The Castlevania series has been a staple of the gaming world for decades, offering a unique blend of exploration, platforming, and action that has captivated audiences worldwide. The series' blend of Gothic horror and fast-paced gameplay has inspired countless other titles, and today, we'll be exploring five games that embody the spirit of Castlevania. These games offer a mix of dark atmospheres, challenging gameplay, and deep narratives that fans of the series are sure to love.
Key Points
- Axiom Verge: A metroidvania game with a focus on exploration and item collection
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night: A spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Hollow Knight: A atmospheric metroidvania game with a focus on exploration and combat
- Ori and the Blind Forest: A beautifully designed platformer with a strong focus on exploration and narrative
- Guacamelee!: A humorous metroidvania game with a focus on exploration and combat
Exploring the World of Metroidvania Games

One of the key elements that defines the Castlevania series is its focus on exploration and platforming. Games like Axiom Verge and Hollow Knight have taken this concept and run with it, creating vast, interconnected worlds that players can explore at their own pace. Axiom Verge, in particular, is a great example of this, with its focus on item collection and backtracking to access previously inaccessible areas. This type of gameplay encourages players to think creatively and explore every nook and cranny, much like the Castlevania series.
Axiom Verge: A Metroidvania Game with a Focus on Exploration
Axiom Verge is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve. With a focus on exploration, item collection, and backtracking, it’s clear that the game’s developers were inspired by the Castlevania series. The game’s world is full of hidden secrets and areas, and players must use their wits and their skills to uncover them. The game’s atmosphere is also noteworthy, with a focus on creating a sense of tension and unease that’s reminiscent of the Castlevania series.
Game | Release Year | Platform |
---|---|---|
Axiom Verge | 2015 | PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One |
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | 2019 | PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One |
Hollow Knight | 2017 | PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One |
Ori and the Blind Forest | 2015 | PC, Xbox One |
Guacamelee! | 2013 | PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One |

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - A Spiritual Successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a game that’s often referred to as a spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Developed by Koji Igarashi, the creator of Symphony of the Night, Bloodstained is a game that takes the Castlevania formula and updates it for the modern era. With a focus on exploration, combat, and RPG elements, Bloodstained is a game that’s sure to appeal to fans of the Castlevania series. The game’s world is full of hidden secrets and areas, and players must use their skills and abilities to uncover them.
Hollow Knight: A Atmospheric Metroidvania Game with a Focus on Exploration and Combat
Hollow Knight is a game that’s all about atmosphere and exploration. With a focus on creating a sense of tension and unease, Hollow Knight is a game that’s perfect for players who enjoy a challenge. The game’s world is full of hidden secrets and areas, and players must use their skills and abilities to uncover them. The game’s combat is also noteworthy, with a focus on strategy and timing that’s reminiscent of the Castlevania series.
Ori and the Blind Forest - A Beautifully Designed Platformer with a Strong Focus on Exploration and Narrative
Ori and the Blind Forest is a game that’s all about exploration and narrative. With a beautifully designed world and a strong focus on storytelling, Ori and the Blind Forest is a game that’s perfect for players who enjoy a good story. The game’s platforming is also noteworthy, with a focus on precision and timing that’s reminiscent of the Castlevania series. The game’s world is full of hidden secrets and areas, and players must use their skills and abilities to uncover them.
Guacamelee!: A Humorous Metroidvania Game with a Focus on Exploration and Combat
Guacamelee! is a game that’s all about humor and exploration. With a focus on creating a lighthearted and humorous atmosphere, Guacamelee! is a game that’s perfect for players who enjoy a good laugh. The game’s world is full of hidden secrets and areas, and players must use their skills and abilities to uncover them. The game’s combat is also noteworthy, with a focus on strategy and timing that’s reminiscent of the Castlevania series.
What is a metroidvania game?
+A metroidvania game is a type of game that combines elements of the Metroid and Castlevania series. These games typically feature exploration, platforming, and combat, and often have a focus on item collection and backtracking.
What are some key elements of the Castlevania series?
+The Castlevania series is known for its focus on exploration, platforming, and combat. The series often features a mix of dark atmospheres, challenging gameplay, and deep narratives, and typically has a focus on item collection and backtracking.
What are some other games that are similar to the Castlevania series?
+Some other games that are similar to the Castlevania series include Axiom Verge, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Hollow Knight, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Guacamelee!. These games all feature elements of exploration, platforming, and combat, and often have a focus on item collection and backtracking.