The Metroidvania genre has witnessed an explosive year, dominated by the long-awaited and highly anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong. While critics and dedicated fans have lauded its artistic achievement and masterful design, its punishing difficulty has become a major talking point. For many players, the sheer, unyielding challenge of Silksong—with its relentless bosses and unforgiving platforming—can feel more like a trial than a game. This is precisely where Zexion, a hidden gem released this year, steps in, offering a masterful, twin-stick Metroidvania experience that is both exhilarating and, crucially, a lot more approachable. In the grand tapestry of 2025’s gaming landscape, Zexion is not just a worthy alternative; it might just be the genre’s second-best.

The Rising Tide of Metroidvania Games in 2025

This year has been an unprecedented time for fans of exploration-focused action-platformers. Beyond the shadow of Hollow Knight: Silksong, we have seen a surge of quality titles that have pushed the boundaries of the genre. From the puzzle-centric atmosphere of Animal Well to the dark, gothic world of Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, developers are proving that the Metroidvania formula is more flexible and innovative than ever. However, the market has become saturated with games that emulate the “Souls-like” difficulty curve, often to their detriment. This trend, while appealing to a niche audience, can alienate players seeking a more balanced, satisfying experience. Zexion stands out by intentionally leaning into a different design philosophy—one that prioritizes momentum, accessible combat, and a sense of progression that feels earned, not just survived.

Why Zexion is the Perfect Chaser for Silksong’s Intensity

While Silksong is a triumph of design, its intentional cruelty can be an exhausting endeavor. The game demands split-second precision and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of enemy attack patterns, with every death feeling like a hard-fought battle lost. In contrast, Zexion feels like a love letter to the original Metroid games, blending classic sci-fi exploration with a modern, twin-stick shooter mechanic that is incredibly satisfying. The game’s core mechanics are what set it apart:

• Accessible Twin-Stick Combat: Unlike the melee-focused, high-stakes combat of Silksong, Zexion allows you to aim independently in eight directions while moving. This fundamentally changes the feel of combat, making encounters more about strategic positioning and rapid-fire precision rather than memorization and perfect timing. The fluidity of movement and shooting provides a constant sense of power, a refreshing change for players who feel like they are constantly on the back foot in other games.
• A Kinder, Gentler World: Zexion is not devoid of challenge, but its difficulty curve feels fair and well-tuned. Checkpoints are generous, and boss fights, while intense, are designed to be completed in relatively short bursts. This makes re-attempts far less punishing, and progress feels consistently rewarding. Players are encouraged to experiment with different weapon upgrades without the fear of losing a significant chunk of their hard-earned progress.
• Generous Resource Management: The game’s design is clever in how it rewards exploration. While health and missile refills can seem stingy at first glance, the world is filled with hidden blocks and specific enemies that reliably drop resources. This incentivizes a more proactive, explorative playstyle, rewarding players who take the time to scour every corner of the map. It’s a stark contrast to the often-tedious “resource grinding” that can plague other titles in the genre.

A Return to the Core of Exploration and Discovery

At its heart, the Metroidvania genre is about the joy of discovery. It’s the feeling of finding a new ability that unlocks a previously inaccessible part of the world, or the thrill of uncovering a hidden secret that changes your entire understanding of the map. While Silksong masterfully delivers on this, its intense focus on combat can sometimes overshadow the sense of quiet exploration. Zexion, on the other hand, embraces the “Metroid” half of the genre’s name, providing a vast, interconnected world that is a pleasure to navigate. There are no RPG-like leveling systems or complex inventories to manage; the focus is solely on finding new gear and using it to delve deeper into the labyrinthine space station.

The game’s level design is a testament to this philosophy. It’s filled with expertly placed shortcuts, warp gates, and a clear, yet rewarding, path of progression. This makes the act of backtracking—a core element of the genre—feel less like a chore and more like a satisfying loop of unlocking new opportunities. The world of Zexion feels thoughtfully crafted, a living puzzle box waiting to be solved. This clean design and focused gameplay loop are what make it such a strong contender for one of the year’s best, especially for those seeking a more traditional and less stressful Metroidvania experience.

Conclusion: A Must-Play for Metroidvania Enthusiasts

In a year where a single, monumental title has dominated the conversation, it’s important not to overlook the smaller, yet equally brilliant, releases. Hollow Knight: Silksong is a masterpiece, but its punishing difficulty is not for everyone. Zexion offers a much-needed counterbalance—a fun, breezy, and incredibly well-designed twin-stick Metroidvania that respects both the player’s time and skill. It’s a game that reminds us of the pure joy of exploration and the simple satisfaction of a well-executed gameplay loop. For those of you who have battled your way through Pharloom and are in need of a refreshing palate cleanser, or for those who were turned off by the sheer challenge, Zexion is the game you have been waiting for. It is, without a doubt, a shining star in the 2025 gaming lineup and a powerful contender for the genre’s second-best.