Before diving into Zexion on my Steam Deck last weekend, I made a rather unfortunate choice: I decided to check it out on YouTube. To my surprise, I stumbled upon a video showcasing a player completing the game in just three hours. My initial reaction, as someone familiar with the quirky world of gaming speedrunners, was not one of skepticism. Instead, I thought, “Three hours! What a delightful, compact adventure this will be—a perfect little snack while I take a break from dying repeatedly in Silksong.” However, after nearly three hours of my own gameplay, I found myself dying just as often in Zexion, and I was far from finishing it. It seems Silksong had dulled my ability to recognize a speedrun when I saw one.
Discovering Zexion’s Depth
Contrary to my initial belief that Zexion was a mini Metroid, data from HowLongToBeat suggests it may actually surpass Super Metroid in length and is certainly longer than several other titles in the genre. Nevertheless, it remains a compact experience compared to Silksong or Hollow Knight. The numerous deaths I encountered didn’t frustrate me, thanks to the generous checkpoints and boss fights that can be wrapped up in a brisk 23 seconds.
A YouTube commentator aptly described Zexion as “basically Metroid 1 if they locked tf in,” and this captures its essence beautifully. While Zexion may be too advanced for actual NES hardware—given that Nintendo would have required analog sticks for a twin-stick shooter—it feels as though it could have been crafted by a more seasoned team years later, bringing a fresh perspective to the classic format.
Some of Zexion’s more punishing old-school elements, such as the significant damage inflicted by spike traps and enemy collisions, might have been more irritating had it not been for the frequent save points and the option to restart boss fights. In just a couple of hours, I managed to double my health bar by discovering energy tanks, a stark contrast to the single extra pip of health I earned after over 15 hours in Silksong.
Zexion may initially appear stingy with health and missile refills, but it reveals itself to be more clever and generous than it seems. By spending time shooting at random walls and empty spaces, players can uncover hidden blocks that yield ammo, while specific enemy types consistently drop health items.
While the environmental storytelling in Silksong intricately weaves together a society, Zexion satisfies a different itch: the thrill of discovering how its world operates. It’s refreshing to engage with a game that leans heavily into the Metroid formula while steering clear of the vania elements—there’s no leveling up, looting, or RPG mechanics to contend with.
At the same price point on Steam, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Zexion as a substitute for Silksong, but it serves as an excellent complement. The pace is brisker, boss encounters are simpler, and there’s no need to grind for currency to unlock your next save point. I might consider adjusting the damage settings, though; Silksong has already delivered enough challenges for one month.
If Team Cherry’s latest offering hasn’t quite captured your interest, you might want to explore the nine metroidvanias we recommend instead.
