We adore Metroidvanias! The thrill of revisiting familiar areas with newfound abilities, crushing former foes—it's incredibly satisfying. So, here's our curated list of the best Android Metroidvanias.
This list encompasses a range of experiences, from classic Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night to innovative titles like Reventure and the "Roguevania" Dead Cells. They all share one thing in common: they're fantastic.
The Best Android Metroidvanias
Explore our top picks below!
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
A multiple award-winning masterpiece, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition showcases exceptional Metroidvania design. Released in 2018, this visually stunning game features a unique movement mechanic—jumping between points, defying gravity. Available across platforms, the mobile version excels with its intuitive touch controls.
VVVVVV
A deceptively challenging and expansive adventure, VVVVVVV boasts a retro color palette reminiscent of classic Spectrum games. Deep, intricate, and cleverly designed, it's a must-play if you haven't experienced it yet.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
While the Android port initially faced controller issues, improvements are underway. The wait is worthwhile; this superb Metroidvania boasts a rich legacy. Developed by ArtPlay (founded by Koji Igarashi, a Castlevania veteran), it evokes the spirit of its predecessors.
Dead Cells
Technically a "Roguevania," Dead Cells transcends genre definitions. Motion Twin's masterful creation blends Metroidvania exploration with roguelike elements, offering diverse playthroughs and ensuring each run is unique and ultimately fatal. But while you live, you'll explore, acquire skills, and enjoy the ride.
Robot Wants Kitty
A nearly decade-old favorite, Robot Wants Kitty remains a top mobile Metroidvania. Based on a Flash game, your goal is simple: collect kitties. Starting with limited abilities, you'll upgrade and unlock new skills, enhancing your cat-collecting prowess.
Mimelet
Perfect for shorter gaming sessions, Mimelet focuses on stealing enemy powers to access new areas within compact levels. Clever, sometimes frustrating, but always fun.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
No Metroidvania list is complete without Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a genre-defining classic (alongside Super Metroid). Originally released for PS1 in 1997, this masterpiece takes you through Dracula's castle. While showing its age, its impact on the genre remains undeniable.
Nubs’ Adventure
Don't let the simple visuals fool you; Nubs’ Adventure is a vast and rewarding Metroidvania. Explore a large world as Nubs, a pixelated hero, encountering characters, overcoming challenges, and uncovering secrets.
Ebenezer And The Invisible World
Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge as a spectral avenger of Victorian London. That's Ebenezer And The Invisible World, a Metroidvania set in 19th-century London. Explore the city's underbelly, harnessing spiritual powers.
Sword of Xolan
While lighter on Metroidvania elements (abilities unlock secrets, not progression), Sword of Xolan’s polished gameplay and charming 8-bit graphics make it a worthwhile addition. A deceptively challenging platformer.
Swordigo
Another retro-styled Metroidvania-lite, Swordigo executes the formula flawlessly. Explore a sprawling fantasy world, battling foes, solving puzzles, and acquiring skills to progress.
Teslagrad
A stunning indie platformer, Teslagrad (released on Android in 2018) electrifies the mobile gaming scene. Ascend the Tesla Tower, solving puzzles and gaining scientific abilities.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
Embrace the retro aesthetic of Tiny Dangerous Dungeons. This free-to-play platformer, inspired by the Game Boy era, offers a short but enjoyable Metroidvania experience within a large dungeon.
Grimvalor
From the creators of Swordigo, Grimvalor is a massive, visually impressive Metroidvania. Hack and slash through hordes of monsters in a sprawling fantasy world. Highly rated and critically acclaimed.
Reventure
Death is the core mechanic in Reventure. Die in every imaginable way, unlocking new weapons and items with each death. Clever, humorous, and engaging.
ICEY
A meta-Metroidvania, ICEY features a commentary-driven narrative that interacts with your gameplay. Explore a vast sci-fi world with engaging hack-and-slash action.
Traps n’ Gemstones
A well-crafted Metroidvania, but hampered by performance issues. Keep an eye out for updates.
HAAK
A dystopian Metroidvania with a striking pixel art style and multiple endings. Offers dozens of hours of gameplay.
Afterimage
A recent port from PC, Afterimage is a visually stunning and expansive Metroidvania.
This concludes our selection of the best Android Metroidvanias. Looking for more? Check out our feature on the best Android fighting games!
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