Games Like 9 Years of Shadows

"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series. Join Momo, High Priestess of the village of Koho, as she embarks on a divine mission to save her people from imminent destruction at the hands of the demon hordes summoned by a malevolent bellringer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.6%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Platformer 9.5%, Anime 8.9%, Action-Adventure 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a very similar pixel-art aesthetic and fluid, high-stakes combat mechanics.

Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.3%, Action RPG 11.8%, Female Protagonist 7.5%, Side Scroller 5.4%, Anime 5%

Why You'll Like It: Shares a similar focus on atmospheric, melancholic storytelling and high-quality hand-drawn visuals.

Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.1%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Action RPG 10.6%, Anime 9.1%, Platformer 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a vast, beautiful world to explore with a similar emphasis on fluid movement and character progression.

A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant. Use a variety of weapons and spirit powers to unravel the mystery of the labyrinth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.5%, Platformer 13.5%, Anime 10.4%, Fantasy 8.4%, Female Protagonist 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the same anime-inspired aesthetic and precise, satisfying side-scrolling combat.

Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.1%, Platformer 18.9%, Action-Adventure 6.4%, Action 4.4%, Atmospheric 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a challenging, high-quality combat experience with a distinct, hand-drawn art style.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity!

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.7%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Anime 7.8%, Female Protagonist 7.7%, Platformer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential metroidvania that matches the polish and depth of the genre's best titles.

Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.2%, Platformer 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Female Protagonist 9.2%, Side Scroller 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a strong, character-driven narrative with beautiful pixel art and varied platforming challenges.

Ink and blood stain the streets of Ramezia. Witches must burn and sins must be judged. Venture forth as Sister Semilla to burn down the pillars of heresy in Minoria, an action-platformer by Bombservice, creators of Momodora.

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.9%, Anime 13.4%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Platformer 6%, Action 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the creators of Momodora, it features the same dark fantasy atmosphere and tight, responsive action.

Vernal Edge is a 2D action-packed Metroidvania featuring an intense combat system, tight platforming sequences and a powerful story of rivalry, revenge and growth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.2%, Platformer 15.8%, Action-Adventure 9.4%, Female Protagonist 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers fast-paced, anime-style combat and a focus on exploration that mirrors the energy of 9 Years of Shadows.

Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.6%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Action-Adventure 10.2%, Lore-Rich 4.5%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, pixel-art metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and diverse combat abilities.

Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.9%, Side Scroller 17%, Platformer 11.4%, Anime 8%, Action-Adventure 7%

Why You'll Like It: Features incredibly fluid, anime-style combat and unique time-manipulation mechanics that feel very polished.

Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Action RPG 12.2%, Platformer 11.7%, Action-Adventure 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a dark, atmospheric side-scrolling experience with a strong focus on character builds and exploration.

HunterX is an action-adventure game full of spirited battles. Use various styles of weapons and magic to experience your own fighting style and explore a great world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.4%, Side Scroller 17%, Action RPG 15.3%, Platformer 9.6%, Female Protagonist 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a deep action-RPG experience with a strong anime aesthetic and challenging boss encounters.

Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.5%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Platformer 10.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Action-Adventure 8%

Why You'll Like It: Features a striking, dark art style and intense, souls-like combat that feels both weighty and rewarding.

Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Platformer 11.9%, Fantasy 7.3%, Female Protagonist 7%

Why You'll Like It: A character-driven metroidvania with a charming pixel-art style and a focus on time-based mechanics.

Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.6%, Anime 15.4%, Platformer 13.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Side Scroller 8%

Why You'll Like It: Features anime-inspired art and a focus on using environmental elements to survive combat encounters.

Embark on an epic action-adventure as you slash, dash, and combo your way through a vast, vibrant world. Explore and uncover hidden secrets. Customize your build to triumph in spectacular boss battles. Experience a tale of mystery, magic, and mayhem in TEVI, a bullet hell metroidvania!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Anime 10%, Platformer 8.2%, Action-Adventure 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Blends bullet-hell combat with metroidvania exploration, featuring a vibrant anime aesthetic.

Catmaze is a fairy metroidvania inspired by Slavic myths. Age-old tales will come to life in the unforgettable adventure of Alesta, a sorceress whose courage guides her through mysterious paths and dark forests in search of the lost road to Nav, the world of the dead.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.4%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Action RPG 10.6%, Platformer 9.8%, Action-Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: A folklore-inspired metroidvania that uses beautiful pixel art to tell a compelling, character-focused story.

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.5%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Platformer 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Exploration 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, exploration-heavy game that captures the classic feel of the genre with a unique visual identity.

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.5%, Platformer 13.6%, Action-Adventure 8.3%, Fantasy 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, modern take on classic metroidvania exploration with a focus on puzzle-solving and platforming.

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.1%, Platformer 13.8%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Action-Adventure 6%, Action 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Explores themes of the afterlife with a unique, atmospheric art style and tight platforming.

AWAKEN - Astral Blade is a 2.5D action-adventure metroidvania where you play as Tania, a bionic warrior fighting through a world twisted by Karpas energy. Master parries, upgrade your abilities, and survive relentless enemies and bosses. Is there any chance of survival in such a desperate place?

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.8%, Action RPG 12.4%, Platformer 11.6%, Anime 9.1%, Fantasy 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid, high-speed combat and a dark fantasy setting that complements its metroidvania structure.

Foregone is a fast and fluid 2D action-platformer packed with legendary loot and stunning pixel art. Collect an arsenal of powerful weapons and unravel a compelling story of regret and conspiracy as you slice your way through hordes of enemies to save Calagan.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Platformer 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Female Protagonist 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced 2D action game that emphasizes fluid movement and satisfying, responsive combat.

Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.5%, Platformer 14.5%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Fantasy 8.5%, Action-Adventure 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on whimsical, character-driven storytelling and accessible, satisfying exploration.

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.9%, Platformer 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Side Scroller 8.7%, Female Protagonist 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A nostalgic, exploration-heavy title that focuses on clever level design and classic platforming mechanics.

Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.5%, Platformer 14.3%, Side Scroller 4.4%, Action RPG 3.8%, Action 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep combat systems and rewarding exploration that fans of action-heavy metroidvanias will appreciate.

Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.3%, Side Scroller 17%, Platformer 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Anime 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action game that offers tight, precise controls and a classic aesthetic.

Embark on a grand adventure in Phoenotopia! An action-adventure puzzle platformer inspired by the great classics. Meet charming townsfolk, brave the dungeons, and thwart evil in your quest to save your family.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.1%, Platformer 18.1%, Action-Adventure 8.4%, Fantasy 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A massive, adventure-focused game with a strong emphasis on world-building and discovery.

Guide Vivian the Vagrant, through vibrant and dynamic landscapes while hacking and slashing a path from a quiet coastal village through mysterious forests, haunted castles, and wrecked battlegrounds. When the endless barrage of enemies have been vanquished, what solace will be left for our hero?

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.2%, Side Scroller 22%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Anime 8.2%, Action 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on fast-paced, action-heavy combat with a distinct, hand-painted anime art style.

Begin your adventure in Shattered Divinities to reveal the truth! Traverse the land where deities have perished, explore abandoned divine realms, battle mutated monsters, gather divine power to awaken your strength, and unveil the truth behind the deities’ fall.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.4%, Platformer 14.9%, Action RPG 6.9%, Fantasy 5.2%, Adventure 4.4%

Ariana must restore the Codices and unravel the Library's hidden truths...

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.9%, Platformer 15.1%, Anime 9%, Action-Adventure 8.8%, Fantasy 5.8%

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.4%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Platformer 11.2%, Anime 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%

The adventures of Asha, the little warrior, begin! Together with her blue sidekick Pepelogoo, she will run through numerous stages and save the Monster World from the darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.8%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Platformer 13%, Action RPG 10.6%, Anime 8%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, anime-inspired platformer that captures the spirit of classic adventure games.

Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague!

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.6%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Platformer 13.4%, Action-Adventure 7.7%, Anime 7.6%

Awita: Journey of Hope is a captivating side-scrolling metroidvania game that follows the remarkable journey of a courageous girl determined to rescue her village from the clutches of a devastating epidemic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.2%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Platformer 11%, Pixel Graphics 7%, Exploration 6.4%

A hand-drawn 2D metroidvania in a post-apocalyptic world. Forge your destiny in a non-linear story with multiple endings. Explore diverse biomes, conquer 20+ unique bosses, and master a magical Gauntlet with ever-evolving powers.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.8%, Side Scroller 21.1%, Platformer 16.2%, Anime 10.3%, Action 4.2%

Inspired by 16 and 32-bit classics, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder fuses tight 2D platforming and exhilarating combat with an engrossing, twist-laden narrative in a stunningly handcrafted steampunk world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.3%, Platformer 13.5%, Anime 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Female Protagonist 7.6%

Possessor(s) is a fast-paced action side scroller with combat inspired by platform fighters, a story told through dangerous characters, set in a deep interconnected world ready for exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.2%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Platformer 15.6%, Action-Adventure 8.7%, Female Protagonist 6.4%

Explore the mysteries of an unknown land! ”Transiruby '' is a metroidvania game where you explore the world as a cyborg protagonist named Siruby. Slash and shoot your way to reveal its hidden secrets!

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.8%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.7%, Platformer 9.8%, Action-Adventure 8.6%

Armed with God-given powers, the revived tribune Adrestia is given a second chance to save the universe from her maniacal twin sister. Find secrets, acquire upgrades, and dominate mighty foes through sheer combat prowess as you explore and conquer the horrors of the forsaken vessel Atromitos.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.3%, Platformer 14.2%, Fantasy 9%, Action-Adventure 9%, Exploration 8.9%

ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.1%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Action RPG 8.9%, Anime 5.8%, Atmospheric 3.3%

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.6%, Platformer 15.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Female Protagonist 7.5%, Action 7.4%

Deep underground, Gloom Girl discovers DOOMBLADE, a sentient weapon hellbent on escape after eons in chains. Together, “Doom and Gloom” embark on a vengeful quest to unlock the powerful abilities and destroy the Dread Lords once and for all in this 2D Action Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Platformer 12.8%, Action-Adventure 8%, Female Protagonist 6.9%

Shiro is an adventure platformer in which you have to find your missing sister

Why similar: Platformer 21.6%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Anime 11%, Action-Adventure 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

Chronicles of Teddy : Harmony of Exidus is a 2D Adventure / Action game with a Pixel Art Retro finish. Help Tarant in a quest, in which you will have to fight, use your sense of direction and hearing to accomplish your mission.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.7%, Platformer 12.5%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Action RPG 5.8%

On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.9%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Platformer 14.5%, Action-Adventure 6.9%, Female Protagonist 5.3%

Join mage-in-training Lily on an epic adventure! Explore a multitude of worlds, including forests, deserts, and dungeons, in hopes of becoming a full-fledged mage!

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.8%, Side Scroller 20.7%, Action RPG 13.1%, Exploration 7.1%, Female Protagonist 6.2%

Arietta of Spirits is a story-driven action-adventure game, with easy to approach game mechanics. Follow Arietta on her journey to unveil the mysteries of the Spirit Realm and immerse yourself in a story filled with emotion and surprising turns.

Why similar: Action RPG 19.1%, Action-Adventure 12.7%, Fantasy 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Lore-Rich 9.1%

This is the story of Xandria, an iron alchemist. She seeks revenge regardless of the consequences. To achieve it, Xandria fights with a powerful whip and the power of chemical elements. Find out more about her in this modern metroidvania adventure.

Why similar: Platformer 14.8%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Action RPG 12.6%, Anime 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%

Constance is a 2D hand-drawn action adventure featuring a paintbrush-wielding artist, striving to escape from a colorful but decaying inner-world, created by her declining mental health.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.7%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Platformer 13.8%, Action-Adventure 8.5%, Female Protagonist 6.4%

ANNO: Mutationem is an action-adventure game with RPG elements set in a cyberpunk world, featuring a unique mix of pixelated 2D & 3D graphic style with a rich, dark and bizarre plot.

Why similar: Action RPG 17.5%, Anime 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Action-Adventure 11.3%

Metal Unit is a sprawling side-scrolling platformer with roguelite features. Play as Joanna, a soldier on a mission to capture her treasonous sister. Wear the M-Unit 11 suit and battle against monsters and aliens while uncovering the truth about humanity.

Why similar: Metroidvania 16.1%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Female Protagonist 14%, Pixel Graphics 13%, Anime 10.8%

This game is a Metroidvania game with intense battle. Explore the world and collection power-ups with your cute cat girl! When magic curse suddenly occurred in a small town and all the residents grew cat ears, the real cat girl Nyaruru started her way to uncover the truth...

Why similar: Metroidvania 40%, Anime 12.3%, Platformer 11.6%, Action-Adventure 7.4%, Female Protagonist 6.8%

Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.1%, Side Scroller 20.2%, Action RPG 16.8%, Action-Adventure 8.2%, Female Protagonist 6.7%

Indivisible is a hand drawn action RPG platformer from Lab Zero, creators of the critically acclaimed Skullgirls! Set in a huge fantasy world, Indivisible tells the story of Ajna, a fearless girl with a rebellious streak who sets out on a quest to save everything she knows from being destroyed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.7%, Platformer 15.5%, Anime 11.2%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Female Protagonist 8.7%

Dodge bullets, missiles and lasers in battle as you wrap your head around that bunny girl costume! Combo away with your mighty Piko Hammer or spam various spells from afar with your fiery fairy friend. Explore and explode through Rabi-Rabi Island as you collect power-ups and uncover secrets...

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Anime 9.9%, Platformer 9.7%, Action-Adventure 6.5%

Embark upon a tragic tale and discover the ravaged world of Elypse! Fight your destiny in an arduous 2D adventure, story rich platformer, in a mesmerising and mysterious world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.9%, Platformer 19.4%, Action-Adventure 12.2%, Female Protagonist 8.7%, Action 4.3%

Mask of Soul is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure where you play as Cheong-oh Chasa, gatekeeper of the Underworld, tracking spirits beneath the Red Moon. Use parry combat and mask abilities to explore an oriental dark fantasy world inspired by Korean mythology.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Platformer 14.2%, Anime 8.4%, Action-Adventure 7.8%