The word ‘Metroidvania’ may mislead some core gamers, but it’s a useful composite word to describe a very specific type of game experience. Combine elements from both Metroid series and produced by Koji Igarashi Castlevania title, this broad-based platformer lets you use an ever-growing skill set to pave new paths across an expansive, layered map. As you explore and uncover secrets in the environment, these games empower players in a way that makes them extremely Addictive.
Despite laying out blueprints for Metroid-style exploration platform games, neither Nintendo nor Konami have been particularly developed in the genre for a while – MercurySteam excellent fear of Metroid despite. Luckily, over the past decade or so, we’ve seen some incredible examples from indie developers inspired by the classic, and there’s no shortage of great Metroidvanias to choose from on Switch.
To help you stay on top of all those releases, we’ve rounded up the best examples of the genre — in no particular order — to save you trouble. The following games showcase the amazing and varied mechanics of the genre and are sure to give you that specifically buzz you get from exploring and fighting in the best Metroidvanias.
So, let’s take a look at the best Metroidvanias for Switch…
Publishing company: cherry team / Developers: cherry team
hollow knight it feels like it has found its natural home on the Switch. The game’s stunning 2D world, tactile combat, and impressive array of secrets continually entice you to explore more, and it proves to be a powerful experience on the go as well as on your TV. . On an e-store already filled with top quality indie games, Hollow Knight is one of the best; a large, beautiful, foreboding Metroidvania, perfectly seasoned with detail. From the powerful combat system to the captivating art and sound design, this is one of the best adventures you can have on Nintendo Switch.
Publishing company: Beverage Factory / Developers: Beverage Factory
A vibrant, thrilling action platformer with a host of powerful platforming and combat components, all set in one of the most engaging game worlds around. It’s not a huge development from the original and its restlessness can be tiring, but Guacamelee! 2 is a true celebration of a sequel.
Publishing company: Thomas’ Happy Game / Developers: Thomas’ Happy Game
Verge’s Axiom on the Switch is truly an excellent port of an excellent game, nothing more and nothing less. We strongly encourage those of you who missed this game on other platforms to pick it up here; this is the full Axiom Verge experience and is available in a format that supports both handheld and home play. For those of you who have played it before on other platforms, the final question is how much you love this game. This is the exact same, great game you’ve played before, so whether you want to buy it again or not is a personal choice. Regardless of which side you lean on, the Axiom Verge is a great example of how to do Metroidvania right.
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Publishing company: Digital Devolver / Developers: Sabotage
2D side scrolling action game like Messenger might be a dime today, but you’ll be missing out on something special by skipping this one. Featuring a surprisingly long campaign, great soundtrack, and tight, challenging level design, The Messenger is a prime example of great game design. We highly recommend choosing this one; that is the definition of a modern classic.
Publishing company: Images & Forms / Developers: Images & Forms
SteamWorld Dig 2 is another confident effort by Image & Form, and a worthy successor to the game that has been a treasured part of many eShop collections. Stylish and beautiful, it also has the series’ signature humor and yes, a pretty good soundtrack. It refines and expands on the qualities of the original and hits some compelling highs, although some of the smartest segments and ideas are short-lived. It also sets the stage for more content and games, which is fun to watch.
For fans of SteamWorld Digi we suspect this recommendation is unnecessary as they will buy this anyway. However, for those who skipped the first game, Dig 2 is a must-have — its aesthetic and captivating cast set the stage for a cleverly designed and exploratory game. tight design.
Publishing company: The way forward / Developers: The way forward
They say don’t judge a book by its cover and you shouldn’t judge this game by its association with the movie; with The mummy is destroyed, WayForward may have reached its peak. It deserves to be considered as one of the best recent examples not only of the pixel art aesthetic but also of the wonderful combination of run ‘n shooting, platforming and exploration. The game benefits from paying homage to its many 16-bit ancestors rather than strictly adhering to its celluloid source material; The Mummy Demastered is a polished, successful, and satisfying adventure that will entertain more than just Metroidvania fans.
Publishing company: The way forward / Developers: The way forward
If you still don’t understand it by now, the Switch version is definitely the best way to play Shantae and the Pirate Curse. Tight gameplay, detailed visuals, and engaging text combine to make this a must-play Metroidvania for any fan of the genre. We’ll give this game strong advice to anyone who hasn’t played it yet, and will still encourage veterans to consider dipping twice. While there’s nothing groundbreaking about this re-release, it’s still as great a game as it once was, and a few small additions are a nice bonus.
Publishing company: double movement / Developers: double movement
Dead cells is a master class of stellar roguelite design, combining nonstop intense action, stunning vistas, and an addictive unlocking and rewards ring into one stunning experience that’s ownerless. Which switch do you want to skip. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of content available here, and while a sense of repetition can creep in from time to time, it’s remarkable how long it takes for Dead Cells to last. how is it now. This game is a fun game, full of gorgeous visuals and has a lot to do; Don’t miss this one, it’s a must buy.
Publishing company: Inti Create / Developers: Inti Create
Blaster Master Zero is a lovely addition to the Switch’s library. We suspect it will help fill the gap between major retail releases for anxious Switch owners looking for a low-impact game to play on the go. Since Blaster Master Zero has simple visuals, we were able to save some more battery life on our Switch while playing when compared to some of the more visually powerful titles already on offer.
If you’re looking for something new, we highly recommend Blaster Master Zero; it’s a great homage to the original and you’ll have a blast (sorry) playing.
Publishing company: branching / Developers: Joakim Sandberg
Iconoclasts is a memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining take on the Metroidvania genre, which strives to stand out from the crowd with its detailed presentation and deeper narrative style. Combine those elements with some of the best 16-bit artwork we’ve seen and a bunch of great boss encounters, and you’ve got another must-have for the Switch library.
Publishing company: team 17 / Developers: gorilla mansion
Yoku Island Express Train is a real breath of fresh air, combining pinball and Metroidvania mechanics in a truly inspiring way. Add in one of the most fascinating fantasy worlds you’ll find on the eShop and you’ve got yourself a classic left.
