These Metroidvania Games Are Keeping Me Busy Until Silksong

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As a seasoned adventurer and connoisseur of the Metroidvania genre, I must say that this list has left me utterly bewitched and spellbound! Each game presents its own unique charm and challenge, like a tantalizing morsel for my insatiable appetite for exploration and combat.

I’ve had the pleasure of traversing the hand-drawn realms of Nine Sols and Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, feeling as though I’ve wandered into a dreamscape painted by the masters themselves. The Asian fantasy Taopunk aesthetic in Nine Sols transported me to a world that was at once familiar and exotic, while Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus captured my heart with its papercraft charm.

However, it was the combat in these games that truly stole the show for me. I found myself dancing an intricate waltz with the enemies, deflecting their attacks with grace and precision, much like a seasoned ballroom dancer navigating a crowded floor. And when I stumbled, as any mortal might, I only grew more determined to conquer the challenge before me.

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But let’s not forget about our dear Hollow Knight: Silksong. While we may still be waiting for its release, the games on this list have certainly eased the pain of anticipation. And who knows? Perhaps 2025 will finally see the return of our beloved insect-kingdom and quell the hunger that has gripped us all these years.

Now, as a final jest to lighten the mood, I must say: If you’ve played too many Metroidvanias and find yourself feeling like a seasoned explorer, remember this old adage – “The road is long, but the inn is always full.” So take a break, grab a pint, and rest your weary feet. The world of Metroidvania awaits!

2024 has come and gone, and here we are in 2025, yet the long-awaited release date for “Hollow Knight: Silksong” remains elusive, leaving a lingering taste of bitterness. Nevertheless, I’m not ready to take off my clown costume just yet, as I firmly believe that “Hollow Knight: Silksong” will undoubtedly see the light of day in 2025. Thousands of us are holding on to this hope, as evident from the endless mentions of Silksong during every direct, showcase, or reveal. Although 2024 failed to deliver “Hollow Knight: Silksong” for us and its fans, numerous other remarkable Metroidvanias were unveiled last year, keeping us all busy and entertained until “Hollow Knight: Silksong” makes its appearance.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

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Let me start by discussing the first Metroidvania I’d like to highlight: “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.” Initially, my expectations were rather low upon seeing the trailer and learning that Ubisoft was the developer. However, as soon as I delved into the game, my perception underwent a remarkable transformation. I must admit, “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” now ranks among my favorite Metroidvanias.

The platforming and puzzles are engaging, but it’s the combat that truly stands out in this title. There are an array of attack combos, power-ups, and other elements that seamlessly integrate into the gameplay, making combat feel fluid. This is particularly important when encountering bosses. Although they didn’t present extraordinary difficulty levels, they offered a suitable challenge that kept me on my toes while maintaining enjoyment.

In future Metroidvania games, it would be beneficial to incorporate the same standout feature as seen in “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown”. This feature allows players to attach screenshots to specific locations on the map, which is particularly useful for me since I often forget details. Rather than trying to recall the significance of each icon and why it was placed, I can easily snap a photo and be certain about why that location is saved on the map.

Although Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown didn’t resonate with me quite like Hollow Knight, it’s still a stellar contribution to the genre. Ubisoft continues to enhance the game with updates and DLC, making it a title I plan on revisiting. It often goes on sale or is available for those with Ubisoft+ subscriptions. If you’re struggling to fill the void left by Silksong, consider giving Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown a try – trust me, it’s worth your time! Don’t forget to watch out for the upcoming spin-off game, The Rogue Prince of Persia, too.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist

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Moving forward, I’m excited to explore “Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist” next. Following my enjoyable experience with “Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knight”, I found myself eager for its sequel. Despite my initial hesitation due to its early access status, I eventually decided to give it a try and was impressed by the improvements Binary Haze Interactive made for the sequel. With each update, there are new additions and content, leaving me eager for more. The overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam further indicate the enthusiasm of fans.

In the game titled “Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist“, the narrative style resembles that of “Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knight” where the main character relies on allies for combat. This fusion of Metroidvania-style gameplay with a touch reminiscent of Pokémon, a series I’m fond of, is noteworthy. Gathering each Homunculi not only enriches your armory but also contributes to a feeling of accomplishment. Mastering the right moment to deploy which ally becomes a sort of sub-game, although there are some that are so effective they can be utilized throughout the entire adventure.

As a gamer myself, I’ve got some news about Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. The developers have shared that when they upgrade it to version 1.0, all saved data will be erased. If you’re keen on starting fresh, or if you prefer waiting for the full release, which is scheduled for January 23, 2025, then this tidbit might be just what you need! The game promises stunning visuals, an intriguing world, and a captivating soundtrack, composed once again by Mili, who made magic with the music in the original game.

Nine Sols

Any Metroidvania enthusiast could predict that “Nine Sols” would grace this list. The moment I sampled its demo, I was captivated. Straight away, I fell in love with the graphics, evoking memories of “Hollow Knight” while maintaining a unique, hand-drawn charm. Coupling that visual appeal with an Asian fantasy Taopunk theme and compelling narrative, I was hooked.

In the game “Nine Sols“, both combat and exploration are incredibly tough yet fair, providing a genuine challenge. The sense of discovery is immensely rewarding because the world is brimming with secrets and intricately designed. A standout feature for me was how vibrant the world seemed due to the presence of NPCs. While I adore “Hollow Knight“, it can feel quite solitary at times, which was undoubtedly the intention of Team Cherry. RedCandleGames manages to evoke the same eerie atmosphere as “Hollow Knight” while introducing an engaging twist to it.

In the game Nine Sols, you’ll notice similarities with Hollow Knight, but its combat feels akin to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Perfecting the timing for deflections is crucial for staying alive and advancing, particularly against the many bosses. Despite repeatedly failing against the same boss, I knew it was my own shortcomings that hindered me, fueling my determination to emerge victorious. Nine Sols boasts some of the finest combat in any Metroidvania title, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus

In a harmonious fashion, hand-drawn games and Metroidvania share a common bond, as I’m delighted to introduce another hand-crafted Metroidvania Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus. This game showcases a striking resemblance to Nine Sols, while maintaining an exceptional standard in combat, visuals, and exploration. Squid Shock Studios further enhances its charm by incorporating a papercraft aesthetic that sets it apart. The overall experience of the game possesses a surreal, dreamlike quality, making it truly unique, even with its hand-drawn design.

In the captivating world of “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus,” I’ve encountered an engaging blend of conflict and discovery. Apart from one area that has been skillfully addressed, there are no significant issues. The game maintains a harmonious balance between these elements but tends to favor platforming as the story progresses. However, I relished in the intrigue, as this title presents a refreshing twist on Metroidvania-style games, where combat is not always the most difficult hurdle to overcome. Instead, it offers a thrilling challenge that sets it apart from many others in its genre.

In other words, while the combat isn’t subpar in Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, it’s particularly engaging during boss battles, offering a rhythmic exchange that resembles a dance. The game offers a variety of tools and choices, but it’s the reliable pogo jump move that stands out. Compared to games like Hollow Knight or Nine Sols, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus has a more forgiving difficulty level, yet still maintains an enjoyable degree of challenge.

Here are some remarkable Metroidvania games to fill the void until Hollow Knight: Silksong is released, though there are many others worth exploring. Among them are Animal Well, Crypt Custodian, and Biomorph. The Metroidvania genre experienced a fantastic boom in 2024 even without Silksong, so who knows if 2025 will be the year we get to play it (fingers crossed)! In the meantime, you might want to check out these other Metroidvanias as they’re definitely worth your time.

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2025-01-04 06:10