2018 - The Year of Metroidvania (And Metroidvania-like Games)

[@mikeb6410]

Hollow Knight rocked my fn world this year....top 3 games of all time for me

[@vandlz46]

came out last year why are people suckin it's dic this year? did i miss something or did sum big utuber play it and it got big again edit: ah, it wus re-released on switch and people realized it existed.

[@mikeb6410]

@@vandlz46 Good job

[@zheoferyth]

@@vandlz46 And Godmaster I guess.

[@jameshackney4649]

It was ported to the ps4 in September so that might have something to do with the massive increase of popularity. That's how I just got it and its blown my mind lol. At 106% and going for the platinum

[@sabertooth160]

@Wolfeschreit i agree

[@Its_just_me_man]

HOOOOLLLOWWWWWWWW KNNNNNNIIIGGHHHHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT It's good game. Zote's hard tho.

[@Ash-oi9je]

Which one Godmaster or Grey Prince

[@Its_just_me_man]

@@Ash-oi9je Collisseum of fools.

[@Ash-oi9je]

Ok hold on back that shit up so you are saying the Armada of Zotes is not hard bruh you be trippin.

[@sabertooth160]

@@Ash-oi9je woosh

[@BAziz-yl2wq]

@@Its_just_me_man omg ur right... zote in collosem of fools was the most difficult part of the game i was loosing the will to live while trying to kill that b*tch

[@grumpyfat7834]

Hollow Knight is the best MetroidVania i ever played to date. Axiom verge was pretty good too. Dead cells is good, but more a die and retry than a MetroidVania.

[@neoman285]

I played HK a lot, and while I loved it at first, somehow at the end I did not feel like it was "good" or worth replaying. I found it too boss heavy, and without weapons or real "builds," it felt like a boss simulator. I loved the exploration, and charms are indeed passives but it felt far too shallow for me. I did beat all bosses and the hall of champions. I'm a bit torn about it honestly. It just didn't quite feel valuable to me emotionally, game play wise, or anything. Obviously this is just my opinion and I'm very glad you liked it!

[@gigathor602]

@@neoman285 did you give a chance to the lore? The game is amazingly good, but the lore makes it even better.

[@Itzsfo0]

Hollow Knight could never be overrated Great boss fights, great story & lore - free DLC, smooth & responsive controls, tons of exploration, easy to traverse, great boss simulation & soundtrack (both minmalistic) it only gets better. The replay is high, and its far from overrated. Hollow Knight never lacks shallowness, i hate builds, i could give 2 squats about "weapons" -- 1 weapon is all that is needed, boss heavy is a good thing, of course everyone is different. Hollow Knight is special, overrated is just a term - and HK = could never be overrated, sorry. But some people just dont know what a good game is. The value is high. the exploration is high, the combat is smooth, the soundtrack is great, if you dont find that "valuable" then you clearly have no clue as to what value is. Sorry You want replay value you get Dead Cells, or Binding of Isaac - you want a hand-crafted, single-large-story-based & boss based game, w/ tons of exploration and lore. You get Hollow Knight. - Two diff genres, two diff play-styles. I mean I am all for "everyone has a diff opinion" and you are free to feel anyway you want. And while I'm being a bit sarcastic, I feel like anyone that doesn't find the value or quality in Hollow Knight is either a mouth breather trying to be edgy, or just has no clue as to what quality is.. - emotionally Hollow Knight has by far the best story & most lore. There is so much to that game its not even funny, put 130 hours still not 112% completion, I actually VALUE quality entertainment & challenge, and a gripping side-story - Hollow Knight is full of A) challenge B) great soundtrack C) polish & controls D) lore & story, back-story, and future lore as well E) value for dollar, and free content. You can view hundreds of videos on youtube talking about the story & lore and "origins" of Hollow Knight, theres enough to write a full-fledged book. The eerie, minimalistic soundtrack really just aids the story so well. Everything feels hand-crafted, and Joseph Anderson (one of the best critiquer's on youtube and a professional game-tester himself has stated that Hollow Knight has all the best elements to make a great metroidvania, he did a 3 hour analysis - that is quite deep - and he says its one of the best hes played in recent years) Overrated ? $15 w/ tons of content ? if that is what you consider overrated, then sorry...I have to say this you are dense. Let me see what you "consider" to be a quality game..(the knife cuts both ways) Even if HK wasn't your thing (or the type of game/genre) thats fine...but theres no question that its far from overrated. I often wonder if people KNOW what the actual term OVERRATED even means. I mean you are entitled to any opinion you want, but sometimes I think ppl just say things to be edgy. THen they go to another video, and rant about some crap fringe game being so great, and Im left bewildered like ...uh...okie dokie (eye-roll, starts whistling) Still Binding of Isaac is better then all of them, but Hollow Knight & Celeste & Dead Cells are great games. To each their own though.

[@krzypl5959]

Hollow Knight is (for me) the best game!

[@calebguerra7665]

michael stillwell would Binding of Isaac count? I think it can’t be compared with metroidvanias but as a roguelike its pretty good. I personally prefer Enter the Gungeon to Isaac.

[@joshuaanspach4609]

The Messenger

[@booski1865]

SO good. Honestly probably my favorite Switch game besides BOTW.

[@lesangpro]

Thank you. Finally a man of culture. Awesome ost is a plus

[@GameraS2K]

Is this really a metroidvania? I was under the impression it was modeled after the classic ninja gaidens

[@lesangpro]

@@GameraS2K the best of both world. You did backtracking a lot in the game

[@GameraS2K]

@@lesangpro Sweet now I'm even more excited to pick it up. I'm waiting for the switch physical

[@MjollTheLioness-o4y]

Absolutely love Hollow Knight. Can’t wait for the Hornet DLC.

[@polariss3028]

same yeet. godmaster left us on so many cliffhangers ;-;

[@pelieskola5708]

I see you are a fan too. I'm gonna explode when trailer drops.

[@Ash-oi9je]

Heh your right I have a thought that the Shade Lord and yes that’s what it’s called when it kills the Radiance is gonna be the final boss for the DLC.

[@Ash-oi9je]

It’s probably going to be a paid DLC because it’s going to be the biggest DLC yet and they never said Godmaster was the last one just the last paid DLC

[@pelieskola5708]

@Wolfeschreit its confirmed but it takes so long propably because its gonna be whole new world. If you remeber the original world is already ridicolously big and they want to make it as big,interesting and long experience as first one i think. And thats worth waiting. Right?

[@theweevilman]

Hollow Knight is honestly the best game I've ever played yet

[@joereno955]

Seriously an amazing game. I think it's easily on par with Symphony of the Night and Dark Souls.

[@krzypl5959]

Me too!

[@drummingtildeath]

What made it so good? Just bought and played for first time, looks nice but seems simplistic (first impression only!)

[@starice5095]

@@drummingtildeath So how far have you gotten ?

[@drummingtildeath]

@@starice5095 just about to fight the hollow knight, it's an incredible game. I've played it slowly because I've not used guides and played with my son. It's as good as OP said.

[@aldebaran2643]

Chasm was mediocre though, due to the randomness of it not creating interesting variety. Also, massive recommendation: AXIOM VERGE.

[@sludgewave4786]

In french VERGE is a fancy word for dick...

[@Kingdom4Real]

Axiom Verge is really good

[@cesarcardenas5529]

Alde Baran Axiom Verge is awesome.

[@abdullahceka3613]

axiom verge is the goat

[@mdstevens0612]

I actually really enjoyed Chasm? I was having massive Roguelike fatigue, thanks to Rogue Legacy and Dead Cells and while Chasm's world construction leaves something to be desired, I still ended up enjoying sinking my teeth into it. I mean, I enjoy the construction of Chasm's world far more than Order Of Ecclesia, I'll tell you that much.

[@phleite7]

Salt and santcuary is also an excellent metroidvania, with a lot of dark souls elements. Fantastic game!

[@josesosa1777]

Your commentary makes me get hype for the upcoming games... Keep it up!!!

[@atomic8681]

Wow! I found your channel last year while looking at some keyboard reviews. Metroidvania is my favorite genre ever! And I am always looking for new ones, thank you!

[@TheGunslinger019]

The Switch is perfect for this genre of games!

[@sonuorcinus1]

Lol, you are absolutely right. That's the main reason i am here.

[@ikowe80]

Does anyone know what game is featured at 0:11?

[@mist666999]

Ori and the blind forest. Go play that beautiful freaking game. For reals.

[@vandlz46]

that game was something else. imo one of the best platformers to come out in recent years absolutely insanely insane

[@rayyanbo9638]

it is really a good game, good graphics and the most smooth platforming game that ive ever played but Im not really a fan of the fight mechanics in the game tho

[@izakk5076]

Not as good as hollow knight tho

[@bregoelly9201]

ya but that was not 2018, while its a goos game, its not fit into this list

[@gigathor602]

it's amazing, but it does miss out a few thing to get on the level of Hollow Knight, mainly duration, fighting mechanics and bosses. The sheer quality of the artistic part is absurd though. Really loved the part of the waterfall.

[@suwu8536]

Dust: An Elysian Tail,in my opinion one of the best metroidvania,i really love that game

[@Sophia-dw9pj]

By definition solitaire was the first metroidvania game

[@huey1910]

The portly gamer:*call the knight an insect* Mossbag: you little son of a b-

[@thundageon5962]

Hollow Knight was my first indie game i ever bought on the ps4 and its a masterpiece

[@Homophonic]

can someone tell me the names of the games appearing from 0:06 to 0:16

[@Portly]

Iconoclasts, Dust: An Elysian Tail, and Guacamelee 2

[@Homophonic]

@@Portly thx alot

[@mondrometal]

There is one game missing in this list. The messenger. Amazing game, great controls, sence of humor, sence of progression and skill, great graphics and history.

[@Ray_2112]

...aaaand one hell of a soundtrack in even two different versions! ;)

[@Ray_2112]

​@Cheesus Yeet I prefer it to Hollow Knight...all a matter of opinions.

[@OpenWorldAddict0]

i love metroidvania games, because i love exploring a non-linear world that slowly opens up as you gain new abilities to break out into whole new areas as well as finding secrets in areas you've been to. What i don't care for is brutally difficult games require precision platforming or precision combat.

[@kukukachu]

Hollow Knight

[@Shadex2301]

For ur wallet - dumsly

[@JuanR907]

What other metroidvania in ps4 you recommended??

[@fwostyshrakes1870]

@@JuanR907 Rain World

[@tgr3423]

Touhou Lunar Nights is also an interesting Metroidvania that's currently been in the works for the past few months as of writing this comment. I *really* love how time stop is used in it. It's actually quite similar to Timespinner (which may have been an inspiration for it, on top of Sakuya already having time stop as an ability so she kind of just fit as the protagonist).

[@mathmic1400]

Keep up the great work, always look forward to your videos!!

[@mysterypersonthing8885]

GoTY: LA-MULANA 2. Coming to Switch, PS4, and Xbox in early 2019. A huge set of ruins filled with rockin' music, loads of items and puzzles, and 55+ boss battles. A great introduction to the series.

[@BlackSheepVidya]

Sooo many good metroidvanias, I dunno how you managed to play all these and compile this list! Fantastic video, man. -Ratter Tatter

[@sylleryum]

No guacamelee? OMG it is amazing

[@Portly]

Tbh I totally forgot about guacamelee until I was editing this video so I just threw in a couple seconds of footage

[@CoryTheSimmons]

It's really not "amazing". It's okay. There were a lot of things that could've been polished in that game (combat was boring, platforming felt bad, co-op was tacked on). Tentatively excited to see if Guac2 is polished because I loved the humor and some of the concepts.

[@Itzsfo0]

@@CoryTheSimmons Actually if he thinks its amazing, it amazing - everyone is diff, only be concerned with your own opinion I agree Guacamelee was amazing, combat was EASy not boring, platforming felt smooth & easy, not bad, co-op is stupid in a game like that to begin with) meh guacamelee 2 looks ....ok

[@dragonnerd6282]

@Kevin Lee You missed the cool Souls reference in guacamelee then.

[@phaeris6751]

What was the games ahown in the intro around 10 seconds??

[@Portly]

That's Dust: An Elysian Tail

[@DeltathRiylaan]

You say that it's not referring to the old Castlevania's, which is almost true until you specifically mention Simon's Quest, which literally is 100% a Metroidvania and the precursor to Symphony of the Night. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say you've never played it and just said that one specifically because you remembered the name.

[@isturbo1984]

he doesnt know what a Metroidvania game is. its just shorthand these people use for "2D pixel art game."

[@Portly]

well everyone hates simons quest so who cares

[@DeltathRiylaan]

@@Portly That's definitely not true. It's a great game. You haven't even played it! How would you know?!

[@isturbo1984]

@@Portly Seriously however. The Metroid in "Metriodvania" is probably the most important part of the phrase. The emphasis is on a persistent world, backtracking and open world and open ended progression. A good example of a game you used that doesnt incorporate this is both Dead Cells and Rogue Legacy. These games cant be Metroidvania games if the map is randomized. that would remove what makes these games Metroidvanias.

[@Giffsen]

People that know and like the series seem to care though. It's ok to be wrong sometimes.

[@OzzyGriever]

Omg. No metroids?! Do yourself a favor and play either zero mission or fusion!! You will not regret it!

[@Portly]

You’re the second person to suggest exactly those two. I’ve always wanted to play them but now I have no way to! 😫

[@ghost085]

Play the grandad of them all, Super Metroid on the SNES. At least you'll love the music.

[@georgemorgan6088]

The fusion suit in prime was awesome

[@booski1865]

I second playing Super Metroid. But zero mission is also a good starting point.

[@trevast93]

We talk about metroidvania games in 2018 and suddenly this guy saying no Metroids game? You must be drunk, man.

[@DeltathRiylaan]

It's Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, not Circle of the Moon. That's literally a Castlevania game.

[@Portly]

Yeah I said the wrong one

[@KratosAurionPlays]

I think that's why he put a * next to the title of Curse of the Moon lol

[@crossman3332]

@@Portly HOW DARE YOU?!!

[@RottenLegacy]

I watched this video with sound muted and subtitles enabled while listening to the entire Hollow Knight soundtrack. I only clicked on the video because I saw Hollow Knight in the thumbnail. I only played this game for the first time yesterday, but I'm in love with it already ^^

[@dragonnerd6282]

Boy get The Messenger. It's gonna be right up there with Hollow Knight. It is super polished as well as having an OST as good as Celeste, which says something.

[@Zebula77]

Dead Cells is so damn good. Really hope the update comes out soon. Anyways, really enjoyed the video, and I like your narration style. Good stuff. :)

[@taylorh4501]

whats the game shown at 0:58? i kinda really want to look into that one

[@Portly]

That would be Momodora, which is available on PC and ps4. Not sure if it's on other platforms

[@taylorh4501]

@@Portly many thanks!

[@Portly]

Update 2/24/20: It's been awhile but for any upset newcomers to this video, just wanna let you know that I have played a couple classic Metroid games in the time since this video. Classics such as Other M, Federation Force, and Metroid Prime Pinball. Not sure what the fuss was all about. (Previous) Not that I need to prove anything but for all you angery bois, I'm aware Curse of the Moon is not a Metroidvania game. I actually wrote and recorded a line mentioning that but must have forgotten to put it in an now I look like a total goob! Also Simon's Quest is bad

[@c.r.bouton1842]

What's your favorite Metroidvania? Mine's Hollow Knight

[@Portly]

@@c.r.bouton1842 mine is probably Hollow Knight after playing it much more since this video, or probably still Symphony of the Night

[@alexanderfels5754]

Simon's quest... Never played it, but it's bad... Right, you know what metroidvania is, but try to sell that simon's quest isn't one of them... Dead cells, well, REALLY isn't a metroidvania, but made the list anyhow. NOW you look like a goob, because you fail in admitting a mistake.

[@Stygianstevedore]

What a goob

[@thomassky4385]

Alex Stargazer you should listen to AVGN for simons quest he tell you why simon’s quest sucks ass.

[@ThatCybertChannel]

Great. Now I have even more freakin' games that I got to play. Haha Though I'm glad I picked up Hollow Knight when you said it was on sale. Absolutely love it! Fantastic video, my man!

[@Bob-tq9ny]

Hollow knight best games of 2018! was released in 2017

[@GamerBuds]

HOLLOW KNIGHT IS AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE! I really enjoyed this video man!

[@davidlane1248]

I was excited about Death's Gambit, but it ended up being kinda meh. Salt and Sanctuary is the true "2D Dark Souls" masterpiece, in my opinion

[@Robodob0]

Dead Cells and Hollow Knight are 2 of the absolute must-play games right now.

[@Ash-wj1df]

For people interested, there's also a pretty nice game called "Luna Nights" wich is a touhou project fanmade metroidvania with cool graphics, mechanics, music, and so on, so even if you're not into touhou, you should try it

[@vicplaza6485]

Great video what game you recommend for new player one start this genre? ( easy)

[@Lucien8256]

Song of the Deep was a different take on the Metroidvania genre. I thoroughly enjoyed the art, soundtrack, and gameplay for this masterpiece!

[@manolizerg]

First video I watch from this channel and the humour was friggin good Instead of letting out just a "heh" I actually laughed. Thank you.

[@EmilXOM]

Never having played Super Metroid is an actual sin, my dude. You're going to heck, my dude :(

[@MageGameplays]

what the game that appears at 0:12 ?

[@DanteAoB]

Dust: An Elysian Tail

[@slacktopus8899]

I'm currently playing Iconoclasts and i reeeally love it

[@andersongadelhafontoura4346]

iconoclasts, anyone?

[@jaylucien669]

Great game but I don't consider it a Metroidvania.

[@coreyyuhas6764]

Jay Lucien what’s it missing for you to consider it a metroidvania? It’s an action platformer with a map to explore with upgradable platforming and fighting mechanics and puzzles for collectibles.

[@Shoundaime]

@@coreyyuhas6764 Its a puzzle game with some metroidvania elements.

[@alexanderfels5754]

@@Shoundaime more the opposite, it is a metroidvania with puzzles.

[@Shoundaime]

@@alexanderfels5754 I dont think so, all the bosses were puzzles, and the only 2 things iconoclasts had like a metroidvania were the teletransportion machine and the upgrades to advance in the story. The game was kinda funny and all but it failed to be a metroidvania, a good case of metroidvania with elements of other type of games is Valdis story that had rpg elements like the tree of skills.

[@alexanderfels5754]

Funny, because simon's quest is the first metroidvania in the castlevania franchise... Get new abilities to explore new regions in an free explorable world. Thatvis simon's quest and a main part of the genre. Symphony of the night was a new try on hitting the genre and used the phenomenal super metroid as inspiration, while castlevania 2 had the not too well aged original metroid and zelda 2 as main influences. I don't really get the hate on this game because 30 years ago, it really was something fresh, especially with the day/night circle and combining the gameplay of the first titel with the gamedesign of the two mentioned games. But well, it is some trend to name simons quest as negative example, even if it was really one of the genres pioneers.

[@aldebaran2643]

I think it's hated due to some REALLY obscure required actions to advance the game. Remember the "crouch in this particular corner with this orb to summon a tornado to advance"?

[@alexanderfels5754]

@@aldebaran2643 i think the hate comes of just watching a certain nerd-video. Simon's Quest is far from being a bad game. I for my part think of it of one of the best games on the nes, with all of it's curiosities.

[@sludgewave4786]

WHAT AN HORRIBLE NIGHT TO HAVE A CURSE.... In contrast to all those lovely night where a curse would be fitting!

[@metae.4256]

@@aldebaran2643 Those actions weren't really all that obscure. There was actually hints in the game that were more clear than what is in the nerd videos, but those guys never found out how to operate the crystals, and most people never even played the game and just formed their opinions off the nerd videos. By the time you summon the tornado to advance, you'd already know how to operate the crystals, unless you're ridiculously stupid and cant put two and two together. In which case you'd have to have gotten to that point by pure luck.

[@aldebaran2643]

+Meta E. Ah, but didn't most hints get lost in translation though?

[@benradinov4983]

WHERE IS CELESTE?!

[@pillow7672]

Cave Story , Ori and The Blind Forest and Iconoclasts Awesome Video :D

[@treeffi1899]

does somebody know when i can buy forsaken castle? it isnt on steam (anymore?) or not released yet.

[@Portly]

According to the updates page on their Kickstarter it looks like it may have some time to go. Last update is from October 31st this year

[@DamageMaximo]

0:55 was waiting for Momodora to show up ^^ also Iconoclasts in the beginning

[@vuppet5684]

This year was a year for indie games to shine. There were so many games that brought third party developers into a higher light this year. Personally, Dead Cells was a game that blew me away. I even played wizard of legend, owlboy, stardew valley, hyper light drifter and a bunch more. I personally thought Dead Cells was one of the best games I played this year, and in my OPINION, it was better than hollow knight in certain cases. Stardew somehow made me like farming games, owlboy showed how the story of failure and sacrifice can be turned into a great story, wizard of legend showed how so many combinations and move sets could destroy entire hoards of enemies in a satisfying way and hyper light drifter was an emotional roller coaster with some of the best art I’ve ever seen. While Dead Cells was my favourite indie game of the year, games like hollow knight also shined for it’s art style and vague but compelling story. Overall, 2017 was a year for Nintendo to shine, and 2018 was a year for indies to shine

[@Portly]

Very well said. I agree, these days indies are what really catch my eye. There's so many great games to discover out there and at way less than $60 + DLC, season passes, etc.

[@rhiannn3416]

Try out Crosscode! It’s such an underrated, amazing game. It’s an ARPG with 16bit graphics. It’s inspired by those retro SNES games. It’s a beautiful game and it’s just... it’s just a masterpiece. It’s such a shame not many people know about it. So many people are sleeping on this absolute hidden gem. Please try it out. There is also a free web demo where you can play it online, or you can download the free demo on steam. The developers also have their own discord chat and you can talk to them and give them suggestions, etc. they’re super passionate, and such nice people. It’s been in development for nearly 7 years and it released a couple months ago. I really, really want people to like this game, ever since I found it, I have been playing it non-stop. Please try out the demo and if you like it, please play the full game. Seriously though, watch the KZbin reviews on Crosscode.. they’re phenomenal.

[@Portly]

@@rhiannn3416 I'm familiar with it but I haven't played it. It looks good though! I didn't know there was a demo so I'll be checking that out for sure

[@rhiannn3416]

@@Portly Oh please do! And let me know if you make a video on it, I'll be sure to check it out!

[@sonuorcinus1]

What are the games shown in the intro? They were not mentioned anywhere in the later part of video. I know one of them is Guacamelee for sure but don't know rest of them.

[@Portly]

Can't remember or check what I put but I know some are Iconoclasts, Dust: An Elysian Tail, and Momodora. Those are the ones most people ask about anyway

[@Ravenna_Black]

Momodora Reverie Under the Moonlight not a 2018 release but its 2 dollars right now and 500 times better than Chasm. Deaths Gambit isnt a Metroidvania.... and you really need to play Metroid games.... cause it started the genre.... Super Metroid at very least.... than Fusion and Zero Mission if you like Super.

[@Portly]

I finally played super Metroid and I loved it. Planning to start zero mission and fusion soon

[@accelerator8558]

Momodora it's great love that game

[@daniellegenstein7521]

Forsaken Castle has similarities to "Momodora Reverie Under the Moonlight"... religious girl send to do something that just happened and the Opening Screen looks the same but mirrored.

[@Ravenna_Black]

@@daniellegenstein7521 but does she do it with a maple leaf!!!!???

[@axusmame3608]

0:56 *What's this game's name*

[@Luizo24]

I also wanna know, looks good!

[@dakotakade3547]

My issue with Death's Gambit is that the stamina bar was WAY more taxing. Even at the start of Dark Souls, with just about every class, you can get 2-3 swings in before your stamina bar is even low. Death's Gambit, with every class, you get TWO swings and your bar is GONE. And when your bar is too low, you CAN'T roll. At all. So, you get hit for trying to hit something more than once. Now, early leveling I tried dumping some points into stamina, thinking it would help out. After 10 levels, I was STILL not able to attack something twice and then being able to roll. And then the problem also arises of the vice versa. If you roll and dodge right, you can't immediately counterattack, something that's extremely prevalent in Dark Souls. Let me compare here. Okay, Dark Souls is a game about dodging correctly, and finding your opening. Some enemies have multiple "safe" attacks where you can't punish, and you have to time your rolls to dodge all of those attacks until they do something that leaves them open. You get a few swings in, and continue. Now, you can just wait for the unsafe attacks, but sometimes with smart rolling you can actually dodge, attack, then dodge the next hit. You can squeeze in some damage, as long as you manage your stamina correctly. You're rarely caught with 0 stamina as long as you pace yourself and don't just spam R1 and hope for the best. Death's Gambit is so fucking clunky and the stamina bar is so punishing, that even if you dodge correctly you generally can't squeeze a hit in. If you try, you'll be out of stamina and not be able to roll because you swung. It turns into waiting for the boss to finish all of their attacks, running up, hitting them once, and then rinsing and repeating until they die. It's extremely monotonous. I fought the first 3 bosses in the game, and then refunded it. I was highly disappointed.

[@sethchristopher7674]

I feel you, at first stamina was an issue for me as well but after i got to like level 25 it became a lot better. Other than the tense start it turned out to be a fairly enjoyable game imo

[@antiguoroxe2982]

0:56 What Game is it?

[@KratosAurionPlays]

Even though it's not coming until 2019 I just hope that Bloodstained Ritual of the Night will be good. Curse of the Moon was awesome so my hopes are up.

[@MeFirstGames]

Nice video, 2018 was a great year. Keep up the good work!

[@tero581]

My favourites are Ori and the Blind Forest Hollow Knight Salt and Sanctuary Guacamelee Yep... Over the originators themselves.

[@CoryTheSimmons]

I like all those games too. It's not a metroidvania, but if you like platformers check out Celeste. It's really easy to pick up and really well made.

[@tero581]

@@CoryTheSimmons Too hard of a platforming game for me!! Same with the End is Nigh, Slime San, and Super Meat Boy! Metroidvanias have just the right challenge for me!

[@LeoN-vt1ev]

Anyone know what game is on at 11 seconds?

[@YouW00t]

Animal Crossing is my favourite Souls-like.

[@The_Badcompany]

Why is Shantae not in this video? It came out in 2018 on the Switch

[@pauldavidson6088]

you must be thinking ANIMAL CROSSING... i wasnt... i really wasnt.

[@leknubb]

I mean, it's pretty much just copy pasta.

[@joaovitorferreiraspezia9815]

What´s the name of the game that appears at 0:11?

[@Portly]

That is Dust: An Elysian Tail

[@joaovitorferreiraspezia9815]

@@Portly Thanks man!!

[@Ash-oi9je]

Let’s be real here Hollow Knight rn is one of the 3 metroidvania tyrants possibly number 1 but the other 2 are Dead Cells and haven’t figured out the 3rd. The Big 2 you could call them. And (sorry spoilers go away you are warned) after the Godmaster ending the Knight or the New King/Shade Lord emerges from the Godseer so yeah it attacks Hornet and there’s been a hint of a DLC for Hornet.

[@MrStone125]

dead cells isn't even a metroidvania though...

[@Ash-oi9je]

This year

[@Ash-oi9je]

It’s kind of it’s a rougevania it does have some elements from Metroid but not a lot

[@Itzsfo0]

@@Ab-he4vf I like dead cells more then sympthony of the night, but they arent the same dead cells is a roguevania and as for ROGUE games, rogue-lites, or what not Binding of iSaac = beats them all= and is one of the greatest selling indie games of all time (its cult-like status, and 8 years of upgrades & updates) and 25+ million in sales, thousands of fan site, and fanzines, magazines, comics & merch. Edmund McMillen crafted one of the top 10 selling indie games of all time (infact he has 2 on that list). Dead Cells Motion Twin developers even FLAT OUT SAID they loved ISaac so much - that they wanted a rogue-like - platformer. Whereas Isaac is a rogue-lite - isometric dungeon crawler The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past + Diablo 2 = Binding of Isaac Binding of Isaac + Hollow Knight = Dead Cells Sympthony of the Night or Metroid have little to do with those games, despite being part of the metroidvania genre (and helped create the genre) -

[@eaminirad]

what game is that @ :10 into the video?

[@droggellord]

You're awesome.

[@gorcheque]

I like your style

[@RyomaGG]

what's the game at 0:11 ?

[@Portly]

Thats Dust: An Elysian Tail

[@CenturianEagle]

Good video, and I love metroidanias, but I have to say something, and I typically don’t complain or criticize or nitpick little things like this.. but man, that type of awkward humour is way too overused in this. It’s like, after sentence, it goes quiet, and then there’ll be a quick awkward statement about the last bit of said sentence. It literally happens every 45 seconds

[@Portly]

Much appreciative of the constructive criticism. I think I know exactly what you're talking about and I've noticed it about my scripts as well. Definitely something I could work on. Thanks friend :D

[@Howdyhowthis]

what is the game from 0:58 sorry for being 2 years late

[@gvilherme2709]

There is Dandara too, It's cool because you can't walk... you must jump on a salt path (that makes sense in the lore, ok? lol)

[@Ninjakimm]

What about "Blasphemas" ? Is it out yet ?

[@Solizeus]

Hollow Knight > Dead Cells

[@doug7x]

Hollow Knight is pretty good. But if you rather play it instead of Dead Cells, you problably played Dead Cells the wrong way!

[@patrickmuzzy2471]

Yea no.

[@Itzsfo0]

Oh yea, Hollow Knight is superior to Dead Cells if you were ranking entertainment value. But they are entirely diff games Why do people compare games like that, very stupid. Binding of Isaac > BOTH of them. One of the greatest selling indies of all time Dead Cells basically just mixes Hollow Knight w/ rogue-elements of Binding of Isaac. Isaac > Hollow Knight - but thats a stupid comparison to begin with. I would still rather play Hollow Knight over Dead Cells and I've put 100+ hours into Dead Cells, Hollow Knight is better, there is no question about that. But Dead Cells is better as a rogue-lite/roguevania w/ procedural generation. Two entirely diff genres, not worthy of comparing them. Both are great, but Isaac is better then all of them.

[@kamilkastek3991]

I would play Dead Cells to but... but i hate "procedural generation map". I just loved learning how Hollow knight world looks like. Just look on this map: vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/hollowknight/images/c/c4/Map_Artwork.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170404112913

[@krzypl5959]

True

[@AnteaterX]

Hey anybody know what game is playing at 1:02?

[@GlotoSaurioRex]

Dead Cells

[@AnteaterX]

@@GlotoSaurioRex thanks!

[@RetroGamesMas]

ICONOCLASTS NOT HERE!?...PLEASE...ARE YOU INSANE!?

[@Portly]

I didn't get to play it yet when making this video but I have played it since and i love it!

[@Nyonics]

I really thought I would enjoy Iconoclasts more than I did. I ended up just not appreciating that every boss was a gimmick boss and that I had to play a lot more defensively even at end stages of the game. I'm sure you can guess which single trophy I decided I would not even bother attempting to earn (and not platting a game is pretty rare for me). I guess I also didn't appreciate as much that there was more emphasis on combat than on puzzle-elements and platforming. The world-building and lore was top notch though, and Chrome's theme song is amazing. Both of the optional bosses were pretty cool also.

[@DiceGames]

Yesssssss!

[@GokudoHen]

Hey what name of the first game u show ? pls

[@Portly]

Iconoclasts

[@GokudoHen]

@@Portly Thanks i'm gonna buy when limited run release it !

[@jabberwockygames8926]

Shit. I always end up forgetting and being blissfully ignorant of Bloodstained's development and then BAM! I end up seeing a video or article that reminds me of how much I want to play that damn game! Im a bigger Castlevania nerd then Metroid but you should play some Metroid games man! Play Zero Mission or Fusion!

[@Portly]

Its funny you mention those two because I always wanted them when I had a gba

[@georgemorgan6088]

@@Portly best part of fusion was wearing the suit in prime and or playing the original metroid on the cube ... never met a metroid i didn't like wish i could say the same about castlevania (64) although i did enjoy harmony of despair a weird little 6 person arcade game that used old sprites

[@ehx3419]

Zero Mission and Super Metroid are pretty much always considered the absolute must-play core of the genre. Fusion is often criticized for its linearity, but still a worthy entry overall. Also, if you don't get enough of 2D Metroid, you should check out Metroid Construction. They have a huge amount of Super Metroid hacks and a growing collection of Zero Mission hacks. I played a bunch of Zero Mission ones already. The top 3 I'd recommend so far: Metroid Spooky Mission Metroid Other ZM Metroid Zero Mission Takeover

[@salvatorel1082]

0:58 game?

[@Portly]

Thats Momodora. Great game. Just talked more about it in my newest video if you're interested

[@RubenGarcia-lb8jc]

Hollow knight best indie game ever

[@fjorpa9788]

i love the metroidvania games and you just expanded my whishlist with this video, great job man. There goes my sub

[@rogerbabin8175]

Having gone through a recent binge of metroidvania style games I find myself in a minority who feels that Hollow Knight was merely okay and not worth recommending while Dead Cells is FUN but very problematic until you use mods. For my money....Ori and the Blind Forest, Salt and Sanctuary, and Guacemelee are all gems in this genre that are well worth checking out.

[@hfcred6754]

I know what you mean, there’s just something... different about Hollow Knight. I’m not sure what it is but it makes it a lot different from other games in the genre. You either like it or you don’t like it. I feel like there really isn’t any in between when it comes to Hollow Knight.

[@rogerbabin8175]

@@hfcred6754 Going into more detail about Hollow Knight.... I found the map to be a constant frustration even with the charms and all upgrades to improve it. This game requires a TON of backtracking if you don't use a guide and the fast travel stations are VERY far apart. I probably spent a good 30% of my play time running to and from fast travel points which is a massive waste of time. Its not frustrating or anything...but things that waste your time aren't fun and they don't add to the challenge in any way. IMO the game needs a good 3 fast travel stations per zone and a few more benches to boot. The map in general was unsatisfactory as well. Using icon markers that we're supposed to just memorize rather than putting a complete legend is baffling to me. Forcing people to use charms to pinpoint their spot on the map is not considered a 'fun' means of progression or even a fun unlock. I also found the character to be floaty and while I could adjust to the controls reasonably well...it simply didn't control as natural or satisfying as most other games. None of these things ruin the game....but they do make it inferior to many other metroidvania style games I've played. I'd likely only review the game as 7/10 range which must sound horrific to others but that's just how I feel.

[@pelieskola5708]

@@rogerbabin8175 weird. For me it was opposite.

[@mrnome13]

play super metroid PLS

[@Portly]

I want to! Hopefully soon

[@Protagoras614]

Sundered (2017) got largely overlooked and it’s a shame because it’s a gorgeous handdrawn/painted metroidvania from the makers of Jotun. You can snag the Eldritch Edition (which adds local co/op for up to 4 players) at 75% off during the Holiday Sale on PSN that runs until mid January 2019. That’s 5 instead of 20 USD. Loved Dead Cells and plan to get Hollow Knight the next time it’s on sale, as I missed this most recent one. Oh and also on sale on PSN is Omega Strike, a game that bills itself as a metroidvania on its PSN Store description. It’s 4.07 down from 11.99 USD but I’ve heard nothing about this one prior to seeing the digital download listing.

[@logiclunacy606]

Iconoclast is one of the best in the genre, you should definitely pick it up.

[@PRDGL_WindyBW]

A kid in my class said my Hollow Knight wallpaper on my Chromebook was "disturbing". Now I have a nail with blood on it and a shade staring at me. No regrets.

[@Ro3im3o]

Love both games but 'metroidvania' grinds my gears :P. Metroid was same from start: one huge complex dungeon with bosses and powerups, castlevania was platformer with bosses at the end of levels and had no powerups and now takes part of credit for 'inventing' genre. Its like when people praise Eddison (who IS genius ofcourse) but... he basicly ripped his ideas from Tesla. For me there is only 'metroidlike' ;)

[@sludgewave4786]

Robi Castelvania introduced an RPG aspect in the game, with levels and stats management. It did bring something to the table, and didnt just wandered off snitching all the canapés.

[@joereno955]

Symphony of the Night is also just a better game than any of the Metroid games, in my opinion. (At least the 2D Metroid games, I never played Metroid Prime.) The combat is much better than Metroid, the boss battles are more fun and memorable, and the world is more varied and interesting. And I say this as a huge fan of Super Metroid. For me, the only Metroidvania game that matches SotN is Hollow Knight. (Or maybe Dark Souls, if you count that as a Metroidvania game... the first game especially has that kind of feel, but it's probably a bit of a stretch to include it.)

[@sludgewave4786]

@@joereno955 There is also the mutliple Castelvanias from gba to DS, Wich aren't just watered down ports of SOTN. But true successors with their own style and novelties. I personally really love order of ecclesia, but more on a control standpoint.

[@Nyonics]

@@sludgewave4786 I liked Order of Ecclesia as a game. Shanoa was cool, and her mechanic CONCEPT was cool (execution of said concept wasn't as great). Some of the bosses in that game were pretty awesome--like Blackmore and Eligor. What I really didn't like about it though was that it wasn't a Metroidvania to me. Instead of having ONE giant level with different zones, it had a world map hub and short, individual levels that you could play standalone. I know others might not understand this gripe, but it really broke the feeling of the game for me, and it felt like they realized their mistake later when they made Dracula's Castle decently long like they couldn't decide whether to make the game as individual stages or true Metroidvania layout.

[@sludgewave4786]

​@@Nyonics When you think about it they didn't have shaken the formula that much. Sure the presentation is different, but having levels accessible through world map don't change much from having many "zones" accessible throught teleporters. And a lot of those said levels are little metroidvanias map in themselves. It didn't make much of a difference for me...I have a feeling that the upcoming bloodstained game will have more in comon with order of ecclesia than with SOTN.

[@damaged804]

What is the game at 0:11 called? The animations look sick o.o

[@Portly]

That would be Dust: An Elysian Tail. It's pretty good!

[@damaged804]

@@Portly Thanks :D!! The combat looks so good!!

[@Ozcaty]

"fun and challenging metroidvania gameplay" yeah you seem to not even have literally left crossroads yet..

[@Portly]

I only included footage from crossroads but already was pretty far in the game at the time of this video. Tho I do remember crossroads had fun and challenging Metroidvania gameplay.

[@leomonteiro4445]

Let's just wait until he gets to the white palace...

[@joereno955]

@@leomonteiro4445 White Palace was challenging, but it actually doesn't take too long to clear. If you made it through the later areas of Super Meat Boy, especially the Bandage Girl levels, it's very doable.

[@harelor]

Check out Monster Sanctuary. It's a metroidvania style game but with monster collection and RPG turn-based battles. The Kickstarter just finished and it will supposedly be done in late 2019 or something. The demo is available on Steam and GameJolt. I backed it right after finishing the demo.

[@johannWify]

Deadcells isnt a metroidvania tho, or rather a terrible one at that (rant incoming). The "permanent abilities" (excluding the one you get by defeating the hand of the king) all act as glorified keys and have no interaction whatsover outside of acting like loading screens, and well the exploration is pretty terrible/none existent once you beat the game and go to new game + etc. (which can happen in like 4 hours depending on how familiar you are with souls like 2d games) since enemies always drop better loot than the one that is "hidden" (again by hidden i mean they are locked behind those glorified key loading screens), thats just one example i could give ya some more if you wanna hear some random dude on the internet (me) rant about it, whatever no hard feelings.

[@seangriffey8669]

Im with you there, honestly I think that rogue like and metroidvania are completely antithetical. exploration, backtracking, upgrade based progression, those things just dont work the same way in a rogue like format.

[@Ash-oi9je]

It’s a mixed one.

[@paulalexander1699]

Thank you, I really enjoy Deadcells but it is not a metroidvania and people need to stop putting it on these lists.

[@Ash-oi9je]

It’s has its own thing a rougevania. Close to a metroidvania but it ain’t there.

[@joereno955]

Yes, thank you! Deadcells has solid combat but it fails to be interesting as either a roguelike or a metroidvania. The randomized areas aren't interesting by the standards of a roguelike, yet at the same time they don't feel different enough from playthrough to playthrough to give the game much replayability, at least in my opionion. I think there are ways to work as both a Roguelike and a Metroidvania game, even if they're seemingly contradictory, but Dead Cells doesn't succeed at either in my opinion.

[@armandjahraus9383]

You should play Super Metroid. The game is today still an absolute beast.

[@Portly]

I actually have since making this video and I absolutely loved it!

[@theoldblood3804]

super metroid is better than SOTN

[@georgemorgan6088]

That tuff. flip a coin pros and cons i guess

[@MikeYt673]

Sotn was insane just wayyyy too easy imo, i agree super metroid is just the best metroidvania

[@georgemorgan6088]

Shadow complex on 360 was amazing definently one of my favorite metrovania ever

[@booski1865]

No question.

[@pete9105]

Not a chance, sotn is way more in depth and has ten times the replay value,

[@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz9]

Deaths gambit looks good. Is it coming to switch?

[@antjuanb972]

If you haven't played Super Metroid you should. Great gameplay, incredible story, the ending practically like a movie. Most games listed are copied from Metroid games more than Castlevania, Castlevania 2 was the earliest version to simulate world exploring.

[@skins4thewin]

What game was that @ 1:06?? Looks awesome!

[@CheddahSlammer]

How long did Hollow Knight Take? Did you beat nightmare king grim?

[@Portly]

Oh I never finished it. Planning to go back because I did love it, I just very rarely finish games before buying and playing something else

[@CheddahSlammer]

@@Portly Yeah I get it, I have like 50 or so games I started and never finished. I am trying a new thing were I play one game and try to finish it before going on to the next, Its been working out pretty well.

[@Portly]

@@CheddahSlammer I gotta do that, for real. I've been trying but then new games come out lol

[@Beebzification]

good production and you're a funny dude, hopefully you get a lot more deserved subscribers