Metroidvania: 5 Key Elements of Successful Games

The Evolution of the Metroidvania Genre: Metroid and Castlevania

The Metroidvania genre, which combines elements of platformers and adventure games, emerged thanks to two iconic series: Nintendo's Metroid and Konami's Castlevania. Both of these franchises debuted in 1986 and have had a significant influence on the development of video games, shaping a unique style of gameplay that continues to inspire developers and players around the world. Metroidvanias are characterized by non-linear progression, exploration of vast game worlds, and the acquisition of new abilities, which creates an immersive gameplay experience. These elements make the Metroidvania genre particularly appealing to fans of adventure games and platformers.

Metroid is one of the first games to offer non-linear gameplay. Unlike standard 2D platformers, in Metroid, players explore vast levels that allow them to move in any direction. This creates unique opportunities for discovery and revisiting familiar locations, making the game engaging and dynamic. Metroid's nonlinear structure laid the foundation for many modern video games, inspiring developers to create open worlds and interactive game spaces.

The first game in the Castlevania series was created with an emphasis on classic platformers, but it introduced elements that would later become iconic for this genre. In particular, in Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, the developers attempted to introduce elements of non-linearity, but the basic concept of the game remained more strict and linear. This combination of traditional platform mechanics and new ideas enriched the gaming experience and marked the beginning of the franchise's development.

Image: Super Metroid game cover / Nintendo

One of the key games in the Metroidvania genre is Super Metroid, released in 1994. This game had a significant influence on the genre, introducing auto-save mechanics and a map system that became the standard for all subsequent projects. Super Metroid laid the foundation for gameplay elements that are still used in modern games, making it a milestone in video game history. With its innovations and deep development of the game world, Super Metroid left an indelible mark on video game culture and continues to inspire developers around the world.

Released in 1997, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a staple of the Metroidvania genre. It introduced RPG elements, which significantly enriched the gameplay and increased the non-linearity of the game. The game is renowned for its atmospheric graphics, unique level design, and memorable musical score, making it one of the most influential and iconic games in video game history. Symphony of the Night attracted the attention of not only fans of the Castlevania series but also new players thanks to its deep storyline and the ability to explore vast locations.

Metroidvanias, also known as "castelroids" or "metroids", are a video game genre that combines platformer and role-playing game elements. The term is sometimes used in honor of Koji Igarashi, the lead developer of the cult game Symphony of the Night. The Metroidvania genre is characterized by non-linear gameplay, exploration of vast game worlds, and the mechanic of acquiring new abilities, which allows players to discover previously inaccessible areas of maps. These games attract attention with their deep storylines, atmospheric graphics, and memorable gameplay.

Koji Igarashi stated: "With Symphony of the Night, we aimed to change the way players perceive the Castlevania series while maintaining its core principles. We aimed for a number of significant changes:"

Focus on exploration and open-ended gameplay.
Add RPG elements to provide player choice.
Avoid one-hit kill mechanics.
Remove the protagonist's whip.
Remove ladders common in previous games.
Change the game's visual style and atmosphere.

These changes ushered in a new era for the Metroidvania genre, one that continues to evolve to this day. Known for its combination of platforming elements and open-world exploration, the Metroidvania genre continues to attract new fans and inspire developers to create unique games.

Choosing Between 2D and 3D: Which Should You Choose?

In the world of video games, the choice between 2D and 3D graphics is often determined by genre features. 2D platformers, particularly Metroidvanias, maintain traditions established in the early days of 3D technology. For indie developers, using 2D graphics not only saves resources but also evokes nostalgia in players who grew up with classic games. This style also contributes to the creation of a unique atmosphere and artistic expression, which makes 2D projects attractive to a wide audience.

Screenshot: Metroid Prime game / Nintendo

Since the early 2000s, Nintendo has made a significant step into the world of 3D graphics, introducing Metroid Prime subseries. While 3D graphics aren't a core element of Metroidvanias, their influence can be felt across various genres. For example, Remedy Entertainment's Control incorporates Metroidvania-like elements despite its 3D structure. This highlights the versatility and adaptability of Metroidvania mechanics, which continue to inspire developers to create unique gaming experiences. Experiments with transitioning from traditional 2D to 3D in games often fall short of expectations. The main problem is that 3D worlds can make it difficult to perceive and remember locations. Players face difficulties in navigating, which negatively impacts the enjoyment of map exploration—a key element of Metroidvania gameplay. This can lead to a loss of interest and reduced engagement with the game, making the need for thoughtful decisions in 3D environment design especially important to preserve the original spirit of the genre.

Labyrinth World: The Art of Metroidvania

In the world of Metroidvanias, level design is crucial. Each level is filled with hidden sections and obstacles that require the player's attention and spirit of exploration. Players must find upgrades needed to overcome powerful opponents and unlock new areas. Level design elements not only add difficulty but also immerse the player in the game's atmosphere, making the process engaging and exciting. It is important not only to overcome difficulties, but also to enjoy exploring unique locations that create an unforgettable gaming experience.

To access closed locations, players need to find "keys" - these can be information, tools, or special abilities that help overcome obstacles. Typically, such "keys" are protected by bosses, which creates a connection between the gameplay and the storyline. This mechanic adds depth and intrigue to the game, encouraging players to explore the world and improve their skills.

In the world of Metroidvania, players are not given direct instructions or directions. Exploration and finding secrets occurs without explicit clues, which creates a unique sense of immersion. Players discover hidden elements of levels themselves and find ways to apply their abilities to different areas. The main concept of Metroidvanias is built on interesting points and connections between them, as well as unexpected discoveries and a sense of the unknown. This makes each gameplay unique and engaging.

Backtracking, a backtracking technique, requires a significant investment of time in gameplay. To navigate effectively, the player needs a convenient and intuitive map. In Hollow Knight, map design has been reached to a state-of-the-art level. Here, players can easily track their movements and find new areas to explore. The game's cartographic elements not only aid navigation but also enrich the gaming experience by offering unique locations and hidden treasures. Thanks to its well-thought-out cartography system, Hollow Knight has become an example of high-quality backtracking mechanics in modern video games.

To obtain a map, you need to find the cartographer Cornifer and purchase it.
The player receives a blank map, which must be filled in with a special pen.
Each new location requires another purchase from the cartographer.
Cornifer may be far away, and the player will have to explore most of the territory blind.
After completing a new section, the player fills in the map themselves using a bench - an analogue of the save room from Super Metroid.
To determine your location on the map, you need to equip the amulet - the Capricious Compass.
The map helps you remember locations, each of which has a unique color that reflects the overall gamut of the area.

Game developers are obliged to create conditions that facilitate the memorization of locations by players. This can be achieved with the help of contrasting artistic solutions applied in various places. Level artists use signature elements such as statues, fountains, and waterfalls to make each location unique, appealing, and memorable. This not only improves the gaming experience, but also helps players navigate the game world, which in turn contributes to a deeper immersion in the story and atmosphere.

Colored cues referencing the Metroid series, where the color of doors indicates what weapon can open them. Screenshot: Super Metroid game / Nintendo

To maintain player interest, it is necessary to implement power-ups and regular updates. In Metroidvanias, enemies typically respawn, which helps prevent boredom when returning to previously cleared areas. Elementary mechanics, such as environmental destructibility, add variety to the gameplay. This is similar to the Legend of Zelda series, where players can destroy grass and break pots, which creates additional opportunities for exploration and interaction with the world. The variety of gameplay mechanics and the constant respawning of enemies make the game more engaging and help maintain interest throughout the game.

Ari Gibson, director of Team Cherry, emphasizes his passion for reading walkthroughs of Hollow Knight. There are many paths through the game, and players actively share their unique adventures and emotions. Discussions on forums often end with a surprised: "What?!" I beat the game and didn't see half of what you're talking about.' To which someone replies, 'Oh, I got to that location from the other side.' These moments are always a delight and highlight the diversity of the Hollow Knight experience.

Backtracking in Video Games: The Key to Engaging Exploration

Backtracking in games isn't just about returning to previously explored locations; it's also an opportunity to uncover new aspects of gameplay. This game design element significantly increases player engagement through dynamic movement mechanics and modern gameplay techniques. They not only allow you to quickly traverse familiar areas but also discover hidden secrets and side quests, making the gaming experience more intense and engaging. Players can re-explore familiar areas, unlocking new abilities and improving their skills.

Screenshot: Metroid Dread game / Nintendo

The developers of games such as Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night took different approaches to the character upgrade system. In Super Metroid, Samus Aran has access to all discovered upgrades simultaneously, giving players the freedom to experiment with different combinations. In contrast, Konami's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night utilizes an RPG-like system, with players having a limited number of equipment slots. This necessitates strategically selecting skills suited to specific gameplay situations. This approach impacts gameplay and requires players to more carefully plan and analyze their actions.

Team Cherry's Hollow Knight utilizes a similar mechanic: amulets, each with unique abilities, occupy a fixed number of slots. This allows players to create diverse builds and adapt their playstyle depending on the amulet combination they choose. This system is especially valuable during boss encounters, as it allows them to optimize their strategy and increase their chances of victory.

Effective abilities play a key role not only in exploration but also in the game's combat system. For example, the Morph Ball ability in Metroid gives Samus Aran the ability to plant bombs, activate various mechanisms, and navigate through narrow tunnels. This opens up new routes through the world, allowing the player to not only overcome obstacles but also discover secrets and upgrades, significantly enriching the gaming experience. Using these abilities makes gameplay more dynamic and engaging, attracting the attention of both new players and series veterans. Interestingly, the same game mechanic can be used in different ways. In the first Metroid, players mastered the Bomb Boost Jump technique. This method allows players to jump higher than normal by activating a bomb in Morph Ball mode and then switching to a standard state just before detonating. This approach opens up new opportunities for overcoming obstacles and exploring the game world, adding depth to gameplay and strategy. Skillful use of Bomb Boost Jump can significantly enhance gameplay and help players reach hard-to-reach areas in the game.

Screenshot: Ori and the Will of the Wisps / Xbox Game Studios

The team at Moon Studios, known for the Ori series, shares their unique approach to game development. They start by creating a prototype that includes the main character's full set of abilities. This approach allows them to then build the game world based on the mechanics they've already developed. This method emphasizes the most important aspects of the game—the player's interaction with the environment and mechanics—which ultimately enhances the experience and makes it more engaging. This approach promotes harmonious and well-designed gameplay, which is a key factor in successful games.

The Current State of Metroidvanias

The Metroidvania genre continues to attract the attention of gaming communities. With the release of games like Metroid Dread and Anew, interest in Metroidvanias has increased again. Developers are actively introducing new ideas and mechanics, which contributes to the variety and depth of the gaming experience. Players appreciate this genre for its unique combination of exploration, platforming, and complex combat mechanics. As a result, Metroidvanias remain relevant and in demand in the video game market.

Released on October 8, 2021, Metroid Dread marked a significant step forward for the franchise. Critics praised the introduction of high-tension zones, which heighten the atmosphere of fear and anxiety. The development team explains that the word "dread" in the game's title symbolizes fear and horror, reflecting their intention to combine elements of exploration with powerful threat mechanics. The game offers a unique experience, combining platforming and adventure elements, making Metroid Dread a must-play for fans of the genre.

A significant threat in the game is exoplanetary mechanical explorers known as EMMYs. Upon detection by Samus, the player must use all their skills to evade pursuit and reach restricted areas. This creates a tense and exciting gameplay experience that keeps players engaged and constantly on the edge of their seats. EMMI adds a strategic element, requiring the player to not only react, but also to think through every step in the game.

Screenshot: Metroid Dread game / Nintendo

The new game achieved impressive results, receiving 88 out of 100 on platforms Metacritic and Opencritic. Critics note the high quality of the boss battles, which are varied and challenging. Players must use all their skills and tactics to overcome these challenges.

Users have praised the impressive graphics and stylish design, especially on the new OLED model of the Nintendo Switch. Experts unanimously agree that Metroid Dread is one of the most significant releases of 2021. The high-quality visuals and attention to detail make the game a true highlight for fans of the series.

In addition to Metroid Dread, anticipated titles like Anew from indie studio Resonator and the Hollow Knight sequel Silksong confirm the growing popularity of the Metroidvania genre among gamers. These games attract attention not only with their unique style but also with engaging gameplay that combines exploration, platforming, and role-playing elements. With each new announcement, fans of the genre eagerly await the opportunity to immerse themselves in new worlds and experience new adventures. The development of Metroidvanias demonstrates that the category continues to evolve, offering players fresh mechanics and captivating stories.

Among the new indie games, Anew, developed by a team of experienced professionals previously involved in the creation of such renowned projects as BioShock and Call of Duty, is particularly noteworthy. The game is currently available in Early Access, and its official release is scheduled for 2021. Anew promises to offer a unique gaming experience, combining elements of an interesting story and engaging gameplay.

Metroidvanias, with their nonlinear structure and elements of unexpected discovery, continue to impress players. Nintendo once again emphasizes that this genre not only offers entertainment but also provides deep and engaging gameplay. Players are immersed in a world where each new discovery can lead to a change in the perception of the environment and game mechanics. This makes Metroidvanias a unique genre that combines elements of platformers and adventure games, allowing everyone to explore the world at their own level.