Did you love Super Metroid? If so then you need to play this gem from the Dos days. A forgotten gem of the days gone by where as you Samus A... I mean Killian Jaraad must save her Daugther from the Xenos from making her into a slave. While the game may be a rip off a from Super Metroid gameplay wise, it adds its own unique mechanics. It's also short and incomplete but worth a look as a curious look into the development of metroidvanias.
A platform game including a few Metroidvania elements, like a unified giant level with a map and different abilities to access new paths. MS Paint graphics, but without the usual background/platform confusion associated with it. Game is gigantic, with tons of secret zones. You'll need at least 10 hours to finish the game and 20 hours for a 100%. Also has a cute but not important story.
Hasslevania: The Quest For Shuteye
A Castlevania parody starring an average guy named Rovert who must stop Dracula's scandalous noise so he can sleep. Though hard and sometimes unfair (you gotta really grind for money because save points won't heal you), the game can be a lot fun if you can get some momentum. Also includes intentionally narmful voice acting.
These are about a jetpack man out in a mission to destroy Cruiser Tetron and his world domination plans. These games have a charming minimalistic style both in visuals using only black and white and in gameplay as you can only shoot left or right. Though both games have the same style and mechanics, only the sequel (Hero Core) is a full fledged Metroidvania game as the first one lacks some traits like power ups to get to new areas, a map and the backtracking feel as it is more straightforward. Both have multiple difficulties wich must be unlocked, secrets and bonus content. First game. It also has a handy guide for if you get stuck.Second game. There is no guide since it doesnt need it.
Ikachan
Daisuke Amaya/Pixel's first masterpiece (the guy behind Cave Story). This game, Ikachan, is the original title that the gameplay engine used in Cave Story was developed for, and it shows. Instead of running around, you're swimming around however as you play the squid Ikachan in this amazingly charming title that mixes in elements of Metroidvania platformers (without actually platforming seeing as how you swim) and RPGs. While there's hardly any story to speak of, Ikachan is a must-play for any Cave Story fans.
Kurovadis
A hentai game that has a surprisingly good gameplay, mixing Metroid with some beat 'em up elements. The H-scenes you get after dying are pretty average quality, some border on bad. Unfortunately, ultimately short and has few real action abilities for unlocking new areas aside from 3 nearly-identical-in-function beams. Good for an H-game though.
Knytt
A game which focuses on exploration. Doesn't have much combat, you can only evade enemies. Have a beautiful world and relaxed gameplay. You may also try Knytt Stories which is a sequel and have level editor.
Legend Cave
Reminiscent of old Falcom and Metroidvania games. Each class starts with different equipment, but mostly play the same. There's hint tablets, but the devteam seems to have died before they finished translating it (it's playable without reading though). Find gold for shops, use keys, and generally explore dat dungeon.
You play as a Yorkshire poacher that gets sucked in to a centuries-old war between two ancient underground civilizations. Good gameplay and story, with two endings to be had.
Initially labelled a joke, this was later announced as an actual free game for the 25th anniversary of the SMT series. Takes place during the events of SMT: Strange Journey.
A simple Metroidvania that manages to be pretty fun. Everything looks like it is made out of neon lights. A bit hard at the beginning, but with a little exploration, you should find the difficulty to even out. Controls are a bit stiff but stick with it and you have a neat little game.
So far there is only a demo made, but it is a DAMN good demo. It's basically Cave Story, but with characters, dialogue, and plot that are reminiscent to Earthbound. Fun platforming, weapon gaining, Metroid-esque game. This game has been under development since 2005 and he is making little progress so don't expect to see the full game any time soon. http://www.superfundungeonrun.com/?page_id=215
