Gorgeous 3D games may be all over the place these days but 2D Metroidvanias are still a hit for gamers today. From last year's Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights to the much-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, game developers have been releasing titles that take the best qualities of the retro adventure games Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
Independent game studios have not been shy when it comes to releasing Metroidvania titles as these types of games still hold massive audience appeal and allow them to create immersive worlds. On the website Ranker, s rate the top Metroidvania games available on the Nintendo Switch.
UnEpic (2011)
Created by Spanish game developer Francisco Téllez de Meneses, UnEpic is a Metroidvania game that follows the story of Daniel, an avid RPG player who gets transported into the game he's playing. In order to escape, he has to finish the game and beat the dark spirit that inhabits his body.
First released for the PC in 2011, UnEpic gained more fans when it was ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2017. While many players say that they found the game to be limited in of narrative and replayability, they also found it witty, funny, and an overall decent take on the Metroidvania genre.
Xeodrifter (2014)
From the now-defunct Indie game studio Renegade Kid, Xeodrifter is a story about an intergalactic traveler who seeks to explore what the universe offers. The game features lush and vivid pixel art that successfully portrays the solitary interstellar life.
Xeodrifter has received favorable reviews due to its fun platforming segments, engaging combat, and smooth flow. In addition, the game also includes gun modification options that help gamers customize and enhance their playstyle. But despite following the Metroidvania formula, some players are not big fans of Xeodrifter's disted stages and underwhelming bosses.
Iconoclasts (2018)
It took eight years for Iconoclasts to see the light of day because it was only developed by one person. Indie developer Joakim "Konjak" Sandberg's hard work has resulted in a Metroidvania game that's well-received by gamers and critics alike for its original story, vibrant graphics, and excellent game mechanics.
Iconoclasts follow the story of Robin, a mechanic who seeks to overthrow a tyrannical religious organization. Using Robin's tools, players can fight enemies, solve puzzles, and explore hidden areas in the game. Gamers who are big fans of difficult boss fights will surely enjoy Iconoclasts because it offers over 20 different bosses to defeat.
Gato Roboto (2019)
In Gato Roboto, players assume the role of an armored mech-wearing cat who is on a mission to defeat monsters in an alien-infested world. Aside from offering a great exploration-filled and humorous Metroidvania experience, the main character Gato Roboto also has an extremely cute character design, so much so that has been adapted as a costume in the popular multiplayer game Fall Guys.
Despite being released in 2019, players say that Gato Roboto looks like a game that would have been released for the first Gameboy or Atari 2600. Nevertheless, it is surprisingly enjoyable thanks to its adorable graphics, good platforming sequences, and immense replayability.
Shantae And The Pirate's Curse (2014)
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is the third game in the WayForward Technologies' Shantae series. Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, the indie Metroidvania game has achieved further success after being ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2018.
Like its predecessors, the game still follows the story of a half-genie and her journey towards saving her home from nefarious buccaneer enemies. However, Shantae and the Pirate's Curse deviates from the other games in the franchise as it offers nonlinear worlds that are spread across different islands. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a must-play for every Metroidvania fan due to its intricate visuals, delightful writing, and solid gameplay.
Salt & Sanctuary (2016)
Besides taking inspiration from the Castlevania and Metroid games, Salt & Sanctuary also borrows certain aspects from the notorious FromSoftware "souls-type" games. The Metroidvania game combines the signature 2D platformer mechanics with the difficulty of "souls-type" games.
Salt & Sanctuary offers diverse game elements, with more than 600 items for players to use, as well as a class system that is reminiscent of adventure RPGs. In order to beat Salt & Sanctuary, players will have to go on missions that involve saving a lost princess and defeating a divine being.
Guacamelee! (2013)
In DrinkBox studio's Guacamelee!, players assume the iconic Metroidvania character Juan Aguacate, an agave farmer who transforms into a powerful hero after wearing a luchador mask. The indie game was first released in 2013 for other platforms but was later available on the Nintendo Switch eShop in 2018.
Guacamelee! succeeds as a Metroidvania title by having solid platform-heavy levels, a good combat system, and a huge map that's ripe for exploration. The game also sneaks in many game pop culture references that even the most casual players will recognize.
Axiom Verge (2015)
Axiom Verge is a Metroidvania game that was singlehandedly created by game developer Thomas Happ. The sidescroller Metroidvania is about a scientist who finds himself in a high-tech alien universe. Players of the game might find Axiom Verge's narrative to be confusing at first since it includes various sci-fi concepts such as cloning, time travel, and alternate worlds.
In spite of its mind-bending story, the game is well-enjoyed by Metroidvania fans thanks to its enthralling soundtrack, breathtaking visuals, and innovative weapons.
Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night (2019)
The team that developed Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was led by the former series producer of the Castlevania franchise. So in a lot of ways, the game is a spiritual successor to the Castlevania titles. However, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night also gets to distinguish itself by sprinkling some Metroid aspects in its gameplay.
The game features Miriam, one of the best female protagonists in RPGs. In order to break a curse inflicted on her, Miriam needs to get through a castle and defeat the demons that lurk in its shadows. Some critics found the platforming mechanics to be a little difficult. But because of its remarkably-designed gameplay and combat, the indie Metroidvania has found a lot of love on the Nintendo Switch.
Hollow Knight (2017)
Team Cherry's Hollow Knight is one of the best Metroidvania games available to play on the Nintendo Switch. In fact, some even say that it can hold a candle against the two main games the genre is based on. In it, gamers play as a nameless knight who seeks to find the solution to a mysterious infection sweeping through the kingdom of Hallownest.
What makes Hollow Knight a supreme Metroidvania game is its spellbinding narrative that encourages exploration, as well as the amount of content it offers players. Even after finishing the main story of the game, Hollow Knight has plenty of post-launch able content that brings new bosses, stories, and game modes.
