Abstract

Developing games of the Metroidvania genre presents a number of complex and unique challenges. These contain elements like non-linearity, character improvement, or recycling of game spaces. Given the lack of a definitive definition for games within this genre, our aim is to provide an overview of their key aspects. Additionally, we delve into the tools and approaches instrumental in crafting such games. Consequently, we identify the primary characteristics games of this genre have, alongside the key challenges each characteristic presents. To help solve those challenges, we list patterns and tools, which make creating such games easier and more straightforward. Within the existing tools, there are still gaps in some challenges; therefore, we propose a toolkit that tries to close those gaps. To test and present this toolkit, we built Protovania, a small prototype of the Metroidvania genre. The characterization of key aspects helps give a clear view of the genre. Furthermore, while the toolkit still has its weaknesses, especially in the usability aspects, it is a great way of simplifying and speeding up certain processes when creating games of the genre.

Results/Implementation/Project Description

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