5 best Metroidvania games of the last 5 years

1. 5 Best Metroidvania Games of the Last 5 Years

The Metroidvania genre, a portmanteau of its progenitors Metroid and Castlevania, has experienced a renaissance over the last decade, largely fueled by innovative independent developers. The core tenets of the genre—interconnected maps, ability-gated exploration, and a palpable sense of discovery—have been honed and redefined in recent years. This curated list ventures beyond the obvious classics to spotlight five of the best Metroidvania games of the last five years that have left a significant mark on the genre. These titles are not just excellent examples of Metroidvania design; they are masterclasses in world-building, gameplay innovation, and artistic expression. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking for the best entry points, these games represent the pinnacle of modern Metroidvania design, each offering a unique and unforgettable journey into the unknown. Prepare to get lost in sprawling, intricate worlds where every new ability unlocks not just a new area, but a new layer of mystery.

1. Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)

Released in early 2020, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is more than just a sequel; it's a breathtaking evolution of its predecessor, Ori and the Blind Forest. Moon Studios' masterpiece is a testament to the emotional power and mechanical depth that the Metroidvania genre can achieve. It retains the stunning, hand-painted art style that made the original a visual spectacle, but expands upon its foundations in every conceivable way, solidifying its place as one of the best Metroidvania games of the modern era.

### A Symphony of Art and Sound

From its opening moments, Ori and the Will of the Wisps envelops the player in a world that feels both vast and intimately detailed. The vibrant ecosystems, from the lush Inkwater Marsh to the desolate Silent Woods, are brought to life with an unparalleled level of artistry. Each environment is a painting in motion, complemented by Gareth Coker's evocative and award-winning musical score. The soundtrack is not mere background noise; it is the emotional core of the experience, swelling during moments of triumph and receding into somber melodies during scenes of loss. This powerful synergy of art and sound creates a deeply immersive and often poignant journey.

### Refined Traversal and Combat

Where the original game's combat was serviceable, Will of the Wisps introduces a completely overhauled system that is both fluid and versatile. Players can equip a variety of Spirit-based weapons and abilities, from a swift Spirit Edge to a powerful Spirit Smash, allowing for diverse and strategic approaches to enemy encounters. Traversal, a hallmark of the series, is more fluid than ever. The addition of a new Spirit Arc ability, which functions as a grappling hook, combined with the returning Bash and other movement skills, turns navigating the world into a graceful, acrobatic dance. The game's challenge is perfectly balanced, with intricate platforming sequences and formidable boss battles that test both skill and creativity.

2. Metroid Dread (2021)

The return of Samus Aran in a 2D adventure was long-awaited, and Metroid Dread did not disappoint. Developed by MercurySteam, the studio behind the excellent Metroid: Samus Returns, Dread is a masterclass in tension, speed, and classic Metroidvania design. It serves as a direct sequel to 2002's Metroid Fusion, and it successfully modernizes the series' iconic gameplay while introducing a new, persistent threat that makes it one of the best Metroidvania games in recent memory.

### The E.M.M.I. Threat

The most significant and terrifying addition to the Metroid formula in Dread is the E.M.M.I. (Extraplanetary Multiform Mobile Identifier). These relentless, nigh-indestructible robots patrol specific zones of the planet ZDR, hunting Samus with chilling efficiency. Encounters with the E.M.M.I. are not about combat; they are about survival. These segments transform the game into a tense stealth-puzzler, as players must use Samus's agility and new abilities, like the Phantom Cloak, to evade detection. The palpable sense of dread that accompanies the clicking and whirring of a nearby E.M.M.I. is a truly unique and memorable experience within the genre.

### Unparalleled Fluidity of Movement

Samus has never controlled better. Metroid Dread introduces a level of fluidity to her movements that is simply sublime. The new slide and the ability to aim freely while running make both exploration and combat incredibly dynamic. Chaining together moves like the Flash Shift, a near-instantaneous dash, with jumps, slides, and missile bursts feels empowering and intuitive. This focus on speed and agility makes backtracking—a core component of any Metroidvania—less of a chore and more of an opportunity to effortlessly navigate familiar environments with newfound prowess. The boss battles are a particular highlight, demanding precise timing and a full understanding of Samus's extensive move set.

3. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (2021)

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a dark fantasy Metroidvania that distinguishes itself with a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic and an innovative combat system. Developed by Live Wire and Adglobe, this indie gem casts players as Lily, a young priestess who awakens in a kingdom ravaged by a "Blight" that has driven its inhabitants to madness. The game's somber atmosphere and challenging gameplay have earned it a reputation as one of the best Metroidvania games for fans of the "Souls-like" subgenre.

### A World of Melancholic Beauty

The world of Land's End is one of tragic beauty. The hand-drawn visuals paint a picture of a kingdom in decay, with rain-swept ramparts, submerged forests, and corrupted cathedrals creating a pervasive sense of melancholy. The narrative is subtly woven into the environment and the descriptions of the spirits Lily purifies. Each boss in Ender Lilies is not just a monster to be slain, but a fallen protector of the kingdom, and defeating them reveals a fragment of their tragic backstory. This narrative approach, combined with a hauntingly beautiful piano-led soundtrack by the musical group Mili, crafts an emotionally resonant and unforgettable world.

### The Spirit System

Lily herself does not fight. Instead, she relies on the spirits of the purified knights to protect her. This forms the core of the game's unique and highly customizable combat system. After defeating a boss or a powerful enemy, Lily can equip their spirit, allowing her to summon them to perform attacks. With dozens of spirits to collect, ranging from standard sword-wielding knights to hulking brutes and spectral mages, players can create a loadout that suits their playstyle. This system encourages experimentation and strategic thinking, as different spirits are better suited for different situations, and managing their cooldowns is key to surviving the game's challenging encounters.

4. Blasphemous 2 (2023)

Building upon the grim, pixel-art world inspired by Spanish religious iconography that made the first game a cult classic, Blasphemous 2 is a triumphant sequel that refines and expands on its predecessor in every way. The Game Kitchen has delivered a more polished, accessible, and mechanically diverse experience that stands as one of the best Metroidvania games of the last five years, offering a deeply atmospheric and challenging journey through a land steeped in faith and torment.

### Enhanced Traversal and Exploration

One of the most significant improvements in Blasphemous 2 is the enhanced freedom of movement. The Penitent One is more agile than ever, with new abilities that make exploring the sprawling, non-linear world a genuine pleasure. The ability to cling to and climb walls, use double jumps, and perform mid-air dashes opens up the level design in exciting ways. The world itself is more interconnected and varied than in the first game, with fewer dead ends and a greater emphasis on rewarding exploration. Discovering a new shortcut or using a newly acquired ability to reach a previously inaccessible area is as satisfying as ever.

### A Trinity of Weapons

Blasphemous 2 diversifies its combat by offering players a choice of three distinct weapons at the outset of their journey: the balanced Ruego Al Alba (sword), the swift Sarmiento & Centella (rapier and dagger), and the heavy Veredicto (a war censer). Each weapon not only has its own unique move set and upgrade path but also serves as a key to navigating certain environmental obstacles. This clever integration of combat and exploration encourages players to switch between weapons and master their intricacies. The combat is weighty, deliberate, and often brutal, with the series' signature gory executions making a triumphant return.

5. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (2024)

Marking a triumphant return to the series' 2D roots, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a stylish and masterfully designed Metroidvania that proves the franchise is still a force to be reckoned with. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the game is a vibrant and exhilarating adventure that combines slick, fast-paced combat with some of the best platforming the genre has seen in years. It is a modern masterpiece and an easy inclusion on any list of the best Metroidvania games.

### A World Steeped in Persian Mythology

The Lost Crown is set in the mythological Mount Qaf, a sprawling, interconnected world that is a visual feast. The game's art style is a striking blend of cel-shaded characters and detailed, painterly backgrounds that bring the world to life. The environments are incredibly varied, ranging from lush forests and grand citadels to poisoned sewers and a mind-bending temporal archive. The narrative and world are rich with elements from Persian mythology, creating a unique and captivating setting that feels both fresh and respectful of the series' heritage.

### Time-Bending Traversal and Combat

As is tradition for the Prince of Persia series, time manipulation plays a key role in both traversal and combat. Protagonist Sargon has access to a host of spectacular abilities that make navigating Mount Qaf a joy. From standard dashes and double jumps to the incredible "Shadow of the Simurgh" ability, which allows Sargon to place a temporal marker and instantly teleport back to it, the movement options are both creative and deeply satisfying. The combat is equally impressive, with a focus on fluid combos, parries, and spectacular special attacks called Athra Surges. The boss battles are a true highlight, demanding mastery of both Sargon's acrobatic and combat skills in epic, screen-filling encounters.

In conclusion, the last five years have been a golden age for the Metroidvania genre, with developers both big and small pushing the boundaries of what these games can be. The five titles highlighted here represent the pinnacle of this innovation, each offering a unique and masterfully crafted experience that will be remembered for years to come.