Metroidvania
Ongoing coverage on Metroidvania.
Latest coverage
Can Axel Quest Scratch Your Classic Metroidvania Itch?
Axel Quest, a new retro-inspired Metroidvania from PowerSlash Studios and published by Ratalaika Games, has launched for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The game features pixel-art visuals, sword combat, exploration, and secrets, with Xbox Play Anywhere support for cross-platform play between Xbox and PC. It is available for £5.99.
Akatori is already available for pre-order on Xbox One & Series X/S
Contrast Games and publisher Games Harbor announced that the action-platformer Metroidvania game Akatori is available for pre-order on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The game features Mako, a young girl who uses a transforming staff to fight enemies and explore five distinct worlds threatened by Amber Storms.
The Studio Behind This Acclaimed PS5 Metroidvania Is Closing Its Doors
Douze Dizièmes, the French studio behind the PlayStation 5 Metroidvania game MIO: Memories in Orbit, is shutting down. The studio recently bought back its shares from publisher Focus Entertainment to become independent, but has now decided to close its doors. This news highlights a broader trend of studio closures within the struggling French video game industry.
Cyberpunk Body-Horror FPS ‘Voltage High Society’ Launches Version 1.0 on Steam
Platonic Partnership and Coyote Time Publishing have released Voltage High Society version 1.0 on PC via Steam. This first-person "Retro-Puncher" blends 90s cyberpunk horror with Metroidvania exploration, featuring body-horror elements inspired by Tetsuo: The Iron Man and a lo-fi analog aesthetic.
Axel Quest out on Nintendo Switch this week
Axel Quest, a 2D action-adventure game with Metroidvania elements developed by PowerSlash Studios and published by Ratalaika Games, is set to release on Nintendo Switch this Friday, June 26. The title features pixel art visuals, sword combat, and exploration for $5.99.
Game Demos
Well Dweller, a dark fairy-tale metroidvania, is now available as a demo on Steam for PC. Players control Glimmer, a small bird wielding a matchstick, in a kingdom filled with charming characters.
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past Is Out Now on Steam
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past, a 3D Metroidvania developed by French indie studio Sol Brothers, has been released on Steam for PC. The game features exploration across six biomes, with console versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch planned for the future. A launch discount is available for a limited time.
End of Abyss: I’m the Little Nightmare, and You’re Locked in Here With Me
End of Abyss is an upcoming atmospheric top-down twin-stick shooter Metroidvania from Section 9 Interactive, set to release on Xbox Series X|S on October 1, 2026. Developed by former Tarsier Studios leads, the game features a young combat technician exploring a dark, industrial underground complex filled with mutants, combining Metroidvania exploration with expressive twin-stick combat and crafting.
GRIME II arrives at retail on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series as the Definitive Edition on September 15, 2026
Microids announced that GRIME II Definitive Edition will be released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series on September 15, 2026. Developed by Clover Bite and published by Kwalee, this retail version includes the base game, a reversible inlay, boss cards, and a mini poster world map. GRIME II is a Metroidvania where players absorb enemy forms to gain abilities and explore a surreal world.
Kong: Survivor Instinct announced for Nintendo Switch
7Levels has announced that Kong: Survivor Instinct, a 2.5D action-adventure game set after Godzilla vs. Kong, will be released on Nintendo Switch on September 30, 2026. The game features survival elements, combat against Titans and mercenaries, and Metroidvania-style exploration, all playable on the go.
7Levels Announces Release of Kong: Survivor Instinct for Nintendo Switch on September 30, 2026
Independent developer 7Levels announced that the 2.5D action-adventure game Kong: Survivor Instinct will be released digitally on the Nintendo Switch eShop on September 30, 2026. The game, licensed by Legendary Entertainment, is set after the events of Godzilla vs. Kong and features platforming, combat, and Metroidvania-style exploration.
35 Big Games Still Coming Out For The Rest of 2026
This article highlights 35 major video game releases anticipated for the remainder of 2026 across various platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. It details upcoming titles such as Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, EA Sports College Football 27, Palworld 1.0, and Grand Theft Auto 6, providing brief descriptions and release windows for each.
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past heading to Nintendo Switch, physical version announced
The 3D Metroidvania platformer Maseylia: Echoes of the Past is coming to Nintendo Switch, with publisher Nejcraft and developer Sol Brothers also announcing a planned physical edition. While a release date is not yet confirmed, the game is inspired by titles like Metroid Prime, Pseudoregalia, and Hollow Knight, and features a vast interconnected world with unlockable abilities.
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past Confirmed for Consoles, Physical Editions Announced for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch
Sol Brothers and Nejcraft have announced that Maseylia: Echoes of the Past, a 3D Metroidvania inspired by Metroid Prime, will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One following its PC launch. Physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch have also been confirmed and are available for preorder.
End of Abyss Preview: A Twin-Stick, Tough-as-Nails Metroidvania That’s Creepy as Hell
End of Abyss is a challenging, disturbing Metroidvania set in a creepy facility. Despite potential competition, the game offers a rich world and a tough experience for players willing to give it a chance.
Game Pass adds EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, Winds of Arcana: Ruination, and more in late June to early July
Microsoft has announced new titles coming to Game Pass between late June and early July, including EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, and Winds of Arcana: Ruination. Several other games like Junkster, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and Abyssus are also being added. Additionally, the article lists games that will be leaving the Game Pass library on June 30.
Xbox Game Pass lineup for late June 2026 announced
Microsoft has revealed the upcoming games for Xbox Game Pass in late June 2026, including day-one releases like Junkster and Abyssus. Notable additions include Call of Duty: Vanguard, EA Sports FC 26, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Several titles are also departing the service at the end of June.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, Winds of Arcana: Ruination, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles throughout June and July, including EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, and Winds of Arcana: Ruination. The service will also see the addition of Call of Duty: Vanguard, Abyssus, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4. Several games are also leaving the Game Pass library at the end of June.
Constance Review
Constance, a 2D metroidvania originally released on PC in 2025, is now available on consoles. The game features smooth traversal, challenging platforming, and visceral combat against robotic foes, all set within unique, hand-drawn environments. While praised for its difficulty and art style, the game's demanding nature may lead to player burnout, with limited accessibility options.
Call of Duty: Vanguard and EA Sports FC 26 Joining Game Pass This Week
Xbox Game Pass is adding several titles throughout June and July, including Call of Duty: Vanguard on June 17th and EA Sports FC 26 on June 18th. New additions also feature Abyssus, RV There Yet?, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4. Several games will depart the service on June 30th, such as Mecha BREAK and Slay the Spire.
