What is a Metroidvania?

Video game designers continually push us into increasingly complex gameplay styles! The result is great games, but ones we can't easily categorize, except by borrowing the names of the iconic titles that inspired them. This is how the "Metroidvania" genre was born.

The term "Metroidvania" combines the names of two iconic video game series: Metroid and Castlevania. It designates a genre of video games focused on non-linear exploration, skill acquisition, and progression through an interconnected world.

Non-Linear Exploration: Unlike linear games where you follow a predefined path, Metroidvanias let you move freely around the game world. You’ll often have to backtrack to explore new areas once you’ve acquired new skills.

Skill Acquisition: As you progress in the game, you find objects or abilities that let you access areas previously unreachable. These skills are essential to progress the story and explore every corner of the game world.

Interconnected Maps: The game world is typically made up of different zones connected to each other. You can revisit these zones at any time to discover new secrets and collect important items.

Metroidvania games offer a great experience: the combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic combat. So, if you enjoy games that challenge you to explore every nook and continuously improve your character, these Metroidvania games could be perfect for you: