As the foundational games Metroid and Castlevania approach their 40th anniversaries, the Metroidvania genre, which they spawned, continues to thrive, particularly within the independent game development scene. Among the vast number of search-action games available, especially on platforms like Steam, the output of Japanese developer Team Ladybug stands out for its exceptional quality and artistry.
While Team Ladybug has experience with other genres, such as the arcade shooter Drainus, their expertise in the Metroidvania space is undeniable. Despite crafting some of the genre's most compelling experiences, their titles are frequently overlooked in discussions of great Metroidvanias. This article aims to highlight three of their standout works: Touhou Luna Nights, Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth, and Blade Chimera.
Touhou Luna Nights
Released in 2019 on PC and later ported to Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, Touhou Luna Nights exemplifies Team Ladybug's unique approach to the genre. The game is set within the mythos of the Touhou Project, a popular collaborative universe inspired by Japanese mythology. Players control Sakuya Izayoi, a maid who serves vampire sisters. Sakuya finds herself in a strange alternate dimension, stripped of her time-manipulation abilities. Her quest involves reclaiming her powers, escaping the dimension, and uncovering who is responsible.
What elevates Touhou Luna Nights is its integration of distinct mechanics. As Sakuya regains her powers, she can slow and freeze time, altering the behavior of objects, enemies, and environmental hazards. Mastering time manipulation is crucial for combat and navigation. The game also incorporates a "grazing" mechanic, where getting extremely close to enemy projectiles without taking damage restores Sakuya's magic meter. This serves as a nod to the Touhou series' bullet-hell shooter origins. Combined with visually striking animations, satisfying upgrade pickups, and a soundtrack known for its quality within the Touhou community, Luna Nights offers a rewarding and challenging experience.
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth
Inspired by the fantasy OVA series Record of Lodoss War, this 2021 title on PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series puts players in the role of the high elf Deedlit. Adapting a pen-and-paper RPG-based property into a Metroidvania proved successful, with Deedlit exploring a maze constructed from her memories and those of others to escape a mysterious environment.
The visual presentation of Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth is a clear homage to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, particularly in Deedlit's animation. The controls and combat also echo SotN, with an added layer from Deedlit's wind and fire spirits, Sylph and Salamander. Each spirit grants elemental attack affinities and damage reduction, and provides unique movement abilities: Sylph allows hovering, while Salamander enables a slide-dodge. While familiarity with the Lodoss War series enhances the narrative experience, the game is accessible and enjoyable for those seeking a well-crafted, SotN-inspired Metroidvania. The gameplay, though perhaps less experimental than Luna Nights or Blade Chimera, is action-packed, offers ample exploration, and presents a solid, non-frustrating challenge.
Blade Chimera
Team Ladybug's most recent release, Blade Chimera, available on PC and Switch, is arguably their best. This title features a wholly original story and setting, depicting a future Osaka overrun by demons. The Holy Order, including the protagonist Shin, fights to contain the threat. Shin is partnered with Lux, a light-based demon who can transform into a giant sword, becoming an indispensable ally but also a target due to her demonic nature. The narrative is further complicated by rising demonic attacks and a radical human faction advocating for coexistence with demons.
Blade Chimera excels in atmosphere and storytelling, presenting an intriguing saga with compelling characters and unexpected twists. The backgrounds and enemy designs are rich with detail, including meticulously recreated miniature movie posters. The synergy between Shin and Lux is the game's standout feature. Lux can be launched as a weapon, her kills restoring Shin's health. Defensively, she can form a barrier or deflect attacks. She can also be embedded in walls for platforming or called back for a damaging strike. As a light demon, Lux can illuminate dark areas and interact with certain objects to solve puzzles. However, she is vulnerable to UV rays, adding a strategic layer to their use. The dynamic between Shin and Lux is a highlight, evident in both gameplay and narrative.
While Blade Chimera might be more accessible than Team Ladybug's other Metroidvanias, it remains a highly enjoyable experience. The developer's talent for creating atmospheric, mechanically rich, and narratively engaging Metroidvania games is evident across their catalog. These titles are frequently available during sales, offering a great opportunity for players to discover these overlooked gems.