Even though the Metroidvania genre has become pretty commonplace in the last couple of decades, there was a time it was a lot rarer. And while there are some iconic examples of the genre featured on the Nintendo DS, most notably Castlevania, many of the Metroidvanias on the handheld were quite experimental.
While I sometimes find it hard to find a catch-all distillation of what exactly constitutes a Metroidvania, I’m confident that all of the games on this list qualify to various degrees. They all feature a combination of exploration, backtracking, hidden areas and some form of upgrade. Furthermore, most of the games on this list feature a lot of platforming, which is inextricably linked to the genre.
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There are some games on this list you absolutely won’t be familiar with, and others that instantly bring the genre to mind. Either way, all these are fascinating looks at Metroidvanias that also do a good job of being fast-paced and intuitive, and thus respect your time.
10
Giana Sisters DS
Don’t Get It Twisted
Platform
Nintendo DS
Publisher
Destineer
Genre
Platformer, Metroidvania
Release Date
April 3, 2009
I first discovered the Giana Sisters in Twisted Dreams, a quirky pure platformer adventure. So imagine my surprise when I discovered years later that it was actually on the DS first in an obscure, Metroidvania-styled adventure called Giana Sisters DS (incredible name, I know).
The game has a lot in common with more traditional platformers like Super Mario but it also featured a good amount of replay value and hidden surprises. You could make use of the touch screen and microphone in the adventure, and there was also a vast world map that let you replay areas to find things you might have missed. Hell, there was even a full remake of The Great Giana Sisters included in the game.
While Giana Sisters DS starts out very easy, it ramps up pretty quickly late in the game, and some of the optional levels will make you suffer. This is a very collectible-focused adventure, but it had just enough Metroidvania sauce to be considered for this particular list. Best of all, it’s a pretty quick burn, perfect for a handheld.
9
Wario: Master of Disguise
Master Thief
When you think about it, Wario has actually been an unofficial Metroidvania anti-hero for a while now. Even in his earliest games, he got different hats that allowed him to explore new areas. And in Wario: Master of Disguise, he steals a shapeshifting magic wand that lets him transform into a variety of strange new shapes, all in his ongoing goal to steal loot, and even the fabled Wishstone.
Since it was a DS game, it’s not surprising that you used the stylus to transform into new forms. Wario: Master of Disguise also featured some puzzle mechanics which were pretty neat. What it lacked, though, was a compelling story to keep you invested in this weird adventure.
The biggest reason this game sits so low on the totem pole was that it was pretty tedious in how it plays, despite the neat ideas on display here. That and how the magic wand Wario steals literally will not shut up. But still, a noteworthy early attempt at Metroidvania from an unexpected corner.
8
Prince of Persia: The Fallen King
Zal and Me
I’ve played a lot of Prince of Persia games over the years. But there are very few of them quite so weird as Prince of Persia: The Fallen King. The premise is fine, with a rampaging god named Ahriman corrupting the land, and the Prince joining up with an entity named Zal to try and fix what’s been wrought.
The problem is that Prince of Persia: The Fallen King tries to solely implement touch controls for a Metroidvania. And while I have seen games utilize the stylus in intuitive ways, here it felt forced and incredibly awkward. You have to tap the screen to move, climb walls and even to battle foes, which wasn’t a great fit, despite the novelty.
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While it’s true the Prince does gain more useful platforming maneuvers as you progress, the difficult controls mixed with mediocre graphical style made this a pretty weird Metroidvania, even if it was on the short side.
7
Scurge: Hive
Infected Jenosa
Now we’re getting to the titles that are much more easily identifiable as Metroidvanias, even if some gamers had mixed feelings about Scurge: Hive. Thankfully, I’m not one of them, and found this DS adventure to be incredibly captivating, even if it was borrowing some themes from the Metroidseries.
Scurge: Hive is a top-down Metroidvania where you play Jenosa Arma, sent to deal with an outbreak and instantly infected herself. You’re constantly racing against the clock, looking for new upgrades and contending with powerful bosses. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to the save stations fast enough to buy precious time and keep your infection at bay.
Best of all, Scurge: Hive is very linear, and thus very respectful of your time. While that does mean this adventure is over relatively soon, it’s one well worth experiencing. I keep hoping that somehow this will get a modern sequel. It’s really that enjoyable.
6
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
Thwip Into Danger
Generally speaking, many of the Spider-Man games are open world and highly immersive. Which is why I was so tickled to discover there was a 2D Metroidvania on the DS. And while Spider-Man: Web of Shadows was on multiple systems, it played differently on the DS from the others, which is why I included it.
Spidey is facing a Symbiote invasion, and the game lets you alternate between his regular suit and his black Symbiote suit. The former is faster, while the latter is slow and immensely powerful. You’ll also gather experience, which allows you to learn new attack combos, as well as finding upgrades to help the hero traverse new areas.
The most interesting part about the game is you’ll have the chance to team up with some unusual allies, including more traditional ones like Black Cat and Nightcrawler, and surprises like Green Goblin and Venom. Depending on who you help, you’ll get a couple of different endings in the game, including one where Spidey dumps his responsibility for the lure of endless power.
5
Mega Man ZX
Mega Metroidvania
On paper, Mega Man ZX is just another nod to the more far-flung future adventures of the X series. But when you look a bit closer, you quickly see this Inti Creates adventure is anything but a traditional platformer. It actually featured missions, an expansive map and even some light exploration to help differentiate itself from the pack.
The big hook was using Biometals to transform into different the forms of characters from Mega Man Zero. Each form is unique, and offers different combat and exploration abilities. That said, if you think this is one of the easy Mega Man games, think again.
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This particular developer loves intense boss battles, and even if Mega Man ZX wasn’t as hard as some of the Mega Man Zero games, it’s no cakewalk either. If nothing else, this game showed how much effort Inti Creates puts into their adventures, and I strongly suspect it helped provide inspiration to create the Azure Striker Gunvolt series. An outstanding, creative entry in a well-loved series.
4
Aliens: Infestation
Everybody Dies
Platform
Nintendo DS
Publisher
Sega
Genre
Metroidvania
Release Date
October 11, 2011
Most of you probably think I only like WayForward because of the Shantae series. But I also really loved Aliens: Infestation, which was developed by them and published by Sega. It’s a really faithful take on the Alien franchise, and it just happens to be a really dynamic and terrifying Metroidvania as well.
You have a team of four Marines you’re controlling, who explore different parts of the station. You’re able to jump between them, which is helpful but dangerous, since they might get discovered and infested by a facehugger while you’re distracted. Luckily, you can find replacements as you progress, each with their own gear and play style.
Not only was this a near perfect Metroidvania, but Aliens: Infestation is also a really great horror experience. It’s amazing to me that it’s still locked on the DS, since I felt it was an excellent adventure, and it’s not one you need a stylus to play. If you need more WayForward aliens in your life, you should probably check out Contra 4 on the DS.
3
Monster Tale
Girl and Chomp
Platform
Nintendo DS
Publisher
Majesco
Genre
Metroidvania, monster sim
Release Date
March 22, 2011
Let me just say, I’m still perturbed that the promised HD remake of Monster Tale never happened a few years ago. Because while the original is a blast on the Nintendo DS, it’s a game that I really feel more people need a chance to play. That said, if you’re a fan of handhelds, this is one of the best Metroidvanias on the system.
It mixes monster sim and Metroidvania, with Ellie summoning Chomp in battle, and then raising him on the bottom screen with your stylus. You can also have him evolve into different forms, depending on how you feed him. Throw in new abilities to traverse this strange world of Kid-Kings, and you have a pretty memorable adventure.
While the game is a gorgeous little Metroidvania that has aged very well, Monster Tale is also very short. Which is another reason it should have gotten that port, but sometimes games only live one life on their original system.
2
Shantae: Risky’s Revenge
My First DSi Adventure
There was a time in my life where all my games were on cartridges or discs. Then I discovered the magic of downloadable adventures thanks to Shantae: Risky’s Revenge. And as my first experience with the series, it was a pretty strong starting point.
While not as iconic of a Metroidvania for the series as Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, it’s still a lot of fun. You’ll have the genie transform into a variety of cool forms which let her explore further, ranging from monkey to elephant and mermaid. That said, while the game is stunning, it’s very easy to get lost in this vibrant world.
Another great nod to the genre is that you’ll get different endings depending on how fast you reach credits, a nod to the original Metroid. I’m pretty horrible at beating any Shantae game fast enough, but Risky’s Revenge is still a high watermark on the Nintendo DS.
1
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
Jonathan & Charlotte’s Iconic Adventure
The Nintendo DS has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Castlevania. So much so that I had to choose between three of the best Castlevania adventures for this list: Dawn of Sorrow, Order of Ecclesia and Portrait of Ruin. And while each of them has laudable features, I ultimately settled on Portrait of Ruin for one reason: It’s the only game that lets you alternate between two different heroes, Jonathan and Charlotte.
Not only does this game feature a pretty unique storyline with some huge twists, but it also has really inventive gameplay. Each of the areas in the castle are living worlds you jump into through magical drawings, which allowed for some really wild levels. Those included a twisted circus, an ancient pyramid and much more.
Best of all, once you beat the game, there’s a totally new way to play, though it does prominently feature the stylus. Mix in a vast castle to explore, monstrous bosses and even fledgling voice acting, and Portrait of Ruin is one adventure that’s easy to recommend.
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