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)

1. (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, particularly revisiting previously explored areas.
   • 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, Chris Whitworth, “Batman Arkham Asylum 24.99”, in uk.games.video.misc‎^[1] (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, Jonah Falcon, “Shadow Complex Great Game”, in alt.games.video.xbox‎^[2] (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^[3]:

     Metroidvanias are an inherently clever genre, and the cleverness can sometimes sap a little of the energy.