Metroidvania games have become incredibly popular, especially with the rise of independent game developers who release many new titles each year. Because so many games come out, some great ones often get lost in the shuffle. While the genre is booming now, it’s worth remembering that many excellent Metroidvanias from the past have also been overlooked. Here are six games from the genre’s history that you might have forgotten.
Here are six underrated Metroidvanias.
6) Yoku’s Island Express
Yoku’s Island Express is a bit different – it’s essentially a pinball game! If you’re not a fan of pinball, it might not appeal to you, but it’s worth checking out anyway. The creators at Villa Gorilla have done something special by combining pinball mechanics with the freedom of an open-world adventure.
As you progress through the levels in Yoku’s Island Express, you’ll gain useful new skills. These will be essential, as the game features challenging boss fights. It’s rare to find boss battles in a pinball game, but Yoku’s executes them so well that it’s surprising other games haven’t tried to replicate the idea.
5) Demon’s Crest
Released on the Super Nintendo, Demon’s Crest is the third installment in the Ghosts ‘n Goblins series. While it didn’t sell well initially, it’s now considered a pioneering example of the Metroidvania genre. Players control Firebrand as he journeys to collect six magical Crests.
Unlocking new Crests lets you revisit old levels and discover previously inaccessible areas – this is where the game’s Metroidvania elements really shine. While getting around the main world can be a bit frustrating, the core gameplay is a classic Metroidvania experience and deserves more credit as one of the first games in the genre.
4) Infernax
As a fan of classic games, I’d say Infernax really captures that Castlevania vibe – it instantly reminded me of the early games in the series. But Berzerk Studios didn’t just copy the look; they built on it and created something truly unique and special. It feels like a really polished and upgraded version of those older titles I loved.
Infernax offers multiple endings based on your decisions, and its character progression system allows you to customize your hero to match how you like to play. You can also discover cheat codes that drastically alter the game, from giving yourself nearly unlimited lives to unlocking a character armed with a machine gun in a medieval world.
3) Aeterna Noctis
Many lists of the most challenging Metroidvania games include Aeterna Noctis, and that could be why it hasn’t gotten as much attention as it deserves. Fortunately, the game offers two difficulty settings, so players who aren’t up for a tough platforming experience can make it easier.
This game is a gorgeous platformer with really creative levels. While it’s enjoyable any way you play, you’ll get the most satisfaction from the harder Noctis Mode. It’s worth a try even if you’re not an expert – you’ll be amazed by how challenging it can be!
2) F.I.S.T. Forged in Shadow Torch
F.I.S.T. is a visually stunning game, and its blend of diesel-punk aesthetics with animal characters makes it stand out. Beyond its unique look, the developers at TiGames have created a difficult but rewarding Metroidvania with a strong emphasis on fighting.
The game features three unique weapons that you can swap between whenever you like. Becoming skilled with each one will make you incredibly powerful, allowing you to overcome any challenge the game presents. Combined with enjoyable exploration, this makes for one of the strongest Metroidvania titles released recently. While fans await the next installment in the main series, the developers, Ti Games, are trying something new with Zoopunk, a cooperative action game.
1) Nine Sols
Nine Sols is frequently mentioned among the hardest Metroidvania games, and for good reason. It demands precise timing when blocking enemy attacks. Because the combat is heavily influenced by Sekiro, mastering this parrying skill is essential to progress.
After a bit of a learning curve, Nine Sols is a fantastic adventure game with tough enemies and a captivating story. Red Candle Games, known for their horror titles Devotion and Detention, shows with Nine Sols that they’re also skilled at creating exciting action gameplay alongside their strong storytelling abilities.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/best-metroidvania-games-2025/embed/#
Read More
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- ARC Raiders – All NEW Quest Locations & How to Complete Them in Cold Snap
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Ashes of Creation Mage Guide for Beginners
- Where Winds Meet: Best Weapon Combinations
- Eldegarde, formerly Legacy: Steel & Sorcery, launches January 21, 2026
- Bitcoin’s Wild Ride: Yen’s Surprise Twist 🌪️💰
- Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 Will Likely Follow the First Season’s Most Controversial Plot
- Fishing Guide in Where Winds Meet
2025-12-22 01:11