Metroidvania
Ongoing coverage on Metroidvania.
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Reviews Featuring ‘Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku’, Plus New Releases, Sales, and Good-Byes – TouchArcade
This marks the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up from TouchArcade, with the author moving on after eleven and a half years. The article features reviews of 'Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku' and 'Magical Delicacy', alongside summaries of new releases like 'NBA 2K25' and 'Shogun Showdown', and extensive lists of current and expiring sales.
Adventures in Gameland’ – TouchArcade
This article reviews three Nintendo Switch titles: Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, Yars Rising, and Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland. The Marvel collection is praised for its arcade-perfect ports and extras despite a shared save state issue. Yars Rising is a solid Metroidvania that attempts to connect to its retro roots, though its concept is debated. Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a creative platformer inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, well-executed but a bit short.
God of War: Sons of Sparta Review – Kratos’ Most Forgettable Adventure
God of War: Sons of Sparta is a retro-inspired Metroidvania prequel that struggles to capture the series' signature spectacle and brutality. While competently made by Mega Cat Studios and Sony Santa Monica, the game features a forgettable Kratos and a lack of bombastic combat, earning it a 3 out of 5 rating. The pixel art and soundtrack are highlights, but the overall experience is deemed unremarkable.
Switch Retro Spotlight: Rygar 📺
The Nintendo Switch Retro Spotlight features Rygar, an often overlooked NES action RPG that serves as an early example of the Metroidvania genre. Originally an arcade action platformer, the NES version introduces RPG elements like experience points for attack and health, multiple paths, and spells, alongside its labyrinthine overworld and side-scrolling areas.
The solution to staleness in modern gaming is cross-pollination - Reader's Feature
A reader proposes that cross-pollination of ideas between different genres and franchises is the key to combating staleness in modern gaming. The article provides numerous examples of successful genre blends, such as Castlevania becoming an RPG or Zelda incorporating rhythm mechanics, suggesting this approach can revitalize long-running series and create fresh experiences.
Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster Unleashes Epic New Gameplay Trailer
SelectaPlay and Dormidin Studio have released a new gameplay trailer for Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster, showcasing its combat and Metroidvania-inspired world. Physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch are confirmed, with a global digital release planned for Fall 2026 across PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
Rover’s Tale – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Rover's Tale is a creature-collecting metroidvania game where players control a LAIKA Space Rover exploring an alien planet. The game features capturing and researching alien creatures to harness their abilities, alongside finding and rebooting canine companions, completing quests, and exploring diverse biomes. Beta sign-ups are currently available.
Good Boy Renamed Rover's Tale
The canine metroidvania previously known as Good Boy has been renamed Rover's Tale. The game, described as a 'heart-warming love-letter-to-pets', is being developed by Observer Interactive and published by Team17.
Everything announced at FGS Live From GDC 2026
FGS Live From GDC Festival of Gaming 2026 showcased numerous game announcements, including world premieres and new trailers. Titles like Slash Zero, Yerba Buena, Project Songbird, and Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core were revealed, with many slated for PC and console releases in 2026. The event also featured developer interviews and updates on existing titles.
Rover’s Tale ‘Narrative’ trailer
Publisher Team17 and developer Observer Interactive have released a new narrative trailer for their upcoming game, Rover's Tale. The game is described as an ecosystem-driven Metroidvania.
Silver Pines ‘Gameplay’ trailer
Publisher Team17 and developer Wych Elm have released a gameplay trailer for their upcoming Metroidvania and side-scrolling title, Silver Pines. The trailer showcases new gameplay mechanics and environments for the game.
Dredge meets WALL-E! as creature-collecting, metroidvania adventure Rover’s Tale reveals new title, demo and lore gameplay trailer
Observer Interactive and Team17 have revealed new details for their creature-collecting Metroidvania, Rover's Tale, formerly known as Good Boy. A new trailer showcases the game's lore and gameplay, and a demo is now available on Steam. The game is set to release on March 12, 2025, and features exploration on the planet Terra II with customizable robotic canine companions.
Silver Pines gameplay trailer shows off mystery, action and relentless horror
Team17 and Wych Elm have released a new gameplay trailer for the upcoming survival horror game Silver Pines. Players will step into the role of PI Red Walker to investigate the mysterious town, managing scarce resources and battling nightmarish terrors. Silver Pines is set to release in 2026 for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Rover’s Tale Revealed – A Heartwarming Space Adventure Where Dogs Explore The Cosmos
Rover's Tale, a creature-collecting Metroidvania previously known as Good Boy, has been revealed by Observer Interactive and Team17. Players will explore the alien world of Terra II as a robotic dog, forming a bond with a human researcher and collecting creatures to overcome obstacles. A playable demo is available on Steam, with the full game planned for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S.
Silver Pines Gameplay Trailer Reveals A Terrifying Mystery In A Town Gone Wrong
A new gameplay trailer for the upcoming survival horror game Silver Pines has been released, showcasing its unsettling town, investigation mechanics, and brutal encounters. Developed by Wych Elm and published by Team17, the game is set to launch in 2026 for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Players will step into the role of investigator Red Walker to unravel a dark mystery in the town of Silver Pines.
Battle Formidable Enemies in Parry-Focused Metroidvania, Solateria, Available Now on PC!
The Metroidvania game Solateria, developed by Studio Doodal and published by SHINSEGAE I&C, is now available on PC via Steam. The game features parry-focused combat, a hand-drawn world, and a story about a fire warrior seeking to save his world. Studio Doodal previously released the acclaimed precision platformer LAPIN.
Sealed Bite: Extended – out now on Steam!
Sealed Bite: Extended, an extended version of Ruben S. Luis's original gamejam entry, is now available on Steam for PC and Steam Deck with a launch discount. Developed by Ruben S. Luis and published by Pineapple Works, this metroidvania-style platformer features moody pixel art and satisfying exploration. Console releases are planned for early Q2 2026.
MIO: Memories In Orbit Patch 2 is now live bringing more fixes
Developer Douze Dixièmes has released patch 2 for its metroidvania game MIO: Memories In Orbit, addressing hard locks, soft locks, and other issues. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements, balancing changes, and fixes for localization and SFX.
50+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Mega March Sale (North America/Europe)
Sony's PlayStation Store is hosting its Mega March sale until March 25th, featuring discounts on over 50 PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games. The sale includes titles like Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, with some games reaching their lowest prices ever.
Last Chance to Buy These 50+ PS5, PS4 Games in PS Store's Mega March Sale
Sony's PlayStation Store is holding a Mega March sale with over 50 discounted digital titles for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The sale ends on March 25th, featuring games like Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach at reduced prices.