As a gamer, there are few things more satisfying than finding a game that scratches the same itch as one of your all-time favorites. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one such game that has left an indelible mark on the gaming world. Its blend of RPG and platformer elements, tight combat, and sprawling map design make it a classic. But what if you’ve played it so many times that you need a new game to play? Fear not, for we have compiled a list of 10 games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night that will keep you entertained for hours.
1. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
First up is Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, a game that was created as a spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. In Bloodstained, you play as Miriam, a woman cursed by alchemy, who must explore a castle full of demons and monsters to uncover the secrets of her past. The game’s mechanics and design are heavily inspired by Symphony of the Night, with a similar map design, RPG elements, and tight combat. However, Bloodstained also adds its own unique elements, such as the ability to craft items and weapons and the use of shards that grant Miriam special abilities. If you loved Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a must-play.
2. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of a game that has won over the hearts of countless gamers. It is a Metroidvania-style game in which you play as a tiny bug warrior exploring the ruins of an underground kingdom. The game’s visuals and soundtrack are stunning, and its controls are tight and satisfying. Hollow Knight’s map design is not quite as sprawling as that of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, but it is still large and full of secrets to uncover. The game also features a deep lore and story that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
3. Axiom Verge
Axiom Verge is a sci-fi Metroidvania-style game that takes place on an alien planet. You play as a scientist named Trace who wakes up in a strange, alternate dimension and must explore the planet to uncover the secrets of his past. The game’s map design is vast and varied, with a ton of different areas to explore and secrets to uncover. Axiom Verge’s combat is also tight and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal. If you’re a fan of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’s exploration and combat, you’ll love Axiom Verge.
4. Shadow Complex
Shadow Complex is a side-scrolling shooter that takes place in a high-tech underground facility. The game’s map design is not quite as sprawling as that of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, but it is still large and full of secrets to uncover. The game’s combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal. Shadow Complex also features a unique grappling hook mechanic that allows you to traverse the environment in interesting ways. If you’re looking for a game with tight combat and a large, detailed environment to explore, Shadow Complex is a great choice.
5. Salt and Sanctuary
Salt and Sanctuary is a game that wears its Castlevania influence on its sleeve. The game is a 2D action RPG that takes place on a mysterious island full of monsters and danger. The game’s combat is brutal and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and abilities to master. Salt and Sanctuary’s map design is also reminiscent of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, with interconnected areas and a ton of secrets to uncover. The game also features a unique leveling system that allows you to customize your character’s stats and abilities to suit your playstyle.
6. Guacamelee!
Guacamelee! is a Metroidvania-style game with a Mexican-inspired theme. You play as Juan, a luchador who must save the world from an evil skeleton named Carlos Calaca. The game’s combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with a variety of moves and abilities at your disposal. Guacamelee!’s map design is also reminiscent of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, with interconnected areas and a ton of secrets to uncover. The game also features a unique dimension swapping mechanic that allows you to traverse the environment in interesting ways.
7. Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse
Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a 2D platformer with Metroidvania-style elements. You play as Shantae, a half-genie who must team up with a pirate named Risky Boots to save the world from an evil empire. The game’s combat is satisfying, with a variety of moves and abilities at your disposal. Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse’s map design is also reminiscent of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, with interconnected areas and a ton of secrets to uncover. The game also features a ton of humor and charm, making it a joy to play from beginning to end.
8. Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful, emotional game that tells the story of a guardian spirit named Ori who must save the forest from a dark force. The game’s visuals and soundtrack are stunning, and its controls are tight and satisfying. Ori and the Blind Forest’s map design is not quite as sprawling as that of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, but it is still large and full of secrets to uncover. The game also features a unique ability tree system that allows you to customize Ori’s abilities to suit your playstyle.
9. Dust: An Elysian Tail
Dust: An Elysian Tail is a 2D action RPG with a hand-drawn art style. You play as Dust, a warrior who wakes up with no memory of his past and must save the world from an evil force. The game’s combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal. Dust: An Elysian Tail’s map design is also reminiscent of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, with interconnected areas and a ton of secrets to uncover. The game also features a ton of humor and charm, making it a joy to play from beginning to end.
10. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a roguelike Metroidvania-style game in which you play as a prisoner who must explore a castle full of monsters to uncover the secrets of his past. The game’s combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal. Dead Cells’ map design is procedurally generated, meaning that every playthrough is different. The game also features a unique permadeath mechanic, which adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to each run.
Conclusion
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night set the standard for Metroidvania-style games, but there are plenty of other games out there that can scratch that same itch. Whether you’re looking for a game with similar map design, tight combat, or a unique twist on the formula, there’s something on this list for you. Try out one (or all) of these games and see which ones you love the most.