I find this sub to be one of the most satisfying and insightful gaming communities, so I wanted to get some opinions on a couple of things. I'm curious about your approach to gaming, particularly in Metroidvania titles, and what makes them truly enjoyable for you. Here are my questions:

1. Do You Use Guides or Walkthroughs?

• How often do you use guides, whether they’re web-based articles or YouTube walkthroughs?
• Do you rely on them for specific parts, like finding hidden items or solving puzzles, or do you try to play completely blind?
• Why do you choose to use (or avoid) guides? Is it about avoiding spoilers, personal challenge, or saving time?

2. What Makes a Metroidvania Great for You?

Metroidvania games have such a wide variety of appeal, so I’d love to hear what elements draw you in and keep you hooked. For example:

• Combat: Is it about satisfying mechanics, challenging boss fights, or unique weapons/abilities?
• Story: Does the narrative or worldbuilding need to be engaging for you? Do you enjoy lore that’s uncovered as you progress?
• Music: How much does the soundtrack influence your enjoyment? Are there any Metroidvania soundtracks you absolutely love?
• Platforming: Do you enjoy games with tight, skill-based platforming challenges?
• Graphics: How much do visuals matter? Do you prefer retro pixel art, modern stylized visuals, or something else entirely?
• Length: Do you lean towards long, sprawling Metroidvanias, or do you prefer shorter, more focused experiences?
• Exploration: Is your love for Metroidvanias tied to the thrill of uncovering secrets, finding hidden paths, or piecing together a map?

3. What’s Your Personal Formula for Success in Metroidvanias?

When you play a Metroidvania, how do you approach it? Do you have a strategy or specific mindset that helps you enjoy it to the fullest? For instance:

• Do you prioritize certain upgrades first (e.g., mobility skills, health, or combat abilities)?
• How do you handle backtracking? Do you revisit areas often or wait until you have all the tools you need?
• Do you take your time, or do you try to finish as efficiently as possible?

4. What Do You Want to See in Future Metroidvanias?

Looking to the future of Metroidvania games, what innovations or features would you love to see? For example:

• Are there any specific mechanics or design ideas you'd like developers to experiment with?
• Would you like to see more hybrid games that mix Metroidvania elements with other genres, like roguelikes, RPGs, or survival?
• How do you feel about co-op or multiplayer in Metroidvanias? Would it enhance or detract from the experience?
• Are there any underused themes, settings, or aesthetics you'd like to see more of (e.g., sci-fi, fantasy, horror)?
• Would you prefer tighter, more linear progression paths or even greater freedom and open-world exploration?
• How important is accessibility? Should future Metroidvanias include difficulty options or assist features for players of all skill levels?
• Do you want new Metroidvanias to push the boundaries of storytelling, or are you satisfied with games that focus more on gameplay and exploration?

5. What Platform Do You Like to Play On and Why?

Different platforms can offer unique experiences.

• Do you have a preferred platform for playing Metroidvania games (e.g., PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck, etc.)? Why?
• If you play on PC, do you use mods or other tools to enhance your experience?
• How important is portability? Do you prefer playing on a handheld system for the convenience of gaming on the go, or do you stick to a console or PC for the bigger screen and performance?
• Have you noticed any platform-specific advantages, like better controls, performance, or access to indie titles?

I know this is a long post. Just pick one and elaborate. Would love to hear from you.