We adore Metroidvanias! The thrill of revisiting familiar areas with newfound powers, crushing former foes underfoot—it's deeply satisfying. This feature highlights the best Android Metroidvanias available.
Our selection ranges from classic Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night to innovative titles such as Reventure and the "Roguevania" Dead Cells. They all share one crucial element: they're fantastic games.
The Best Android Metroidvanias
Explore our top picks below!
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
The multi-award-winning Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition is a masterclass in Metroidvania design. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a unique movement mechanic—jumping between points, defying gravity. While available on many platforms, the mobile version excels with its cleverly designed touch controls.
VVVVVV
A deceptively challenging and expansive adventure with a retro color palette reminiscent of classic Spectrum games, VVVVVV is a captivating and intricate experience. After a brief absence, it's back on Google Play, and well worth a playthrough if you haven't experienced it yet.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
While the Android port of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night initially suffered from controller issues, improvements are underway. This fantastic Metroidvania boasts an impressive pedigree, developed by ArtPlay, the studio founded by Koji Igarashi (a key figure in the Castlevania series). The gothic atmosphere strongly evokes its spiritual predecessors.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells, technically a "Roguevania," is a testament to Motion Twin's innovative design. Its addictive, endlessly replayable gameplay incorporates roguelike elements, with each run offering unique challenges and inevitable death. But while alive, you'll explore, acquire skills, access new areas, and have an incredible time.
Robot Wants Kitty
Even after nearly a decade, Robot Wants Kitty remains a mobile Metroidvania favorite. Based on a Flash game, it's all about collecting kitties. Starting with limited abilities, you'll gradually upgrade, expanding your cat-collecting prowess.
Mimelet
Perfect for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access new areas within compact levels. It's clever, sometimes frustrating, and consistently fun.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
No Metroidvania list is complete without Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a genre-defining title (alongside Super Metroid). Originally released for PS1 in 1997, this classic explores Dracula's castle. While visually dated, its impact on the genre remains undeniable.
Nubs’ Adventure
Despite its unassuming appearance and title, Nubs’ Adventure is a surprisingly expansive Metroidvania. Follow Nubs, a pixelated protagonist, through a large world filled with characters, environments, weapons, bosses, and secrets.
Ebenezer And The Invisible World
Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge as a spectral avenger of Victorian London. Ebenezer And The Invisible World delivers this unique Metroidvania experience, exploring both the city's upper and underworld, utilizing supernatural powers.
Sword of Xolan
Sword of Xolan features lighter Metroidvania elements, with acquired abilities primarily unlocking secrets rather than progressing the main story. However, its polished gameplay and charming 8-bit graphics make it a worthwhile inclusion.
Swordigo
Swordigo, another retro action-platformer with Metroidvania influences, boasts impressive flair. Set in a sprawling fantasy world reminiscent of Zelda, it involves sword combat, puzzle-solving, and skill acquisition.
Teslagrad
Teslagrad, a stunning indie platformer originally released on PC in 2013, arrived on Google Play in 2018. Players ascend the Tesla Tower, utilizing scientific abilities to navigate and solve puzzles.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
Embracing a retro Game Boy aesthetic, Tiny Dangerous Dungeons offers a short but enjoyable experience. Its authentic '90s vibe and Metroidvania gameplay, exploring a vast dungeon, make it a worthwhile free-to-play option.
Grimvalor
Developed by Direlight (the creators of Swordigo), Grimvalor is a massive, visually impressive Metroidvania featuring intense hack-and-slash combat in a sprawling fantasy world. Its high ratings and reviews speak for themselves.
Reventure
Reventure offers a unique take on death. The goal is to die in every possible way, with each death unlocking new weapons and items for subsequent playthroughs. It's clever, humorous, and highly engaging.
ICEY
ICEY is a meta-Metroidvania, developed by X.D. Network. Its sci-fi world is complemented by a commentary-laden narrative that constantly challenges and guides the player.
Traps n’ Gemstones
Traps n’ Gemstones is a well-regarded Metroidvania marred by performance issues. Consider waiting for potential updates before purchasing.
HAAK
A dystopian Metroidvania with a striking pixel art style and multiple endings, HAAK offers extensive gameplay and freedom of choice.
Afterimage
A recent port from PC, Afterimage boasts impressive scope and visuals. While some mechanics might lack detail, this could be part of its charm for certain players.
This concludes our overview of the best Android Metroidvanias. For more great games, check out our feature on the best Android fighting games.
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