Many have already hailedMetroid Dreadas a long awaited return to form for Samus Aran. It’s been quite some time since Nintendo crafted a new 2D adventure for Samus, but she hasn’t lost her touch. Critics and fans agreed thatMetroid Dreaddelivered on the old formula, from its implementation of exploration and upgrade collection to its memorable boss battles. The wayMetroid Dreadcombines oldMetroidstory threads with new faces also inspires some hope that the franchise has a future again. Of course, fans still probably have to wait a couple years before they see Samus' next adventure.
Luckily, theMetroidIP’s influence on the game industry means there’s lots of similar games out there that can entertain fans ofMetroid Dreadin the meantime.Metroidand its peerCastlevaniamight have spent many recent years dormant, but they have a strong legacy thanks toindie games that call themselves Metroidvanias, mimicking the 2D platforming and nonlinear exploration that madeMetroidandCastlevaniafamous. Even beyond the Metroidvania genre, though, there’s a wealth of indie sci-fi and stealth games out there that touch on some ofMetroid Dread’s concepts. Here are just a few worthy indie games to try after finishingMetroid Dread.
RELATED:Metroidvania Games To Play After Beating Metroid Dread
Hollow Knight
It’s just about impossible to discuss indie Metroidvanias without bringing upHollow Knight.In Team Cherry’sHollow Knight,players control a nail-wielding knight and explore a bug-filled world represented with darkly enchanting hand-drawn art. Much like how Samus' fighting style changes as she gains new weapons, players will learn spells to cast, find movement-enhancing items, and master combat techniques called Nail Arts that all make the knight more versatile. TheHollow Knightdevelopers studiedMetroid’s map design closely, too, soMetroid Dreadlovers will certainly feel rewarded as they blaze their own path through uncharted territory. There’s one more benefit to tryingHollow KnightafterMetroid Dread: while the nextMetroidgame is far off,Hollow Knight’s sequel is already in development, so players will have more to enjoy soon.
Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Driftermight be an action-adventure RPG rather than a Metroidvania, but its themes and core mechanics should appeal to anyone who got a kick out ofMetroid Dread.In this game, players control the Drifter as they explore a world filled with lost and mysterious technology, not unlike Samus' encounters with the Chozo’s work throughoutMetroid.While the Drifter’s signature weapon is an energy sword, players will also gather new weapons as they explore this world, which they’ll need to use wisely to succeed inHyper Light Drifter’s challenging combat. It also doesn’t hurt thatHyper Light Drifterfeatures colorful 16-bit artthat could make some long-termMetroidfans nostalgic for the franchise’s earliest installations.Hyper Light Drifteris available on the Switch, so it’s easy enough forMetroidfans to pick up next.
RELATED:Metroid Dread’s Game Awards Win Solidifies the Franchise’s Successful Return
Mark of the Ninja
One thing that setsMetroid Dreadapart from its predecessors is its use of stealth. Samus has to sneak past the indestructible EMMIs if she wants to survive. Anybody who liked that side ofMetroid Dreadin particular might want to look intoMark of the Ninja,a sidescrolling stealth platformer fromKlei Entertainment ofDon’t Starvefame.Mark of the Ninjaearned a lot of praise for its approach to stealth, from its line of sight mechanic limiting both player and enemy vision to the scare tactics available to players trying to deceive enemies. Players have lots of options on how to approach any given situation, whether they’d like to sneak past every opponent or pick off enemies one by one. If players enjoyedMetroid Dread’s stealth elements but want more power to go on the offensive, thenMark of the Ninjais the game for them.
