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Why Metroid Matters

Why Metroid Matters

Ever since gamers first saw that huge, sprawling map in Super Metroid , a new genre (2d action-platforming/exploration) and a craving for more similar titles was born. “Metroidvania” types of games have become a huge part of gaming culture, and it seems that they’ve been going through a rebirth as of late. With the recent release of three different titles, it seems we’re all going to have to start filling in those maps again.

The main element that drives people to lose themselves in these worlds is curiousity, which is built up by the developers through obstruction. There’s a RED door… but you can only open BLUE doors! Damn it, I need to see what’s behind that door! And so begins a gameplay loop that continues on and on all the way up until the end of the game. Every time you overcome one obstacle, another is presented. Little by little the map gets filled in, and the story plays out. It’s a great system, and can make for compelling gameplay when done right. That’s why titles like Super Metroid , Castevania: Symphony Of The Night , and Shadow Complex are all considered classics.

Why Metroid Matters

So, here we are in 2015, and it seems like the Metroidvania genre is coming back with a vengeance. In the first three months of the year alone, we’ve already seen the release of Apotheon , Ori and the Blind Forest , and now Axiom Verge. Each are very different asthectically, and are trying to accomplish very different things, but still manage to all work within the genre. Out of all of them, Axiom is at once the most reverential and innovative of the group. It pays homage to Super Metroid while at the same time subverting your expectations of the genre. That being said, all three are totally worth your time.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on old fan of these types of games or new to them- with these recent releases, we’ve all got a great excuse to get obsessive about trying to 100% a huge map.

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