As someone who was a vehement hater of the Metroidvania genre for such a long time, I’m never surprised when someone tells me that they don’t like games within this genre.

They can be a hard sell for some folks, as the zero-to-hero progression gatekeeps all the best moments for later, and the backtracking can really grind the gears of anyone who just wants to kick on and roll credits.

Plus, the games also usually have intricate and confusing maps that can bewilder less cartographically inclined players. So, I’ve concocted a list of a few Metroidvania games that I consider to be very Metroidvania-hater friendly.

11

Yoku’s Island Express

Special Delivery

If there was ever a Metroidvania that did a great job of hiding its traditional Metroidvania design tropes, it’s Yoku’s Island Express. A game that masquerades as an arcade-fuelled pinball extravaganza like no other.

Playing as a little dung beetle tasked with taking on the role of the island’s courier, you’ll need to use your innate pinballing ability to get around the world, platform to new areas, help NPCs with their problems, and in the process, you just might save the island from certain doom.

Under the hood, there are all the Metroidvania staples at play, but thanks to the wacky core gameplay gimmick, the vibrant visuals, and the happy-go-lucky nature of the game, this serves as one of the more palatable Metroidvania titles for non-fans.

10

Ori And The Will of the Wisps

Simple, Accessible, Emotional

There are some games within the Metroidvania genre that walk a tightrope between Metroidvania and action platformer. A tightrope that the Ori series walks straight and true.

What will appeal to non-Metroidvania fans is that the game is less interested in forcing players to backtrack and explore, and more keen to offer a well-paced and emotionally affecting narrative that will leave you blubbering on the floor.

Plus, in terms of gameplay, this game is much more platform-focused rather than offering oodles of combat to contend with. Combat isn’t absent, don’t get me wrong, but it’s far from the focus here.

In short, Ori offers simple, familiar, and accessible systems, and steady progression that makes it a Metroidvania that even those who detest the genre can get behind.

9

Guacamelee

Top-Tier, Top-Rope Action

As any wrestling fan will know, there’s nothing more exciting than a match involving a high-flying luchador, and that translates to video games, too. As Guacamelee is a top-tier Metroidvania, but equally, not one designed to overwhelm newcomers to the genre.

The reason why this title will suit those who malign the Metroidvania genre is that Guacamelee leans heavily into combat and action, meaning that, while there is backtracking and exploration at the core of the experience, there’s always a brawl around the corner to keep you occupied.

Not to mention, it’s one of the rare examples of a Metroidvania that implements couch co-op, meaning that you can take a friend along for the ride, which always elevates a gaming experience.

On top of this, the map isn’t all that intricate, the movement and powers are satisfying to use, and the game offers a rather linear story progression. So, all in all, it’s a Metroidvania that may just change your perception of the genre.

8

Batman: Arkham Asylum

It’s Da Bat!

Up next, how about a game that almost no one refers to as a Metroidvania at all, despite the fact that it is absolutely a nailed-on example of Metroidvania design.

The Arkham series is widely known and adored by gamers for its combo-focused combat and incredible narrative within the gritty world of Gotham. But, through the powers and gadgets Batman obtains throughout the adventure, it cements itself as a traditional Metroidvania.

However, it will suit Metroidvania deniers as it has a simple and steady progression, a 3D format that will feel far removed from the traditional 2D hand-drawn games synonymous with the genre. Not to mention, you have Detective Mode to keep you on the straight and narrow.

It’s one of the finest superhero games ever made, and by extension, one of the best Metroidvanias you’ve ever played, even if you didn’t clock it at the time.

7

Sheepo

Short & Sweet

Sometimes, gamers do not inherently hate Metroidvanias but simply can’t accept the developer’s tendency to make these games very complex and confusing.

The enigmatic nature of Metroidvanias can be irritating, which is why those who feel that way might want to try something like Sheepo, a Metroidvania that goes out of its way to offer a short, simple, and satisfying platforming adventure with Metroidvania design that won’t get under your skin.

The game focuses on platforming over combat, meaning fewer intricate button combos to worry about. The game offers a small map with distinct areas for each egg you need to collect, making it very hard to get lost.

Plus, the game is one of the shorter Metroidvania experiences on the market, which can be completed in about five hours.

Essentially, Sheepo is the Metroidvania blueprint simplified down to just the bare essentials, making it a very palatable adventure for Metroidvania detractors.

6

Monster Sanctuary

Metroidvania Meets Monster Tamer

Occasionally, you get a game within the Metroidvania genre that sets its stall out as an out-and-out Metroidvania, when in actuality, the Metroidvania design plays second fiddle to something else.

That’s very much the case in Monster Sanctuary, a game that absolutely has some Metroidvania elements, as you’ll need to tame creatures and use their skills to get to otherwise inaccessible areas.

However, as the game progresses, this title becomes more and more focused on the creature-taming mechanics and the strategic turn-based battles you’ll need to endeavor to win.

Basically, it’s like a 2D action platformer version of Pokémon with just enough Metroidvania elements to give you a taste of the genre without ever beating you over the head with the traditional design principles that often irk you.

5

The Knight Witch

Witches, Spells & Bullet Hell

I’ve known more than a few gamers keen to find a Metroidvania they enjoy as they dig the combat of other games, but just can’t deal with the constant, often very demanding platforming.

Well, for those individuals, I would recommend The Knight Witch, as this game allows you to fly around the map, only asking you to dodge hazards as you would in a traditional Bullet Hell game.

Plus, the game has a pretty linear progression, is mainly punctuated by boss fights, meaning that combat takes center stage, and employs a deck-building system that might appeal to the strategists in the chat.

It’s so wholly unlike most Metroidvanias that it makes The Knight Witch a prime example of a game geared toward fans and haters alike.

4

The Last Faith

A Gothic Gorefest

As someone who is partial to a Soulslike Metroidvania myself, I think it would be criminal not to give all you sadistic Souls lovers something to take with you.

A lot of the Metroidvania-Souls games out there do lean into the former a little too much to be considered non-Metroidvania-fan-friendly, but one game that I would say is exactly that is The Last Faith.

This game doesn’t require much mandatory backtracking, and it offers a steady progression as you tick off distinct portions of the map in an easy-to-follow fashion. Plus, it leans into Souls combat as opposed to platforming, with all tight platforming coming into play very late in the game.

It’s basically 2D Bloodborne, with a gothic-inspired world to explore and killer bosses to take down. Sure, there are some Metroidvania aspects to endure, but never any that would deter a Souls fan keen to take on this 2D outing.

3

Owlboy

An Absolute Hoot

Much like the aforementioned game, The Knight Witch, Owlboy is a game that does away with traditional platforming, allowing you to fly around each stage, allowing this one to stand out from the crowd.

It tries to exist in the metroidvania space while subverting all expectations of the genre. There are no traditional power-ups, but instead party members that can be carried in your talons, allowing you to make use of their unique skills.

Plus, the game offers a linear progression that effectively feels like just working through an action-adventure storyline, albeit with optional backtracking and side content if you want to seek it out.

It may admittedly be a game that gets worse the longer it goes on. But, thanks to the impeccable visuals and sound design, as well as the novel gameplay, it’s well worth checking out.

2

The Messenger

Same The Metroidvania Stuff For Later

If you’re someone who has perhaps dipped their toe into The Messenger and played a few hours before bouncing off, you’d be forgiven for double-taking at this entry. But, I assure you, this game belongs in the Metroidvania conversation.

You see, while the game sets its stall out early as a Ninja Gaiden-style platformer and continues that way for a good few hours, the game eventually transitions into a traditional Metroidvania with the aid of time travel, of all things.

Why this might appeal to non-fans of Metroidvanias is that you still get those early hours to become familiar with the core mechanics and master those, meaning when the Metroidvania angle comes into play, you couldn’t be better set up to excel.

It’s a brilliant genre fusion, and a game set in the same world as the brilliant indie JRPG Sea of Stars, if you can believe it. All the more reason to check this one out.