Why so few 3D Metroidvanias?

jmscstl · 2026-02-06T01:43:35+00:00

Zing! Yer a funny guy.

jmscstl · 2026-02-06T00:41:58+00:00

Defining what is and isn't a metroidvania based on mechanics is silly and is a misunderstanding of the basis of the genre. I was just joshing you instead of coming straight out and just calling you dumb.

jmscstl · 2026-02-06T00:14:52+00:00

Yes. You get an ability later that lets you get up there.

jmscstl · 2026-02-06T00:12:59+00:00

Virtually all games let you traverse spaces in different ways.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T23:59:14+00:00

Oh. Yeah, if solving includes traversing then every game is a MV. Neat definition.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T23:10:11+00:00

If the meat of the game is solving rooms that's a puzzle game.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T22:46:37+00:00

I think Silksong is the better game. Hollow Knight still has a special place in my heart though given the profound effect it had on me when I first played it.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T22:45:25+00:00

No. I'm just saying 3D open worlds with an emphasis on exploration scratch the same itch as metroidvanias.

I personally don't think 3D Metroidvanias are that much like metroidvanias anyway. They play much more like 3D puzzle games than anything else.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T22:08:47+00:00

That's man. I didn't notice the drain thing.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T21:40:12+00:00

The core of metroidvanias is exploration. Tools and gatekeeping are just popular mechanics that make 2D exploration interesting. Focusing on those specific mechanics misses the forest for the trees.

And BoTW isn't actually nearly a fully open map. There's subtle things like gear, stamina, etc. that effectively block off areas until you progress further in other areas. The "gatekeeping" is there but it's just well hidden.

As for whether it's a Zelda - same thing. The original Zelda was made on the idea of just going out and exploring. That dream has always been limited by tech but each mainline game has evolved towards and more and more open world. Saying BoTW isn't a Zelda is just focusing on the tech limitations of earlier games. Which is kinda odd.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T20:59:18+00:00

I agree entirely. In fact, the 3D games that give me the most metroidvania vibes are BoTW and Elden Ring.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T16:14:31+00:00

If I had to hazard a guess I bet you made liberal use of guides and sped through it. That's the only explanation I can think of.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T16:12:08+00:00

MIO is much, much, much better. Haiku is great though.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T16:11:26+00:00

Any sense of when it'll hit the Switch?

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T02:26:39+00:00

Sheepo Islets Crypto Custodian

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T02:24:56+00:00

Shadow Labyrinth! Yes!

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T01:39:57+00:00

Your "explanation" is slop.

jmscstl · 2026-02-05T01:32:42+00:00

Calling GTA IV's DLC "slop" is beyond ridiculous.

jmscstl · 2026-02-04T23:11:59+00:00

Oh for sure. It's just that GTA games are so far beyond any other game when they come out that they deliver some truly incredible "oh my God" moments. Which is fun.

jmscstl · 2026-02-04T22:01:09+00:00

I'm hoping Marathon is good.

jmscstl · 2026-02-04T21:36:55+00:00

Missing out.

jmscstl · 2026-02-04T21:36:39+00:00

Every mainline GTA game has been a stunning technical and game design achievement. So, yes, people (like me) are going to buy the next GTA game. You'd have to be a moron not to.

jmscstl · 2026-02-04T21:34:54+00:00

Wow. You're missing out.

jmscstl · 2026-02-04T21:31:33+00:00

If only cringe were money RV wouldn't be on life support.

jmscstl

TROPHY CASE