When you picture a Metroidvania, you can picture your character running around an intricately designed and expansive map, leaping from one platform to the next.

From the classics like Metroid and Castlevania, right through to the modern-day epics like Hollow Knight and Ori, the common thread is that you’ll be leaping around.

However, despite the fact that most Metroidvania games employ platforming mechanics, some games decide to do something a little differently. Whether that’s putting a new spin on 2D platforming, or doing away with the need to platform entirely, we have you covered.

Here is a list of some amazing Metroidvanias that do away with the classic double jump and dash for something a little out of left field.

10 Aquaria

Better Down Where It’s Wetter

Do you know where platforming is pretty much impossible? In the deep blue sea.

But, even with the art of platforming being replaced by swimming around as a mermaid, using your siren’s call to unlock new paths and fend off any deep sea creature that would mean you harm is still just as riveting and satisfying.

I always feel it necessary to mention that Aquaria, being a 2D Metroidvania produced in 2007, is a bit of a relic and plays like one at times.

However, it still achieves hidden gem status due to the wealth of excellent ideas, excellent world design, and offering underwater gameplay that isn’t akin to that much-loathed token level in every platformer ever.

9 Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet

A Thrilling Close Encounter

Have you ever seen those close encounters posters that read ‘I want to believe’

Well, change the sentiment to ‘I want to play,’ and you could easily be talking about Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet.

A Metroid-inspired 2D hit that sees you fly around in a little UFO, exploring, solving puzzles, and acquiring Power-ups that will help you deal with the ominous shadows that lurk in the… shadows. Wait, that doesn’t sound right.

Digression aside, this is a gorgeous, minimalist Metroidvania that doesn’t have a huge runtime, but thanks to the strong visuals, cool power-ups, and memorable boss fights, it still manages to make a lasting impression on players.

Plus, the game also offers a co-op feature called Lantern Run, meaning you can introduce a friend to this lesser-known gem. I’m a sucker for any game that trades in platforming for floating around and shooting baddies, so this one has my seal of approval.

8 Carrion

Be The Bad Guy

In most Metroidvanias, and video games in general for that matter, you play as someone trying to quell the threat of a terrifying monster. But what if you were the monster?

This is a question that Carrion answers in a gory and grotesque fashion, allowing you to play as a military experiment gone wrong that is hellbent on escaping the facility and wreaking havoc on the city above.

It’s a game that does away with platforming, as the player will more or less slip around like a gelatinous mess, clinging to walls to get around. But this lack of movement won’t dull the action, as you’ll still be in control of a killing machine.

It’s a little one-dimensional and maybe overstays its welcome slightly, but for the novelty of playing as the unstoppable evil force you would otherwise be trying to contain, it’s worth the price of admission for this alone.

7 Dandara

Zip Around In Style

The grappling hook has been a staple of many Metroidvania titles over the years, but it’s mainly been used as a situational tool.

Dandara decides to give the humble grappling hook top billing when it comes to powers, as in this game, you’ll be using this power as a primary means of getting around the map.

Provided the surface is within reach, you’ll be able to stick to it like Peter Parker in his prime before planning the next place you want to zip to. Plus, the shooting mechanics and power-ups you gain along the way are all relatively satisfying to use also.

It’s not a game that boasts a particularly gripping story, but gripping to every surface and navigating areas chock full of hazards should be enough to offset that. Again, another lesser-known one, but yet another game that really flips the script on how to get around the map.

6 Owlboy

Not The Wisest Group of Owls

Look, disagree if you want, and I know you will. However, in my eyes, due to the fact that Otus is required to have access to certain characters’ abilities to progress the story and access certain areas in this expansive map, I consider Owlboy a Metroidvania. Albeit a very, very linear one.

But, provided you can get on board with that logic, its linear design is more than made up for with the unique traversal mechanics. In this game, you’ll need to fly around the map, usually carrying your buddies in your talons to fend off enemies.

I will concede that the game can feel a little janky at times, especially toward the end, but all in all, it’s a beautiful game with an excellent score, some fun ideas, and a cast of lovable characters. There’s a lot to love about Owlboy, and it’s an indie gem you need to check out.

5 Laika: Aged Through Blood

A Gritty Motorvania

Platforming within the context of a Metroidvania traditionally tends to be a combination of wall-running, double-jumping, dashing, and maybe the occasional slam attack for good measure.

But, when the experience occurs while on two wheels, things suddenly play out a lot differently.

Laika is essentially what you get when you mix Max Payne’s famous bullet time with the precise motorcycle mechanics of Trials Fusion, offering players a title that has no traditional platforming, but will still have sequences that will be equally as challenging.

This alongside the gritty and mature story, the amazing score and visuals, and the depth of systems that make exploration so rewarding. You have a game that really deserves much more acclaim than it has received. So, do your part and be sure to pick up and play this sublime motorvania.

4 Headlander

Don’t Lose Your Head

When it comes to unique and interesting ways to get around, Double Fine is always good value for something quirky. But, even by their standards, Headlander is one of the most wonderfully odd concepts you’ll ever come across.

In principle, Headlander is a traditional Metroidvania with lots of backtracking, light combat, some puzzles to solve, and powers to acquire. But this all plays second fiddle to the game’s core gimmick. The fact that you are a sentient head that can jet off to find a new body.

This means to get around, you’ll need to fly around like a head in a jar, akin to what you would see when watching Futurama, and this makes large portions of the game play like a bullet hell.

It’s a sublime game that doesn’t get as much love as other Double Fine hits like Psychonauts and Grim Fandango. But it should, because it’s quite literally out of this world.

3 Journey to the Savage Planet

Outer Worlds, Is That You?

If you’re in the market for something that’s really out of left field, then how about one of the very rare 3D Metroidvanias on the market? Journey to the Savage Planet is a game that feels akin to open-world shooters like Farcry, albeit with a setting and art direction that feels more in line with The Outer Worlds.

But unlike those games abundant with chore-like map markers, this one decides to skill-gate content akin to a classic Metroidvania. There’s a huge world to explore without any real hand-holding or nudges in any direction, and there’s a wealth of necessary upgrades you’ll need to access new areas.

But on top of that, you have excellent gunplay, Rick and Morty-esque humor in abundance, and a wealth of content to keep you occupied.

Sure, there is platforming present here, but seeing as this is a 3D game, everything it offers will feel tangibly different from a traditional 2D hit. So, for something a little odd in the best way possible, this is just the ticket.

2 The Knight Witch

Metroidvania Meets Bullet-Hell

I’m generally a big fan of Team 17’s output, mainly due to the fact that they earnestly develop games within so many different genres, always aiming to try something new and exciting within each.

That’s exactly what happened when they decided to add The Knight Witch to their extensive published works, as this whimsical Metroidvania does something novel when it comes to platforming. It removes it altogether.

You see, a Knight Witch can levitate, and this means you can float around the map, bobbing and weaving to avoid hazards and enemies.

This allows the game to offer a unique blend of Mteroidvania and bullet-hell which is a joy to experience, and while the writing is a little bit corny, the gameplay more than makes up for this. It’s a lesser-known gem, but one worth playing.

1 Yoku’s Island Express

Pinball Perfection

Speaking of unique and interesting blending of genres, we have Yoku’s Island Express, a Metroidvania about a little dung bottle that just wants to secure a steady job as an archipelago-bound postman.

However, he has his work cut out for him, as every islander seems to have a problem only they can solve. Not to mention, the only way to get around the place is by navigating a series of narrow tunnels and spaces that act as a series of pinball sequences.

That’s right, this game replaces traditional platforming with smooth and dynamic pinball mechanics sure to give any arcade rat a hearty blast of nostalgia.

The game also looks fantastic, and has a wealth of side content. So, if it’s been forever since you played on a pinball machine, give Yoku a try.