Metroidvania
Ongoing coverage on Metroidvania.
Latest coverage
Coming Out in gaming this week — September 21, 2026
This week's gaming releases include a variety of titles across multiple platforms. Highlights include the sci-fi puzzle adventure Rivage, the cozy crafting game Dressmaker, and the open-world survival experience Dune: Awakening. Other notable releases span genres from Metroidvania and RPG to tower defense and sports simulation.
Rising Fox – Open Beta | Alpha Beta Gamer
Rising Fox is a two-dimensional metroidvania adventure game where players control a fox exploring a hand-crafted pixel art world to save their village. The game features skill-based combat, unlockable exploration tools, and environmental puzzles. An open playtest is currently available.
Control Resonant Review – Acceptance
Control Resonant is a fantastic experience that builds upon the original's SCP-inspired setting and engaging gameplay. While it has some technical quibbles on PlayStation 5 and requires an investment in its combat system, the game offers a compelling narrative, unique traversal abilities, and a richly detailed world. The story follows Dylan Faden as he navigates a paranatural cataclysm in Manhattan, interacting with the Federal Bureau of Control and powerful entities known as Resonants.
Control Resonant review - A kaleidoscopic ode to creativity
Control Resonant is a masterful expansion that reimagines the original game's formula, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. Players step into the shoes of Dylan Faden, exploring a warped Manhattan with new paranatural abilities and facing unique combat challenges. The game is praised for its inventive level design, narrative depth, and celebration of creativity, making it a standout title.
End of Abyss Developers Discuss Level Design and World Building in New Behind-the-Scenes Trailer
Section 9 Interactive and Epic Games released a behind-the-scenes trailer for End of Abyss, detailing its level design and world-building. Developers Robin Jansson and Gustav Bunse discussed creating a fantastical yet understandable world with hidden secrets, focusing on industrial and organic elements. The action-adventure Metroidvania title is set for release on October 1st for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Metroid is 40 years old but what kind of future is Nintendo building for it?
Despite Metroid celebrating its 40th anniversary, Nintendo's commitment to the franchise's future appears uncertain, with the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Metroid Ravenous being the only major releases. While Metroid Dread was the best-selling entry, its sales pale in comparison to The Legend of Zelda series, suggesting Metroid remains a prestige title rather than a mainstream hit. The article questions whether Nintendo's current approach, focusing on similar 2D and 3D iterations, is enough to evolve the series or if a more radical reinvention is needed.
Five Years of Solo Development – Interview with Fountains Creator John Pywell
John Pywell, the solo developer behind the Metroidvania action-RPG Fountains, discusses the five-year development journey of his game, which is now launching on Xbox. Pywell shares his inspirations, including Dark Souls and Hollow Knight, his programming process using the Godot engine, and the challenges of creating pixel art. The interview also highlights the contributions of composer Travis Moberg and the unexpected international success of Fountains.
XBOX @ Tokyo Game Show 2026: All the Announcements, Including an Appearance by Hideo Kojima
Xbox showcased a variety of upcoming titles and updates at Tokyo Game Show 2026, including new trailers for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Fallout 76, world premieres for Faraday Blues and Bloomwalker, and the reveal of Japan as a playable location in Crazy Taxi: World Tour. The event also featured Hideo Kojima making a surprise appearance to discuss his upcoming projects, OD – KNOCK and PHYSINT, with Bill Skarsgård confirmed to voice the lead in PHYSINT.
Xbox Game Pass Gets 12 More Games In September
Microsoft has announced 12 new games coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass in September, with some arriving day-one. Titles include Kernel Hearts, Well Dweller, Minecraft Dungeons II, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Dune: Awakening. Several games are also leaving the service on September 30.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding a variety of new titles throughout September and October, including Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Several games are also leaving the service on September 30th.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 Headlines Next Game Pass Wave, Followed by Gears of War: E-Day
Microsoft's Game Pass is adding several new titles throughout September and October, including Minecraft Dungeons 2 and Gears of War: E-Day. RuneScape: Dragonwilds is available now, with other games like Kernel Hearts and Well Dweller rolling out for different subscription tiers. Several games will also be leaving the service by the end of September.
Dreadline Express is more Myst than Balatro, but this horror Metroidvania deckbuilder is just as creative
Dreadline Express is a creative psychological horror Metroidvania deckbuilder where collected cards shape the narrative choices and progression. Developed by solo Czech dev Dave Konecny, the game features a unique deckbuilding system for narrative progression rather than combat, set on a mysterious, claustrophobic train. It is scheduled for release in October 2026 on PC.
6 Exciting Indie Games That Should Be On Your Wishlist
This article highlights six exciting indie games showcased at PAX West that are worth adding to a Steam wishlist. The featured titles include Wolfhound, Blocks for Babies, Valor Mortis, God Save Birmingham, Crop, and Truckful, each offering unique gameplay mechanics and promising experiences.
Aeterna Lucis gets Nintendo Switch release date, new trailer
Aeterna Lucis, a Metroidvania game from Aeternum Game Studios, has received a new release date of December 3 for consoles, following a delay. The game is a sequel to Aeterna Noctis and features fast-paced combat, exploration, and a story where players control the Queen of Light.
RIN: The Last Child Casts A Spell On Xbox And PlayStation
RIN: The Last Child, a dark fantasy Metroidvania developed by Salient Games and published by Ultimate Games, has been released on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The game features exploration, platforming, combat, and a deep spellcrafting system with numerous combinations. Originally announced for a 2023 launch, the game previously released on PC in 2024 with a Mixed reception.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse proves Dead Cells' developers were the right fit for a revival in this blessing for the Belmonts
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, developed by Evil Empire, shows promise as a revival of the classic series, blending Metroidvania exploration with fast-paced action inspired by Dead Cells. The game introduces a new protagonist, Rose, daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, who wields the iconic Vampire Killer whip. The preview highlights the game's beautiful art style, engaging level design, and fluid combat mechanics, suggesting a confident return to form for the Castlevania franchise.
Fading Light – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Fading Light is a Metroidvania survival adventure where players control Noteo and their firefolk companion Spark to navigate a dangerous world, craft tools, and overcome challenging boss fights. Sign-ups for the game's beta playtest are now open.
Samus devours her enemies in reveal trailer for Metroid Ravenous
Nintendo revealed Metroid Ravenous, a new 2D Metroidvania title for the Nintendo Switch 2, during its latest Nintendo Direct. The game features Samus Aran crash-landing on an alien moon and gaining new abilities by consuming her enemies, reminiscent of Metroid Dread's tense atmosphere. Metroid Ravenous is set to release on January 28, 2027.
The Merlies Is a Solarpunk Metroidvania Coming to PC and Switch
The Merlies, a solarpunk metroidvania adventure developed by Darjeeling Productions and Blue Ramen Studios, is set to release on September 29th, 2026, for PC and Nintendo Switch. The game features a playful, non-combat approach where players guide tiny birds called Merlies to rebuild their village in a hopeful post-apocalyptic world.
The Ascent: Ultimate Edition announced for Nintendo Switch 2
The Ascent: Ultimate Edition has been announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 and is scheduled to launch in December. This announcement follows previous releases of related titles like Savant: Ascent Remix and Ascent DX on the Nintendo Switch.
