Stop Calling Games 'Metroidvania'

Let’s talk about one of my least favorite words in the video game lexicon: metroidvania. A portmanteau combining the video game titles Metroid and Castlevania, it takes two made-up video game titles that are pretty cool and evocative on their own and inelegantly mashes them into something worse. And now, that word is one we use to talk about a whole genre of incredible video games.

[BlackTar187]

i agree the Metroidvania is stupid and annoying.

[TK-66]

No it's not because it's a descriptive word that actually describes an element of the games design that helps inform the consumer. If you disagree then you're basically saying we should stop using terms like "open-world" because its an equivalent term that describes the level design of a game.

[darthv72]

It is taking two names of games and mashing them together and NOTHING like the term open-world. Your example would be better served had you said Skyrim-fallout (or two other very well known OW games).

Both Metroid and Castlevania are action platformers with elements of puzzle solving and lots of backtracking. Ones that had become rather popular in design that other used them as influence in their own games. But because they encompass many elements that exceed a simple descriptive type (like RPG or Shooter or Platformer) someone decided to just mash the two together.

[SilverDemon]

@Darthv72

Souls games

From dark souls and demon's souls.
No one complains about them being called, souls or souls like or soulsborne

Who cares where did it originate from. As long as it serves it's purpose (like typing F to pay respect)

[TK-66]

@Darthv72

Your comment doesn't disprove my point. All you did was basically say you disagree because the terms have different origins.

"Your example would be better served had you said Skyrim-fallout"

So you want me to just make up terms no one uses? Skyrim and fallout haven't popularized any sort of Game design that has gone in to become a sub-genre.

"But because they encompass many elements that exceed a simple descriptive type (like RPG or Shooter or Platformer) someone decided to just mash the two together."

So? Why is that a bad thing?

[rainslacker]

I have to disagree. They are both platformers. One has a shooting mechanic asa primary function of attack, the other a whip, sometimes with a type of shooting mechanic of sorts.

Metroidvania type games tend to follow the castlevania mechanic of whip or limited attack.

Metroidvania is more along the lines of combining Mario and Master Blaster, and calling Sonic a Mario Blaster.

Not that it bothers me either way, just that I disagree with you.

[The Wood]

People are overthinking it. Just see it as homage to side view 2d games where the map opens up as you progress whilst having rpg elements. The maps seem to be leveled or a 360 map so you can go up down left or right. Those two games are the most well known. How people be irked by this is weird to me

[darthv72]

@TK, if someone made up the word metroidvania then sure you can do the same. Call it skyfall (wait... that's a bond movie) how about zerowild. combining two open world games of horizon zero dawn and breath of the wild.

But more to my point is why mash names together in the first place when there are already categories defined? No need to make a new descriptor. Even soul like can go away because there are other games that did souls before souls ones. If you cant name it after the original then no way should it be named after what popularized it. Hence... stick to the already predefined descriptive categories. RPG, action, platformer, hack n slash, brawler, shooter (aka shmup or fps depending on the game), fighter, puzzle, racing, sports.

All games fit into those categories and some span multiple. MV is a hipster way out of properly placing a game into one of those categories. And nobody likes hipsters and the way they try and change things. They are worse than millennials.

[TK-66]

@darthv72

Okay but Metroidvania makes sense. There are many other genres that started out being named after games, like DOTA which later changed to MOBA because it kinda doesn't make sense to call League of Legends a DOTA game when we have DOTA 2. It would just be confusing. The same could one day happen to Metroidvania but it hasn't and until someone does come up with a better term for the mechanics but until then we will continue to use the commonly known term.

"MV is a hipster way out of properly placing a game into one of those categories."

No it's not because it's become well established what makes a game a Metroidvania FAR better than the actual alternative which is platformer-adventure (which doesn't work because platforming isn't necessary for a Metroidvania). Metroidvania has very specific points that go into determining whether a game fits the genre whereas platform-adventure doesn't. That's why Metroidvania is the more commonly use term.

[telekineticmantis]

Especially when those elements that make up a Metroidvania were used by games like Rygar, Montezuma's Revenge, Spelunker, Jet Set Willy first.

[Tross]

That may be true, but those aren’t as well-known. I mean sure, roguelike is a genre label but I had to look up what it meant and found out it is in reference to a pioneer of the genre that has since fallen into obscurity. I guess Diablo-like doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as well, mind you. Metroid and Castlevania on the other hand are games most people still know to this day. It’s not about giving credit to certain games so much as letting people know what they’re checking out. I think choosing better-known games to reference is a better idea if we go that route.

[Linzoid]

Jet Set Willy! What a game, needs a remake

[mixelon]

And Exile!

And, actually a surprising number of 16bit era games to various degrees of success.

[RavageX]

I also agree, it's a lazy way to describe a game. I almost instantly lose interest when a game is described using this term and it's typically indie games, which almost always puts that last nail in the coffin.

It's just another term I'm sick of hearing, like sjw and all that jazz that seems to have popped up in gaming the past few years.

[rainslacker]

Makes me think of castlevania, because these games are almost always like castlevania in appearance and game play. They don't usually have much that makes them feel like metroid, and I always wondered why the connection was made, and how the term came about, because I haven't played any that I feel were metroid-esque.

I guess calling them platformers is too passe?

I don't really care about the term either way, or how people use it. I just feel it isn't as descriptive for the products as it's roots would suggest.

[rainslacker]

@TheGreek

Yeah, I mean, I've only been playing games for close to 40 years. Doesn't help that almost every single one of these games feels more like Castlevania with it's castle crawling mechanics. It's not like some haven't suggested a different term for those more like metroid in feel.

But what would I know right?

[rainslacker]

Castroid is so much classier

[OCEANGROWNKUSH]

This. Is. IGAvania!!!!!!

[isarai]

Why? its a simple streamlined term that tells you exactly what type of game it is just like the term rogue-like and souls-like. If you hate it so much come up with a new term for it and make it a thing, cause till someone does metroidvania is just too convenient.

[harmny]

How about
Castletroid

[Old McGroin]

Read that as Castletard 🤣🤣🤣

[Old McGroin]

It actually really bugs me for some reason but I accept it serves a purpose. You know exactly what you're getting from a Metroidvania game.

[Samus707]

Why, because Kotaku said so, of course! They are the arbiters of truth and justice in the gaming world, so let's just blindly follow their dictates from on high /s
These urinalists are the worst.

[Sciurus_vulgaris]

Games that follow world design principles established by the Metroid and Castelvania series are accurately referred to Metroidvania. E.g. Ori is a metroidvania game as it focuses on item/ability collection, backtracking and unlocking new paths from areas that you previously visited. I personally think Metroidvania rolls of the tongue well, plus the term plays homage to the series that started it.

As an aside:
One genre or labeling that I don't really agree with is "action-adventure".

[TK-66]

The problem with action-adventure is that it is used far too broadly and can be used in one sentence to describe a shooter and in another to describe a hack'n'slash game.

[Juusterey]

as long as you do the same general thing it fits

[TK-66]

In one breath action adventure can be used to describe a shooter and in another a hack'n'slash. It's not a beneficial term because it's far too vague.

[rainslacker]

Same could be said for RPG nowadays, as many genres have heavy RPG elements.

Doesn't mean people go around saying action-adventure RPG to describe open world games with RPG elements.

[telekineticmantis]

The problem is those elements that make up a "Metroidvania" was used by games like Rygar, Montezuma's Revenge, Spelunker, Jet Set Willy first.

[SilverDemon]

Same thing with souls-like
Kings Field used those mechanics but demon's souls and dark souls popularized it

Metroid and Castlevania only popularized the mechanic so people start calling it that... metroidvania

[CrimsonWing69]

Metroidvania!

[Juusterey]

No, we'll call them whatever we want, espeically if it's a fitting term

[Primal Rex]

Nooo !!!

[LightofDarkness]

Well, that was quite the fatuous whine.

I mean, every time I want to say "Metroidvania" I could say "action-adventure platforming game with light RPG elements and an interconnected hub world design". Or, I could say "Metroidvania" and everyone knows what I mean. Language evolves organically: if the term outlives its usefulness, it will be replaced. But it will not be replaced because Polly Prissy-Pants here thinks it's beneath him and his linguistic prowess.

[goodwin]

No.

[gangsta_red]

Call them Dark Souls like instead

[goldwyncq]

Dark Souls didn't invent the gameplay style associated with the term though.

[gangsta_red]

Then call them Gears like instead

[william_cade]

Kotaku is my least favorite site, but we gotta call it something.

[rainslacker]

Platformers? That's what they were called for years.

Anyhow, I think the term is recognizable, and has been brought into the common vernacular within our community, so no harm done. I feel the term isn't as indicative of it's roots, as these games always seem to be more like castlevania than metroid, but I accept what they refer to as what it is, because there are more interesting things to be annoyed with.

[Sirk7x]

Mario and Sonic are platformers. Games like Ori and Symphony of the Night, Metroid games, Bloodstained, etc, aren't even remotely similar. I get that Metroidvania is probably a poor attempt at describing them, but no has had any better ideas in over a decade lol.

[rainslacker]

I'm not really offended or even annoyed by the term. I just found it a mish mash of descriptions, for what is essentially a platformer. I'm fine with it in the same way I am "souls" being a genre. I understand it's supposed to refer to a specific kind of platformer, but they're all just variations on the genre.

[william_cade]

for the life of me, I can't figure out why you got down voted.

[CaitSith]

Sites like Kotaku? How about... Shit?

[william_cade]

That's what I was thinking.

[stokedAF]

It’s just an easier way of saying you backtrack with new gear. What’s the big deal?

[Elda]

Nope.

[BoneMagnus]

Stop telling me what words I can and cannot use.

[Vits]

Well, telling people what they should and shouldn't do is basically what Kotaku does.

[rainslacker]

Stop using the worlds, "me", and, "I". , Pronouns are oppressive somehow, and you wouldn't want Kotaku accusing you of being oppressive. Oh damn....I used pronouns. Crap...I did it again. Oh....ummm....rain respects all people.:)

[Chocoburger]

I personally can't stand the term as well and refer to them as, “interlinked backtracking” or, “interlinked” games for short.

The term isn’t used in any other way, and it fits the way these games worlds are presented. You start off within individual sections of a much larger world map, and slowly you start gaining new-found access points (usually due to new abilities) that eventually link the entire game world together.

[rainslacker]

That's not quite as catchy, although descriptive enough I suppose.

[Poopmist]

You know it's one of these types of websites when the article reads like the writer had a thesaurus open next to their computer.

[Traecy]

No.

[Nacho_Z]

I don't mind these terms, there are so many games coming out that it's useful to see key words that let me know if I should be interested. Souls-like is another, people might be sick of it or think it's lazy but I see it and it gets my attention.

[Doomster1971]

I hate the term Metroidvana but what other term can they use this describe the Metroid/ Castlevania/ spin-off genre? It's just a term thats stuck. Mind you People have started calling the Metroid style Castlevania games as igavania.

[stokedAF]

Vaniaroids

[Blank]

Yes Kotaku we will stop using the term "metroidvania" only because you'd said so. Alright enough with the sarcasm this is such a shitty article but not surprised where it came from are they tired of publishing their usual political agenda pieces? When will that site crash and burn already?

[bluefox755]

Of course it's Kotaku. Fading into irrelevancy, the only way to get traffic to attack, insult, and shame gamers. Don't give them a click.

[rainslacker]

I suppose they could come up with new terms when reviewing these games and maybe set the example instead of writing an article about how annoyed they are?

Seems being a website of some "influence", that they could set a trend, instead of complaining about a current one. I know they can set trends, because they kicked off the whole gamergate debate. Maybe put those powers of righteous indignation to some good use and find a good term to use for Metroidvania themed games, instead of trying to shame gamers into submission?

Just a thought....if Kotaku will allow me to have that as a straight white male.

[Lexreborn2]

*insert reason I disagree/agree here*

[CaitSith]

Might as well not comment at all.

[Lexreborn2]

I did it because I typed a drawn out response but settled on this because it was meant more for me then anything else.

[jznrpg]

Stop telling people what to do

[Scissorman82]

nah, i'll keep calling it that. it's become a genre onto itself, like battle royal, FPS, etc.

[jjb1981]

"Metroidvania" is Legendary and NOTHING will ever change that.

[aarogree]

Never!!!

[ShockUltraslash]

I love 3D metroidvanias like Dark Souls and Darksiders.
Also new God of War.
Devil May Cry 1 actually had that level design.

[Sirk7x]

God damn, did God of War hit every note perfectly.

[4kgk76]

No I won’t stop you can’t make me.

[Tross]

Why? I understand having pet peeves. Mine is when people or even companies call remasters remakes. But, genre names exist because they help us label games so we know what we’re getting into before we buy something, and I think Metroidvania does its job just fine. Heck, unlike with something like roguelike, the games that label is in reference to are still known to the average gamer. Most importantly though, when we see the label metroidvania, we know we’re getting a game with lots of exploration and backtracking in a 2D platformer.

[irgei]

I stick with igavania.. When Konami decided this type of game is no longer profitable he left the company and proved them wrong :3

[dedicatedtogamers]

Kotaku loves to control language.

They're just a propaganda outlet at this point.

[nyctophilia13]

I guess Rougue-like is stupid too. Or calling any 3/4 top down game Diabloesque. Or Souls-like, yeah let's get rid of that too. Dumbass article.

[DVAcme]

This is a dumb statement. "Metroidvania" as a term, immediately describes the genre perfectly, and it easily evokes the two games.that established the genre. Souls-like for games that have similar mechanics to From Software's games, Rogue-like to describe games with random generation mechanics, GTA-clone to describe 3rd-person sandbox games, Mon game to describe games that follow the Pokemon/Shin Megami Tensei "Gotta catch 'em all" mechanic, they're all terms that have their nomenclature based on games that are emblematic of the genre, and I don't see anyone bitching about that.

[INMATEofARKHAM]

Oh, yay, Kotaku. Not even going to click.

[Chumdiddy]

I want to hate this take but I don't think I've ever used the term and had the person I was talking to know what I meant. I'm talking about convos with other gamers, btw!
I've literally had multiple people ask what it meant lol

The name asks you to know Metroid as a series and then also understand it's mechanics...AS WELL AS...know Castlevania and, really, one particular game in that series that happens to be made up of about 5 different genres, depending on which title you refer to. So combine Metroid with one specific Castlevania title and you have Metroidvania...except when you don't but people still insist on calling it that.

It's a dumb name. I want to hate this because it seems everyone wants to change everything these days but this name could easy go away.

[P_Bomb]

Sounds like a young person problem. Someone too young to remember Castlevania, that first experienced it in games like Guacamelee and Arkham Asylum. Guacasylum! Grr..get off my lawn! Heh.

[XxExacutionerxX]

Call it “Side Scrolling Exploration”. Metroidvania implies that these titles are rip offs. I hate the term too

[Sirk7x]

That's what happens when you do something first though, or do it early and create the foundation for all others due to innovation and polish. Any platformer that ever exists for the rest of time will always have to live in Mario's shadow, for example. Symphony of the Night borrowed heavily from Super Metroid's map and world ideas, with progress in certain places being tied to coming back later with new abilities, but added RPG elements, and that's basically been the pinnacle of ingenuity in that genre ever since. I wonder where the game industry would be if those two games were never created. It's worth thinking about if those ideas were inevitable, or if they were genius concepts that no one else would have ever realized. They have been endlessly imitated since though.

[Vanfernal]

When you hear a game is a Metroidvania you know EXACTLY what you're getting into. It basically became it's own genre. It's effective and straight to the point. Games that take elements from Rogue, are known as Rogue-like. Cause it was a genre defining game. Same as a Souls-like game. It just works. Quit your bitching and just accept that the term is here to stay.

[8bitswarrior]

Facepalm!

[Deebo_slice]

Dumb argument. I really hate these pieces that seem to only be written to impress other writers.

[SlagWolf]

“Stop using words I don’t like”
I’m going to go with noooo slick

[Lord_Sloth]

No!

[djl3485]

Fuck you and your high horse. I'll continue to play metroidvania games.

[Sirk7x]

No, make me.
It's the best description you could use right now. Otherwise, let's just say it's a 2D action-adventure back-tracking RPG with platforming elements. Yeah, that's a mouthful. The genre itself is comprised of many genres that are presented in a very specific way, so it's hard to categorize. Although, I should ask, how many games have ever done it better than Symphony of the Night since its release?

[PhoenixUp]

I prefer the term Castleroid

[Scatpants]

That's the word for them stop trying to pick game lingo, you're not the president of games.

[diesoft]

Make me

[PiNkFaIrYbOi]

Must be a slow day for gaming news.

[AK91]

No it’s fine as it is quit your whining.

[PlayStationBrah]

Make me.

[Orionsangel]

NO!

[micdagoat19]

So what a better description then?

[maelstromb]

Are we seriously having this discussion? Who the f*** cares. Use whatever you like. As long as the game is good, who gives a rat's a**. Did putting music into tiny, nondescript boxes called "genres" change anything? No. There's still a lot of shite music made and some good. Labels don't change anything.

[lio_convoy]

Rage on broski. Rage on. Because this is obviously an important thing and we all should care about your opinion. Obviously.

[quent]

How's about a new term for sites like Kotaku, let's call them jurnouwhineabouts

[mogwaii]

What a moaning excuse for an article, its a great descriptive word for a video game, if it is described as a MetroidVania you know exactly what type of game it is....but hey it is Kotaku...should have known.

[JunMei]

Thank you. You're doing the gods' work son.

[Spenok]

No.

[Takwin]

I find the word descriptive and useful. It is not like we gamers have any other terms that outsiders might not understand - oh wait - like RPG, MMO, FPS (both kinds!), RTS, MOBA, TBS, MMORPG, GaaS, and so many more.

It works.

[VTKC]

How about stop calling someone a nazi/sexist/misogynist/racist just because they dont agree with your sjw opinions. Kotaku.

[lellkay]

They are metroidvanias though.

[Neonridr]

it's just a term used to describe a specific type of game. No different than calling a game a first person shooter, or a survival horror. Would we rather call the games "Game where you run around a large map, sometimes with zero information, constantly looping back on yourself, all in the name of progression"?? Or does Metroidvania sound good enough?

[Last_Boss]

All the new Castlevania games are Action Adventure games. Even Simon's Quest. Zelda & Uncharted are Action Adventure games.

Metroidvania is a great term, cause it combines 2 classics styles, from 2 pioneers.
It's the best and most precise way to describe what the player will be engaged in.

[AllMightyFox]

Ok, I'll stop calling it Metroidvania when you stop writing retarded SJW articles … EXACTLY !!!!!

[Prince-Ali]

FUCKING THANKK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!! It's sooo annoying!!! People are so obsessed with nostalgia you automatically dull the shine of present and future games whenever this term is used..

[Thundercat77]

Metroid and Castlevania started this genre and they were revolutionary games.

I see no problem by honoring gaming roots and using the term Metroidvania.

[triverse]

Funny the main people I see pushing "Metroidvania" are 'journalists' such as those on Kotaku. Want it to stop, then be the beginning of that change, otherwise it is just hypocritical.