Metroid Created The Formula, But Now It Faces The Same Uphill Battle As Everyone Else

The original Metroid and Castlevania both turn 40 years old this fall. As the two series most responsible for creating the "metroidvania," we're taking this occasion to take a comprehensive view of the popular genre. This is Metroidvania Week. Samus steps into a room she has seen before. She has just regained the Morph Ball ability, opening a path that was previously out of reach, and turns around to retrace her steps. Then the door slams shut and a massive humanoid drone corners her. The fam...