Action-adventure platformers

Metroidvania Games
BACKTRACKAN GAEMS

Castlevania List
{|cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" border="1" class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; width: auto; table-layout: fixed;" !scope="row"|Title !scope="col"|Genre !scope="col"|Description !scope="col"|Box Art !scope="row"|Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow !scope="row"|Castlevania: Circle of the Moon !scope="row"|Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
 * Metroidvania
 * Often considered the best GBA Castlevania, Aria of Sorrow takes place in the near future when Japanese exchange student Soma Cruz is suddenly spirited away to Dracula's castle while witnessing an eclipse. The castle is massive, with a plethora of varied weapons, and Soma can absorb the soul of every different species of monster, with varied results. Includes multiple endings and a fucking cool secret extra mode. An engrossing Metroidvania. Dawn of Sorrow (NDS) is a direct sequel. Part of the 'Castlevania Double Pack' along with Harmony of Dissonance.
 * Castlevania-aria-of-sorrow.440979.jpg
 * Metroidvania
 * The first GBA Castlevania, Circle of the Moon is a (retconned) entry starring Nathan Graves, who has nothing to do with the Belmonts. Collect several spell cards which you can combine for dozens of different results. The small sprites and the fact that it can get hard to see (the game is quite dark) are potential issues, but it is wholly worth playing for series fans. It is possibly the most old school-feeling Metroidvania, and the toughest of the three GBA ones. The bonus modes warrant some replays, since each new one you obtain forces you to fight a bit differently due to altered stats and abilities.
 * Castlevania-circle-of-the-moon-gba-cover-front.jpg
 * Metroidvania
 * The underdog of the GBA trilogy, Harmony of Dissonance takes you through Dracula's castle with Juste Belmont and his fabulous thigh-high boots. Here you collect elemental grimoires and combine them with sub-weapons to cast spells. The bosses are rather underwhelming (mostly large versions of regular enemies), but aesthetically it may be the moodiest of the three; the soundtrack helps, too. Oh and you can do some interior decorating! There's also a decent bonus mode featuring Maxim Kischine. Part of the 'Castlevania Double Pack' along with Aria of Sorrow.
 * Castlevania-harmony-of-dissonance-gba.451466.jpg

PS1
{| align="center" border="1" cellpadding="3" class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; table-layout: fixed;" width="" !scope="col"|Box Art !scope="col"|Title !scope="col"|Genre !scope="col"|Description !scope="col"|PS1-PSN (NA) !scope="col"|PS1-PSN (EU) $9.99 (GER)
 * Symphony-of-the-night.jpg
 * Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
 * Metroidvania
 * The first "Metroidvania", which combined Castlevania with non-linear exploration of a massive, interconnected world. Also the debut of (Ayami) Kojima's distinct, effete character designs and Michiru's melodramatic score, which gave the series its later overwrought, Gothic flavor. Also, famously terrible voice acting. Full to the brim with secrets and extras, will keep you busy for months if you want it to.
 * Y
 * Y
 * N
 * Tomba.png
 * Tomba!
 * Metroidvania
 * Little-known Metroidvania-type game. You run around beating up pigs and doing tasks. Awesome! Known as Tombi! in Europe.
 * N
 * Tomba2.jpg
 * Tomba! 2
 * Metroidvania
 * See above, only now with polygons and hair-tearingly difficult minigames (MINECART). You can also retrieve a savegame from Tomba! to unlock a secret quest. Both it and the prequel are horrifically difficult to find, so expect to shill out around 100 dollars for each. Unless you're a filthy pirate. Known as Tombi! 2 in Europe.
 * N
 * Metroidvania
 * See above, only now with polygons and hair-tearingly difficult minigames (MINECART). You can also retrieve a savegame from Tomba! to unlock a secret quest. Both it and the prequel are horrifically difficult to find, so expect to shill out around 100 dollars for each. Unless you're a filthy pirate. Known as Tombi! 2 in Europe.
 * N

PC List
{|cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" border="1" class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; width: auto; table-layout: fixed;" !Picture !Title !Genre !Year Released !Description
 * Aquaria.jpg
 * Aquaria 
 * Metroidvania
 * 2007
 * Massive award-winning indie title created by Spelunky programmer Derek Yu and Crayon Physics Deluxe composer Alec Holowka. Aquaria features huge underwater environments with an emphasis on exploration, challenging-but-not-stupid boss battles and an absolutely phenomenally gay soundtrack. Before you ask: yes, there is a nude mod.
 * Massive award-winning indie title created by Spelunky programmer Derek Yu and Crayon Physics Deluxe composer Alec Holowka. Aquaria features huge underwater environments with an emphasis on exploration, challenging-but-not-stupid boss battles and an absolutely phenomenally gay soundtrack. Before you ask: yes, there is a nude mod.

An absolute must-have for any Metroidvania fan.

PC List

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