Metroidvania
Ongoing coverage on Metroidvania.
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This week in PC games: a trio of surreal shooters, a big Stellaris expansion, and a new RPG from Octopath Traveller devs
This week's PC gaming releases include the Stellaris expansion Nomads, the RPG The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales from Octopath Traveller developers, and the early access FPS goblinAmerica. Other notable titles are the drill-based horror game Mole, the R-Type Tactics collection, and the otome visual novel Mythic Love: Iberian Legends.
Demos and Freebies
Blade of Mercy: Bloody Countess, a 2D action game with metroidvania elements, is now available on Steam for PC (Windows, Linux). The game is set in a 16th-century fantasy world and features cozy pixel art.
Cave Story+ review (2012)
This PC Gamer review from February 2012 praises Cave Story+ as a near-perfect indie game, highlighting its intricate level design, satisfying weapon upgrades, and engaging narrative. The "Plus" version by Nicalis is noted for its soundtrack remix and new art, though some original dialogue was altered.
Forgotlings launches for consoles this month
Publisher Hitcents and developer Throughline Games announced that the 2D cinematic action-adventure game Forgotlings will launch for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on June 18th. The game, originally released for PC in February 2026, features a story about lost things seeking purpose in an enchanted realm.
Forgotlings for PS5, Xbox Series launches June 18
The 2D cinematic action-adventure game Forgotlings will launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on June 18, with a PC version also releasing on the same day via Epic Games Store and GOG. Developed by Throughline Games and published by Hitcents, the game features a hand-drawn art style and a story about lost things seeking purpose.
32 Games You Should Check Out In Nintendo's Multiplayer eShop Sale (Europe)
Nintendo is holding a Multiplayer Sale in its European eShop until June 21st, featuring discounts on various titles. The sale includes highly-rated games such as Absolum, BlazBlue CentralFiction Special Edition, Crypt of the NecroDancer, and Enter the Gungeon, among others.
RetroSpace – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
RetroSpace is a disco-punk horror immersive sim FPS where players take on the role of a janitor fighting a sentient black hole on a space station. The game features stealth or action gameplay, time-jumping corridors, and '70s aesthetics. Players can explore the interconnected Aurora 5 station, utilize "Mutamods" for enhancements with side effects, and utilize cloning technology with potential degenerations upon death. The gameplay blends immersive sim mechanics with metroidvania exploration, allowing for hacking, trap setting, or direct combat, all set to a groovy soundtrack.
EVOLVE, ADAPT AND EXPLORE A LIVING NIGHTMARE IN EVOLVANIA'S UPDATED STEAM NEXT FEST DEMO
Evolvania, a 2D metroidvania developed by Elan Manuguerra and published by IV Productions, has received an updated demo for Steam Next Fest, running from June 15-22. The demo features new enemies, visual improvements, and gameplay refinements, showcasing the game's unique exploration and evolution mechanics within a living creature. The developer will also host a live broadcast demonstrating the game and its Creator's Room level editor.
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past launches next week!
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past is set to launch on June 19th, 2026, for Steam, featuring true 3D Metroidvania gameplay with a focus on fluid movement and exploration. The full game includes new content and improvements based on community feedback from its demo.
Break The Cycle In Dragon Loop
Dragon Loop, a hand-drawn Metroidvania with a unique five-day time-loop mechanic, has launched on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support. Developed and published by Happy Player, the game features fast-paced combat, branching timelines, and exploration where player discoveries persist across cycles. Players control Xi, a heroine trying to break free from a repeating cycle by exploring a changing world and uncovering lost memories.
Nine Sols: Fangamer Physical Edition Review 😺
This review of the Nine Sols: Fangamer Physical Edition highlights its stunning visuals, challenging parry-focused combat, and elaborate story. While exploration and stage design are noted as somewhat generic and the story can be pacing-heavy, the game offers satisfying mechanics and attractive physical goodies. It is recommended for Metroidvania fans seeking a challenging experience.
DEADROOT EXCLUSIVE REVEAL AT THE FUTURE GAME SHOW SUMMER SHOWCASE 2026
Finish Line Games revealed its new 3D Metroidvania action-adventure game, DeadRoot, during the Future Games Show Summer Showcase. The game features a snail warrior battling corrupted creatures in a bug-sized medieval world and is targeting a 2027 release on PC and consoles. CEO Daniel Posner highlighted the contrast between the small hero and the brutal world as central to the game's appeal.
25+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Mid-Year Deals Sale
Sony's PlayStation Store is hosting a Mid-Year Deals sale featuring numerous discounts on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games until July 1st. The article highlights recommended titles such as 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Another Crab's Treasure, and Blasphemous, many of which are at their lowest prices ever.
Acclaimed Metroidvania Constance Announced For Nintendo Switch 2
The hand-drawn metroidvania game Constance is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 with performance and resolution improvements, including a free upgrade for existing owners. Players control a paintbrush-wielding artist exploring inner-world biomes, utilizing unique brush techniques and unlocking new abilities to overcome challenges and uncover the protagonist's past.
Constance getting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
ByteRockers Games, Parco Games, and Blue Backpack have announced a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Constance, a Metroidvania praised for its fluid movement and intricate world design. This new version will feature significant upgrades, including performance modes up to 120 FPS and 1440p resolution. Owners of the original Nintendo Switch version will receive a free upgrade.
Mina the Hollower sells 500k copies less than two weeks after launch as Yacht Club Games teases "the adventure is just getting started"
Yacht Club Games' Mina the Hollower has sold over 500,000 copies in less than two weeks since its launch. The studio expressed gratitude for the player support and teased that the adventure is far from over. This sales milestone follows an already strong debut, with 300,000 copies sold in its first weekend.
Indie Game of the Month Awards May 2026 🏅
Video Chums has announced its Indie Game of the Month Awards for May 2026, highlighting standout titles across various genres. Mina the Hollower was named the overall top indie game of the month and is a strong contender for game of the year, praised for its intricate world and rewarding exploration.
Derelict Star review
Derelict Star is a highly praised action platformer with a minimalist pixel art style and a focus on momentum-based gameplay. Despite its challenging nature, the game offers a rewarding experience centered on mastering its physics system and exploring its sprawling space freighter setting. It is available on PC and Steam Deck.
IGN LIVE Debut: Trample Through Treacherous Treetops in GNAW’s Sky Square Region
A new gameplay trailer for Redstart Interactive's dino metroidvania GNAW was revealed during IGN Live, showcasing the Sky Square region. The game is set to launch in early 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Players will explore New Dino City, battling mutated monsters and uncovering secrets.
Here Are All The Games Announced During Summer Game Fest That You Can Play Right Now
Summer Game Fest has featured numerous game announcements, with many titles offering playable demos or early access versions immediately. Games like 1666 Amsterdam, Montabi, Gnaw, and Palworld are among those highlighted, with various demos and early access periods available on platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store.
