We adore Metroidvanias! The thrill of revisiting familiar areas with newly acquired abilities, vanquishing former foes, resonates deeply with our sense of justice and personal growth. This article highlights the best Android Metroidvanias available.
This curated list encompasses a range of titles, from classic Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night to innovative games that creatively utilize core Metroidvania elements, including the captivating Reventure and the self-described 'Roguevania' Dead Cells.
The common thread? They're all fantastic.
Top Android Metroidvanias
Explore our selections below!
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
Image: Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition Screenshot
The multi-award-winning Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition exemplifies Metroidvania excellence. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a vast, labyrinthine world navigated via an innovative point-to-point jumping mechanic, defying gravity itself. While available on various platforms, the mobile version shines with its cleverly designed and smoothly implemented touch controls.
VVVVVV
A deceptively challenging, surprisingly expansive adventure presented with a retro color palette reminiscent of classic Spectrum games. VVVVVV is a marvel, deeply engaging and cleverly intricate. After a brief absence, it's back on Google Play, and well worth experiencing if you haven't already.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Image: Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Screenshot
While the Android port of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night had initial controller issues, improvements are underway. The wait is worthwhile, as this exceptional Metroidvania boasts a prestigious lineage. Developed by ArtPlay, founded by Koji Igarashi (a Castlevania veteran), this gothic adventure evokes its spiritual predecessor.
Dead Cells
Technically a 'Roguevania,' Dead Cells transcends genre labels due to its exceptional execution. Motion Twin's masterpiece blends Metroidvania exploration with roguelike elements, ensuring each playthrough is unique and ultimately fatal. However, while alive, you'll inhabit hosts, acquire skills, unlock new areas, and enjoy a truly exhilarating experience.
Robot Wants Kitty
Image: Robot Wants Kitty Screenshot
Even after nearly a decade, Robot Wants Kitty remains a mobile Metroidvania favorite. Based on a Flash game, it centers on collecting kitties. Starting with limited movement and skills, you'll progressively upgrade abilities, enhancing your cat-collecting prowess.
Mimelet
Ideal for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access new areas within compact levels. It's clever, occasionally frustrating, and consistently entertaining.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Image: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Screenshot
No Metroidvania list is complete without Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a genre-defining classic (alongside Super Metroid). Originally a 1997 PS1 release, this platforming masterpiece explores Dracula's castle. Despite its age, its enduring gameplay remains timeless.
Nubs’ Adventure
Image: Nubs’ Adventure Screenshot
Don't let its simple visuals deceive you; Nubs’ Adventure is a sprawling Metroidvania. Play as Nubs, a pixelated hero, exploring a vast world filled with characters, environments, enemies, weapons, bosses, and secrets.
Ebenezer And The Invisible World
Image: Ebenezer And The Invisible World Screenshot
Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge, not reformed, but as a spectral avenger of London. Ebenezer And The Invisible World, set in Victorian London, lets you explore the city's upper and underworld realms, utilizing supernatural powers.
Sword of Xolan
Image: Sword of Xolan Screenshot
While lighter on Metroidvania elements (abilities unlock secrets rather than progression), Sword of Xolan's polished presentation and charming 8-bit graphics make it a worthwhile inclusion. It's a deceptively challenging platformer.
Swordigo
Another Metroidvania-lite, Swordigo executes the formula flawlessly. Set in a Zelda-esque fantasy world, you'll run, jump, fight, solve puzzles, and acquire skills to progress the story.
Teslagrad
Teslagrad is a stunning indie platformer. Initially a 2013 PC release, its 2018 arrival on Google Play electrified the Android gaming scene. Climb the Tesla Tower, solve puzzles, and gain scientific abilities to navigate new areas.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
Image: Tiny Dangerous Dungeons Screenshot
Embrace the retro Game Boy aesthetic in Tiny Dangerous Dungeons. This free-to-play platformer, though short (a couple of hours), delivers authentic '90s vibes and satisfying Metroidvania gameplay within a vast dungeon.
Grimvalor
From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a massive, visually impressive Metroidvania. Hack and slash through monsters in a sprawling fantasy world. Its high ratings speak for themselves.
Reventure
Reventure offers a unique take on death. The goal is to die in every imaginable way, each death unlocking new weapons and items. It's clever, humorous, and engaging.
ICEY
ICEY is a meta-Metroidvania. Explore a sci-fi world while a sardonic narrator comments on your actions. The clever narrative complements the engaging hack-and-slash gameplay.
Traps n’ Gemstones
Image: Traps n’ Gemstones Screenshot
A charming Metroidvania with pyramid-based relic hunting, marred by performance issues. Consider waiting for updates.
HAAK
A dystopian Metroidvania with striking pixel art and multiple endings. Dozens of hours of gameplay await.
Afterimage
A recent port from PC, Afterimage is a visually stunning and expansive Metroidvania. While some mechanics might lack detail, its scope is impressive.
This concludes our selection of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more great games, explore our article on the best Android fighting games.
[Tags: best android games]
