The Action/Platformer Genre Thread: Metrovania we hardly know thee

[Kenryoku_Maxis]

cr00mz said:

• Progression of gameplay based on obtaining items or upgrades that allow for new areas and/or story to be reached
  
• Has an open ended or free roaming world
  
• Focus on either puzzle solving through platforming or a mixture of additional genres with a focus on platforming (such as Castlevania with RPG elements)

It's been a while since i've played AC and Infamous.

but i'm a little confused how Assassin's Creed and Infamous fit into some of these categories as far as i know none of the Items you gather in these game opens up new areas in the same way that super missiles or space jump boots helps you reach new areas in metroid games.

As for Batman Arkham Asylum, it is very metroid inspired but the game has like no platforming at all, or perhaps i classify platforming differently.

I think your criterias for what a metroid game is are slightly off.

another game, Muramasa is really really and i mean really really metroid-lite, there are no puzzles in that game and i wouldnt call it a freeroaming/open world type of game, i wouldnt even call it a platforming game

Well, I've kind of covered it in previous posts.  But Assassins Creed 1 definitely fits into the above classifications.  You have straight Item Progression that unlocks new areas to explore (new weapon/skill unlocked after every mission).  As well as being able to freely explore all unlocked areas.  Assassins Creed II admittedly focuses more on the exploration than item progression, but its still there.

And I would argue that Batman: Arkham Asylum has no platforming.  Aside from the fighting engine, which is indeed more of a brawler and stealth system, I'd say a good 50% of the game is using the batclaw and other items to climb, shimmy and crawl your way through the different areas.  You also have the straight item progression found in games like Metroid Prime and Assassins Creed.  Getting a new item allows for you to explore new areas.  And there's certainly a Metroid like aspect to exploring the world, complete with Interview Tapes and Riddler Clues to collect.

Also, I'd venture to say Muramasa is the 'next evolution' in the style of what Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night did.  Yes, it doesn't have puzzles, but it focused almost purely on the blend of action/exploration those other games pioneered.  It also has the straight item Progression of other examples with new swords unlocking new areas.  As well as sequence breaking.  If it doesn't fit in this genre, than it would probably begin a whole new genre.  But considering most people call this the 'Action/Platformer' genre, I don't know any other way to describe Muramasa.

Also, I agree, its hard to classify these games.  I suppose the simplest way to describe them is, they have a focus on platforming, item based progression and a free roaming aspect.  Some, like SotN and Muramasa, don't have puzzles.  And others, especially the 3D games, have a lot more going on than just what makes a 'Metroid' formula.  I would even venture to argue that Metroid Prime isn't the same as the 2D Metroids.  But t does clearly focus on platforming, item progression and a free roaming world.