Underrated Gems: The Best Metroidvania Games That Deserved Better Recognition

The Metroidvania genre has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with the monumental success of games like Hollow Knight and Ori and the Will of the Wisps bringing the genre to a new, broader audience. However, for every chart-topper, there are dozens of critically acclaimed titles that, for a variety of reasons, have flown under the radar. These are games that nailed the core tenets of the genre—tight controls, satisfying exploration, and rewarding progression—but didn’t quite achieve the commercial success or cultural footprint they deserved. They are the hidden gems that the most dedicated fans know and love.

Here are some of the best Metroidvania games that should have been more successful than they were.

1. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

Released in 2021, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a masterclass in atmosphere and gameplay. The game’s world is a hauntingly beautiful ruin, filled with a sense of melancholy and loss. The core gameplay loop, which involves purifying the spirits of fallen enemies and using their powers as your own, is both unique and incredibly satisfying. The combat is fluid, and the boss fights are memorable and challenging. Despite being hailed by critics as one of the best games of its year, it has a surprisingly low profile outside of the core Metroidvania community. Its stunning art style and emotional story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

2. The Messenger

The Messenger is a true original, a game that expertly blends two distinct genres into a seamless experience. The game begins as a classic, linear 8-bit platformer, but at a pivotal moment, it transforms into a full-fledged 16-bit Metroidvania, allowing you to backtrack and explore the world you’ve already traversed. This innovative design, combined with its sharp, self-aware humor and pitch-perfect platforming, makes it one of the most clever games of the past decade. While it received plenty of praise, its sales and overall cultural impact never quite matched its creative ambition, making it an underrated classic.

3. Guacamelee!

With a vibrant and hilarious world inspired by Mexican folklore, the Guacamelee! series is a joy to play from start to finish. The games are defined by their fast-paced, combo-heavy combat and a unique dimension-shifting mechanic that is essential for both traversal and puzzle-solving. The art style is bold and beautiful, and the humor is on point, with countless references to other popular games. While the series has a dedicated following, it has often been overshadowed by more somber and thematically “serious” Metroidvanias, which is a shame. Guacamelee! is a perfect example of a game that shows the genre can be just as fun as it is challenging.

4. Aeterna Noctis

Aeterna Noctis is a game for hardcore fans of the genre. It is a punishingly difficult Metroidvania that unapologetically prioritizes precise platforming and challenging combat. The game’s narrative is a classic tale of light versus darkness, but its unique art style and challenging gameplay mechanics set it apart. While its high difficulty may have scared some players away, those who persevered discovered one of the most rewarding and beautifully designed games in the genre. Its relatively small commercial success, especially compared to its critical reception, makes it a true sleeper hit.

5. Iconoclasts

Iconoclasts is a stunning game that puts its narrative front and center. It tells a surprisingly deep and emotional story about religion, class, and freedom in a world controlled by a tyrannical religious organization. The game’s core gameplay is a mix of puzzle-solving, platforming, and combat, all of which are excellent. However, it’s the game’s beautiful pixel art and its heartfelt narrative that truly make it special. While it received high praise from critics, it never quite found a massive audience, which is a tragedy. For players who value a compelling story as much as they do tight gameplay, Iconoclasts is an absolute must-play.

These games are a testament to the fact that quality doesn’t always equal commercial success. They are all brilliant in their own ways and deserve a place in the pantheon of great Metroidvanias, even if they have to be rediscovered by a new generation of players.