Metroidvania
Ongoing coverage on Metroidvania.
Latest coverage
After 3 hours, the new Castlevania game I've wanted for 12 years already feels like a classic
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, the first new Castlevania game in 12 years, offers a Metroidvania experience reminiscent of Symphony of the Night. Players control Rose Belmont, wielding a Vampire Killer whip and an Arcana System powered by tarot cards, exploring a non-linear 15th-century Paris. Developed by Evil Empire and Konami, the game features a striking 2.5D art style and is set to release on October 15, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Turns Bosses Into Friends
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is an upcoming action RPG that builds upon the classic Castlevania formula with modern elements like parries, dodges, and healing abilities, alongside new mechanics. Developer Evil Empire and publisher Konami are aiming to revitalize the franchise with this new entry, which was previewed after a three-hour play session.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is like playing classic 'Vania on fast forward, with a whip to die for
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, developed by Evil Empire and published by Konami, aims to recapture the glory days of the series with a fast-paced metroidvania experience. The game introduces Rose Belmont and features fluid combat and traversal mechanics, including an enhanced whip system. While drawing inspiration from classic titles like Symphony of the Night, it also incorporates modern design elements and promises a challenging yet accessible adventure.
Game Demos
Altered Alma is a PC game available on Steam that blends Metroidvania gameplay with RPG elements, dating sim features, and a pixel-art style. The game also features a compelling story.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is Coming to Nintendo Switch on October 15th
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is set to launch on October 15th for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Developed by Evil Empire, the game introduces a new Belmont protagonist, Rose, in 1499 Paris, facing "The Fallen" and featuring familiar bosses like Death and Carmilla. The title incorporates Metroidvania-style gameplay with improved mobility and a distinct art style.
What You Missed at the Super Rare Summer Showcase!
Super Rare Originals and Super Rare Games hosted their Summer Showcase, revealing two new titles: the boomer shooter Blow-Up and the monochrome metroidvania Lelu, both coming to Steam. The event also announced the digital release of the 3D platformer Teeto on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, alongside news of a Steam Publisher Sale and remaining physical copies of Chained Echoes Complete Edition for Nintendo Switch.
The NES is 45 years old – here’s why there’s no nostalgia for it in the UK
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), despite its global importance and iconic franchises, had a minimal cultural impact and generated little nostalgia in the UK. This is attributed to its late release in 1987, high price point compared to dominant home computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, and a perception of being for children, unlike Sega's offerings. While foundational for many genres and franchises in North America and Japan, the NES's legacy in the UK is largely overshadowed by these market factors.
Wandersky heading to Nintendo Switch
TinyPotionTree has announced that its upcoming top-down adventure game with Metroidvania elements, Wandersky, will be released on the Nintendo Switch. The game features Kuu and her companion Tama on a mission to restore the land of Hyndara, incorporating puzzles, combat, and exploration with a unique single-arrow mechanic. A release window is still to be determined.
Puzzle adventure game Plungeez heading to Nintendo Switch
The puzzle adventure game Plungeez is set to release on Nintendo Switch on August 13, 2026. Developed by Team Zeroth and published by QUByte Interactive, the game features exploration of a non-linear underground world inspired by the sewers of Salvador, Brazil, with a focus on puzzles and logic rather than combat.
PAX West 2026 names its 11 PAX Rising Showcase winners
PAX West 2026 has announced the 11 winners of its PAX Rising Showcase, an event dedicated to highlighting upcoming indie games. Among the selected titles are Lazy River, Dungeon Lurker, Giga Turtles, and the unrevealed Project Red. These games will be playable at the Seattle Convention Center from September 4-7, 2026.
Winds of Arcana: Ruination Brings An Epic Metroidvania Adventure To Xbox Game Pass
The dark fantasy Metroidvania title, Winds of Arcana: Ruination, developed by Brewed Games and published by 1312 Interactive, is now available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Premium for Xbox Series X|S and PC. The game also supports Xbox Play Anywhere for handheld and cloud gaming. Players take on the role of Aryn, tasked with saving comrades and becoming the Ultimate Warrior Mage in a 2.5D world filled with secrets, combat, and traversal abilities.
Dina första intryck av A Void Hope?
This article invites players to share their first impressions of the 2D Metroidvania game A Void Hope. The author highlights the surprise of a Swedish language option, which is seen as beneficial for introducing children to quality gaming. The narrative approach, focusing on environmental storytelling, is also praised.
Game Pass Levels Up Again With Gears Reloaded, Palworld 1.0 And More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles in July, including the full release of Palworld 1.0 and the definitive remaster of Gears of War: Reloaded. Subscribers can also look forward to Winds of Arcana: Ruination and Tamashika. These additions span various genres and platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X|S, and cloud gaming.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+ 2, The Planet Crafter, Palworld 1.0, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles throughout July, including the full release of Palworld 1.0, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, and Gears of War: Reloaded. The service will also feature updates for games like Wuthering Waves and League of Legends, while several titles are scheduled to leave the library on July 15.
Winds of Arcana: Ruination Casts A Spell On Game Pass With Day One Xbox Launch
Winds of Arcana: Ruination has launched day one on Xbox Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Developed by Brewed Games and published by 1312 Interactive, this Metroidvania Action RPG combines swordplay and spellcasting. It is also available for purchase separately.
Chronoscript: The Endless End Reveals Mari Shimazaki as Character Designer and Yasunori Mitsuda as Composer
SHUEISHA GAMES announced that Mari Shimazaki will serve as the character designer and Yasunori Mitsuda will lead music production for the upcoming action-adventure game Chronoscript: The Endless End. Developed by DeskWorks Inc. for PlayStation 5 and Steam, the game is set to release in Fall 2026 and features exploration across hand-drawn worlds and various eras.
2.5D Noir Action-Metroidvania 'Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel' Drops Global Alpha Demo on Steam!
The 2.5D noir action-Metroidvania game 'Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel' has released a global Alpha Demo on Steam. This free demo offers approximately 20 minutes of intense combat and exploration, focusing on core mechanics while excluding the 'Memory Palace' and 'Hotel Management' systems. The development team is seeking player feedback to refine the game for its full release.
Hugo Martin on Doom: The Dark Ages DLC: 'We Wanted to Make This Content Since Doom 2016'
Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations, an upcoming DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages, will launch on July 7 and features a new Chain Spear weapon with Metroidvania-inspired progression. The DLC is larger than Doom Eternal's combined DLCs and includes six new levels, new enemies, an "Uber Boss," and Master Arenas. Developers Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton highlighted the Chain Spear's depth and the inclusion of retro-style levels that explore the Doom Slayer's memories.
I've spent 5 hours diving into the Steam Summer Sale with our features editor, and these are the 11 best games on…
The Steam Summer Sale is live, featuring significant discounts on a variety of games. This guide highlights 11 top picks, including Resident Evil Requiem, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with many titles reaching their lowest prices to date.
10 great games to grab during the Steam Summer Sale 2026
The Steam Summer Sale 2026 offers significant discounts on a variety of PC games until July 9th. Notable deals include Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth at 60% off, Dave the Diver at 50% off, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt at 90% off. The sale features a mix of genres and includes titles like Blasphemous 2, Robocop: Rogue City, and Hotline Miami.
