Almost perfect forgotten Metroidvanias

Thanks to the indie community that wanted a new one Castlevania or Metroid game around 2010, the Metroidvania genre exploded. There's something so satisfying about being dropped into a map and being allowed to fully explore and cross borders after acquiring items or abilities. Some games even have great leveling systems.

Hollow Knight will likely be the modern poster child for the genre for years to come, but not every Metroidvania has achieved its level of exposure. A ruined mummy and Yoku's Island Express are two examples of Metroidvanias that haven't had their day in the sun. Will it last, what about these other games? Let's go through them all and discuss their merits.

Aliens: Infestation

The Xenomorph Chronicles

• Developer: WayForward Technologies

• Publisher: Sega

• Released: 11/10/11

• Platform: DS

Alien infestation he is great Foreign a DS game that was never ported anywhere else. The game's gimmick revolved around permadeath, as players were in control of a small squad of soldiers, and if they died, that was it. However, players can also rescue others to increase their numbers or find equipment to make it easier to snipe the Xenomorphs.

The gameplay was pretty straightforward: explore an abandoned ship, shoot aliens of all sizes, find upgrades, rescue others, and repeat. It was a simple game, but developer WayForward used the license well.

Cat Robot

Domo Arigato Mr. Gato Roboto

Cat Robot has to be one of the most adorable Metroidvanias of all time, starring a cat who was given a robot suit after her master got injured. This suit was very similar to Samus Aran's suit Metroid series, complete with a blaster that can fend off equally cute enemies.

However, the suit wasn't the titular Gat's only means of defense, as players could commandeer other items, such as submarines, to go underwater. Players could also climb out of suits and vehicles and explore them as cats, so overall cat lovers will appreciate this little gem.

Metroid: Samus Returns

Badly timed remake

Metroid: Samus Returns was released for the 3DS in 2017, which was a huge deal for several reasons. It was the first game to star Samus Aran since 2010, and the fact that it was a remake of the 1991 Game Boy game, Metroid 2: Return of Samusshe was like the icing on the cake.

However, the game came out months after the Switch, so not many people paid attention to it, let alone a fan game, AM2Rhe only ate his lunch a year ago. Bad timing aside, it's good Metroid a game with solid platforming, great shooting and upgrades, and a cool new counter mechanic.

A monster story

Dual screen perfection

• Developer: DreamRift

• Publisher: Majesco Entertainment

• Released: 3/22/11

• Platform: DS

A monster story it was released for the DS in 2011, and since the remake hasn't come out yet, it's the DS version. The game didn't make much of a splash in 20111, but has gained a cult following over the years because of word of mouth.

This isekai stars as Ellie, a young girl who befriends a monster. On the top screen, players could blast enemies with their magic bracelet, and on the bottom screen, they could take care of the monster, evolve it, and also help with attacks. It was a good mix of genres and a very simple Metroidvania for a younger audience.

A ruined mummy

Better than the movie

A ruined mummy is a movie game and it was a rare case where a game was rated higher than the movie it was based on, i.e. the 2017 Tom Cruise reboot. It feels like a spiritual successor Alien infestationas players could control a nameless soldier exploring the ruins, all while trying to take down the titular mummy.

Moreover, it was also developed by WayForward. If players died, they would restart as a new soldier and have to kill the previous character to get equipment. A ruined mummy was a unique concept for a Metroidvania that was enhanced by great pixel art and solid platforming action.

Muramasa: Demon Blade

Two heroes, one fate

Muramasa: Demon Blade started out as a Wii exclusive before getting a semi-remaster via a PS Vita port, Rebirth of Muramasa. Although both versions are worth playing Rebirth of Muramasa it's technically superior with sharper visuals, better weaponry, and gorgeous artwork.

History aside, the game was split into two campaigns, each starring a ninja who could wield various swords and fight demons across ancient Japan. Some blades could break through barriers that opened up new areas. The Metroidvania elements were light, but like an action game Muramasa: Demon Blade holds, which is not surprising from developer Vanillaware.

Shantae: Risky's Revenge

I toss my hair back and forth

Shantae: Risky's Revenge is WayForward's last game worth mentioning, and Shantae the series as a whole is an original work for them. Compared to Castlevania, Metroidand more modern classics like Hollow KnightShantae games never get their due.

If Metroidvania fans must play one, Shantae: Risky's Revenge it would be which was first released on the DS in 2010 but has received MANY ports since then. The game starred the titular Shantae, who could whip enemies with her hair, hit them with magic spells, and transform into animals to unlock new areas. Cute, funny and full of fan service, don't miss this gem.

Timespinner

Dance, magic dance

Timespinner is a great example of a Metroidvania with RPG elementsas players can attack enemies and level up. Instead of weapons, players can find orbs that take on different elemental properties or forms to fight enemies, and players can create combos between the two in battle.

Summoning familiars is also a big part of the combat, so overall there's a lot of customization when it comes to equipment. Now is as good a time as any to check out this 2018 game as a sequel is in the works.

Touhou Luna Nights

Room service

Touhou Luna Nights is one of many Desire a game that has a long history, but who doesn't know it won't get lost in this Metroidvania entry. Players took on the role of Sakuya, who looked like a typical French anime cafe maid who has the ability to throw knives as her main attack.

While this and her other specials set her apart from the usual Metroidvanias weapons and attacks, what was truly unique was that players could freeze time for several perks. If players wanted to avoid an attack, they could freeze time or use it to freeze water to cross it like a normal platform, so overall this ability helped open up the 2D nature of the game.

Yoku's Island Express

Pinball loving bugs

Yoku's Island Express is another simple and adorable Metroidvania unlike anything else. In the game, the beetle plays the postman Yoku, who must travel around their new island to deliver mail. A ball is attached to their person that players can push to enter pinball chambers around the island to get there faster.

There certainly aren't many pinball Metroidvanias out there, but Yoku's Island Express is more than a gimmick because it's both a fun Metroidvania and a good pinball game thanks to well-designed levels and controls and a great art style with cool island vibes.