I'm in need of the expert advice of anonymous internet users with unverified credentials =P. As I've begun my most recent project I've encountered a mental block. I'm designing a Metroidvania game and I can't determine a vision for how I want to implement my platforming in the game. The combat I want to be a more grounded experience without the whimsical movement of something like Ori and the WotW. Something to the effect of Salt and Sanctuary or Blasphemous.

So my question is this: How do I make platforming interesting without losing sight of it's combat-centric and weighty focus????

Specifically I want there to be a level of challenge and skill involved beyond press [button] to grapple at grapple points or something equally trivial.

Additionally if you have any recommendations of games to study I'm open to hearing them.