With my two lists focusing on upcoming indie and AA strategy games behind us, its time to move on to another genre.
Today’s round of highlights will focus on 2D platformers and Metroidvanias coming in 2019. As with the previous articles, this will by no means be an exhaustive list, but hopefully I’ve gathered a decent chunk of noteworthy games to showcase.
Here’s 14 upcoming 2D platformers and Metroidvanias to watch out for in 2019:
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Publisher: 505 Games
Developer: ArtPlay
Platforms: Windows PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Let’s start with the big one many fans of Metroidvanias are probably most excited for. Koji Igarashi’s spiritual successor to Castlevania was successfully Kickstarted back in 2014, and was supposed to release last year before it was delayed to 2019. Hopefully we’ll finally get a chance to play through this highly anticipated game sometime later this year.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Moon Studios
Platforms: Windows PC, Xbox One
Arguably one of the biggest Metroidvanias coming this year is the sequel to 2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest, which was first revealed at 2017’s E3. The gameplay and mechanics look even more streamlined and refined this time around, but unfortunately we still don’t have a firm release date.
Super Meat Boy Forever
Developer: Team Meat
Platforms: Windows PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
There’s a lot of highly anticipated sequels coming this year, and Super Meat Boy Forever is certainly one of them. This follow up to the beloved precision platformer claims it will feature 7,200 hand-crafted levels, and Team Meat is targeting an April 2019 release date.
Spelunky 2
Developer: Mossmouth
Platforms: Windows PC, PS4
The last high profile platformer sequel in today’s article is Splelunky 2, which only recently got a full gameplay trailer. Details are still fairly scarce overall, but this time around you’ll be playing as Ana Spelunky, the daughter of the main characters from the first game. No release date has been confirmed yet.
Noita
Developer: Nolla Games
Platforms: Windows PC
Noita is a roguelite RPG platformer by the developer behind The Swapper. The game’s big draw is it’s physics system, where every individual pixel is simulated simultaneously. This plays a big role in the game’s combat, allowing you to use lava, acid, water, and other environmental effects to murder your foes. No release date has been confirmed.
Feudal Alloy
Developer: Attu Games
Platforms: Windows PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Feudal Alloy is a Metroidvania RPG set in a bizarre medieval fantasy world where fish pilot steampunk mech suits. If that quirky premise appeals to you, then you don’t have long to wait, because the game launches on January 17th.
Dark Devotion
Publisher: The Arcade Crew, Maple Whispering Co.
Developer: Hiberian Workshop
Platforms: Windows PC
If you want a much darker and more brutal take on your Metroidvania RPGs, then you might want to check out Dark Devotion. You play as a templar sent by God to smite the blasphemous monstrosities that have ransacked a holy temple. The game is set to release Q1 2019.
Minoria
Publisher: DANGEN Entertainment
Developer: Bombservice
Platforms: Windows PC, Switch
Continuing our theme of purging the unclean, the developers of Momodora are back with Minoria, a spiritual successor to their previous cult hit series. Hunt witches and heretics as Semilla and Fran, a pair of missionaries serving The Church during the fourth Witch War. No release date has been announced yet.
Valfaris
Publisher: Digital Uppercut Productions
Developer: Steel Mantis
Platformers: Windows PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
If burning heretics isn’t metal enough, then the developers of Slain have you covered with their sci-fi follow-up, Valfaris. Massacre aliens with an exotic arsenal of heavy weapons while music by Curt Victor Bryant blazes in the background. There’s a free demo available, so hopefully that means the game should be coming out soon.
Flynn: Son of Crimson
Developer: Studio Thunderhorse
Platforms: Windows PC, Mac
Flynn: Son of Crimson is an action-platformer where you play as the titular Flynn, an orphan that posses the ability to summon enormous, enchanted crimson weapons. You’ll also be able to call on your loyal companion Dex, a gigantic wolf-like creature, to help you in battle. No release date has been confirmed yet.
Katana ZERO
Developer: Askiisoft
Platforms: Windows PC, Mac
Katana ZERO is a brutal action-platformer where you play as a wondering Ronin in an 80’s-inspired neon cyberpunk world. Both yourself and your enemies are only one hit away from death, and the game’s combat focuses on time manipulation, improvised weaponry, and deflecting attacks back at your enemies. Katana ZERO is set to release in March.
Gravity Circuit
Publisher: Plug In Digital
Developer: Domesticated Ants
Platforms: Windows PC, Mac, Linux
Gravity Circuit is a 2D platformer that looks more than a little reminiscent of a certain franchise staring a super fighting robot. You are the last member of the Guardian Corps, a unit of heroes that were decimated in the previous war with the machines that nearly destroyed humanity. No release date has been announced yet.
Steel Sword Story
Publisher: Playism
Developer: 8bits fanatics
Platforms: Windows PC
Steel Sword Story is a new dark fantasy action platformer by the developer of 1001 Spikes. The game doesn’t have a set release date yet, but the developers recently released a free demo, so hopefully that means its coming soon.
Ghost Song
Publisher: Adult Swim Games
Developer: Old Moon
Platforms: Windows PC
Finally, we come to Ghost Song, a dark 2D Metroidvania that was recently picked up by Adult Swim Games. You are a lone explorer stranded on the inhospitable moon of Lorian V, and must find a way home by exploring the haunted caverns beneath the surface. No release date has been announced yet.
That’s all for today’s installment of my ongoing series focusing on games to watch out for in 2019. Next time I’ll take a look at some of the indie shooters coming this year. Until then, which of these games caught your attention?
