I previously asked for Metroidvania game recommendations and got hooked on Nine Sols, which was fantastic. Now, I’m back looking for more suggestions. There’s a Steam bundle with La-Mulana 1 & 2, Momodora, Touhou Luna Nights, and Rusted Moss that caught my eye, though I know La-Mulana is pretty tough. Also interested in Souldiers (currently on sale) and Yoku’s Island Express.
I’ve played quite a few already: Blasphemous, Dead Cells (if that counts), Candle (not sure if it fits exactly), Hollow Knight, Laika: Aged Through Blood, Ori, Rainworld, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Nine Sols, Source of Madness (didn’t love it), Sundered, Wonder Boy, Islets, several Metroid and Castlevania titles, Wakamelee, Dandara, Cave Story.
I like games that are fast-paced but don’t have overwhelming skill trees, which is why I enjoyed Laika but didn’t like Source of Madness much.
So, any solid recommendations? Would you say the Steam bundle is worth it or should I buy some titles individually? Open to any suggestions!
4 Answers
You’ve already played a great range! Just to add some more names you might like: Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Momodora: Moonlit Farewell, Voidwrought, Ghost Song, and Astalon: Tears of the Earth.
Also, if you’re into more story-driven or exploration-heavy games, Axiom Verge and Timespinner might be worth checking out when you find them on sale. Dust: Elysian Tail is also pretty good but more linear compared to others, so keep that in mind if you want something with more open exploration.
If you want something really solid, I’d highly recommend Phoenotopia: Awakening. It’s a top-tier Metroidvania with a gripping story, great world-building, beautiful art, and catchy music. The combat is challenging but fair, and it really rewards you for trying new movement tricks and exploring hidden areas. Plus, it’s about 50 hours long packed with secrets, so it gives you tons of gameplay if you’re into that level of depth.
Quick suggestion: definitely try Salt and Sacrifice if you haven’t yet. It’s got a great mix of combat and exploration. Also, Animal Well is a fantastic pick if you want something a bit different but still in the Metroidvania vein, though some folks find it a bit short. Worth checking out either way.
If you’re thinking about the Steam bundle with La-Mulana and the others — La-Mulana is notoriously tough, especially the puzzles that can be vague or a bit cryptic, kind of like Tunic or Outer Wilds. It’s great if you like a real challenge and exploring every nook.
Also, check out Environmental Station Alpha. Some people complain about its difficulty but it’s fair if you get the hang of it. The postgame is a wild ride with some secret stuff that most folks miss.
Bobo the Cat is a bit bizarre and free, but it lasts a good 20 hours if you stick with it, so not a bad option to try out. Rabi-Ribi is another favorite and highly recommended as a Metroidvania, though it has some mild fanservice, nothing NSFW, so just a heads up if that’s a concern.
Thanks for the list! Yeah, Bloodstained and Timespinner feel like classic Symphony of the Night vibes, which is cool but maybe a bit too familiar at this point. I’m curious about Axiom Verge but worried it might be too short. Dust does seem pretty linear from what I’ve seen, so I’ll probably pass on that for now.