Best On-Budget Obscure Metroidvania Games

The growth in the number of indie games has brought with it a corresponding increase in the amount of Metroidvanias, giving the genre a variety that was unthinkable 10 years ago.

Instead of everyone following the exact same gameplay or aesthetic formula, the different backgrounds and material possibilities of the developers who have ventured into this design style have given us a remarkably diverse range of works.

When talking about the best, the names tend to be repeated far too often, so you're probably eager for new experiences that go beyond the already well-known gems.

Therefore, in order to satisfy that desire for truly original adventures within the genre, I invite you to explore this list of the eight best on-budget obscure Metroidvania games.

8 Hotel Barcelona

Charisma Above All Else

As exciting as the collaboration between SWERY and SUDA51 might sound, Hotel Barcelona is an eccentric video game I find difficult to recommend to all types of players.

If you're the kind of person who values ​​ideas regardless of their execution, glorious character design, tremendous voice acting, and is familiar with the kind of work these creators produce, then this is a title that will surely win your heart.

On the other hand, if you're expecting a typical experience of the genre, with refined combat, great interconnected level design, and challenging but satisfying bosses, I recommend reading the rest of the article instead.

I know it sounds contradictory when it comes to a list of the best, but the reason Hotel Barcelona is here is because of its ability to shatter every single expectation one might have about a game in this genre.

It's certainly more of a roguelike than a Metroidvania, and I can't say it's "good" in the traditional sense of the word. However, months go by, and I can't forget the hours I dedicated to it and the strange, captivating feeling I had, so I think that's valuable too.

7 Oblitus Mortis

Debunking Myths

In the last couple of years, having become familiar with most genres, mythological influences, and so on, it's always fascinating to discover a game that portrays a hidden culture within the world of video games, as is the case with Oblitus Mortis.

It's a mechanically modest game where the appeal lies not in the combat itself, but in what surrounds it, including the visual design and, in this case, the lore of its world.

Inspired by the legends and myths of Venezuela, Oblitus Mortis presents scenarios and enemies that have likely never been depicted in the history of interactive media, with notable references to its current culture that allow you to connect with it on a deeper level than just entertainment.

It has the expected shortcomings of an indie game of this modest scope, but if you're in the mood for a truly niche game that will surprise you for reasons uncommon within the genre, it comes highly recommended.

6 Adventure of Samsara

Restoring Balance

I never thought a Metroidvania that reminded me of the exploration and movement of the original Prince of Persia could end up appealing to me so much, though the aura Adventure of Samsara exudes is something I can't ignore.

Between its beautiful pixel art, great world design, numerous secrets, and titanic battles, it's a creation I especially admire for its audacity in releasing on the same day as Hollow Knight: Silksong, which was a terrible idea but very brave nonetheless.

The game is reminiscent of Atari 2600's Adventure, with all that entails, so it feels somewhat clunky at times, but it's something you overlook because it captivates you with its modern nostalgia.

You have to alternate between weapons to exploit enemy weaknesses, use the environment's features to your advantage in boss fights, and explore methodically to raise your power to the level of the challenges, making Adventure of Samsara more than competent as a Metroidvania.

5 Mark of the Deep

Death's Door with Pirates

I have yet to meet a single person who has played Death's Door and not been completely captivated by its colorful and engaging structure, which certainly helps create a very positive first impression when you pick up Mark of the Deep.

Besides its rather unique pirate setting, the game quickly impresses with its fluid combat and clever level design, perfectly adapted to the isometric perspective.

However, the title is a double-edged sword because, given its lack of constant indicators and guides, you need a near-perfect memory to navigate its chaotic world, which can be frustrating for players unaccustomed to keeping mental track of their progress.

Consequently, Mark of the Deep isn't exactly accessible; instead, it's moderately unforgiving, which is precisely what drew me in. If you enjoy being lost and can tolerate occasional monotony, you'll have an immersive adventure like no other.

4 Dandara

A New Way to Jump

Despite starting with a premise as counterintuitive for a Metroidvania as limiting movement, Dandara is a fantastic title that works remarkably well despite its experimental nature.

Although our character can only move in predefined directions, and we have virtually no freedom of movement, this gives the game an almost puzzle-like feel that makes it unique.

Given the progression is fast, and the world is quite compact, the mechanics never have a chance to become stale, so however strange they may feel, you're always learning and discovering new things to maintain the journey's dynamism.

The story is interesting, the art is outstanding, and the overall concept keeps you completely engaged, curious to see how a game with these characteristics can evolve, making Dandara a game that offers much more than meets the eye.

3 Outland

When Ubisoft Was Cool

Including an Ubisoft game on a list of on-budget projects seems like a bad joke, but Outland proves something the French company unfortunately forgot: that it can create great titles with a fraction of its usual budget.

Although it's quite obvious this is a game made with a relatively modest sum of money, it's a fascinating Metroidvania that feels like a spiritual predecessor to Ori and the Blind Forest in terms of animation, atmosphere, combat, and progression.

Outland is extremely short, abilities unlock quickly, and the number of maps to explore is rather small, though everything feels so refined and meticulously placed that you don't really notice how quickly time passes while you're playing.

I was initially won over by its minimalist art style and its combination with the game mechanics, yet what truly captivated me was its reminder of the developer's best side: innovative, authentic, and above all, with a genuine intention to create something charming.

2 Laika: Aged Through Blood

Motorcycles, Blood, and Many Stunts

Speaking of indie games capable of creating combinations you wouldn't have imagined even in your wildest dreams, Laika: Aged Through Blood blends the Metroidvania genre with motorcycle arcade racing, where you perform stunts to generate a magnificent action-adventure.

With a compelling story and a highly detailed and gory visual style, the game narrates a ruthless revenge and combines it with equally visceral combat where you parry bullets with your metal steed while shooting anthropomorphic animals amidst a factional war.

Its vision is as original as its execution is enjoyable, since its modest production values ​​don't compromise its performance, which is flawless whether you're tackling side missions, backtracking, or reading character dialogue.

Laika: Aged Through Blood is a solid video game that, honestly, continues to surprise me with its ability to create something so fresh and yet feel as if its creators had decades of experience in that novelty, which is a highly difficult feeling to achieve in the independent ecosystem.

1 Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo

The First Yoyovania Rocks

I'm aware that nostalgia sells, and therefore, I try to look beyond games that rely too heavily on sentimentality for the past to sustain their appeal. That being said, I recognize the quality achieved by Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo can only be described as a glorious ode to the Game Boy Advance era.

Every second of resemblance between this game and the ones it emulates is a masterclass in adapting past features to modern times, imbuing the entire adventure with a classic and unmistakable aura, yet with an execution backed by all these years of advancements in action, quests, and progression mechanics.

I have few recent examples of video games that manage to be so creative without sacrificing their refinement in the process, and Pipistrello is precisely that eccentric kid in class who turns out to be not only the funniest and most sociable but also the smartest.

If you consider its combat, puzzles, world-building, exploration, characters, and even cinematics, you'll find a video game crafted with heart and mind in perfect harmony. I never would have imagined fighting with a yo-yo that bounces off walls could be so rewarding.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is the first game on this list for countless reasons, and it shouldn't be underestimated. It could easily top a list of the best Metroidvanias, regardless of budget.