Metroidvania
English
Etymology
Blend of Metroid and Castlevania, two influential games of this type.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˌmɛtɹɔɪdˈveɪni.ə/
Noun
Metroidvania (countable and uncountable, plural Metroidvanias)
- (video games, informal) A (genre of) platform game with role-playing game elements and inventory items, involving more exploration than a traditional linear platform game.
- 2008, Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition
- The Castlevania games share similarities with the Metroid series, in particular the free-roaming design in which new abilities allow access to different areas. Because of this, fans often refer to such games as "Metroidvania" in style.
- 2009 September 1, Whitworth, Chris, “Batman Arkham Asylum 24.99”, in uk.games.video.misc, Usenet, message-ID <slrnh9qqa3.giu.usenet.chris@parm.vs.topper.me.uk>:
- It's got Metroidvania elements - it's structured like one, I guess, in that it's lots of exploration with a fair bit of backtracking and getting new abilities that unlock previously unopened areas and that sort of thing.
- 2009 September 14, Falcon, Jonah, “Shadow Complex Great Game”, in alt.games.video.xbox, Usenet, message-ID <RpWdnUTaXZXTRjPXnZ2dnUVZ_hWdnZ2d@earthlink.com>:
- Pure Metroidvania... with 3D in-engine cutscenes.
- 2019 June 18, Christian Donlan, “Gato Roboto review - a pet-sized Metroidvania filled with delights”, in Eurogamer:
- Metroidvanias are an inherently clever genre, and the cleverness can sometimes sap a little of the energy.
- 2008, Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition