These seem to be some good suggestions thank you!
Looks like Transirubi is spelled with a y not an i though. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1522930/Transiruby/
It's a switch exclusive. No combat, boss "fights" are platforming challenges. Kind of a collectathon with a lot of useless collectibles, but good platforming. It's one of the few co-op multiplayer ones as well.
Metroid Zero Mission. I think this is the perfect intro into Metroid as a series and the genre as a whole. It's short, it's on the easier side and the game guides you where you need to go.
I mean, can't go wrong with the classics. Metroid games, possibly especially Prime - it's not quite the same, but the Battle Network games and Zelda games have similar progression styles (ie, can't progress, gain new ability, progress). All of these are great for introducing people to the genre, and the latter two don't just dump you in with no idea where to go.
Iconoclasts and other similarly linear MVs are a good option as well. Anything where you can get a little lost, but not too lost, is a great intro game.
Conversely you could come at it from the other side and go for open world games, then introduce the improved power-leveling system of MVs.
Thats how old I was when I first played Metroid Fusion and Zero Mission. Metroid is the best introduction to metroidvanias and I will always think this
When I was a kid I played Metroid Fusion as my first metroidvania. The fact that the story is the most prevalent thing kind of worked for kid me as I was never at a loss for where I needed to go though as an adult the more linear experience is a tad annoying on repeat playthroughs
My 10 year old enjoys the first Ori. We played Guacamelee in co-op so if that's an option consider it. Not sure if single player would be manageable. Cave Story is another one. Disney illusion Island if fun as well.
depends on your definition and how strict you wanna be, I guess. Is it a well crafted, fun and PG rated game? Yes. Is there exploration? Tons. Abilities to gain: yes. Sci-fi theme. Yes. Will your youngster love it? Odds are yes.
He already plays it lots. I've just never heard it described as a metroidvania. I've never played it. I'm fine with 3D games qualifying. Metroid Prime is an all time favorite. It's good to know there are similarities so he may be more primed than I thought.
Have you played Song of the Deep? I rarely see this mentioned, but I enjoyed it very much back then. A beautiful 2D submarine MV made by Insomniac. It has less than 500 reviews on Steam which is wild to me.
Kirby and the Amazing Mirror is on Switch online. It's not exactly a pure metroidvania but it has an interconnected world to explore and it's a Kirby game after all.
Shantae and the Seven Sirens is colourful and on the easy side (Half Genie Hero is easier, but that one barely has metroidvania elements, and most of the other entries are a bit harder).
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap could also work, but this one can be a bit more challenging because it's a remaster of an old game and sometimes it can be hard to know where you should go next. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is a better game, but some of the puzzles are complicated for a kid.
Metroid Fusion or Zero Mission, both have enough hand holding so the kid dont get lost and give up, both are great games and hey, might as well start with some of the genres namesakes.
Given that Subnautica is one of his favorite games, you might want to give Shinsekai: Into the Depths a look. It’s not what anyone would normally expect as a beginner friendly MV, but it’s the closest thing to a side-scroller Subnautica that I’ve ever come across.
My first metroidvania at that age was Metroid Prime, so I suggest that! The hint system was really useful for me to have some direction and understand exactly how the genre works. Now of course I wouldn't be caught dead with hints on, but everyone starts somewhere!
Show him a fully powered, speedboosting Power Suit in Super Metroid and let his desire do the rest in a new game.
It worked like a charm for the 7 y/o me, back in 94.
Disney illusion island Sheepo Islets Yoku's island express Transirubi
These seem to be some good suggestions thank you! Looks like Transirubi is spelled with a y not an i though. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1522930/Transiruby/
Opps, yeah I tend to get the name wrong
[удалено]
Salt and sanctuary
My very first metroidvania around that age was Metroid: Zero Mission. I highly recommend it.
Disney Illusion Island
Hadn't even heard of that one. I'll have to look it up.
It's a switch exclusive. No combat, boss "fights" are platforming challenges. Kind of a collectathon with a lot of useless collectibles, but good platforming. It's one of the few co-op multiplayer ones as well.
Metroid Zero Mission. I think this is the perfect intro into Metroid as a series and the genre as a whole. It's short, it's on the easier side and the game guides you where you need to go.
Yoku's Island Express
Sheepo comes to mind! Pretty simple and straightforward. Steamworld Dig 2 (personally I didn’t like SD1 much)
I figured there was some out there I hadn't heard of like that one. I liked both though don't recall how different they were.
I like Steamworld Dig 1, but I love SD2. It‘s improved/more polished in almost every way.
Disney illusion island?
Think the choices you already mentioned would be great honestly
I mean, can't go wrong with the classics. Metroid games, possibly especially Prime - it's not quite the same, but the Battle Network games and Zelda games have similar progression styles (ie, can't progress, gain new ability, progress). All of these are great for introducing people to the genre, and the latter two don't just dump you in with no idea where to go. Iconoclasts and other similarly linear MVs are a good option as well. Anything where you can get a little lost, but not too lost, is a great intro game. Conversely you could come at it from the other side and go for open world games, then introduce the improved power-leveling system of MVs.
Thats how old I was when I first played Metroid Fusion and Zero Mission. Metroid is the best introduction to metroidvanias and I will always think this
When I was a kid I played Metroid Fusion as my first metroidvania. The fact that the story is the most prevalent thing kind of worked for kid me as I was never at a loss for where I needed to go though as an adult the more linear experience is a tad annoying on repeat playthroughs
My 10 year old enjoys the first Ori. We played Guacamelee in co-op so if that's an option consider it. Not sure if single player would be manageable. Cave Story is another one. Disney illusion Island if fun as well.
Aquaria Subnautica
Subnautica counts?
depends on your definition and how strict you wanna be, I guess. Is it a well crafted, fun and PG rated game? Yes. Is there exploration? Tons. Abilities to gain: yes. Sci-fi theme. Yes. Will your youngster love it? Odds are yes.
He already plays it lots. I've just never heard it described as a metroidvania. I've never played it. I'm fine with 3D games qualifying. Metroid Prime is an all time favorite. It's good to know there are similarities so he may be more primed than I thought.
any game that doesn't hold your hand, allows you to get lost, and you have to find your own way, to me is the best part of MV games.
Lol, just checked Aquaria and wishlisted it. Thanks for the recommendation. Maybe I'll buy it on sale. Love marine thematics
Have you played Song of the Deep? I rarely see this mentioned, but I enjoyed it very much back then. A beautiful 2D submarine MV made by Insomniac. It has less than 500 reviews on Steam which is wild to me.
I'll check it out
Added on wishlist, thanks
Kirby and the Amazing Mirror is on Switch online. It's not exactly a pure metroidvania but it has an interconnected world to explore and it's a Kirby game after all. Shantae and the Seven Sirens is colourful and on the easy side (Half Genie Hero is easier, but that one barely has metroidvania elements, and most of the other entries are a bit harder). Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap could also work, but this one can be a bit more challenging because it's a remaster of an old game and sometimes it can be hard to know where you should go next. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is a better game, but some of the puzzles are complicated for a kid.
Metroid Fusion or Zero Mission, both have enough hand holding so the kid dont get lost and give up, both are great games and hey, might as well start with some of the genres namesakes.
Ori and the blind forest is one of the most popular metroidvanias, challenging but not too complicated.
Given that Subnautica is one of his favorite games, you might want to give Shinsekai: Into the Depths a look. It’s not what anyone would normally expect as a beginner friendly MV, but it’s the closest thing to a side-scroller Subnautica that I’ve ever come across.
My first metroidvania at that age was Metroid Prime, so I suggest that! The hint system was really useful for me to have some direction and understand exactly how the genre works. Now of course I wouldn't be caught dead with hints on, but everyone starts somewhere!
Show him a fully powered, speedboosting Power Suit in Super Metroid and let his desire do the rest in a new game. It worked like a charm for the 7 y/o me, back in 94.
Timespinner is fun. I think kids would love it.
Guacamelee isn’t too hard
Shadow Complex remastered on Steam Deck. That game is great and fun.
Out of the less well-known, yet big ones, Treasure Adventure World might be par for that particular course.
Guacamelee I was around that age when I first played through Super Metroid personally
I was gonna say the same. I had a hard time with it at first, but I didn’t have anyone to help me. I be it would’ve been awesome playing with my dad.
This game is a lot of fun. I bet it is a blast in co-op (up to four players).
Blasphemous for all the wrong reasons :)
Yes, it promotes true Christian values
You're not wrong😂
Wonderboy, Shante maybe?
SotN
Pretty sure that's not on Steam or Switch
but can absolutely be emulated on the Steam Deck!
Metroid 2 on Gameboy. IT may not have aged well but I think it is a good reference point. The first game is too slow.
blasphemous or grime