The term "metroidvania" is awkward. Additionally, it is a portmanteau of the video games Metroid and Castlevania, which were almost nonexistent on the more modern Nintendo systems until lately. Although the term "search-action" seems a little more elegant, let's be honest—Metroidvania is what we have for now. Fortunately, a few new releases from the two flagship series have served as a reminder to gamers of the reasons for their continued dominance in the field.
The Metroidvania genre was born with games like Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, which combined side-scrolling 2D action with features like secret-finding backtracking and unlocked abilities. Although the genre's fundamentals were there earlier, these two helped elevate it to the pinnacles of video game history. Younger players had the freedom to freely explore wide-open spaces, find foes, and make their own decisions.
Since then, amazing Metroidvanias have emerged from various facets of game production, not only Metroid and Castlevania. Notable entrants include Hollow Knight and Axiom Verge, two small indie companies that left a lasting impression. Gamers benefit much from the enthusiastic creators who appear to be drawn to this cherished genre. Now let's find the top Metroidvania games on the Switch!
This is our selection of the top Metroidvanias on the Switch;
Axiom Verges 1 & 2While it is undoubtedly cheating, both games are worthwhile to be discussed. The original Axiom Verge, made by lone developer Thomas Happ, is an intriguing sci-fi adventure game that turns the genre on its head with some crazy concepts. It feels fantastic to manage the several weapons you uncover, and it has a really powerful tone as well.
Verge Axiom 2 isn't initially as action-packed as it gets, but it builds into an equally amazing journey that adopts some unique adjustments to set itself apart.You may read our
Axiom Verge 2 review for further details.
Ori & The Wisps' Will
This former Xbox exclusive has an amazing conversion to the Switch, maintaining its stylish appearance and maintaining a strong framerate the whole time. Ori is a much more free-form and wild interpretation of the genre, as you search the woods for missing pals and battle foes as you go. Controlling Ori feels amazing in and of itself, and you may enhance that movement later on with powerful abilities. Be ready for a tearjerker as well!Hollow Knight
The little team of Team Cherry creates the latest legend of the genre. Players have been enthralled with the harsh, bug-infested realm of Hallownest for years, and its legend continues to be studied to this day. Hollow Knight has captured the hearts and minds of many gamers with its stunning graphics, amazing soundtrack, and challenging but rewarding gameplay. Thus, maybe Hollow Knight: Silksong, the sequel, won't be too far off.
Asparagus 2
This might be the answer if you want a little additional colour. Guacamelee 2, which draws heavily from Mexican culture and celebrates Dia de los Muertos, is a fun and witty game that conceals some difficult obstacles. It has a humorous storyline, fast-paced action, and a tonne of intriguing abilities that can be unlocked. It's a rare game that makes you feel like a chicken, yet for some reason it works.
Advance Collection of Castellanania
Would you like a fantastic Castlevania game? Excuse me, three excellent Castlevania games? It sounds incredible, doesn't it? This collection offers a lot of value for the money and includes the GBA games Castlevania: Circle Of The Moon, Harmony Of Dissonance, and the beloved Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow. These fantastic games play well and have some clever updates that make them seem even better than before. To be honest, it's a must-see for any aficionado of the genre.
Ritual Of The Night: Bloodstained
A new brand that continues the legacy of some of the greatest Castlevania games ever created emerges from the imagination of Koji Igarashi. After a very successful Kickstarter campaign, Bloodstained was eventually released on the Switch a few years ago. It has the same gothic horror, gory creatures, and action-exploration that fans like, making it the closest thing we have to a contemporary Castlevania. Fortunately, it's also a great game on its own and merits some alone time.
Dread of Metroids
Being able to include a Metroid game on this list feels amazing. The 2D Metroid games are famous, yet they have been absent for over 20 years. Fortunately,
Metroid Dread functions as a stand-alone action game as well as a Metroid Fusion sequel. Samus has complete divine control over her journey, which serves as a fitting conclusion to a 35-year narrative. Even though Dread is very difficult, it is well worth the time and effort you invest since there is so much for both fans and newbies to appreciate. With any luck, its popularity will prevent us from having to wait another 19 years for a sequel, since Mercury Steam has shown that they are more than capable of creating a fantastic Metroidvania game.See our whole review of the
Metroid Dread here.With this list of the top Metroidvania games on the Switch, perhaps you'll have enough of sidescrolling action to pass the time. To ensure you don't miss any of the must-have games on the Switch, Switch users in need of more should consult our list of the
best Switch games.
