Underrated Metroidvania Games You Should Play

Given the immense popularity of Metroidvanias, it has become increasingly difficult to find recommendations that stand out from the crowd.

From underrated gems to titles hailed as the genre's best so far in the 2020s, the lineup of Metroid and Castlevania successors is more robust than ever, though finding them now requires a bit more digging.

There are truly captivating adventures that, for one reason or another, failed to achieve the level of recognition their quality deserved, leaving them in the shadows, which is an oversight we really ought to remedy.

So, to celebrate these experiences that would make the industry a more lush place if more people knew about them, here are ten Metroidvanias that most people haven't played, but definitely should.

10 Imp of the Sun

A Unique Identity

Release Date

March 24, 2022

Developer(s)

Sunwolf Entertainment

Publisher(s)

Fireshine Games

Platform(s)

PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch

How Long To Beat

6 Hours

OpenCritic Rating

67

Unfortunately, Incan mythology and symbolism remain under explored in the interactive medium, but fascinating projects like Imp of the Sun do an excellent job of reversing that unfortunate reality.

Few titles in the genre leverage their underlying folklore as effectively as this game, presenting a story, abilities, settings, enemies, and even soundscapes that transport us to the heart of a historic civilization.

While it's short and its mechanics aren't groundbreaking, the gameplay is solid enough to let the contextual elements do the heavy lifting, offering a truly unique journey with captivating sequences and notable challenges.

I wonder if my own limited imagination could have ever pictured what Ori and the Blind Forest might look like if it were based on Peruvian history, though I am very glad Sunwolf Entertainment has provided the answer.

9 Adventure of Samsara

Memories of the Past

Adventure of Samsara Metroidvania Released September 4, 2025 Developer(s) Ilex Games Publisher(s) Atari Genre(s) Metroidvania

Due to my age, I never got to play the 8-bit classics when they were first released, but my desire to revisit gaming history led me to Adventure of Samsara, a title that magnificently captures the era's essence.

The game dares to break away from current genre standards by favoring slow, contemplative exploration and encounters rooted in positioning and patience rather than reflexes and raw motor skill, effectively standing in opposition to the "new school" of Metroidvanias.

It's compelling in its own right, delighting the senses with a wonderful audiovisual composition that strikes a balance between retro aesthetics and modern sensibilities, perfectly complementing the detailed animations and rich atmosphere.

In a decade where the genre is increasingly converging toward a uniform style, Adventure of Samsara is an imperfect breath of fresh air that truly cleanses the palate and redefines the rhythm of what it means to be a Metroidvania.

8 Blue Fire

Three-dimensional Acrobatics

Blue Fire Indie Action Adventure Released February 4, 2021 ESRB E For Everyone: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language Developer(s) Robi Studios Publisher(s) Graffiti Games Engine Unreal Engine 4 Genre(s) Indie, Action, Adventure

Metroidvanias that break away from the traditional 2D side-scrolling perspective are eye-catching from the moment you first see them, and titles like Blue Fire give us every reason to keep a close watch on this lineage of titles played from a different viewpoint.

Although its rough edges are apparent in many respects, any technical shortcomings are overshadowed by intriguing, exciting mechanics, as the combat and platforming constantly shift to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the campaign.

With its changing biomes and the progressive expansion of abilities and challenges, Blue Fire is a restless beast that might bite you now and then but, once you learn to tame it, you’ll soar through the levels with extraordinary satisfaction.

It's a unique case, considering its 3D design may elicit mixed reactions, yet that does nothing to diminish the merit of this bold, Zelda-esque title that will frustrate you just as much as it will surprise you.

7 Princess Pomu and the 5 Moons

Mega Man Meets Hollow Knight

Release Date

June 26, 2025

Developer(s)

Pixel Dominus

Publisher(s)

Pixel Dominus

Platform(s)

PC and Nintendo Switch

How Long To Beat

n/a

OpenCritic Rating

n/a

When developers openly embrace their inspirations, the results can range from blatant plagiarism to the work of a promising student; fortunately, Princess Pomu and the 5 Moons falls into the latter category.

Mega Man meets Hollow Knight in this bold blend of melee and ranged combat, where punches and tail swipes complement firearms to create a deep, complex combat system.

As you unlock new attack combinations, abilities, and an arsenal of ranged weapons, the game's fights and movement possibilities expand notably, which becomes strikingly apparent given the significant amount of backtracking involved.

Furthermore, Princess Pomu strives to tell an engaging story with a meta-narrative about art; combined with a fantastic soundtrack and polished pixel art, it shapes up to be a solid Metroidvania on all fronts.

6 9 Years of Shadow

Bringing Out the Genre's Colors

9 Years of Shadows Metroidvania Platformer Side-scroller Action RPG Released March 27, 2023 ESRB Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language Developer(s) Halberd Studios Publisher(s) indie.io Engine Unity Genre(s) Metroidvania, Platformer, Side-scroller, Action, RPG

The fact that 9 Years of Shadow is Halberd Studios' debut title is surprising for every conceivable reason, but especially for the sheer confidence with which they crafted such an ambitious Metroidvania.

Boasting gorgeous animation, outstanding pixel art, and a tremendous soundtrack, the team of artists behind this journey across Talos Castle possesses truly gifted hands, a talent worthy of endless, exhausting applause.

Fortunately, the gameplay holds its own; while it may not be groundbreaking, it is polished, varied, and spectacular enough to make every one of its ten hours feel incredibly satisfying.

Now that they're working on Mariachi Legends, all we can do is wait with our hands poised and ready to clap, because, judging by what they achieved with 9 Years of Shadow, we can expect nothing less than a masterpiece.

5 Last Vanguard

A Devastating War

Last Vanguard Metroidvania Exploration Dungeon Crawler Platformer Developer(s) Cool Tapir Studios LLC Publisher(s) Cool Tapir Studios LLC Engine Unity Genre(s) Metroidvania, Exploration, Dungeon Crawler, Platformer

While weapon-focused Metroidvanias aren't usually my favorites, Last Vanguard is a wonderful exception that takes some of Metroid's best aspects and reimagines them within a truly unique wartime setting.

With magnificent hand-drawn art and satisfying progression mechanics, including RPG elements that actively and passively alter your playstyle, it's an ambitious campaign that constantly surprises with its gameplay depth.

A host of bosses, biomes, weapons, and abilities await you in the resistance against the machines, where the game's desolate atmosphere contrasts with the cartoonish character and enemy designs to create a truly compelling dichotomy.

Given how creative and excellent it is, it's disheartening to see the vast majority aren't even aware of Last Vanguard, though at least this offers a chance to champion it as the outstanding creation it truly is.

4 Mark of the Deep

Ghosts of the High Seas

Release Date

January 24, 2025

Developer(s)

Mad Mimic

Publisher(s)

Light Up Games

Platform(s)

PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch

How Long To Beat

15½ Hours

OpenCritic Rating

n/a

Given how extensively the theme of piracy has been explored in literature and film, it's surprising it hasn't made quite the same impact in video games, with a few notable exceptions, like Mark of the Deep.

A Metroidvania that blends high-seas outlaws with ancient, Lovecraftian horrors, all wrapped in a Death's Door-style gameplay framework, was bound to be outstanding, and fortunately, Mad Mimic delivered.

The combat is fast-paced, the isometric perspective is striking, the level design is vertical and interconnected, and the world-building is fascinating... Mark of the Deep is ambitious, yet it successfully realizes most of its aspirations.

It stumbles occasionally, particularly on a technical level, but after a year of updates and new content, there's no better time to give this thrilling voyage a chance.

3 Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight

As Short as It Is Thrilling

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight Released March 4, 2016 ESRB T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Bombservice Publisher(s) PLAYISM Engine GameMaker

As one of the best-known titles on the list, Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight has become a go-to recommendation for me, thanks to how it covers every aspect valued in modern Metroidvanias.

Whether you look at exploration, boss fights, platforming sections, or progression mechanics, the game distills everything into a solid package where every element works together like a remarkable symphony.

Its leanings toward the Soulslike genre allow for gameplay that's more unforgiving yet thoughtful, truly satisfying the craving for a challenge among the genre's fans while also offering a captivating aesthetic set in a distinctive world.

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is so outstanding that nothing short of massive popularity would do justice to its quality, making it a perfect fit for this article.

2 Laika: Aged Through Blood

Blood and Motorcycles

Laika: Aged Through Blood Metroidvania Released October 19, 2023 ESRB M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Brainwash Gang Publisher(s) Headup Games, Thunderful Publishing Engine Unity Genre(s) Metroidvania

When a video game achieves what Laika: Aged Through Blood does—not only presenting a concept with virtually no parallel but also executing it in a refined, accessible way— you know you are witnessing a truly praiseworthy work.

The game could have relied solely on its unique blend of the Metroidvania genre and Trials' stunt-based motorcycle mechanics, yet it ensures you take notice because it's unconventional and keeps you hooked because it's outstanding.

The combat's thrill and exceptional nature are paired with aggressive visual splendor and a truly commendable revenge story that ties the entire adventure together, unfolding mature sequences that foster a deep, emotional connection to the events.

It may not be for everyone, but even Laika: Aged Through Blood's staunchest detractor couldn't deny it's a passionate title that genuinely strives to achieve something new without relying on novelty as its only selling point.

1 Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo

Innovatively Familiar

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Action Adventure Top-Down Indie Games Metroidvania Released May 28, 2025 ESRB E // Mild Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Pocket Trap Publisher(s) PM Studios Genre(s) Action, Adventure, Top-Down, Indie Games, Metroidvania

Nostalgia is a powerful draw for video game players, though the way Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo resurrects the aesthetic and feel of the Game Boy Advance is directly divine.

Much like Mina the Hollower did this year, Pocket Trap perfectly captured the innovative spirit of the era that inspired them, crafting an adventure that simultaneously transports you to a bygone period and makes you deeply appreciate the fact that you can play it today.

Centering combat, exploration, platforming, and environmental puzzles around the mechanics of a yo-yo and its rebounds is a stroke of genius, as it opens the door to countless fresh and captivating scenarios that leave you thinking "that's incredible" every few minutes.

From bosses and dialogue to art style, level design, and abilities, there isn't a single element of Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo that wasn't lovingly conceived and executed with an almost obsessive attention to detail.

Few indie titles make the scene worth following quite like this one, given it radiates so much personality and talent that anything less than universal acclaim will leave me viewing it as underrated.