Games That Are Like Metroid

[ZackyH]

The 2d side scroller Metroid I mean. All I can think of are the 2d Castlevania games like Symphony of the Night and beyond. Anything else I've never heard of that's in that style?

[Graham Mitchell]

I've always felt that Impossible Mission (best played on a C64 IMO) was a very primitive take on games like Metroid. Zillion for the Sega Master System is more similar to Impossible Mission than Metroid, but it's a fantastic epic sidescroller, if that's what you're after.

If you haven't played Kid Icarus, you should. It's by the same designer/team as Metroid. Gameplay is a little different but you'll feel the similarities. Kid Icarus is more level-based and has less focus on exporation, but every fourth level is a big labyrinth.

[ubersaurus]

Zillion comes to mind. I'd put that one above Metroid 1 personally.

[Jorpho]

I've always felt that Impossible Mission (best played on a C64 IMO) was a very primitive take on games like Metroid.

It seems the DS remake is out in some places these days.

There have been some nice freeware Metroid-style games for the PC these days. Cave Story is particularly well-known, and I think Aquaria might be out now too.

[blue lander]

I could never get into Zillion. I got tired of writing down all those weird symbol combinations. The little I played reminded me a lot more of Impossible Mission 2 than Metroid.

[Bratwurst]

The Wonderboy / Monsterworld series may be what you're looking for. Check out Wonderboy III for the Sega Master System, then try Wonderboy in Monsterworld for the Genesis. Monsterworld IV was Japan only for the Megadrive, but the translated rom is out there and it represents the height of the series. Sadly also the last. They all feature open ended level design with access granted by abilities and items acquired.

[Cantaloup]

Todd's Adventures in Slime World is sort of in the Metroid area.

[hbkprm]

if it wasn't for metroid we won't have these free roaming games today

[-_-Nintendo-_-]

Tombi and Tombi 2 for the PS1 have those same sort of "come back later with a better item" thing going. Maybe Wario Land 3 for the GBC as well.

[Xexyz]

Blaster Master.

Granted it's level based like Kid Icarus, but the levels are much more open ended. Unfortunately, there's no save system of any sort...

[Jorpho]

The GBC version has passwords, actually. (There doesn't seem to be much love for the GBC version for some reason.)

[ZackyH]

Cool, thanks. I want to try out some of the Master System games. Never had that system so I never got a chance to play any games for it. Most of the other ones like Kid Icarus and Blaster Master I've played. I'll also check out Cave Story and Aquaria.

BTW, is Impossible Mission for NES worth buying or do I need to get the C64 or the DS one?

[Blitzwing256]

the "metroid" style games are my absolute favorate and you've gotten some good suggestions ,heres a few of my favorates:
nes/famicom
Goonies 2 : the original metroid game
maze of galious/knightmare 2: in japanese the msx version is worlds better but still its what you're looking for.
Gaurdian/gaurdic legend: its more overhead but same type of game. with a bit of shooter thrown in for good measures.
Kirby's adventure: a simpler style in the same format.
valkerie no something something: another japanese one very fun.
turbografx:
Dragon's curse:a better version of wonderboy 3 with save features
dynastic hero: a better version of wonderboy 4 again with save features

nintendo Ds:
Kim possible 3 : i'm serious

those are some of my favorates, there was alos some game on the snes where you're a girl wielding a fish...cannot remeber the title for the life of me but that should get you started!

[Blitzwing256]

The GBC version has passwords, actually. (There doesn't seem to be much love for the GBC version for some reason.)


An interesting note alot of people don't seem to know, the gameboy colour verison has very differnt level designs. its a psuedo sequel in my eyes.

[blue lander]

BTW, is Impossible Mission for NES worth buying or do I need to get the C64 or the DS one?

Was the original Impossible Mission released on the NES? I know Impossible Mission 2 was, and that it actually is impossible because you can't reach some item you need to complete the game.

[Jorpho]

Indeed, only Impossible Mission II was released for the NES; despite its graphical superiority, Epyx did a good job of sucking the fun out of it. It's also an unlicensed cart and thus vaguely more difficult to find. And it was the 7800 port (but only the NTSC version) that was impossible to finish.

There are numerous versions (see http://home.arcor.de/cybergoth/gamesa/impossiblemission.html ), as well as a recent PC freeware remake, Implausible Mission (I still need to look at that). I might add that I found the hit detection to be overly sensitive in the Master System version.

Oh, and if Kirby's Adventure deserves a mention, then so does the SNES Kirby Super Star. "The Great Cave Offensive" subgame is very Metroid-ish indeed.

[ZackyH]

Was the original Impossible Mission released on the NES? I know Impossible Mission 2 was, and that it actually is impossible because you can't reach some item you need to complete the game.

There was a version I heard about for the Atari 7800 that had a bug(Oops, Jorpho mentioned it). This is a game I've heard a lot about over the years and always wanted to play. I saw it at the flea market the other day on the NES. I could of sworn he had part 1 and part 2 but I'm not sure.

[ZackyH]

I did a search and found some info on an IGN thread about the same subject. Has anyone ever played The Sacred Armour of Antirad? It's an obscure C64 game that they say has gameplay similar to Metroid.

BTW, the NES Rygar belongs on the list too.

[Gentlegamer]

The Castlevania series has become like Metroid.

[Steven]

The 2d side scroller Metroid I mean. All I can think of are the 2d Castlevania games like Symphony of the Night and beyond. Anything else I've never heard of that's in that style?


You mean a game where you can access levels but not fulfill certain sections of that level until you've secured WEAPON/POWERUP X? Looking at it from that standpoint, you have to play Demon's Crest on SNES. In some ways it really reminds me of Super Metroid. That and it's just a damn fine game. You'll love it. I know I did.

[rbudrick]

Blitzwing has some excellent suggestions.

I will also reccomend Milon's Secret Castle. I don't care what you've heard about this game (some hate it, but those people NEVER do what I say next). The first two levels do seem to suck, but trust me, once you get to level 3 and beyond, this game is a masterpiece.

Oh, and Deadly Towers (runs).

-Rob

[exit]

There are numerous versions (see http://home.arcor.de/cybergoth/gamesa/impossiblemission.html ), as well as a recent PC freeware remake, Implausible Mission (I still need to look at that). I might add that I found the hit detection to be overly sensitive in the Master System version.


I wonder if there's a proto of Impossible Mission 2024 floating around, I've read that it was complete but never released.

[Jorpho]

I wonder if there's a proto of Impossible Mission 2024 floating around, I've read that it was complete but never released.

Check the links (http://home.arcor.de/cybergoth/gamesa/impinterview2.html) from that page: the Amiga (and CD32) versions were completed and released. And it's 2025, not 2024. ;)

As for the SNES and Genesis versions, yeah, I'd like see the protos of those too. :) Certainly, they're out there somewhere; the former got a blurb in Nintendo Power (i.e. in "Now Playing") back in the day.

[InsaneDavid]

Oh, and Deadly Towers (runs).

I agree. The ultimate test in focus and remaining calm. Sure, it's far from being the best game but people get annoyed early on and often do things to kill themselves in the game.

How about Spelunker? *runs himself*

[Graham Mitchell]

How about Spelunker? *runs himself*

Spelunker is a fantastic, totally underrated game, but there's no real element of exploration, is there? I guess there sort of is, and some areas of the cave are optional to explore. But, as long as you don't have hypertension, Spelunker is a great game if you're up to the challenge.

[TurboGenesis]

Oh, and Deadly Towers (runs).

-Rob

Personally I like Deadly Towers.

I played this game all the way through and once you get into the game it really becomes addiction and is much fun and enjoyment to play.

Not the best game but still decent if given some time.

Another game publish by Broderbund (developed by Falcom)
Legacy of the Wizard.

It is almost like a horizontal Deadly Towers so to speak?
Anyways it has game play that is slight resemble Metroid in ways. Each family member is only able to do certain parts of the dungeon and item are need to be seeked out to advance the game so to speak.
It is good game when given time and dedication.

[j_factor]

I always thought Simon's Quest was kind of along the same lines. It's more similar to Metroid II than anything.

Turrican was often compared to Metroid, although I think it's closer to Zillion myself.

I have heard that Phantom 2040 was similar to Metroid, but I've never played it because I've also heard it sucks. :p

Scurge: Hive for GBA/DS is definitely comparable. Great game, too. Mega Man ZX, also for DS, got a lot of Metroid comparisons as well.

I also remember hearing that the GBA version of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time had more similarities to Metroid than the original Prince of Persia.

[vintagegamecrazy]

Faxanadu is the same exact kind of game as Metroid but poorly made but an option. Another option if you're extremely dedicated is Captain Comic.

I love Spelunker and it's pretty easy for me to finish these days.

[ccovell]

I cannot recommend more strongly Hebereke / U-four-ia for the Famicom/NES. It's not very challenging, but it's got a sprawling, interconnected world, with lots of item collecting, character swapping, exploring, etc.

Strider for the NES also requires a bit of exploration, even though the levels are broken up into different cities/countries.

[Jorpho]

I suppose I should also mention La-Mulana, another recent PC freeware release. It is apparently made solidly in the grand tradition of sprawling masochistic MSX platform mazes.

I also liked Akuji the Demon, but that's pretty short and also fairly linear.

[InsaneDavid]

Spelunker is a fantastic, totally underrated game, but there's no real element of exploration, is there? I guess there sort of is, and some areas of the cave are optional to explore. But, as long as you don't have hypertension, Spelunker is a great game if you're up to the challenge.

On the third or fourth run-through when the keys are invisible and elevated there's quite a bit of exploration.

[ZackyH]

I've been playing Cave Story for the past few days. Really enjoying it. I've also downloaded a few others I saw on a list. Akuji, Eternal Daughter, Lyle in Cube Sector, Seiklus, Knytt, and La Mulana. Haven't gotten a chance to play these others. Want to play through Cave Story before I give them a try.

[ubersaurus]

Zorro for the C64 seems to be kind of similar, as well.

[Chris]

Exile (old Amiga/C64 classic) definately deserves a mention and while I don't know how much they rely on exploration, Popful Mail (the SNES, PC Engine and Mega CD versions are all quite different) and Ys 3 combine platforming with RPG traits.

The nice old NES obscurity Clash at Demonhead, Front Mission: Gun Hazard and Gargoyle's Quest I-II/ Demon's Crest may have seperated levels instead of a huge interconnected gameworld, but still feel like 'Metroidvanias'.

[suppafly]

How about NEs´s most overlooked adventure game? "CLASH AT DEMONHEAD"!!!!

Thats a really fun game with a lot of exploration, bosses, hidden items and to top it off, some japanese humor

I`d recommend it

[Cryomancer]

Seconding Scurge:Hive, it's an isometric metroid (people already say the plot/character is a ripoff). There's also that Juka and the Monophonic Menace but that's pretty different, from what I played of it.

[djsquarewave]

Cave Story.

Cave Story, Cave Story, Cave Story. (http://agtp.romhack.net/project.php?id=cavestory)

Seriously, it's easily one of the best sidescrollers ever made.

Also La-Mulana (http://agtp.romhack.net/project.php?id=lamulana), though it's probably one of the hardest sidescrollers ever made. :)

[2Dskillz]

Wanted to second the following
Scurge: Hive (DS/GBA)
Goonies 2 (NES)
Wonderboy in MonsterWorld (Genesis)

[Jorpho]

Scurge? I'd heard that was kind of broken, gameplay-wise.

[Cryomancer]

I palyed through it fine. You might have trouble with angled jumps once in awhile, but it's not that bad. It could certainly be improved, but it's a solid game.

[Jorpho]

The Gamespy (http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/scurge-hive/743787p1.html) review sure didn't sound very positive...

[SeverThe7th]

Its probably been mentioned before but Kid Icarus, its even got that grey box like metroid.

Edit: lol 1st reply mentioned it, so yeah, thats co-signed.

[rbudrick]

Personally I like Deadly Towers.

I played this game all the way through and once you get into the game it really becomes addiction and is much fun and enjoyment to play.

Not the best game but still decent if given some time.

Another game publish by Broderbund (developed by Falcom)
Legacy of the Wizard.

It is almost like a horizontal Deadly Towers so to speak?
Anyways it has game play that is slight resemble Metroid in ways. Each family member is only able to do certain parts of the dungeon and item are need to be seeked out to advance the game so to speak.
It is good game when given time and dedication.


Faxanadu is the same exact kind of game as Metroid but poorly made but an option. Another option if you're extremely dedicated is Captain Comic.

[quote=ccovell;1211875]I cannot recommend more strongly Hebereke / U-four-ia for the Famicom/NES. It's not very challenging, but it's got a sprawling, interconnected world, with lots of item collecting, character swapping, exploring, etc.
Strider for the NES also requires a bit of exploration, even though the levels are broken up into different cities/countries.


How about NEs´s most overlooked adventure game? "CLASH AT DEMONHEAD"!!!!
Thats a really fun game with a lot of exploration, bosses, hidden items and to top it off, some japanese humor
I`d recommend it


Cave Story.
Cave Story, Cave Story, Cave Story.
Seriously, it's easily one of the best sidescrollers ever made.


Man, I don't know how I didn't think of all of these and mention them!.

Legacy of the Wizard confounded me for 15 years. I wasn't until just a few years ago when any kind of map at all for this game was available, amazingly. I sort of knew what to do for many years, but it wasn't until someone made detailed instructions on how to get the first crown when I finally "got it." After that, I was nonstop for two days until I beat it. That's all it took! Very tough game with a bullshit password system, but very rewarding.

Faxanadu is awesome. Listen to no one who says otherwise. Ever. A top 20 NES favorite.

Ufouria is seriously one of the top ten NES games I've ever played. This game is an absolute masterpiece. If you haven't played this, you must do so before you die. You may have to play it via an emulator to get the extra sound channels, iirc.

Strider blew my mind back in the day. I had a shitload of fun with this game. So glad I didn't see the arcade version first to ruin my perspective of the graphics. Awesome game.

Clash at Demonhead leaves me with very fond memories. It is indeed incredibly underrated. Most people even back in the day just passed this over, but those who played it know the real truth. It is rough graphically, but everything else in the game is wonderfully done. Give this game 10 minutes and you'll be hooked until the end. Truly one of the most innovative NES games.

And yes, Cave Story. Nothing else needs to be said about Cave Story. Play it. Now.

I will add one more game: Rygar. There's tons of exploration between overhead scenes (the overhead world is sort of a hub level, only huge), and Metroidesque side scrolling levels, granted, some levels are overhead too, but whatever. This game has some of my favortie NES music ever. Strangely, the Japanese version has different tracks. This game takes about 4-5 hours to beat and there's no save system whatesoever, so clear your afternoon. No guides, wussies! I'm a huge fan of this game, and it captured my imagination in an enormous way as a kid. It would probably be in my top 10 or 20 also. Shit, all these games are.

-Rob

[Xian042]

The GBC version has passwords, actually. (There doesn't seem to be much love for the GBC version for some reason.)


For me the problem with the GBC version is the fact that you cant walk diagonally when you are on foot. WHY would they do that??


Also, try Goonies II, this one is sorta like Metroid.

[ClassicsJunkie]

Kid Icarus is sort of like Metroid. I think it uses the same engine.

[Cryomancer]

The Gamespy (http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/scurge-hive/743787p1.html) review sure didn't sound very positive...

Whoever reviewed that must suck at games worse than me. You don't get mobbed by enemies if you play properly. If you hit ONE member of an enemy mob with the weapon they are weak to, all the ones right next to it die too. You can clear a room without running out of shot power easily if you change up weapons. And the weapon change freezes combat, so it's not difficult to do. The "timer" can be a pain in the ass but you can manage that too, I'm sure the fact that the reviewer doesn't seem to know about weapon changing makes it worse for them.

[TurboGenesis]

Legacy of the Wizard confounded me for 15 years. I wasn't until just a few years ago when any kind of map at all for this game was available, amazingly. I sort of knew what to do for many years, but it wasn't until someone made detailed instructions on how to get the first crown when I finally "got it." After that, I was nonstop for two days until I beat it. That's all it took! Very tough game with a bullshit password system, but very rewarding.


-Rob

Two Days!?!?! :o
It took me the entire summer of 1989 to complete Legacy of the Wizard! What a feeling to finally beat it back then! I just picked this up again back in December - I am going to give it another go before long!




Also, try Goonies II, this one is sorta like Metroid.

I give another vote for Goonies II, great game indeed.

[BHvrd]

Back in the day the only game I can think of that was nearly as satisfying as Metroid on NES was to beat in terms of story/gameplay/music was Rygar.

Rygar, and Metroid were like the games you beat over, and over, and over. I also liked that side scrolling game with the russian guy who breathed fire, it was really addictive. Anybody remember name of that game?

[Jorpho]

Karnov. (Lots of fans of that one.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnov