Metroidvania: Exploring the Open Worlds of Super Metroid and Castlevania

Summary

This week’s video game releases might not be exciting, but there’s always something cool to play. Metroidvania games, in particular, bring together elements of two classic games – Super Metroid and Castlevania – to create amazing open-world experiences that can be explored at the player’s leisure. The latest Metroidvania game to hit the downloads is the Mexican, wrestling-themed game Guacamele! for Playstation 3 and Vita, offering an exciting twist on the original. However, if you’re wanting a more traditional gaming experience, the original 8-bit Castlevania for Nintendo 3DS is also a great option. And, for a taste of nostalgia, we recommend trying out the updated version of Super Metroid, which is currently available on Wii U Virtual Console for just 30 cents.

What is Metroidvania?
What makes Metroidvania games unique?
What is “Guacamele!”?
What other games are similar to Guacamele!?
Why is the original 8-bit Castlevania game considered so difficult?
What makes Super Metroid a groundbreaking game?
How can I enjoy Super Metroid on Wii U Virtual Console?

Q&A

What is Metroidvania?

Metroidvania is a type of 2D platformer game that combines elements of the classic games Super Metroid and Castlevania, offering vast open worlds for players to explore at their leisure. These games feature a nonlinear map system, where players can move throughout the environment as they gain abilities and new skills. The term Metroidvania was only recently coined by game developers and retro gaming enthusiasts.

What makes Metroidvania games unique?

Two major features set Metroidvania games apart from other platformers. First, the game worlds are very open, which allows players to explore vast landscapes and hidden areas. Second, as players progress through the game, they gain new abilities that allow them to access previously inaccessible areas. This backtracking feature is what makes Metroidvania games truly unique and always exciting.

What is “Guacamele!”?

Guacamele! is a Metroidvania game released for Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita in April 2013. The game is based on Mexican wrestling and offers a unique twist on the original Metroidvania theme. Players control a luchador, a wrestler in a mask and tights, and face off against supernatural enemies. As the player progresses through the game, they gain new powers and abilities, allowing them to explore more of the game’s rich landscape.

What other games are similar to Guacamele!?

Guacamele! is similar to other Metroidvania games, such as Hollow Knight, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Axiom Verge. These games all offer vast landscapes, nonlinear maps, and the ability for players to gain new abilities as they progress through the game.

Why is the original 8-bit Castlevania game considered so difficult?

The original 8-bit Castlevania game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is known for its extreme difficulty. This game offered players a straightforward, linear platform experience, as opposed to the nonlinear maps of Metroidvania-style games. Enemies were numerous and difficult to defeat, and players only had a set number of lives to make it through the entirety of the game.

What makes Super Metroid a groundbreaking game?

Super Metroid is considered a groundbreaking game because it combined the nonlinear map systems of Metroidvania games with detailed graphics and sound that were ahead of their time. Super Metroid also had an extensive and detailed plot, something not often seen in games at that time. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it remains highly regarded by gamers and critics alike.

How can I enjoy Super Metroid on Wii U Virtual Console?

Super Metroid is available on Wii U Virtual Console for just 30 cents during its first month of release. After that, the game will cost $8. Players can enjoy the updated version of the game on their Wii U Gamepads, without the need to take up their entire television screen.