Initially, I was skeptical about the combination of Bullet Hell and Metroidvania genres. I have always appreciated the gradual advancement typical of Metroidvanias, and I questioned how the fast-paced mechanics of Bullet Hell could mesh with that experience.
Over time, however, I have come to recognize the potential of this exciting genre fusion. This realization inspired me to compile a list of the finest Bullet Hell Metroidvanias available today.
While the instances of this particular mixture are limited, and many games lean towards the Metroidvania category with just a hint of Bullet Hell, each title on this list offers engaging and innovative gameplay experiences.
Prepare your reflexes, and let’s explore these thrilling adventures!
10 A Robot Named Fight
Down With the Flesh!
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Platform |
PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 |
|---|---|
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Publisher |
Morningstar Game Studio |
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Genre |
Metroidvania |
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Release Date |
September 7, 2017 |
A Robot Named Fight brilliantly balances multiple genres, serving as a rogue-like Metroidvania with bursts of Bullet Hell gameplay. Players face ruthless adversaries sent by the Megabeast, but as you accumulate upgrades, you can unleash your own fierce Bullet Hell attacks.
Standout bosses include formidable foes like the White Wyrm, Metal Patriarch, and the all-powerful Megabeast Core, each providing a unique and intense combat experience.
9 Forms: Steam & Cinder
Steampunk Mayhem
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Platform |
PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
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Publisher |
Fireshine Games |
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Genre |
Metroidvania |
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Release Date |
July 16, 2024 |
Unlike its predecessor, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is not a rogue-like, which means players face fixed encounters, including difficult Bullet Hell bosses. The initial boss, a colossal mechanical spider, hurls electrical projectiles at you, and later encounters escalate in intensity, such as Indra with her teleportation abilities and laser attacks.
The ultimate boss battle can be overwhelming, as it involves dodging bullets from multiple sources, which some players might find imbalanced compared to other titles on this list.
8 Minority
Witches and Heretics
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Platform |
PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
|---|---|
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Publisher |
DANGEN Entertainment |
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Genre |
Metroidvania |
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Release Date |
August 27, 2019 |
If you have played the indie Metroidvania series Momodora, you may not realize that Minoria is a spiritual successor from the same team, published by DANGEN Entertainment. This enticing adventure centers around themes of witches and religion, complemented by intense boss battles that incorporate various Bullet Hell mechanics.
Memorable encounters include the Blossoming Witch Lissette and the flora fiend Witch Deity Saora, along with a merciless showdown against Harina, where players must navigate through a barrage of unyielding spheres. The game’s design effectively combines the thrill of Bullet Hell battles with rich narrative experiences.
7 Absence of Light
I Hope You Love Bullets!
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Platform |
PC |
|---|---|
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Publisher |
Koala Symphony Studios |
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Genre |
Bullet Hell Metroidvania |
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Release Date |
January 22, 2024 |
In contrast to previous entries, Absence of Light prioritizes Bullet Hell mechanics while incorporating exploration typical of Metroidvanias. The game showcases intense boss fights, featuring intricate bullet patterns to dodge.
This engaging title is currently exclusive to PC, which may disappoint console gamers looking for a thrilling adventure.
6 Islets
Iko’s Floating Islands
Islets excels in brilliantly merging pure Metroidvania elements with Bullet Hell-style boss encounters. Players navigate through vibrant environments while engaging in aerial battles against menacing pirates, and work to unite floating islands while unraveling a nefarious story.
Some of the game’s notable Bullet Hell confrontations involve formidable bosses like the Tomb of 1000 Spirits, the Buried Beast, and The Stone Witch, leading to a captivating and well-balanced hybrid gameplay experience.
5 Laika: Aged Through Blood
Racing Into the Apocalypse
Diving into unique hybrids, Laika: Aged Through Blood introduces the concept of a Motorvania. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this game allows players to traverse the landscape on a motorbike instead of on foot, creating a novel combat approach.
The continuous movement on a motorbike enhances your dodging capabilities while engaging adversaries from the air. It’s a challenging yet thrilling experience for fans of both genres, creating a distinct gameplay style.
4 Rabi-Pisces
The OG Bunnyvania
Rabi-Ribi stands out as a nostalgic homage to the era of whimsical Japanese gaming, filled with charm and humor. It’s an engaging Metroidvania renowned for its chaotic boss battles featuring relentless streams of bullets. Players experience the hilarious journey of a rabbit turned human, tackling over 40 bosses throughout the game.
Despite the potential for imbalance in difficulty, the overall enjoyment and creativity shine through, making this title a delightful adventure.
3 Minishoot’ Adventures
The Surprise Challenger
I was pleasantly surprised to discover Minishoot’ Adventures—it fuses a Shmup aesthetic with the open-world mechanics seen in titles like The Legend of Zelda. Players acquire Primordial Powers as they progress, unlocking new areas and enhancing their abilities.
This innovative approach makes it a gem that could benefit from broader console availability, appealing to a wider audience of gaming enthusiasts.
2 Touhou Luna Nights
Lovely Team Ladybug
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Platform |
PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One |
|---|---|
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Publisher |
Playism, Active Gaming Media |
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Genre |
Metroidvania |
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Release Date |
February 25, 2019 |
Team Ladybug has a reputation for developing engaging adventures, and one of their standout titles is the Bullet Hell Metroidvania, Touhou Luna Nights. Even for those unfamiliar with the Touhou series, it presents an intense challenge and aesthetic that is hard to overlook.
Players control Sakuya, a maid with the exceptional ability to manipulate time, a skill essential to surviving the intense barrage of projectiles. Although the number of bosses is modest, their overwhelming power adds to the exhilarating experience, and players can even reap rewards by letting the bullets graze them.
1 The Knight Witch
Nighty Knight
The Crown Jewel of this list is undoubtedly The Knight Witch, as it seamlessly integrates Metroidvania and Bullet Hell elements throughout gameplay. This title features intuitive twin-stick controls and a progression system that allows players to enhance their character, Rayne.
Unique to this adventure is the card-based upgrade system, giving players customizable powers to overcome challenges. Navigating the chaos while maintaining smooth gameplay ensures that The Knight Witch dramatically embodies the essence of both genres. This game defines what it means to be a true Bullet Hell Metroidvania.
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