Metroidvanias Archives

BetaBeacon

August 31, 2026

Bloodborne meets The Legend of Zelda: pixel adventure Tearscape released on Android and iOS

NERDS TAKE OVER studio has recently launched Tearscape, a gothic action RPG, on Android and iOS platforms. The game features pixel graphics reminiscent of classic Game Boy Color games and offers players a two-dimensional top-down adventure in a world inspired by The Legend of Zelda and Metroidvanias, with a dark and eerie atmosphere similar to Bloodborne.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

The indie metroidvania that started it all just got a huge update on PC, adding co-op and mod support after 22 years

Cave Story, launched in 2004 by Daisuke Amaya, redefined the platformer genre and revitalized the metroidvania style with its engaging gameplay and storytelling. A significant update for Cave Story+ was recently released on Steam, aligning it with the Nintendo Switch version, nearly nine years after the Switch debut. Amaya's follow-up project, Kero Blaster, was released in 2015.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

10 games to grab during the Steam Spring Sale 2026

March has seen the release of several notable gaming titles including Slay the Spire 2, Crimson Desert, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Timberborn. The Steam Spring Sale offers discounts on a variety of PC games, running from March 19 to March 26. Featured titles in the sale include: 1. Dispatch: 20% off - .99 / £19.99 2. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: 50% off - .99 / £24.99 3. Routine: 20% off - .59 / £26.79 4. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader: 60% off - .19 / £17.19 5. Maze Mice: 50% off - .49 / £4.49 6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: 50% off - .49 / £12.49 7. Blue Prince: 34% off - .84 / £14.84 8. Dungeons of Hinterberg: 66% off - .45 / £6.45 9. Star Wars Jedi Survivor: 90% off - .99 / £5.99 10. Dread Delusion: 50% off - .74 / £7.74

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

The studio behind the best metroidvania of 2021 has a new game coming out next month—and I’m dropping everything to play it

Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a modern metroidvania known for its class-based combat, exploration mechanics, and pixel art. Released in 2021 by LABS Works, it was notable among other metroidvania titles like Axiom Verge 2 and Ender Lilies. LABS Works is currently developing a new game called Lovish, which will be a single-screen platformer featuring straightforward combat and intricate puzzles. Lovish is set to launch on Steam on February 5, with a free demo available now. The pixel art for Lovish is created by Kap, known for his work on 1001 Spikes.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

My 2026 New Year’s resolution is to finally play these 8 Xbox and PC games in my backlog — mostly because new releases are getting too expensive

As 2025 ends, there is growing anticipation for the gaming landscape of 2026, with a focus on the rising costs of new games and their frequent need for extensive post-release patches. Notable examples include Monster Hunter Wilds and the acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin series, which features intricate turn-based combat and rich storytelling. The original Divinity: Original Sin was released in 2014, while its sequel, Divinity: Original Sin 2, launched in 2017 and introduced new features and character options. Baldur's Gate 3, set in the Baldur's Gate universe, has received numerous accolades for its storytelling and gameplay. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous involves character customization and narrative choices. The Hollow Knight series, including the upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong, and the Ninja Gaiden series are also highlighted. Control, with its sequel Control: Resonant, features surreal visuals and unique gameplay. The Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine series includes a remastered version of the original game. Age of Mythology: Retold is set to be released with enhanced graphics and improvements. All mentioned titles are available on various platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

This week in PC games: warriors, painters, roguelikes, sailors, shotguns, subs and metroidvanias

The gaming industry is currently experiencing a wave of creativity and innovation, with a potential revival of third-person cover shooters on the horizon. Several new PC games are being highlighted: 1. Nientum - Op.ZERO (early access): A 2D platforming and rhythm-action game featuring amnesiac anime girls restoring a creepy theatre. 2. Constance: A 2D metroidvania where players control a painter navigating worlds influenced by mental health struggles. 3. Primal Fray: A turn-based, creature-collecting strategy roguelike set on floating hexagonal islands. 4. A.I.L.A: A narrative-driven game where players act as a game tester against a malicious AI level designer. 5. Captain Wayne - Vacation Desperation: A cartoon FPS featuring a sailor on a mission to challenge wealth. 6. Red Rogue Sea: A turn-based combat and deck-building game with a pirate theme. 7. Holder Of Place: An autobattling roguelite deckbuilder confronting a dragon that has cast the world into eternal night. 8. Kings Of Hell (early access): A nostalgic beat 'em up set in a chaotic world with upwardly mobile demons. 9. Veterum: A turn-based fantasy strategy game focused on battlefield manipulation. 10. Death In Abyss: A 3D underwater combat game where players battle massive leviathans. 11. Ayasa: Shadows Of Silence: A platforming adventure through six themed worlds. The gaming landscape remains unpredictable, with these titles adding to the excitement and anticipation for the future of the industry.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Hollow Knight Silksong’s second patch in a week makes much-requested tool buff and overhauls review-bombed localization

Patch 4 for Hollow Knight Silksong has entered public beta on Steam, introducing enhancements to controller support and a preliminary Simplified Chinese translation. The update improves the Multibinder tool, allowing players to regain two masks per use and effectively clear Muckmaggots. It also addresses issues with the Multibinder's bind time when used with the Shaman crest and fixes instances where Hornet could lose her 'plasmified' state during Bellway travel. The update includes support for Dualsense Edge and Mac controllers, transitioning to Unity's input system for better performance. The Simplified Chinese script is a basic implementation, with plans for further refinement based on player feedback. Patch 4 is identified as update 1.0.28954, and players are encouraged to review the patch notes for additional tweaks and fixes.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Exhausted by Silksong? This breezier twin-stick spin on old school Metroid might just be the genre’s second best this year

A player completed Zexion in three hours, but the author found it took them nearly three hours to not finish the game. Data from HowLongToBeat suggests Zexion may surpass Super Metroid in length but is still more compact than Silksong or Hollow Knight. The game features generous checkpoints and quick boss fights, with a commentator describing it as "basically Metroid 1 if they locked tf in." Zexion includes old-school elements like significant damage from traps, but frequent save points and the ability to restart boss fights mitigate frustration. Players can discover hidden blocks for ammo and health items, and the game focuses on exploration without RPG mechanics. While not a substitute for Silksong, Zexion offers a brisk pace and simpler boss encounters.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

Best Metroidvania Games On PC Ranked

The metroidvania genre has seen a resurgence, appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers. Notable titles on PC include: - Hollow Knight: Celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, gameplay, and soundtrack, it has set a new benchmark in the genre. - Dead Cells: Combines metroidvania mechanics with roguelike elements, offering randomized experiences and high replayability. - Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Known for its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and fluid gameplay, it balances beauty with challenge. - Blasphemous 2: Features a darker aesthetic and punishing combat, refining mechanics from its predecessor while inviting exploration. - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: A classic that has significantly influenced modern metroidvanias, known for its intricate map design and iconic gameplay.

AppWizard

September 1, 2025

This week in PC games: not just Silksong, we also have catgirl tearooms, Returnal-esque shooters and vintage toon horror

The sequel to Team Cherry's Hollow Knight, titled Silksong, is highly anticipated and set to release soon. A preview from Gamescom described it as "faster, prettier, and harder," but also "safe." As its release approaches, several new PC games have adjusted their schedules to avoid competition with Silksong. Notable upcoming games include Bad Cheese, Helldivers 2, Neyyah, Otherskin, Metal Eden, Hirogami, Hell Is Us, Kemono Teatime, Adventure of Samsara, Dig & Decode, Casebook 1899, NBA 2K26, Shuten Order, and Cronos: The New Dawn. James will lead the review for Silksong post-launch, as Team Cherry has not provided press codes. The original Hollow Knight has impressive player statistics and wishlists, suggesting Silksong could generate significant revenue.