Game Design Critic and expert Joshua Bycer is back with another entry in the Game Design Deep Dive series for a look at one of the most popular, and confusing, genres out there. Metroidvania is a genre of high‑highs and low‑lows, and Josh is taking up the task to explain what a metroidvania is, the very long history and variety of it, and what you need to do to create one yourself.

• A look at the history of metroidvania design

• A primer on 2D platforming UI/UX

• Explaining the design and specific elements that make a metroidvania or

could be applied to other genres

• Perfect for designers and students alike