PlayStation Vita Recommends – Metroidvania

Rogue-Like

Rhythm

VISUAL NOVELS

RPGS

Horror

It’s been a while since I added to my recommendations, but after playing a few and falling in love with Metroidvanias I realised how many amazing ones there were on the Vita. It’s the perfect genre for on the go and being in 2D means they usually run buttery smooth on the system. So here is what you can expect.

THE USUAL

Axiom Verge

There is a reason why Axiom Verge is always mentioned when talking about Metroidvanias and that’s because it is one of the best of the genre. It’s not only good for the genre but a must play game in general. Play as a man transported to another world using science to find his way to the one who has been tormenting the creatures of this dimension. Loaded with secrets and replayability it is available cheaply digitally and physically in the multiverse edition pack.

Salt & Sanctuary

This is not just one of the greatest Metroidvanias of all time but one of the best games of all time. I hate Dark Souls. I find it tedious and dull, but somehow Salt and Sanctuary took all of that put it in a new genre and made something amazing. You will die a lot, but you will also have more fun than you have ever had. As soon as I finished I turned around to start another playthrough. The physical was limited and now is a bit pricey but the digital is very reasonably priced.

Castlevania

It just wouldn’t be right if the series which put the Vania in Metroidvania was not in the usual recommends for the genre. There are a few of these titles on Vita. Symphony of the Night is the obvious recommendation as most people’s favourite in the series, but you can also purchase The Dracula X Chronicles digitally which contains the above and Rondo of Blood another well received title which didn’t make it West until 2007. Igarashi also released Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon on Vita (with a limited physical release) for a more modern, and also more retro take on the games.

The Unusual

Bunny must Die! Chelsea and the Seven Devils.

Once you get over the ridiculous title, you will find that Bunny Must Die! Chelsea and the Seven Devils is a great addition to the genre. The movement and gameplay is wickedly quick and the bosses may give you a run for your money. Without spoilers if you don’t laugh out loud at the fourth boss you have no heart. Different characters with different play styles also spice this one up a lot. Physicals were limited and now quite expensive, but the digital version will let you know it’s still worth it.

Rabi-Ribi

Maybe I just have a thing for cute bunny girls, or maybe bunny girls and Metroidvania just go hand in hand perfectly. The level design and movement in Rabi-Ribi aren’t as slick and Bunny Must Die! but it makes up for that with the amazing bullet hell boss battles. I’m constantly surprised that these two don’t get more recognition. This is more like a boss rush, but it does it well, and the hammer is glorious. Again physicals are limited and getting pricey but it is still a bargain digitally.

Timespinner

Timespinner came out late in the Vita’s lifestyle and as such got no where near the amount of recognition it deserved. It is an absolute rip off of Symphony of the Night in almost every way, but is that such a bad thing? It brings new boss battles and the interesting orb weapons which mix up gameplay, and well as interesting thought out level design and difficulty curve. Sadly, no physical but the digital version is so worth it.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Other Metroidvanias which I would recommend include:

SteamWorld Dig: Both of the dig games are available on Vita, and the first with a limited physical run. Dig your way through this unique take on the genre.

Chasm: Procedurally generated this is another late entry entry to the vita. East Asia released a physical recently, and digital is still cheap.

Guacamelee: This is another common recommend which I haven’t played. Metroidvania meets day of the dead. Limited physical cheap digital.

La Mulana EX: Recently purged from the Vita store, this is a classic of the genre and tough as nails. Purchase physical if you love a challenge.

Xeodrifter: This is short but sweet, a classic Metroidvania, slick level design but simple bosses. Limited physical but insanely cheap digital.

Shantae Half Genie Hero: The Vita has too many great Metroidvanias and this is another of my personal favourites. Came physically as a limited edition.

Necrosphere: I mentioned La Mulana was tough but Necrosphere saw me die 300x on ONE checkpoint. Still incredibly rewarding. Be aware it’s a 2 button game left and right TRIGGER. Limited physical cheap digital.

And one to avoid ….

Let the fans murder me but I really hate Iconoclasts. It’s way overpriced digitally and physically, has slow clunky movement, an imprecise grapple and a story that was so junk it made me physically sick. I will admit I am in the minority with that opinion though.

What do you think of the above games? Have any more favourites to recommend?