After 'Hollow Knight: Silksong,' Try These 10 Underrated Games We're Obsessed With

"After a long wait, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally here, and it's undoubtedly the game of the moment for Metroidvania fans. Its divisive difficulty is as much a draw for some players as it is a slog for others, but whichever side of the divide you land on, it's hard to deny what an impact its launch has had. Whether you're looking for something to scratch the itch after Silksong or want another Metroidvania after bouncing off of it, there's an incredibly deep well ready to draw from."

"Moody sci-fi Metroidvania Ghost Song puts as much emphasis on its brutal combat as it does on exploring the mysterious alien world it's set in (though its adjustable difficulty can tone down the challenge). On its default difficulty, it can be pretty punishing, but if you're up for it, that hostility helps sell the ambient atmosphere that Ghost Song works hard to establish. And while its movement abilities aren't the best Metroidvanias have to offer, combing its caverns for secrets is still enjoyable."

"Compared to other Metroidvanias, Valdis Story might not excel in its exploration, but it absolutely does in combat. Valdis Story puts a lot of emphasis on its RPG level-up system to unlock new abilities and its top-notch combat is intense and flexible, with lots of room to experiment with different character builds. One look at Ultros tells you it's not really like any other Metroidvania out there. Its psychedelic art is an explosion of color, and that's not where its originality ends."

Hollow Knight: Silksong’s launch renewed interest in Metroidvania games and polarized players with its challenging difficulty. Ghost Song offers a moody sci-fi setting with brutal, adjustable combat and rewarding secret exploration despite limited movement options. Valdis Story prioritizes intense, flexible combat and an RPG-style level-up system that encourages experimentation with character builds, even if exploration feels less remarkable. Ultros distinguishes itself with psychedelic visuals, a dream-like narrative, a time-loop system for uncovering secrets, tougher combat, and a relaxed upgrade mechanic centered on collecting and cultivating seeds. Several lesser-known indie Metroidvanias provide varied experiences for players seeking alternatives.

Read at Inverse