Games Like Afterimage

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 41.1%, Souls-like 22.8%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Difficult 7.8%, Action RPG 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features a similar dark fantasy atmosphere, melancholic storytelling, and challenging souls-like combat with a female protagonist.

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 42.4%, Souls-like 17.1%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Action RPG 8.7%, Anime 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A direct spiritual successor that maintains the beautiful art style and deep, combat-focused exploration of its predecessor.

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 51.4%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Anime 7.4%, RPG 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive modern Igavania that shares the deep RPG character builds and sprawling map design found in Afterimage.

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 35.4%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Anime 11.5%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Action-Adventure 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Combines bullet-hell combat with metroidvania exploration and a strong anime aesthetic, perfect for fans of Afterimage's visual style.

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 51%, Female Protagonist 19.4%, Platformer 14.5%, Action-Adventure 10.9%, 2D 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features an incredibly fluid combat system and high-speed aerial movement that matches the intensity of Afterimage's action.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47%, 2D Platformer 16.6%, Platformer 13.2%, Action-Adventure 8.9%, Exploration 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers highly polished, fast-paced combat and a vast, interconnected world that rewards exploration and mastery of combos.

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 40%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Anime 11.4%, Platformer 11%, Exploration 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, fluidly animated metroidvania that captures the classic anime fantasy aesthetic and precise combat feel.

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 37.5%, Souls-like 26.6%, Difficult 14.7%, Platformer 9.7%, Action-Adventure 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, hand-drawn action game that emphasizes parry-based combat and a deep, lore-rich narrative.

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 23.5%, Souls-like 16.3%, Side Scroller 11.8%, 2D Platformer 9.4%, Difficult 9%

Why You'll Like It: A tight, souls-like 2D action game that emphasizes challenging boss encounters and atmospheric world-building.

"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 25.8%, Souls-like 15.6%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Female Protagonist 9.2%, Anime 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Refines the series' signature combat and pixel-art style, offering a polished experience for fans of difficult 2D action.

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.5%, Souls-like 19.4%, Difficult 11.1%, Side Scroller 9.7%, Platformer 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a massive, non-linear world with a heavy emphasis on difficult platforming and exploration.

This is an anime-style Metroidvania game with an RPG progression system, numerous weapons for switching, and an emphasis on equipment building. It offers three switchable characters, smooth gameplay, impactful combat feedback, and anime-style story scenes.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.4%, Souls-like 12.6%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Hack and Slash 9%, 2D Platformer 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features a strong anime aesthetic and deep RPG systems that mirror the character-building depth of Afterimage.

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 22.7%, Souls-like 16.7%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Difficult 8.5%, Action RPG 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, souls-like metroidvania that features a female protagonist and a heavy focus on diverse weapon builds.

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 19.2%, Souls-like 14.8%, Hack and Slash 9.5%, Difficult 8.4%, Action RPG 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced metroidvania with a focus on fluid combat and souls-like difficulty spikes.

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 38.9%, Anime 14.9%, Hack and Slash 14.2%, Platformer 9.4%, Female Protagonist 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused metroidvania with anime aesthetics that emphasizes using environmental interactions and magic in combat.

Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.

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

Why You'll Like It: Uses a beautiful anime art style and music-based combat mechanics to create a unique and memorable exploration experience.

Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.

Why similar: Souls-like 42.4%, Metroidvania 27.5%, Difficult 9.9%, Platformer 4.9%, Side Scroller 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Deeply rooted in souls-like mechanics, this game offers the most complex RPG build variety in the 2D metroidvania space.

Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.

Why similar: Souls-like 39.2%, Metroidvania 31.8%, Difficult 6.4%, Action RPG 5.8%, RPG 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a massive world with deep RPG stats and challenging boss fights that reward careful character planning.

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 33.3%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Female Protagonist 13%, Platformer 9.7%, Anime 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich action-RPG metroidvania with a steampunk aesthetic and a strong, capable female protagonist.

The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.

Why similar: Metroidvania 19.9%, Souls-like 15.3%, Difficult 13.1%, Side Scroller 8.7%, Hack and Slash 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in 2D exploration and difficult combat, featuring a dark, religious-themed world that feels expansive.

Sundered is a chaotic hand­-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.7%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Platformer 11.6%, Difficult 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features gorgeous hand-drawn art and chaotic, high-intensity combat that feels similar to Afterimage's faster encounters.

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 35.1%, Souls-like 17.6%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Anime 9.1%, Difficult 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to Momodora that focuses on religious themes, souls-like combat, and a strong female lead.

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 31.8%, Female Protagonist 19.8%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Hack and Slash 11.6%, Anime 7%

Why You'll Like It: A hack-and-slash action-RPG with a female protagonist that emphasizes combo-heavy combat and loot progression.

HAAK is a Metroidvania-Platformer. As the mysterious wanderer Haak, you embarked on an epic expedition across the vast cyber-wasteland to find your lost brother. Explore deserted cities and metro, refine your weapons and hack skills, and uncover the secrets behind metal and dust.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.5%, Side Scroller 15.7%, 2D Platformer 10.9%, Platformer 10%, Action RPG 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A post-apocalyptic metroidvania that balances exploration with satisfying combat and environmental puzzles.

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 32.4%, Side Scroller 12.7%, 2D Platformer 10.9%, Lore-Rich 8.7%, Platformer 8%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and focused metroidvania that excels at rewarding curiosity and exploration in a cohesive world.

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 26.6%, Souls-like 20%, Side Scroller 12%, Action RPG 11.1%, Female Protagonist 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A pure action-RPG metroidvania that focuses heavily on diverse weapon types and souls-like combat encounters.

Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Souls-like 21.6%, Difficult 11%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Action RPG 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A unique souls-like metroidvania that features a surreal world and a combat system centered around absorbing enemies.

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 29.2%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Anime 10.5%, Difficult 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: While seemingly cute, it offers a surprisingly deep and difficult bullet-hell combat system within a vast non-linear world.

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 31%, Souls-like 22.5%, Side Scroller 8.7%, 2D Platformer 8.5%, Hack and Slash 6.3%

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 48.4%, Female Protagonist 18.5%, Platformer 9.9%, Side Scroller 8.1%, Story Rich 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A story-driven 2D action game that features excellent platforming and unique boss mechanics.

In the Academy Citadel, strength reigns supreme: only the most powerful survive and thrive. Fight your way through the high-tech Academy in your quest to get the highest of honors for a student, and uncover secrets that can save it in its direst crisis in this 2.5D side-scrolling Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.5%, Souls-like 13.5%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Action RPG 10.2%, Anime 8.6%

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 26.2%, Souls-like 17.2%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Difficult 9.4%, Platformer 8.7%

Discover a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! Explore, fight and survive as you ascend to the peak of a land ruled by silk and song.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, Souls-like 20.6%, Difficult 12.6%, Female Protagonist 7.7%, Platformer 7.2%

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 52.4%, Difficult 13.1%, Souls-like 10.4%, Action-Adventure 8.4%, Lore-Rich 7.2%

Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fantasy eastern world with the vicious spirits and monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience different stories of joy and sorrow.

Why similar: Souls-like 24.3%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Hack and Slash 16.8%, Action RPG 11.1%, Metroidvania 7.5%

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 49.8%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Platformer 10.6%, Difficult 6.1%, Action-Adventure 5.9%

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 29.5%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Difficult 12.4%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Platformer 7.8%

Enjoy action-packed flashy combat with incredibly satisfying combos and responsive controls! Numerous characters, each with completely unique playstyles and loads of unlockable moves & upgrades! This action roguelike sets the bar for fluid fast-paced action.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 21.4%, Anime 15.4%, Platformer 15.4%, 2D Platformer 13.8%, Action-Adventure 13.5%

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 35.4%, Side Scroller 18.1%, 2D Platformer 15%, Platformer 11.2%, Anime 9.7%

The Knight Witch is a metroidvania adventure game with fast-paced, shoot 'em up combat set in a beautifully hand-drawn world. Cast devastating card-based spells, forge close bonds, and make moral choices all in your quest to save your home and discover who's behind the War Golem invasion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.4%, Female Protagonist 17%, Exploration 8.2%, Choices Matter 7.8%, Action-Adventure 6.8%

Choose one of four heroes and explore the Garden, an astral prison guarded by 12 powerful mystical bosses: the Zodiacs. Challenge them with dozens of unique spells and faithful friends by your side to unfold the story of this platform roguelite with lightning fast combat.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 31.7%, Difficult 25.1%, Anime 19.6%, Platformer 14.9%, Story Rich 8.7%

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 29.7%, 2D Platformer 12.8%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Platformer 8.8%

ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.8%, Difficult 18.7%, Platformer 17.5%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, 2D 5.8%

A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.

Why similar: Action RPG 33.8%, Female Protagonist 21%, Difficult 9.6%, RPG 9.1%, Anime 8.8%

In the distant future when civilization is on the verge of extinction, people follow the legend of the Elysium in the last city, Havenswell. In this post-apocalyptic wasteland sci-fi ARPG, you will play as Arrisa, a Blader with immortality, and explore the city ruin to find the hope of a new life.

Why similar: Souls-like 38.5%, Female Protagonist 17.5%, Action RPG 16.1%, Anime 15.3%, Action-Adventure 4.5%

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: Female Protagonist 18.4%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Action RPG 13.6%, Lore-Rich 12.4%, Anime 12.3%

Dragon Loop is a metroidvania combining time travel and branching map design. Explore the large open world in a five day loop, opening up new worldlines. Explore a 2D, hand-drawn world, engage in fast-paced battles, and retrieve memories to shape the future.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.2%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Action RPG 12.5%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Action-Adventure 8.3%

Solateria is a hand-drawn action Metroidvania with parry-focused combat. A small fire warrior journeys to find the Primordial Flame, the world’s last hope against the Shadow Plague. Defeat foes with stylish parries and explore mysterious realms to uncover the world’s secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.2%, Souls-like 22.7%, Difficult 12.5%, 2D Platformer 8.1%, Platformer 6.6%

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: Female Protagonist 27%, Metroidvania 17.7%, Side Scroller 14.8%, RPG 14.6%, Anime 12%

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 51.3%, Platformer 17.1%, Action-Adventure 10.1%, Female Protagonist 7.1%, 2D 4.9%

A story-driven Metroidvania where the allies you choose to bond with change how you fight and explore. Journey through the high-fantasy world of Raoah, uncover lost civilizations, and forge bonds that shape your path through a land on the brink of collapse.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23%, Souls-like 17%, 2D Platformer 9.5%, Hack and Slash 8.4%, Lore-Rich 6.8%

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 23.1%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Action RPG 9.5%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Lore-Rich 7.6%

Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.9%, Souls-like 27.4%, Difficult 8.4%, Side Scroller 5.7%, Platformer 5.3%

Explore a sprawling, alien world in the sequel to the award winning Axiom Verge.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.9%, 2D Platformer 13%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Platformer 9.9%, Female Protagonist 8%

Glimmer in Mirror is a 2D story-rich action shooting game. Play as Shiro in a collapsed world, to meet various unique NPCs and monsters, and gradually uncover the truth of the world through a gripping story.

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.5%, Side Scroller 13.4%, 2D Platformer 10.1%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Action RPG 9.4%

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36%, Souls-like 21%, Difficult 11.7%, Platformer 8.3%, Exploration 4.6%

Rusted Moss is a twin-stick shooter metroidvania where you sling around the map with your grapple, blasting your way through witches and rusted machine monstrosities alike. This wasteland once harboring mankind has since fallen, and Fae long forgotten now knock on humanity's door...

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, Platformer 14.3%, Difficult 12.4%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Female Protagonist 10.8%

The latest title from the HunterX development studio, Maid of Salvation is an action RPG that features fast-paced and versatile combat. Master your own fighting style with a variety of swords and firearms, and explore a dark world full of secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.6%, Souls-like 18.8%, Hack and Slash 12.8%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Action RPG 9.5%

Tower Hunter: Erza’s Trial contains core elements of roguelite games, presented in a toon render style. The player explores a mysterious tower with Erza, vanquishes mutant monsters and defeats bosses to acquire a Hunter’s License and become the most powerful Battle Maiden.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.6%, Female Protagonist 15.9%, Anime 9.6%, Side Scroller 9.5%, Souls-like 8.3%