. Dust - An Elysian Tail is also a game that genre Fans should have played at some point. Big recommendation if you haven't.
Am I the only one that played Sundred? I loved the Rogue-like aspects of it where the chambers change every time you go through an area
Finally, someone else who shows love to the Messenger!
great vid! also blasphemous is a good one
It's not a metroidvania.
@@TheMetalOverlord I'm not too familiar with this genre but I did play Blasphemous. How is it not a metroidvania?
@@desmondhawkins5362 Because there is no imrpvement in the character's mobility or traversal abilities that enhance exploration and backtracking, opening up previously unreachable areas. All you get in Blasphemous are combat abilities and keys. If that can be called a metroidvania, then all old school Resident Evil games are metroidvania, all open world games are metroidvania, almost every game with a bit of exploration become a metroidvania. And if all those game are metroidvanias, then there is no real metridvania genre at all.
@@TheMetalOverlord oh I understand now. Appreciate that!
@@TheMetalOverlord Um did you play Blashpemous? There are literally items that do open up new paths.
It’s pretty weird how on a list of Metroidvanias only like one game really took the sotn approach and had the heavy rpg mechanics
Heavy RPG mechanics are fairly unique to the Castlevania games in the genre. Most don't have any, including the Metroid games themselves.
me: tries to get a friend to play cave story
My friend: gets visibly sad and starts talking about the completionist's mom
Maybe not something to bring up so casually
@@chardrive Dude, please.
Messenger is a very solid choice and easily one of my favorite games in the last years
Slain: from hell, and Valfaris should have been mentioned as well. Gore, intriquing gameplay, and a huge variety of weapons:+)
Love Axiom Verge & Guacamele, just started playing Hollow Knight, and The Messenger is on my buying list.
Hollow Knight is pretty solid through and through. Go for the true ending, and it'll be more satisfying.
Hollow Knight is pretty great. Guacamelee is silly and full of mechanics which feel good to use. Haven't tried Axiom but I hear it's awesome. The Messenger, however, is really not much of a Metroidvania. It technically is one, but it's not very good at it. I stopped enjoying it about halfway through, but finished it anyway, and then was happy and relieved to go back to other games. I never get sick of Hollow Knight, for example. And Celeste (not a Metroidvania) feels so good to play that I got into speedrunning it. But The Messenger feels like a chore now, and I'm not surprised that its speedrunning community mostly focuses only on the early game. The late game, where it has some Metroidvania features, is kind of slow and tedious.
Just last night i was watching your top 10 2d platformers episode and thought "Damn i hope he does a metriodvania episode soon". I was far from dissappointed. I have been looking for a new MV and now can't decide which to start next lol. Keep on keepin on! Can't wait to see what the next vid will be. I actually love you. Don't tell my dad.
I was glad to see a Shantae game on this list. Seven Sirens is my favorite Metroidvania ever. I am not a very skilled gamer and it is super easy. A lot of the time I find myself getting stuck on a game and feeling like I wasted my money on it.
I'm gonna throw in three that I love. Chasm, Outland, and severed. Chasm is randomly generated each new game and so has great replay without being a roguelite, Outland takes the mechanics of ikaruga and translates them into a metroidvania, and although severed is first person it definitely belongs here and it's story and world are so haunting
I wish people ( not directed at you personally ) would stop saying Chasm is a metroidvania, or a roguelite. Nothing about that game requires new powers / items other than as a key to get into the next zone; it's entirely redundant. There's no backtracking, or anything resembling a metroid game. It's basically a 2d platformer with some redundant leveling aspect to it. As for the randomization / roguelite aspects, it has zero of that. All the random items are pointless, and aren't even that random; the same goes for the room layouts which are always done in the same pattern, just shuffling some of the foliage around.
The creator even acknowledged the game doesn't really do anything random, it's just to make it look like it does. He kept the terms as a marketing tag to sell the game, since he was constantly removing huge portions of the game that would have made it those two genres, before finally releasing a shell of his original plan just so it would finally get out and earn some money after half a decade of being overwhelmed with no idea what he was doing.
It's a fine game for a first playthrough, if you go in expecting nothing and having heard nothing about what the game was suppose to provide. It's certainly not something with huge replay-ability, variety, or interesting game mechanics. It barely has a story to begin with after you leave the intro castle; dropped that interesting plot almost immediately.
YES! I was shocked that hollow knight wasnt number 1 because thats what everyone does but then I heard the chiptune and got so excited. I think the messenger is one of the most underrated games ever
I just started Steamworld Dig 2 last night and it was so good, I had trouble putting it down. Freaking excellent game!
Honestly more upset over La Mulana not making the list than Hollow Knight at the spot it's at.
agreed!
Ayy The Messenger getting the love it deserves! It’s an amazing game.
I am a little sad Sundered isn’t on the list. If anyone is looking for a co-op metroidvania, I can’t suggest Sundered enough!
I loved Yoku's Island Express! Found it so chill, no rush, no fight, no death, no frustration.. just fun
I played the demo years ago and it blew my mind that I was basically playing a pinball Metroidvania with a ton of character and unique ideas. It’s always been in my mind. Thanks for the reminder
I respect any top-ten list that willingly defies popular opinion with its number 1 pick. Also doesn't hurt that all these games are rad as hell.
for me one of the best metroidvanias has to be Rabi-Ribi, it's just so good
Weird, I've never though of Cave Story as a metroidvania 🤔
I usually saw it more akin to the megaman zero games, tho it does fit as a metroidvania now that I think about it.
I honestly don't see it as a metroidvania either. Decent game, but i wouldn't put it on a top 10 Metroidvania
Almost all games on these list aren't metroidvanias!
@@jerrygomez3825 it isn’t.
@@deepenigmametroidvaniastea8384 Including Castlevannia.
Good list. La-Mulana 1 and 2 are masterpieces in my opinion, would include them as well!
axiom verge was fantastic. i really thought that the weapons were original, and some of the puzzles were almost infuriatingly random, but somehow in a way that i was still able to figure out what to do. When a game can be that non-linear LOGICALLY, but still WORK, it deserves recognition.
While watching this I found myself thinking of Ghost 1.0, which definitely gives me Metroidvania vibes and has a control scheme that is both different and utterly satisfying.