Metroidvania
Backtracking exploration game
Metroidvania is a genre of video game combining side-scrolling exploration with action and platforming.
The name blends Metroid and Castlevania, two influential game series.
The defining feature is a large, interconnected map where progress depends on acquiring new abilities—a double jump to reach higher platforms, a weapon to break certain walls.
Players backtrack through familiar areas as new powers open previously inaccessible paths: I spent the weekend playing a new Metroidvania.
Reversing to find alternatives
- secretsConcealed information
- hiddenKept out of sight
- mapSpatial representation of terrain
- interconnectedJoined in multiple ways
discovery · unlock · maze · chambers · caverns · biomes · shortcuts · lore
Quick burst or pinch
Vintage computing standard
- 16-bitComputing word length
- chiptuneVintage console sound art
- atmosphericOf the air above
- darkAbsence of light
gothic · sci-fi · hand-drawn · moody · ambient · retro · sidescroller · parallax
Propelling oneself airborne
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- timingArt of choosing moments
- spikesSharp metal protrusions
- pitfallsHidden dangers or drawbacks
obstacles · momentum · hazards · side-scrolling · 2D · pixel-perfect · checkpoints · respawn
backtracking
Reversing to find alternatives
interconnected · discovery · unlock · maze · chambers · caverns · biomes · shortcuts · lore · atmosphere
dash
Quick burst or pinch
upgrades · unlockables · missiles · traversal
8-bit
Vintage computing standard
- 16-bitComputing word length
- chiptuneVintage console sound art
- atmosphericOf the air above
dark · gothic · sci-fi · hand-drawn · moody · ambient · retro · sidescroller · parallax
jumping
Propelling oneself airborne
pitfalls · obstacles · momentum · hazards · side-scrolling · 2D · pixel-perfect · checkpoints · respawn
bosses
Managers or raised studs
weapons · melee · ranged · difficulty · enemies · mini-bosses · arena · parry
- video gamesvideo games, gameplay, Fortnite, mobile game, arcade
- platformersMario, jump, Sonic, platformer, platforms
- retro gamingretro gaming, 8-bit, NES, SNES, 16-bit
- MetroidRidley
MetroidvaniaCrash Bandicoot
Mutated marsupial video game hero
arcade game · endless runner · Uncharted · The Last of Us · roguelike