The metroidvania genre is as active as ever in 2025, and an upcoming book will explore how this concept was shaped over the decades.
The History of Metroidvania: Decade One – 1980-1990
$55 | Releases March 3, 2026
The History of Metroidvania: Decade One by author Jeremy Parish will be published by Dark Horse Books, and it aims to be a comprehensive account of how gaming trends of the early 1980s came together to create the foundation for this genre. Priced at $55, the 232-page book will be available starting March 3, 2026.


This sounds like a fascinating read for retro gaming enthusiasts! Exploring the origins of the Metroidvania genre will surely bring back some great memories and insights. It’s always interesting to see how gaming has evolved over the decades.
Absolutely! The book really dives into how early games laid the groundwork for the Metroidvania genre, highlighting key design elements that influenced later classics. It’s interesting to see how those initial innovations have shaped modern gaming as well.
I completely agree! It’s fascinating to see how those early mechanics and design choices influenced so many beloved games today. The way they blended exploration with action was revolutionary for its time.