While certain genres of games tend to have their popularity rise and fall with time, the growth of theMetroidvaniagenre has been slow and steady. The genre is gradually becoming more mainstream, with more titles gaining attention every year. The genre is not the easiest to describe, but can most easily be encapsulating when looking at the Metroid and Castelevania series that inspired it.
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These games can be challenging, but incredibly rewarding. They tend to have unique combat and approaches to exploration, making them easy to dive into and get stuck in. So, out of all the Metroidvania games available on the PS4, which are the most fun to play through?
10Sundered
The original version of Sundered launched in 2017 and is a classic style Metroidvania with a unique and stylised approach to its world and design. However, the version of the game that you are most likely to find is Sundered Eldritch Edition, which is seen as the best way to play the game with extra features and refinements that help it stand above the original.
This game is heavily recommended if you are a fan of Lovecraftian horror, as this inspires the world and enemy designs and helps give Sundered a unique perspective with its fast-paced and rewarding take on classic Metroidvania gameplay.
9Owlboy
If you are interested in the Metroidvania genre, but don’t know where to start, then Owlboy is a perfect choice. Owlboy is classified as a platforming and adventure game; however, it takes inspiration from certain Metroidvania design elements that make it feel like a pseudo-Metroidvania, making it a good starting place for those who want a more forgiving introduction to the genre.
In Owlboy, you play as Otus, who is part of an owl tribe living in the land of the sky. Not long after the game begins, his town is attacked by pirates, and this begins Otus' adventure of discovering the history of his people.
8The Messenger
One of the most unique and beloved Metroidvanias is The Messenger. This game launched in 2018, and the creators cited the Ninja Gaiden series as a source of inspiration; however, the game took on a strong identity of its own, and a reason for this is the Metroidvania gameplay style.
Similar to a lot of Metroidvanias, this game has a central gimmick, this time being time travel, with the titular Messenger travelling between two time periods, which can be distinguished by the game switching between an 8-bit and 16-bit style. This unique look, paired with engaging gameplay, makes The Messenger a game you won’t want to leave until reaching the credits.
With there being so many Metroidvanias available to play through, developers are forced to innovate with new concepts to ensure that their entry into the competitive genre will stand out. WhileDead Cellsis not the only Metroidvania to combine the features of this genrewith roguelike gameplay, it is one of the most successful to do so.
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The levels in Dead Cells are procedurally generated, meaning the Prisoner you play as will always face a new challenge when working to their escape. The game is also packed full of content, with the game getting fresh updates and DLC since its launch, making it an impressive package as it stands now.
6Salt And Sanctuary
One of the most visually stunning Metroidvanias available to play on PS4 is Salt And Sanctuary. The hand-drawn visuals are a sight to behold, but the gameplay doesn’t lack either, keeping you engaged throughout the course of the story. While there are heavy Metroidvania elements present, it also features Soulslike gameplay features, as well as stronger RPG elements as well.
These RPG elements keep the combat fun and refreshing, and the Soulslike elements mean that there is always a sense of risk versus reward. This is also a rare multiplayer option, and the original launch was so popular it prompted the sequel, Salt And Sacrifice, to launch in 2022.
5Axiom Verge
As the name implies, the Metroid series is foundational to the Metroidvania genre. However, since the Metroid series is a Nintendo exclusive IP, none of the entries, classic or modern, are available to play on PS4. In spite of this, there are plenty of Metroidvania games that are heavily inspired by the classic Metroid titles especially, with Axiom Verge being a high-quality Metroidvania that takes direct inspiration from Super Metroid.
Axiom Verge still retains a strong identity, with the gameplay still having a fresh feel, and a different style of story than a Metroid game. The original was successful enough to justify a sequel, withAxiom Verge 2being a strong Metroidvania too.
4Guacamelee
One way different Metroidvania games stand out from each other is by having a strong visual identity. No game is a better example of this than Guacamelee. In Guacamelee, you play as Juan, who is a luchadore, and you use his unique move set to not just engage in combat, but also to traverse through the vibrant 2D landscape.
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There is also a parallel world mechanic at play to make the exploration even more difficult but rewarding. The gameplay is fun and easy to pick up, which makes the fact it has drop-in multiplayer available even more enticing. This feature is also available in the sequel Guacamelee 2.
3Bloodstained Ritual Of The Night
While some doubted the potential of Bloodstained Ritual of the Night throughout its pre-release era, it is now fondly remembered as one of the best modern Metroidvanias. The game was funded as a Kickstarter campaign with Koji Igarashi at the helm, being the former series producer of Castlevania.
The project was successfully funded, and while it had some spotty pre-release trailers, and launched with a badly optimized Switch port, all versions of Bloodstained Ritual of the Night are now a blast to play through. The game is seen as a spiritual successor to classic Castlevania, and while the 3D environment might not be to every player’s taste, it is easy to get accustomed to.
2Blasphemous
Different Metroidvanias all have a unique look to set them apart from the competition, but perhaps the most visually enticing and unique is Blasphemous. The way Blasphemous utilizes pixel art and combines it with a strong art direction makes it a game you do not ever want to look away from.
This game is not just defined by its look either, with the gameplay flowing smoothly and giving plenty of customization options to make progressing through the tightly designed world rewarding. The original was so successful it prompted a direct sequel with Blasphemous 2.
1Hollow Knight
When it comes to beloved modern Metroidvanias it is hard to ignore the impactHollow Knighthas had. The sense of atmosphere created by the world designs, animation, and audio creates an entrancing yet oppressive atmosphere that you won’t want to end.
It is one of the more difficult Metroidvanias, but also has a story that is more rewarding, with the more effort you put in uncovering the nature of the world you are adventuring through. The game also received plenty of free updates that have extended the length of a playthrough and added plenty of post-game content, giving a tough challenge if you are willing to continue after reaching credits.
