If you’re eagerly seeking a new Metroidvania to play then this list is all you need; we’ve listed the best Metroidvania games for Android! We’ve got everything from vampire-led crawls to ancient castles, abandoned cursed islands, dungeons, you name it! So pick your favourite and dive right in!
As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the Metroidvania genre has truly come into its own in recent years, and these ten games are some of the best examples of the genre’s evolution.
To begin with clarity for those unfamiliar with the term ‘Metroidvania’, here’s a simple explanation: Metroidvania is a label given to video games that combine elements from the original ‘Metroid’ and ‘Castlevania’ series, essentially merging their unique gameplay styles.
Games from this specific genre often revolve around the adventure of navigating a connected network of locations brimming with challenges. Players conquer these hurdles by employing special items or skills, which then enable them to reach formerly impassable zones and expand their journey’s scope.
A bit about Castlevania before we get onto the best Android Metroidvania games
Castlevania is a
platform game
that was released by Konami in 1986. Players take on the role of Simon Belmont, a vampire hunter from the Belmont clan, who travels to Castlevania in order to find Dracula in his castle and kill him. The castle, which is unwelcoming at best, is full of traps and various enemies who only get stronger as players progress further into the story.
Through defeating enemies and lighting candles, Simon can enhance his weapon and gather hearts (lives). As each level is finished, a reward is granted based on the speed at which it was cleared. Once the entire game is finished, players return to the first stage for a fresh start. However, this time, the opponents are more formidable, but the player retains their score and weapons from the previous playthrough.
Absolutely, there can be disagreements within dedicated followers of this genre about the specific definition of a Metroidvania game, but for our purposes, we can simply understand it as a type of video game without getting overly technical.
Without further ado, let’s dive straight into our top picks for the finest Metroidvania games on Android devices!
1 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Publisher:
Konami
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but kick off my top picks with none other than “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night”. This is a direct translation of an original masterpiece that forever changed the gaming landscape. You’ll step into the shoes of Alucard and embark on a thrilling journey, battling countless foes within Dracula’s colossal castle. It’s localized in six languages (English, Japanese, German, French, Italian, Spanish) and is designed to work seamlessly with game controllers.
Experience a flood of nostalgia, as the visuals and soundtrack mirror the classic PC game, yet offer intuitive mobile controls. Abounding in intriguing creatures, the game also offers an engaging narrative unfolding through characters within Dracula’s vast castle. If you prefer action-packed games, Castlevania delivers with numerous special attacks and transformations, making it a captivating choice to kick off this list.
Download Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
2 Dead Cells
Developer: Motion Twin
Publisher: Motion Twin
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Dead Cells
Originally launched on PC and gaming consoles, the game has now made its way onto Android devices as well. While some may debate whether Dead Cells fits squarely into the Metroidvania genre, it’s more accurately described as a rogue-lite, with others even coining the term “roguevania” for it. However, there’s no denying that Dead Cells is an exceptional game that offers countless hours of enjoyment. Venture through an ever-evolving castle to uncover the mystery behind its peculiar state.
- Dead Cells Gardeners keys and how to acquire them
- Dead Cells Cavern key – how to use it and where to find it
3 Grimvalor
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Grimvalor
Grimvalor was released a while ago, but the game still gets regular updates and remains one of the best of this genre.
To unravel the mystery behind the vanished ruler of Vallaris, you’ll need to battle hordes of adversaries in an exhilarating combat system. Traverse a hostile territory, search for and enhance gear to bolster your hero, learn enemy attack routines, and vanquish them all with your sword.
4 Dandara
Publisher: Long Hat House
Available on: iOS + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Dandara
The Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition stands out as a top-notch gem in its genre, boasting exceptional design elements across the board, coupled with stunning visuals and intuitive gameplay controls.
Embark on a thrilling journey to unravel the enigmas and concealed truths within the captivating realm of Salt. On the precipice of oblivion, traverse floors, walls, and ceilings, engaging formidable foes along the way. Delve deep into an endless exploration, deciphering puzzles to amass power-ups that open up hitherto inaccessible zones within a stunning pixel art universe.
Download Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
5 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Developer: NetEase Games
Publisher: NetEase Games
Available on: iOS + Android + PlayStation Vita + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
To many fans of Metroidvania games, the name Koji Igarashi is well-known. This is because ‘IGA’ served as a writer, programmer, and assistant director for Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and was also the lead producer for the entire Castelvania series. After leaving Konami, he co-founded Artplay and in June 2019, released Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.
In this game with side-scrolling action and role-playing elements, you assume the character of Miriam – an orphan afflicted by a curse that transforms her body into crystal. To free yourself from this fate, you’ll need to engage in numerous battles. This adventure takes place within a castle teeming with demons, offering over 100 weapons, 20 skills, and multiple combos for you to master as you progress.
Get Bloodstained: Ritual of Night
6 Super Mombo Quest
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Super Mombo Quest
As a hardcore gamer, let me tell you about my latest adventure: Super Mombo Quest on Android. This isn’t your typical game; it’s an action-packed Metroidvania that’ll keep you on your toes! The world is vast and intricately connected, filled with over 200 unique areas to explore.
It is completely free-to-play, and it also supports controllers.
7 Runic Curse
Available on: Android
Find out more about Runic Curse
As I stir from my slumber on this unfamiliar isle, a pang of dread washes over me as I realize my comrades are missing and our ship lies in ruins. Alone amidst this unwelcoming terrain, I’ve been left to grapple with the ominous ‘Runic-Curse’. Now, it falls on me to uncover the truth behind my crew’s mysterious disappearance.
As a die-hard fan, let me tell you that Runic Curse is a game I can’t get enough of, especially if you’re into RPGs. This gem is all about map exploration and character advancement, offering a rich world to delve into. Upon leveling up, I get to decide which stats I want to boost for my character. The game also lets me craft, upgrade runes for my weapons, and learn new skills to access areas that were previously out of reach.
8 Birk’s Adventure
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Birk’s Adventure
Birk’s Adventure is an Android game that has a vintage, pixelated style and is reminiscent of the Metroidvania genre, making it perfect for casual gamers. Unlike other games in this category, when your character perishes in Birk’s Adventure, you don’t have to restart from the beginning; instead, you reappear in the last room you were in. If you’re new to this type of game or are seeking a more approachable challenge, Birk’s Adventure might be just what you need!
In the Kingdom of Nidala, you have the freedom to roam around without a fixed plot, allowing you to meet various characters, uncover hidden riches, and gather weapons and useful items to boost your character’s abilities.
9 HAAK
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about HAAK
Haak shares many similarities with another metroidvania game on Android that we’ve previously featured – Dead Cells. It offers smooth, dynamic movement and action in a visually stunning 2D setting. The main character of this intricately designed world is Haak, although given his extensive use of a particular tool, he could just as easily be named “The Hook”. Our hero is equipped with an array of tools to combat various enemies, as well as some formidable bosses that are hard to forget due to their unique move sets. We certainly found ourselves having to remember their attack patterns!
As you journey along, you’ll encounter diverse characters who significantly influence each other’s fates due to Haak’s numerous conclusions. With its intricate mix of brain-teasing puzzles, intense battles, and tricky platform challenges, Haak stands out as one of the most epic metroidvanias currently available.
10 Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
Publisher: Adventure Islands Games
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
Experience the thrill of “Tiny Dangerous Dungeons,” a retro-inspired Android game reminiscent of the 90’s, featuring a captivating monochrome art style. Embark on an adventure as Timmy, our intrepid treasure hunter, and delve deep into a sprawling dungeon in search of a monumental treasure hoard. Navigate treacherous paths, collect power-ups, and discover hidden upgrades to enhance your abilities, enabling access to previously inaccessible areas. Overcome obstacles posed by numerous enemies, solve intricate puzzles, and demonstrate your expertise by unlocking a variety of achievements. For those who crave speed, there’s even a ‘Time Trial’ mode complete with a leaderboard for added competition.
Download Tiny Dangerous Dungeons.
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2024-11-11 17:19