The PlayStation platform is home to several stunning IPs, including God of War, The Last of Us, and Ghost of Tsushima, but its catalog also harbors many exciting subgenres packed to the brim with popular indies, triple-A games and hidden gems. One of those branches caters to Metroidvania – the marrying of gameplay styles from the Castlevania and Metroid franchises – and it’s a niche gaining new followers every day.
Metroidvania games have spanned generations on several different platforms, but modern gamers may not be aware of the plethora of titles following the subgenre’s blueprint that are ready to play on the PlayStation 5 – and with lower price tags than you think. Here are 10 of the best Metroidvania games to play on the PS5 for under $25.
10 Best Metroidvania Games For Under $15
Striking graphics with challenging combat await in these 10 Metroidvania games available to buy for under $15.
Pixel-Art Metroidvania Games
10. Vernal Edge
Explore the Kingdom of Haricot
This 2D action-packed title sees young protagonist Vernal navigate the sky islands to uncover the secrets of the Kingdom ruled by the Church of Aloe. The fast-paced exploration and dynamic combat will keep this revenge mission engaging, alongside the beautiful pixel art design to make every scene picturesque. Grab your copy on the PlayStation Store for $21.99.
- Released
- March 14, 2023
- Developer
- Hello Penguin Team
In addition to the vibrant kingdom, you will also be greeted by a host of creatures to battle and a pile of secrets to uncover as you traverse the kingdom. Praised for its movement tech and ability to combine the best of platforming with high-octane action perks, Vernal Edge also carries an immersive ambiance with a score to keep you hooked in that world. The real draw to the game is the graphics, and the following games in this sub-category all harness the beauty of pixel art games.
9. Ghost Song
The moon of Lorian on your doorstep
Take a trip beneath the surface within a recently awakened Deadsuit and battle the alien creatures residing there in an attempt to uncover the cosmic threats and ancient mysteries that reside there. This vibrant 2D Metroidvania can be yours for under $20 via the PlayStation Store.
- Released
- November 3, 2022
- Developer
- Old Moon
There’s nothing like manning a strong but friendly robotic-like creature as the protagonist in your latest adventure, especially when the exploration presents misty, atmospheric visuals surrounding a grungy ecosystem. Acclaimed as being one of the most beautiful Metroidvanias to play, having only been released a few years ago, Ghost Song offers the perfect amount of challenge in combat and a killer soundtrack to accompany gameplay. This title has also been recommended for fans of Hollow Knight – another Metroidvania that will be gracing this list shortly.
8. Beholgar
Conan the Barbarian vibes
$5.99 $9.99 Save $4
Serkan Bakar presents this 2022 classic-styled Metroidvania where you assume the role of a beefy barbarian to explore the kingdom’s expanse, conquer castles, and defeat creepy creatures. The PlayStation Store currently has a 40% deal reducing the price to just $5.99, however, this offer expires on February 1 but the full price will remain below $10.
- Released
- February 4, 2022
- Developer
- Serkan Bakar
Conan the Barbarian meets Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts in this Metroidvania, and for only $5.99, you’ll be transported within a vivid fantasy destroying ancient monsters roaming the kingdom armed with a variety of skills and abilities to master. Praised for being a worthwhile, bite-sized journey, Beholgar boasts satisfactory difficulty and a series of memorable environments to contest in, and the title is gathered together within a stunning pixel art color palette.
7. Redo
A short adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome
This 2019 action-adventure Metroidvania by Robson Paiva sees you control a girl navigating a dystopian environment governed by machines to connect with another person. The PlayStation Store is selling this indie title for only $9.99, and its intriguing story is certainly worth your time – especially for such a low price.
The second of three female-driven Metroidvania games on this list is the indie game REDO! and there’s nothing better than being able to embark on a post-apocalyptic adventure for this cheap – especially when it flaunts terrific level designs. If you fancy putting your smarts to the test within a rich ambiance, REDO! is your pick, and gameplay even rewards players for strategising in order to negate the semi-punishing combat.
6. Hollow Knight
Hallownest’s saviour!
The 2017 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania from Team Cherry invites you to control an insectoid warrior, The Knight, and traverse the fallen kingdom of Hallownest that’s consumed by a supernatural disease. Encountering friendly and hostile insectoids in this side-scroller adds to the worldbuilding, atmosphere, and difficulty, and you can pick up your copy today for only $14.99 on the PlayStation Store.
- Released
- February 24, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Team Cherry
If you fancy a haunting adventure in an otherworldy expanse, Hollow Knight will have you battling hostile insectoids and exploring the beautiful level designs for under $15. Once you’ve completed Hollow Knight Voidheart Edition – which includes four, giant content packs in addition to the base game – and you’re waiting for the next chapter, Hollow Knight: Silksong is right around the corner and touted to have a 2024 release date.
5. Guacamelee 2!
Return to the Mexiverse!
The sequel to the hit game Guacamelee! takes place within the same colorful world, except round two has more luchador moves, animated new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens – a detail the devs want you to know. Pick up this Complete edition for only $22.99 on the PlayStation Store.
Gucamelee 2 is perhaps the most colorful game on this list – and that’s saying a lot after browsing the pixel-art sub-category. The Mexican culture is alive and kicking in this Metroidvania with several theatrical bosses to marvel at before you show off your luchador moves. With co-op included and a foot-tapping soundtrack to listen to even after the credits roll, this sequel from DrinkBox Studios is the perfect game of this ilk that’ll leave you with a smile on your face.
4. Grizzland
Something for Undertale fans
The Grizzled Planet is your playground in this 2D Metroidvania fighter that lets you loose as a strange protagonist wielding this world’s answer to a Buster Sword. Slash Dinos in this monochromatic adventure that’s reminiscent of the simplistic design of Toby Fox’s Undertale. Check out Grizzland for the very low price of only $4.99 on the PlayStation Store.
- Released
- July 17, 2019
- Developer
- Khud0, East Asiasoft Limited
Grizzland takes gameplay back to basics by offering you old-school missions without any guidance, so you’re left to figure out the black-and-white expanse for yourself. Open-world exploration with secret areas to discover and the Dog enemy – a boss the developer has promised you’ll remember for quite some time – are some of the highlights from this Metroidvania, and its special camera effects, boss fights, and music are some of the accolades pouring in for this unique indie.
Dark Fantasy Metroidvania Games
3. Grime
Destroy…Absorb…Grow
Playing in the Souls-like subgenre alongside the Metroidvania camp, Grime is a somewhat punishing action-adventure RPG that sees you using a living weapon to conquer nightmarish enemies and consume their remains with your trusty black hole. This is certainly a game to marvel at for its creativity, and it can be yours for $24.99 on the PlayStation Store.
- Released
- August 2, 2021
- Developer
- Clover Bite
Grime has a fascinating premise to grasp and is set within a world of anatomical horror, similar to 2022’s Scorn. Replacing the first-person, fleshy perspective of Ebb Software’s survival horror with haunting surrealism in a beautifully crafted and designed alien world, Grime puts weapons made of living organisms at the forefront, including clawing swords and centipede whips to battle your way through dystopian settings and grotesque monsters.
2. Blasphemous
Summon the Penitent One
The Game Kitchen honed addictive gameplay in the Souls-like Blasphemous, enough to make it a staple entry in the genre. Players control a silent knight called the Penitent One who battles a host of enemies in a fictional region with his sword, Mea Culpa. Despite Blasphemous being full price at $24.99 right now, the PlayStation Store holds regular discounts, and this game is often included, so keep an eye out for reductions.
- Released
- September 10, 2019
- Developer
- The Game Kitchen
Your first Blasphemous journey is always a memorable one, as Cvstodia offers up several haunting figures and places to remember within a poetically punishing but gothic ride through the bloody region. To stay on top of the lore, we advise playing this original 2019 game first before its sequel, Blasphemous 2, which we gave fifth place to in our list of the Best Indie Souls-Like Games for its beautiful animation, smooth gameplay, and mechanical feats in the genre.
1. Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut
The half-genie returns
WayForward brought this 2D Metroidvania, Shantae: Risky’s Revenge, to the subgenre in 2014, and the Director’s Cut brought more hair whips and platformer fun to the PC Port. This spin-off title is available to play on both the PS4 and PS5 for only $9.99, which is a bargain to adventure alongside the iconic, purple-haired genie.
- Released
- October 4, 2010
- Developer(s)
- WayForward Technologies
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution – a previously canceled Game Boy Advance sequel – will be released sometime this year, and it’s an exciting treat for long-term fans of the series. However, Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut is a great appetizer for this new title and combines all the stellar content from the franchise with updated HD portrait artwork, extra challenges, new illustrations, and much more. A pinnacle in Metroidvania gameplay, this title flaunts a bold art style inside a classic platformer, and it serves as a great introduction to the titular genie.
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