METROIDVANIA INFO PAGE

   Metroidvania is a subgenre of video games, defined by certain game design/level design/progression than the mechanics themselves. They are most typically a sub-genre of action-adventure platformers, and primarily associated with 2D (side-scrolling games).

The main features of the Metroidvania is:
   -A non-linear, open ended world/level design, which are interconnected with each other somehow.
   -A sense of progression stemming from gaining permanent powerups that add onto or alter the player's movements/abilities.

These two points are most mandatory to defining a game as a metroidvania. There are other quirks that people associate with the term, but these qualities alone are best associated.

Other features these games can include:
   -Obtaining hidden, permanent upgrades through the game.
   -Warps between points in the map, encouraging backtracking and exploration.
   -Doors that are blocked off, requiring either keys/switches to open, or the use of a powerup/ability acquired from somewhere else.