I’ve been playing a bunch of Rusted Moss lately. It’s a Twin Stick Shooter Metroidvania, which is appreciably different from the Hack and Slash type I normally play. Getting used to mouse-and-keyboarding a platform heavy game took a bit. And boy are there platforms.
While elements of Metroidvanias are there, this game leans way further into the platforming. I would say it’s closer to Celeste than Hollow Knight. Imagine Celeste, but instead of a magic dash and climbing gear Madeline had a gun and a chatty grappling hook.
Anyways, I’ve been enjoying the heck outta this game and wanted to share. While you’re here I will accept any and all Metroidvania recommendations. Except for Cookie Cutter probably.
There’s always the classics: Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a spritual sequel to Symphony, made by a good chunk of the people who made Symphony now that Konami has effectively stopped making games.
The Castlevania GBA and DS games are great as well.
I also really enjoyed Blaster Master Zero. It has a few distinct gameplay styles within the overarching metroidvania style overworld progression. Side scrolling platformer in a tank, on foot, and isometric on foot shooter.
I’ve enjoyed what I’ve played of Xeodrifter, but I didn’t get too far into it.
“Blaster Master?” takes long drag on cigarette “I haven’t heard that
namegame in years.”Man, I remember playing the OG on NES. Didn’t know they remade it… And made it all anime lookin’? Neat. If you’ll excuse me, I must go and tidy my crypt now.
I recently picked up the Castlevania Anniversary Collection. For all the Metroidvanias I’ve played as an adult, I never really got too into them as a kid. Gotta make up for that at some point, lol. Symphony of the Night isn’t on there, but I don’t want to start mid storyline (I’m kidding). My biggest fear is playing Castlevania will just make me more impatient for the next season of Castlevania Nocturne.
Funny thing is, I’ve enjoyed a lot of Metroidvanias, but…never enjoyed Symphony of the Night. There’s so much forceful encounter repetition, so many dead end items that don’t actually help you “unlock any doors”, and it’s so easy to get into a rut of wandering the castle unsure where you can go next.