Summary
Metroidvaniashave gradually taken over to be one of the most prevalent genres of games in the current generation, and almost every year you may expect to see a handful ofimpressive Metroidvanias launchto critical success.
However, the genre has largely stuck to its roots, with most popular Metroidvanias sticking to two dimensions. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any 3D Metroidvanias, but this subgenre is much less popular than its 2D counterpart. So, what are the best 3D Metroidvanias?
While there are a few games that are considered the first 3D Metroidvania, the title that most people settle on for being the true answer is Shadow Man, a title now over a quarter of a century old.
While it is, of course, not the most smooth, modern, or refined 3D Metroidvania, it is still worth returning to since a lot of it holds up well to modern standards. The game is an adaptation of a comic book that shares the same name, and it is well-known for being one of the longer action games from its era making it a more challenging game to beat too.
It’s often easy to overlook how the Batman Arkham series began, since the series of superhero games truly took on a life of its own after the success of the first game.
While the follow-up titles in this subseries proceeded to become more open-ended, the first decided to take a more restricted approach, so its structure ended up feeling a lot closer to a Metroidvania. If you love the grungy style of Batman from this era, or if you just love more linear action titles, then this is one of the best to return to.
Control is not just unique as a 3D Metroidvania, but is unique in almost every other aspect as well. In this mind-bending adventure, you’ll play as Jesse and explore a facility known as the Oldest House, which was designed to study phenomena that defy reality.
Throughout the adventure, Jesse will learn new telekinetic abilities that allow her to reach different areas in the Oldest House, while also seamlessly integrating into the gunplay and combat. The game is tightly paced, with a perfect balance of exploration and action.
5Pseudoregalia
Indie 3D Metroidvanias can often be overlooked in favour of more mainstream titles, but Pseudoregalia stands out for many reasons and makes it a unique Metroidvania experience worth trying out. This short adventure is heavily inspired by the N64 era, with its style perfectly matching games from that console, but with an updated frame rate and much better controls.
Taking heavier inspiration from the -Vania half of Metroidvania, the game has been described as the 3D Castlevania that we never got for the N64, and is a perfect modern throwback title. The platforming featured uses a unique pogo jump technique that helps it stand apart from any other 3D platformers too.
When considering what makes a Metroidvania, it’s easy to get caught up in the new abilities or items that your character receives to reach new areas, but Journey to the Savage Planet turns that on its head, placingmore of the focus on craftinginstead.
While still definitely within the genre specifications for a Metroidvania, Journey to the Savage Planet tasks you with learning more about the vibrant world you are presented with, and then using this information to craft new tools to make it so you’re able to reach new areas and continue your exploration.
Most often cited for its clear parallels to The Legend of Zelda series (which in itself could be classified as a Metroidvania depending on who you ask) Okami is now revered as a classic of its generation, and it’s a title that heavily uses 3D Metroidvania style progression to get throughoutits beautiful world.
Playing as Amaterasu, you’ll unlock new painting abilities throughout the adventure that allow you to reach new areas, while also integrating into combat as well. While this drawing ability works well on most consoles, it feels the most seamless on the original Wii launch.
While a lot of earlier Resident Evil titles could be categorised as a Metroidvania, the entry that most closely fits within this description is the second title, and this game is best enjoyed by a modern audience in its remake.
Exploring the apocalyptic zombie-infested remains of Raccoon City feels very similar to a Metroidvania, with how often you’ll be tasked with getting new information, tools, or even weapons to make it so you’re able to get to an area you couldn’t previously. While this game is primarily a horror title, the Metroidvania-style progression is what makes it so satisfying.
It’s worth giving credit where credit is due. While it might not have been the first attempt at a 3D Metroidvania, the first 3D Metroid game is worth recognizing for still holding up as one of the best and most impactful 3D Metroidvanias.
Nintendo’s signature polish is easy to see with just how well the first Metroid Prime title has aged in particular, and no matter whether you play it on the GameCube, Wii, or Switch, you are almost guaranteed to have a great time. It’s a fantastic title to fall in love with; once you’ve finished it, you can move right onto the rest of the trilogy.
