The Gothic-themed action series from KonamiCastlevaniais renowned by both veteran monster slayers and newbies alike — with thrilling combat-heavy gameplay and rewarding progression. Newer, mainline releases from the franchise have slowed somewhat to a trickle, to be sure. Yet, the series retains its iconic status by helping summon the popular ‘Metroidvania’ subgenre. It also inspired the indie hitBloodstained, and has seen therelease of two epic animated shows on Netflix.
It’s no surprise, then, that some have sought action, ARPG, Metroidvania, and hack & slash games for their mobile devices that ring similar toCastlevania; and there’s a growing number of great ones. With their 2D scrolling style and instantly enjoyable gameplay, these traits lend themselves to (typically) portable, simpler mobile gadgets. These are some of the best options for mobile gamers to explore.
While seemingly distant,CarrionandCastlevaniahold a few key parallels, to be sure. For one, they’re both horror-heavy scrollers that feel innovative despite seemingly stock motifs. They also both share a love of devilish monsters and things that go bump in the night. But while Konami’s hit has heroes fend off monsters in traditional fashion, Phobia Studios flips things on their head and has playerstake the roleof an ominous monster.
The result is a super fun, amusing role-reversal; a rare example of anoverpowered horror game that’s actually entertaining. Players spend the bulk of their time with their massive creature steamrolling and consuming helpless humans in their path. Yet the game inserts clever puzzles and other obstacles to traverse too — through means that only a potent, amorphic monster can.
Residing in the world of Falana, which is crawling with anthropomorphic animals, gamers play as the ‘Warmblood’ Dust, who seeks his destiny and looks to recall his forgotten past, with the help of his mysterious blade Ahrah. While barely a dozen hours in length, ample rich content is packed intothis compelling 2D Metroidvania.
Players will slash and pierce their way through different foes with the Blade of Ahrah, and the help of the sword’s guardian Fidget for unique magic attacks. Developer Humble Hearts does a fine job of balancing depth with accessibility when it comes to the combat and mechanics at large; useful given the interface of mobile gadgets.
This deceptively simple 2D world is expanded when obtaining power-ups like climbing, which are scattered about Falana. Mobile players will find it hard to put down their device as they venture and fight their way through the vibrant, imaginative locales and uncover more details about the heroic Dust.
Though the barrage of wild, top-down shooting may be more akin toGeometry WarsthanCastlevania, there’s a certain retro charm stressing pure, undiluted fighting that fans should enjoy here. Of course, diehards of the Konami hit willalsoappreciate thatVampire Survivorsis dripping with Gothic horror and Dracula-inspired themes.
LikeCastlevania, the game draws from pure adrenaline and offensive might — as the goal is to fend off hordes of frantic monsters and simply survive as long as possible. Players also obtain a dynamic lineup of more effective weapons and power-ups as they progress, while a slew of baddies grows more powerful alongwiththem.
3Grimvalor
Prospects Of Survival Are Grim, But The Fun Is Plentiful
This dark Hack and Slash Metroidvania can partly bedescribed as a grueling ‘Soulslike’as much as a traditionalCastlevania-style romp. The game bombards players with sprawling dungeons rife with potent monsters ready to slay the large sword-wielding hero.
Yet despite its difficulty, the interface is pretty cut-and-dry — with a primary attack button, jump and evade commands, and left/right movement. As such, players must rely on fast-reaction times, smooth combo-laden combat and grinding for crucial Soul Shards and other goodies, to overcome increasingly tough foes and bosses. This is one that will put mobile gamers’ skills and dedication to the test, but the rewards are worth it.
Whilethis retro-style roguelikehas made its way to several platforms, it remains a great option forCastlevaniaand Metroidvania fans on mobile. The premise is simple, yet satisfying — players take the role as a headless ‘Prisoner’, who must fight their way off a perilous island rife with disease in order to slay its oppressive, power-hungry king.
The game balances swift, tactile combat with a vast map system and several attacks/abilities, easily accessible through a small hotbar. Ample loot, which includes currency, new upgrades, buffs, and abilities, are scattered throughout these island dungeons of winding pathways.
Falling in battle is a near-certainty — but securing enough upgrades and items, while mastering chaotic fighting mechanics, will make players a force of nature, andfurtheramp up the thrilling experience. With an action romp that feels akin toHadesfused withMetroidand oldschoolCastlevania,Dead Cellsbrings a uniquely wild, epic experience for mobile.
1Haak
Eerie, Atmospheric, And Entertaining
Haakis an atmospheric Metroidvania emphasizing exploration, platforming, and puzzle trials more than straight-up combat; though it’s an interesting twist on the genreCastlevaniafans should appreciate. Rather than heavy Gothic themes or retro flair, the game dresses up locales and world-building with gritty Cyberpunk motifs.
Players will zip and fight their way through hazards like mutants and other dark forces, as they explore eerie sci-fi metros and abandoned towns. The blend of steady pacing and more cryptic navigation with swift combat and movement makes this stylish mobile game a distinct, memorable journey.
