Support NeoGAF

[appaws]

I want to build an essential list of Igavania style games....

Clearly the list will start with the following:

Symphony of the Night + The 6 GBA/DS Castlevania games...

But I am wondering what else might be on that list, and how to rank those 7 games as to their quality/representation of the Igavania as a genre.

(I am classifying Igavania games as more leveling oriented than the standard Metroidvania, which is more focused on items and exploration. Yeah, I know there are a million gray areas.

 

[mishka_]

There are 2 Shaman King games on the GBA that feature Metroidvania gameplay and a level up system.
Seem to be pretty solid games although I have not played any of them.

Some guy made a video about non-Castlevania Metroidvania games on the GBA:


The first two games might not be that interesting for you though. At the end of the video are reviews for both of the previously mentioned Shaman King games.
Video is in german. English subtitles are available.

 

[mikestrife]

I guess start with a list of metroidvanias (https://www.giantbomb.com/metroidvania/3015-2440/games/) and see which have leveling. Also Castlevania 2 might count, it pretty much fits that description.

For CV rank, something like:
1/2 SOTN or Aria of Sorrow
3: Dawn of Sorrow
4/5 Portrait of Ruin or Order of Ecclesia
6/7 Harmony of Dissonance or Circle of the Moon

 

[bronk]

1. Symphony of the Night
2. Aria of Sorrow
Absolute classics

 

[Graven]

I think every single one of them is worth a shot if you have time in your hands. If you can't play all, i would go with Symphony, Ecclesia and Aria/Dawn.

 

[Haruka]

1: Symphony of the Night
2: Aria of Sorrow or Order of Ecclesia
3: Dawn of Sorrow, Circle of the Moon or Harmony of Dissonance (not sure which one is best)
4: Portrait of Ruin