Home
/
Indie games
/
Indie game reviews
/

Is this game a metroidvania? exploring the definition

Is This Game a True Metroidvania? | Players Challenge Defining Boundaries

By

Sophie Chen

Jul 22, 2025, 11:45 PM

Edited By

Emily Johnson

Updated

Jul 23, 2025, 12:00 PM

2 minutes of duration

A character exploring a vibrant 3D world filled with platforming elements and gated areas

A lively debate around the definition of Metroidvania has erupted among players, focusing on whether a game with a fully 3D open world qualifies as part of the genre. Discussions heated up on July 22, 2025, as a forum post questioned if exploration and ability upgrades can redefine genre classifications.

The Heart of the Debate

The conversation primarily revolves around ability gated backtracking, which many assert is essential to the genre. A participant emphasized, "Ability gating, backtracking and core platforming are the 3 big ones for me," reinforcing the concept that these elements are vital in defining a Metroidvania experience. However, others are skeptical about strict definitions, raising eyebrows with comments like, "Why is that question important to you?"

Community Themes Unfold

Recent comments added layers to the ongoing discourse:

  • 3D vs. 2D Mindset: Several players argue that limiting definitions to 2D is arbitrary. One remark read, "No idea why so many folks think metroidvanias need to be 2D. Is Metroid Prime not a metroidvania?"

This encourages the community to consider 3D interpretations of the genre.

  • Contradictory Elements: A tension emerged in discussions about the correlation between open-world design and ability gating. "Open world and ability gated do not go together, how is it open if itโ€™s gated?" questioned a participant, indicating a fundamental conflict in defining these gaming concepts.

  • Variety of Interpretations: The diverse opinions reflect a broader interpretation of what constitutes a Metroidvania. One user noted, "I have called all of the following metroidvanias I would say the following disqualifies a game from being a metroidvania: Open world."

This indicates that players are likely to draw boundaries based on personal gaming experiences.

Memorable Quotes

"Ability gating, backtracking and core platforming are the 3 big ones for me."

"Is Metroid Prime not a metroidvania?"

Sentiment Patterns

Reactions range from support for broader definitions to skepticism about deviating too much from traditional categorizations. The ongoing dialogue illustrates how the genre continues to evolve with creative input from gamers.

Key Insights

  • โœฆ Many assert that 3D titles like Metroid Prime should be included in the Metroidvania category.

  • โœฆ Key components of the genre appear to be ability gating and backtracking, igniting ongoing discussions.

  • โœฆ A growing inclination towards personal interpretations showcases the fluidity of genre boundaries in gaming culture.

As the gaming community rapidly evolves, what's your take on the future of genre definitions? Expect to see more heated discussions shaping unique interpretations of gaming categories.