Image: Sunny Peak
Looking for something to pass the time while waiting for Silksong? These platformers are well worth checking out.
If you're a fan of Metroidvanias and platformers, you're likely finding ways to pass the time as the wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong stretches on. Fortunately, Steam Next Fest has brought a spotlight to a variety of new titles—classic Metroidvanias, puzzle platformers, and more—to help fill the gap.
We took a deep dive into some game demos over the weekend and found five platformers that stood out for their ability to challenge both your reflexes and imagination.
Symphonia
Developed by Sunny Peak, Symphonia visually evokes memories of Hollow Knight: Silksong, especially with its charming protagonist. However, the game introduces its own unique twist on the genre.
Set in a world where music is the lifeblood of existence, Symphonia tells the story of a once-thriving realm where orchestras have vanished, leaving the world on the brink of silence. You play as Philemon, resurrected into this crumbling world, armed only with a violin.
Your violin is both your instrument and mode of transportation, allowing you to catapult through intricate platforming puzzles and reactivate the machinery that once breathed life into this musical land.
What sets Symphonia apart is its orchestral soundtrack, performed by the Scoring Orchestra Paris, which elevates the atmosphere as you gather musicians to rebuild the orchestra and bring music back to the realm.
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past by Sol Brothers, is a 3D Metroidvania that aims to replicate the feeling of a 2D game but in a fully three-dimensional world.
In this labyrinthine techno-organic environment, you’ll unlock upgrades and skills that allow you to access previously unreachable areas, all while traversing through untamed and difficult landscapes.
The game emphasises exploration and platforming challenges, encouraging players to find their own path through the maze-like design. With abilities like the 360-degree dash and phasic transformation, the platforming becomes a puzzle in itself, making it a standout title for those who love unravelling complex, interconnected levels.
Onikura
For fans of fast-paced, boss-rush combat, Onikura by Too Dark Studios delivers a thrilling experience. This 2D platformer is all about precision and customization. With a Hollow Knight-inspired combat system, you’ll slash, parry, and unleash special attacks as you take on increasingly difficult boss fights.
What makes Onikura special is the freedom it offers players to develop their own playstyle. Absorb the souls of your enemies to gain new abilities, and tailor your approach as you battle to seal away the powerful Onis that threaten Japan. Each boss fight is memorable, with intense challenges that will leave you sweating and satisfied.
While Onikura doesn’t have a set release date, its demo is already well worth playing.
Unless
If speed-running is your jam, Unless by Bellwood Studios is a perfect fit. A minimalist, 2D pixel-art platformer, Unless strips back the complexities of story and world-building, instead focusing entirely on tight platforming mechanics and pure reflex-driven challenges.
As you advance, levels ramp up in difficulty, requiring increasingly precise movements and quick thinking. The game also features a co-op mode, adding an extra layer of fun as you and a friend tackle the trials together. Though it might seem cosy at first, don’t be fooled—Unless will push your reflexes and puzzle-solving skills to the limit.
Souno’s Curse
Developed by Kiro Team and published by Pixel Heart, Souno’s Curse blends traditional Metroidvania gameplay with a more introspective narrative. The hand-drawn visuals are rich with detail, making every shadowed corridor and enemy encounter feel visually captivating.
In terms of gameplay, it’s classic Metroidvania fare, with melee and magic attacks reminiscent of Hollow Knight. However, what sets Souno’s Curse apart is its story, which delves into themes of regret and living in the moment. It’s a thoughtful addition to the platformer genre that goes beyond the usual hack-and-slash mechanics.
Set to release on 1 November, Souno’s Curse is available now as a demo for those looking to get an early taste of its melancholic world.
Are there other platformers and Metroidvanias from Next Fest that caught your eye?