Best Metroidvania Games of 2024: From AAA to Hidden Gems
Metroidvania games are a subgenre of action-adventure video games that emphasize exploration, platforming, and the acquisition of new abilities to unlock previously inaccessible areas. The term "Metroidvania" is derived from two iconic series: Metroid and Castlevania. These games typically feature a large, interconnected world that players can traverse, often requiring them to backtrack as they gain new skills or items. Core mechanics include combat, puzzle solving, and character progression, where players enhance their abilities through experience or item collection.
Best Metroidvania Games of 2024
In 2024, the Metroidvania genre has experienced a resurgence with a remarkable lineup of new titles. This year has seen the release of several high-quality Metroidvania games across various platforms, catering to both PC and console gamers. For those looking for optimal performance while playing these engaging adventures, machines like the Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop are an excellent choice due to their powerful hardware and portability. For desktop PC and console players, the 28" Predator XB3 Gaming Monitor offers an immersive visual experience with its crisp 4K resolution and fast refresh rates.
Animal Well
Animal Well, developed by Billy Basso and published by Bigmode, was released on May 9, 2024. In this 2D Metroidvania game, players control a blob-like creature, exploring a dense, interconnected labyrinth filled with both beautiful and unsettling creatures. The game, available on PC and consoles, emphasizes nonlinear platforming, puzzle solving, and the use of versatile items to manipulate the environment and uncover secrets.
Players love the game's mesmerizing pixel art, surreally intricate world design, and the innovative use of multi-purpose items for exploration and puzzle solving. The game's challenging yet rewarding mechanics, combined with its atmospheric setting, have made it a standout title in the Metroidvania genre. Its high Metascore reflects the widespread acclaim from both critics and gamers, highlighting its quality and impact.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an action-adventure game set in a mythological Persian world. Players control Sargon, a member of the elite warrior clan known as The Immortals, on a quest to rescue the kidnapped Prince Ghassan from the cursed city of Mount Qaf. The title combines precise platforming, fast-paced combat, and puzzle solving, with new abilities unlocking new areas to explore.
The game's strong points include its engaging combat system, rewarding skill progression, and beautifully detailed environments. However, some players mention weak points, such as occasional tedious backtracking and a plot that, while interesting, can feel predictable. Despite these issues, it offers a satisfying adventure for fans of the series and the genre.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown refreshes the franchise by blending classic elements with modern Metroidvania mechanics like an expansive and clear map. It pays homage to the series' roots while introducing new gameplay features, making it a significant contribution to the Prince of Persia legacy.
Nine Sols
No discussion of the best Metroidvania games of 2024 would be complete without mentioning Nine Sols. Released by Red Candle Games in May 2024, the title has garnered significant attention within the Metroidvania community. Set in a whimsical Taopunk world, players follow the hero Yi in his quest to topple the nine rulers of New Kunlun. The narrative blends elements of Taoism and cyberpunk, creating an immersive backdrop for exploration and combat.
The game features Sekiro-inspired combat, emphasizing deflection and strategic planning, which has been a standout feature for many players. The storytelling, fluid combat mechanics, and hand-drawn art style have earned praise from both critics and gamers, solidifying its place as one of the top Metroidvania titles of the year.
Minishoot' Adventures
Minishoot' Adventures, developed by SoulGame Studio, was released on April 2, 2024. The game combines open-world exploration with twin-stick shooter mechanics, where players control a spaceship to navigate through lush environments, ancient temples, and underwater cities. The story follows the protagonist, a Shipling, on a quest to rescue friends trapped in corrupted crystals.
Critics and gamers like Minishoot' Adventures' polished visuals and responsive controls. The blend of action-RPG elements and bullet-hell shooter combat offers a unique and engaging experience. There's a variety of enemies along with strategically deep boss battles, which provide a satisfying challenge.
The game's accessibility options, including multiple difficulty modes and aiming assistance, make it appealing to both newcomers and veterans. The hand-drawn art style and the ability to upgrade the spaceship are two of the game's popular aspects.
Crypt Custodian
Released on August 27, 2024, by Top Hat Studios, Crypt Custodian presents a unique take on the Metroidvania formula with its top-down perspective and melancholic atmosphere. Players assume the role of a broom-wielding cat who is sentenced to serve as a janitor in the afterlife. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling and collectible lore fragments, which add an extra dimension to the game's world.
The gameplay involves exploring an expansive landscape, solving puzzles, and engaging in combat with spectral adversaries. Ambient soundscapes enhance this multiplatform game's atmosphere. There are many weapons and abilities that players can unlock and upgrade, providing a sense of customization and progression.
Moonlight Pulse
Launched on September 10, 2024, Moonlight Pulse is one of the many Metroidvania games for PC. Set within a gigantic interstellar turtle, this 2D title from Seafloor Games allows players to switch between several characters, each with distinct abilities, working together to fight off parasites and restore the creature's health. The game's innovative fast travel system, which utilizes the turtle's blood vessels, adds a creative twist to exploration and makes navigating the environment both intriguing and efficient.
Moonlight Pulse has received plenty of positive reviews, with some saying it's an underrated title. Critics and gamers praise the polished gameplay, balanced character mechanics, and engaging boss fights. The dark, intriguing story and meaningful collectibles enhance the overall experience, while the combination of exploration, puzzle solving, and combat keeps players engaged and offers a satisfying challenge. An atmospheric soundtrack and detailed visuals further add to the immersive feel.
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell, developed by Bombservice and published by Playism, was released on January 11, 2024. Players control the high priestess of Koho village on a mission to stop a demon invasion triggered by a mysterious bell. The game is known for its intricate pixel art, intense boss battles, and the Sigil system that allows for customizable abilities.
Players appreciate the game's graphics, engaging combat, and deep exploration. The Sigil system provides diverse playstyles, and the challenging yet rewarding boss fights keep players hooked. The atmospheric world and compelling story have earned it a generally favorable Metascore, reflecting its quality and appeal.
Unlike previous titles in the Momodora series, Moonlit Farewell introduces a stamina system that affects sprinting and dodging, adding a new layer of strategy to gameplay. It continues the story from Momodora III, making it a culmination of the series and a must-play for both series veterans and newcomers.
New Metroidvania Games Coming Soon
As we look forward to more exciting releases in the Metroidvania genre later this year and into early next year, several titles are generating buzz:
- The Spirit of the Samurai (December 12, 2024): Developed by Digital Mind Games, this upcoming Metroidvania title is set in feudal Japan. Players take on the role of Takeshi, a samurai, and his companions—a Kodama spirit and a warrior cat—as they battle an army of undead warriors and mythical creatures to protect their village. The game features a unique stop-motion animation style and a richly detailed world inspired by Japanese folklore.
- Pale Cinder (Q4 2024): Inspired by Castlevania and Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, this Oco Games 2D action platformer is set in a land ravaged by war. Players control a mysterious stranger on a mission to defeat the infamous being known as "The Dragon," using a combination of sword fighting, parkour, and time manipulation abilities.
- Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 2025): Moving on from early access in 2024, this title from Binary Haze Interactive invites players into a mystical realm where they harness elemental powers to navigate challenges. The game emphasizes character progression through customizable abilities, allowing for personalized gameplay experiences.
2024 has already proven to be an exceptional year for Metroidvania games across various platforms. With established franchises reimagining themselves and new titles emerging, gamers have plenty to explore in this beloved genre.
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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
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