Metroidvania

File:Metroid - NES - Start.png

The game that pioneered the genre.

Metroidvania is a genre of video game traditionally described as 2D platformers with a strong emphasis on exploration and action, while also featuring ways to increase the strength of your character. This usually is done by collecting items which give you more powerful abilities, leveling up through the accumulation of experience, or both. As the name suggests, the genre was made popular in the late 1980s by the Metroid and Castlevania series.

These games tend to be among my favorites for several reasons. I like the fact that they tend to be graphically beautiful with a thought-provoking atmosphere. I like that, if areas are too difficult, you can grind monsters or explore other areas and try again when you're stronger. I also like feeling of accomplishment when you return to earlier areas after you've become stronger and seeing how powerful you've become.

Games that I feel best illustrate the genre include:

• Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
• Cave Story
• Metroid Fusion
• Metroid: Zero Mission
• Super Metroid

Category

• Category: Metroidvania

Links

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroidvania - Wikipedia.
• mobygames.com/game-group/genre-explorable-platformer-metroidvania - MobyGames.
• store.steampowered.com/tag/en/Metroidvania - Steam.