Okay kiddo, imagine you are playing a video game where you are a brave hero exploring a world full of danger and secrets. You need to use your brain and some special abilities to get through different obstacles and enemies. A metroidvania is a type of game that has all these things, plus a big map that you can explore in different directions, kind of like a maze.
The name metroidvania comes from two older games called Metroid and Castlevania. Those games were some of the first to use this big map idea and special abilities to make the hero stronger as they explore more. Metroidvania games use these same gameplay elements, but add new twists and ideas to keep the fun going.
For example, in a metroidvania game you might start out with just a simple jump and attack move. But as you explore and defeat bosses, you might unlock new moves like a double jump or a fire spell. These new moves can help you reach new areas you couldn’t before, and find even more secrets.
Another important part of metroidvania games is backtracking. That means going back to older areas of the map with your new abilities and finding new things you couldn’t reach before. Maybe there is a secret room with a powerful weapon you need, or a shortcut to a boss you want to fight again.
So, to sum up, a metroidvania is a type of video game where you play a hero exploring a big map full of secrets and danger. You use your brain and special abilities to get through obstacles and unlock new areas. And there is plenty of backtracking to find even more secrets and become even stronger.