10 Metroidvanias Where Backtracking Feels Genuinely Rewarding Instead of Annoying

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I really enjoy Metroidvania games, but I strongly dislike getting lost in them. It actually causes me anxiety when I can’t figure out where to go next, blocking my progress. That’s why I prefer games in this genre where revisiting old areas feels good and helpful, rather than annoying.

Sometimes games have a straightforward path, like Metroid Fusion. Other times, a game is just so well-designed that even getting lost feels exciting and new. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes it work, but you can definitely feel it when you’re playing. Luckily, many games in this style do a great job of creating a world where exploration is enjoyable, not frustrating.

Although these games all fall into the Metroidvania genre, they’re a surprisingly diverse bunch. You’ll find everything from bright and cheerful platformers to dark and unsettling experiences, and even fresh takes on classic series. What they all have in common is that they’re fantastic adventures, and exploring each world is consistently enjoyable. The ranking is based on a combination of overall critic scores and my own preferences.

10. Voidwrought

Blood of the Gods

Most Metroidvania games put you in the role of a hero, but not in Voidwrought. Here, you play as a being called a Simulacrum, tasked with killing gods and harvesting their essence. It’s easier to do, though, since these “gods” are more like terrifying creatures from a Lovecraftian nightmare than traditional divine figures.

Although Voidwrought clearly draws inspiration from other games in the genre, it still boasts incredibly smooth and satisfying controls. These responsive controls are essential for both the quick, action-packed battles and the tricky platforming sections you’ll find throughout the dangerous environments.

This game isn’t ranked higher simply because there were even stronger titles this year. However, it’s still a fantastic Metroidvania – dark, unique, and definitely worth playing.

9. Ghost Song

Deadsuit in a Strange World

Ghost Song is a beautiful Metroidvania game where you control a mysterious being known as the Deadsuit. While your origins are a mystery, your goal is straightforward: gather the necessary parts to repair your ship, the Gambler, and finally escape.

In Ghost Song, combat relies on smartly switching between your blaster and melee weapons. Firing the blaster too often causes it to overheat, but this actually boosts the power of your melee attacks. Successfully managing both weapon types is key to surviving.

This game is incredibly enjoyable thanks to its beautiful and unsettling environments. You’ll find yourself immersed in a dangerous alien world. While navigating small platforms can be a little challenging, it’s a minor issue in an otherwise fantastic adventure.

8. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Time and Space

I usually expect Prince of Persia games to be pretty challenging, and even frustrating. The series is known for its deadly traps and tough enemies. However, recent games have successfully balanced that difficulty, making the challenges fun instead. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a perfect example of how they’ve achieved this.

In The Lost Crown, mastering time-bending powers and unlocking new abilities transformed frustrating platforming sections into exciting challenges. You’ll likely face some setbacks, but the game encourages learning from mistakes with well-placed save points, making each attempt feel rewarding.

The main reason this game isn’t ranked higher is that some of the boss fights in The Lost Crown can be quite challenging. However, even with that drawback, it’s still a fantastic Metroidvania with excellent exploration.

7. Animal Well

Secrets of the Labyrinth

While Animal Well shares some similarities with Metroidvania games, it’s quite unique. Unlike most games in the genre, it doesn’t focus on fighting. Instead, it’s all about solving puzzles. However, like a classic Metroidvania, it really shines when you’re discovering secrets and exploring a bizarre world.

To move forward, you absolutely have to explore and retrace your steps. This area is full of hidden passages and secret spots, so don’t be afraid to get lost – you’ll discover amazing views, valuable secrets, and useful items like fireworks along the way.

While I appreciated how cleverly designed Animal Well was, I didn’t enjoy it as much as some because I’m not a big fan of puzzles, even in Metroidvania games. However, if you like unique and interesting takes on the genre, it’s definitely worth a look.

6. Islets

Eyes in the Sky

Islets is a delightful Metroidvania game featuring unexpected heroes and islands that float in the air. It’s the second game I’ve played from Kyle Thompson, and it shows he’s capable of creating multiple games with interesting twists, much like his previous title, Sheepo, which is a Metroidvania where you can’t fight.

The best part of playing Islets is simply how enjoyable it is to discover the world. You’ll revisit areas often, but that actually makes everything feel more interconnected and substantial. And it’s not just a feeling – as you play, you’ll unlock abilities that physically connect the islands, creating new routes and ways to explore, which is a clever and satisfying feature.

I really liked the game, but its score wasn’t as high as it could have been. However, if you’re into this type of game and appreciate creative ideas, you should definitely check out Islets.

5. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Furious Ninja

When a ninja’s clan is turned to stone and his home destroyed, what’s left but revenge? That’s the driving force behind Shinboi: Art of Vengeance, a fast-paced, action-packed Metroidvania focused on intense combat.

Growing up with Nintendo, I didn’t discover the Shinobi series until much later in life. While it’s often categorized alongside Metroidvania games, it’s really more of a traditional platformer. Luckily, Art of Vengeance made some good changes to the gameplay, which convinced me to add it to this list.

Going back to previous areas doesn’t feel tedious thanks to the game’s quick and responsive controls. As you play, you’ll face tough enemies, both human and demonic, which can sometimes be frustrating. However, the game is generally a polished and well-designed Metroidvania.

4. Hollow Knight

Nothing Hollow About It

I can tell a game really resonates with me when I look back and realize I’ve taken a ton of screenshots while playing it. That’s definitely true with Hollow Knight, a beautifully sad Metroidvania game I actually helped fund through a crowdfunding campaign years ago.

Anyone who’s played Hollow Knight knows it’s a challenging game. However, it’s crafted so well that repeated deaths feel like a worthwhile part of exploring its unique insect-filled world. You’ll find yourself wanting to revisit areas just to discover all the strange locations and characters hidden throughout the vast map.

Honestly, the only thing keeping Hollow Knight from being even higher on my list is that a few of the late-game bosses were seriously tough – I almost rage-quit a couple of times! But even with that, it’s still a game that’s really stuck with me and a ton of other players. It’s a huge deal in the Metroidvania world.

3. Shantae and the Seven Sirens

Tropical Adventure Beckons

While Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse remains my personal favorite, Shantae and the Seven Sirens felt the most polished and easy to play. I only encountered one real roadblock, and that was because I wasn’t paying close enough attention, not because of any issues with the game itself.

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It’s easy to get caught up in the game’s bright visuals, smart story, and fast-paced battles. Plus, as fans will be happy to hear, the main character gets new animal forms to help them discover this amazing world.

Even though it might not be the very best Shantae game, Shantae and the Seven Sirens is still really enjoyable. It’s definitely the most beautiful game in the series, with fantastic cutscenes and artwork.

2. Haiku, the Robot

Dystopian Poetry

I have fond memories of the Game Boy Color, and its unique look is wonderfully captured in the Metroidvania game, Haiku, the Robot. I was a supporter of this game’s development, and it’s a charming yet surprisingly dark adventure about a robot.

The game is set in Arcadia, a place that was once a beautiful paradise but has now become a dangerous wasteland due to rogue robots. Luckily, the player character, Haiku, is resourceful and capable of not only surviving, but potentially restoring Arcadia to its former glory. Players can also personalize Haiku’s abilities using a unique chip system.

I was completely absorbed in this game, and surprisingly, I didn’t mind revisiting areas. Exploring actually led me to discover secret routes and some really unique robot companions.

1. Momodora: Moonlit Farewell

Momo’s Divine Mission

I’d only tried one game from the Momodora series before playing Momodora: Moonlit Farewell. However, that single game was enough to show me how much I enjoyed the series created by rdein, and made me eager to play the final installment.

Honestly, playing Moonlit Farewell felt like stepping into a gorgeous watercolor painting. It’s seriously beautiful and has this dreamy, otherworldly vibe, but don’t let that fool you – it’s packed with hidden dangers. The fighting was solid, but what really got me was exploring. I just had to see everything, every little corner of the world, and that usually meant facing off against huge monsters and seriously ticked-off demons. I was completely hooked!

I have to say, even though Momodora: Moonlit Farewell can be pretty tough, I wholeheartedly recommend it! It just nails the balance between tricky platforming, satisfyingly difficult fights, and a story that really pulls you in. It’s a bit of a bummer this is the last Momodora game, but thankfully you can still experience the earlier titles on PC and consoles if you’re curious!

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2026-05-30 16:41