- #1 Iconoclasts
97% matchVery Positive86% of 5,021 reviews2018
Dev: Joakim SandbergPub: Bifrost Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 45.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Platformer 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 5.4%
- #2 Alwa's Legacy
96% matchVery Positive87% of 648 reviews2020
Dev: Elden Pixels
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 58%
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 47%, Platformer 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Female Protagonist 9.7%, Retro 9.6%
- #3 Souldiers
96% matchMixed69% of 3,156 reviews2022
Dev: Retro ForgePub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 71%, Pixel Graphics 15.4%, Difficult 5%, Adventure 3.6%, Platformer 2.7%
- #4 Axiom Verge
95% matchVery Positive90% of 6,640 reviews2015
Dev: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 58.8%, Platformer 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Great Soundtrack 7%, Retro 5.4%
- #5 Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King
94% matchVery Positive86% of 788 reviews2017
Dev: Castle Pixel, LLC.Pub: FDG Entertainment
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Explore a huge open game world in classic action-adventure fashion! Prove your worth by fighting through monster-infested dungeons to save the Kingdom of Blossom!
Why similar: Retro 30%, Pixel Graphics 22.8%, Female Protagonist 18%, Adventure 9.9%, Indie 9.8%
- #6 9 Years of Shadows
94% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,382 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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 51.1%, Platformer 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Side Scroller 8.7%, Female Protagonist 6.5%
- #7 Phoenotopia: Awakening
93% matchVery Positive83% of 2,921 reviews2021
Dev: Cape Cosmic
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 52.2%, Platformer 18.5%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Adventure 7.9%, Female Protagonist 4.6%
- #8 Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
92% matchVery Positive81% of 1,275 reviews2018
Dev: Long Hat HousePub: Raw Fury
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 46%
In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 53.2%, Platformer 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, Female Protagonist 8.5%, Indie 8.3%
- #9 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
90% matchVery Positive93% of 7,464 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 49.6%, Platformer 14.2%, Female Protagonist 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%, Adventure 4.4%
- #10 Chronicles of Teddy
91% matchMixed69% of 335 reviews2015
Dev: StorybirdPub: LookAtMyGame
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 49.1%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Platformer 10.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Retro 5.7%
- #11 The Mummy Demastered
91% matchMostly Positive75% of 931 reviews2017
Dev: WayForward
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
A powerful ancient evil has arisen, and the war to save humanity has begun! As an elite agent in the monster-hunting Prodigium organization, you must use a variety of weapons, upgrades, and mysterious artifacts to defend mankind against the supernatural hordes of Princess Ahmanet.
Why similar: Metroidvania 59.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Retro 7.2%, Platformer 7.1%, Adventure 6.5%
- #12 Gato Roboto
89% matchVery Positive94% of 5,267 reviews2019
Dev: doinksoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.
Why similar: Metroidvania 52.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Platformer 9.9%, Retro 7.6%, Indie 5%
- #13 8Doors: Arum's Afterlife Adventure
89% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,596 reviews2021
Dev: Rootless StudioPub: NEOWIZ
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 57.8%, Platformer 13%, Adventure 7.7%, Indie 6%, Female Protagonist 4.3%
- #14 Cathedral
88% matchMostly Positive74% of 461 reviews2019
Dev: Decemberborn Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Make your way through more than 600 rooms, and unravel the secrets of your past by finding the five elemental orbs. Cathedral features a vast world, meant for exploring!
Why similar: Metroidvania 57.6%, Platformer 9.7%, Retro 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Adventure 6.6%
- #15 Cally's Caves 3
87% matchVery Positive81% of 556 reviews2016
Dev: VDO Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Cally's parents have been abducted, as her arch-enemy Herbert has taken control of the Caves to perform his evil experiments. Join Cally and her friends in this action-packed run and gun platformer, conquering insane bosses, exploring to find secrets, and levelling up EVERYTHING.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Female Protagonist 17.7%, Platformer 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Great Soundtrack 6.8%
- #16 Akatori
84% matchMostly Positive73% of 343 reviews2026
Dev: Contrast GamesPub: Games Harbor
Windows
A colorful action platformer with metroidvania elements and a staff that unlocks unique combat techniques and new ways to overcome obstacles. Explore beautiful worlds, fight monsters, and help Mako stop the amber storms that poison all living things.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.2%, Platformer 14.5%, Female Protagonist 11%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, Side Scroller 7%
- #17 Momodora III
86% matchVery Positive94% of 1,500 reviews2014
Dev: rdein
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.5%, Platformer 19.9%, Pixel Graphics 13.7%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Indie 6%
- #18 Ageless
86% matchMixed56% of 407 reviews2020
Dev: One More Dream StudiosPub: Team17 Digital Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Ageless is a story driven puzzle platformer where you must alter the age of animals and plant life around you to progress. Play as Kiara, a young girl who braves through heartache and loss as she journeys across a mysterious world to discovers its secrets and herself.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Platformer 14.6%, Female Protagonist 12%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Adventure 8.8%
- #19 Valdis Story: Abyssal City
85% matchVery Positive84% of 2,716 reviews2013
Dev: Endlessfluff Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 70.3%, Platformer 12.8%, Great Soundtrack 4.6%, Indie 3.2%, Difficult 2.3%
- #20 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
84% matchVery Positive81% of 5,603 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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: Metroidvania 57.6%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Platformer 8.8%, Adventure 4.3%, Indie 3.7%
- #21 Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
83% matchVery Positive94% of 4,524 reviews2018
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 33.4%, Platformer 13.1%, Retro 10.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.7%, Female Protagonist 6.7%
- #22 Shattered Divinities
80% matchVery Positive95% of 962 reviews2026
Dev: 星魂游戏Pub: TrueColor Games
Windows
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 58.1%, Platformer 14.3%, Adventure 6.9%, Indie 5.7%, Female Protagonist 5.7%
- #23 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
82% matchVery Positive93% of 11,963 reviews2016
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 48.3%, Platformer 13.4%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Side Scroller 8.2%
- #24 Awita: Journey of Hope
81% matchMostly Positive73% of 97 reviews2025
Dev: ant_game_projects
Windows · Linux
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 49.7%, Platformer 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Female Protagonist 10.4%, Side Scroller 8%
- #25 Battle Princess Madelyn
82% matchMostly Positive73% of 157 reviews2018
Dev: Causal Bit Games Inc.Pub: Monster Bath Studios Inc.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Battle Princess Madelyn is a game that follows the journey of a young knight in training, Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog, Fritzy. Join them as they set out on a journey to save her kingdom and her family from the clutches of an evil wizard!
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Platformer 13.1%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Retro 9.8%
- #26 Rabi-Ribi
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 12,274 reviews2016
Dev: CreSpirit
Windows
Median: 11.8 hrsMean: 63.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 42%, Platformer 11.5%, Female Protagonist 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Side Scroller 6.8%
- #27 Alchemist's Castle
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 145 reviews2017
Dev: Kabuk Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Fight your way through the dungeons of the Alchemist's Castle, collect power ups and take back what is rightfully yours from the Alchemist himself in this old-school metroidvania!
Why similar: Metroidvania 46.8%, Retro 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%, Side Scroller 7.4%
- #28 Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
78% matchVery Positive93% of 3,106 reviews2015
Dev: WayForward
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse.
Why similar: Metroidvania 45.2%, Platformer 15.9%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #29 Witchcrafty
79% matchMixed57% of 79 reviews2022
Dev: PigeonDev
Windows
Witchcrafty is a metroidvania platformer with magical action gameplay, exploration of a weird world, and adorable pixel art graphics. Help the little witch solve the mystery of strange events in the Kingdom, and defeat enemies with fire, lightning, and ice magic.
Why similar: Metroidvania 44.5%, Platformer 13.4%, Female Protagonist 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Retro 8%
- #30 ITORAH
77% matchMostly Positive73% of 962 reviews2022
Dev: Grimbart TalesPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
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 51.3%, Platformer 16%, Female Protagonist 13%, Side Scroller 6.4%, Adventure 5.3%
- #31 Faeland
76% matchVery Positive82% of 397 reviews2023
Dev: Talegames
Windows
Begin your journey in Faeland, a handcrafted 2D action-adventure RPG set in a beautiful fantasy world inspired by the 8-bit classics.
Why similar: Metroidvania 45.5%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Platformer 7.9%, Retro 7.9%, Adventure 6.7%
- #32 Even the Ocean
78% matchVery Positive86% of 284 reviews2016
Dev: Melos Han-TaniPub: Analgesic Productions
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A story-rich 2D platformer where you'll delve into dangerous power plants and massive creatures, while uncovering the truth of your world. Explore towns and cities, and help a world thrown out of balance!
Why similar: Platformer 19.7%, Female Protagonist 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 16.8%, Adventure 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%
- #33 Timespinner
76% matchVery Positive86% of 3,191 reviews2018
Dev: Lunar Ray GamesPub: Chucklefish
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 47.9%, Platformer 13.4%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Side Scroller 8.2%
- #34 Aggelos
77% matchMostly Positive77% of 708 reviews2018
Dev: Storybird GamesPub: PQube
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 57%
Critically-acclaimed action-RPG that takes the template laid down by classics like Wonder Boy, nails the 16-Bit aesthetics for nostalgia fans, but updates the mechanics to feel fresh and modern. Explore a beautiful open world and plunder dungeons, caves and forests to help take down epic bosses!
Why similar: Metroidvania 53.5%, Platformer 10.3%, Adventure 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 9%, Retro 7.7%
- #35 CrossCode
74% matchVery Positive92% of 18,486 reviews2018
Dev: Radical Fish GamesPub: Deck13
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 43.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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: Pixel Graphics 27.6%, Female Protagonist 21.2%, Great Soundtrack 16.7%, Retro 10.9%, Indie 6.3%
- #36 Islets
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,527 reviews2022
Dev: Kyle ThompsonPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 63.2%, Platformer 18.5%, Adventure 6.9%, Side Scroller 6.4%, 2D 4.1%
- #37 Infinitevania
72% matchVery Positive93% of 303 reviews2026
Dev: JHT Games
Windows
A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.
Why similar: Metroidvania 51.6%, Platformer 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Great Soundtrack 4.6%, Difficult 4.4%
- #38 The Way
75% matchVery Positive83% of 1,318 reviews2016
Dev: Puzzling DreamPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Journey to another planet and discover its secrets in order to bring your loved one back to life. Experience an adventure, inspired by old school classics like Another World, Heart of Darkness and Flashback.
Why similar: Platformer 24.3%, Pixel Graphics 21.7%, Adventure 15.6%, Retro 14.3%, Indie 9.6%
- #39 Teslagrad
74% matchVery Positive84% of 2,477 reviews2013
Dev: Rain Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A journey begins... A treacherous tower... Unravel its mysteries!Discover the secrets kept in the long abandoned Tesla Tower!Magnetism and other electromagnetic powers will help you explore a non-linear world of beautiful hand-drawn environments, in a steampunk-inspired vision of old Europe.
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.6%, Platformer 25.1%, Indie 5%, Retro 4.3%, Side Scroller 3.7%
- #40 Fearmonium
73% matchVery Positive86% of 574 reviews2021
Dev: Redblack Spade
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Fearmonium is a psychedelic metroidvania where suspense intertwines with humour. Beginning the game as an unpleasant memory, you must progress and become a true phobia by breaking through all boundaries to uncover the most hidden corners of Max's mind.
Why similar: Metroidvania 61.3%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, Adventure 6.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%, 2D 4.6%
- #41 Freedom Planet
72% matchVery Positive95% of 4,907 reviews2014
Dev: GalaxyTrail
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.
Why similar: Platformer 26.3%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, Retro 12.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%
- #42 Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
70% matchVery Positive92% of 3,298 reviews2024
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
"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 45.2%, Platformer 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Side Scroller 7.6%
- #43 Catmaze
73% matchVery Positive83% of 606 reviews2018
Dev: Redblack Spade
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 49.4%, Platformer 15.6%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Side Scroller 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%
- #44 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
69% matchVery Positive93% of 41,767 reviews2019
Dev: ArtPlayPub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 10.7 hrsMean: 24.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 66.1%, Female Protagonist 10.5%, Platformer 7.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.4%, Side Scroller 4.9%
- #45 The Vagrant
70% matchVery Positive90% of 8,690 reviews2018
Dev: O.T.K GamesPub: Thermite Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 49.9%, Female Protagonist 19.9%, Side Scroller 9.2%, 2D 5.2%, Adventure 5.1%
- #46 Overbowed
69% matchVery Positive92% of 94 reviews2024
Dev: Klardonics Digital, Ltd
Windows
Explore a kingdom overrun by evil magic as you fight foes with your own magical bow in this retro inspired action-adventure platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 52.9%, Platformer 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Retro 9.8%, Adventure 5.6%
- #47 Gastova: The Witches of Arkana
68% matchMostly Positive74% of 77 reviews2026
Dev: MechWolf Productions
Windows
Gastova is a lighthearted 2D platform adventure game. As the Guardian Witch of Arkana, Gastova must keep the balance of magic, solve a mystery involving the elemental fount guardians, discover hidden truths, and protect the future of her world from ominous forces before it's too late...
Why similar: Metroidvania 42.7%, Platformer 14.4%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Retro 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%
- #48 Castle In The Darkness
71% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,286 reviews2015
Dev: Matt KapPub: Nicalis, Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Castle In The Darkness is a fun and challenging shout out to the early days of video games! It's an action exploration platformer with some RPG elements, much like games from the Castlevania or Metroid series. It's super fast-paced, challenging, and full of secrets!
Why similar: Metroidvania 54.6%, Platformer 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Retro 6.5%, Difficult 4.3%
- #49 After Death
71% matchVery Positive89% of 167 reviews2017
Dev: After Death Team
Windows
After Death is a platform / exploration game in a dark and hostile world. With the help from lost souls, you will have to find a way to open a gate which seems to be the only exit from this mysterious world infected by monsters.
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.9%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Platformer 8.4%, Retro 7.3%, Adventure 6.5%
- #50 Haiku, the Robot
67% matchVery Positive90% of 3,583 reviews2022
Dev: Mister Morris Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 50.7%, Platformer 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Retro 8.7%, Side Scroller 6.8%
- #51 Afterimage
67% matchMostly Positive77% of 10,497 reviews2023
Dev: Aurogon ShanghaiPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 57.1%, Platformer 13.1%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Side Scroller 8.9%, Difficult 5.1%
- #52 ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 18,875 reviews2025
Dev: AdglobePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 18.8 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 69.5%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, 2D 3.9%, Platformer 3.6%
- #53 The Legend of Dark Witch
71% matchMostly Positive73% of 262 reviews2015
Dev: INSIDE SYSTEM
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
-A magical world beautifully depicted through in-game graphics. -Diverse levels that provide a fair challenge. -Additional bonuses that reward those who replay the game. -3 difficulty modes.
Why similar: Platformer 24.5%, Female Protagonist 19.6%, Pixel Graphics 18.1%, Adventure 12.9%, Indie 11.9%
- #54 Hollow Knight: Silksong
62% matchVery Positive89% of 424,009 reviews2025
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 35.5 hrsMean: 47.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 52.3%, Platformer 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Female Protagonist 7.7%, Difficult 5.5%
- #55 Mages of Mystralia
69% matchVery Positive86% of 1,523 reviews2017
Dev: Borealys Games
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
In a world of magic, your mind is your greatest weapon. Learn the ways of magic and design your own spells to fight enemies, navigate treacherous terrain, and right past wrongs in the kingdom of Mystralia.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 40.4%, Adventure 26.1%, Indie 16.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #56 Hero's Spirit
68% matchVery Positive91% of 82 reviews2020
Dev: mod.kitchen
Windows
Explore a vast, open world - evade or defeat its monsters, arm yourself with knowledge and equipment, unravel layer upon layer of secrets, and ultimately confront the very magic threatening to destroy everything.
Why similar: Metroidvania 56.7%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Retro 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Adventure 4.4%
- #57 Freedom Planet 2
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,743 reviews2022
Dev: GalaxyTrail
Windows
Median: 7.1 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
The fast paced platforming of Freedom Planet returns! Become a full-time cartoon heroine and use abilities and items suited to your play style to explore the world of Avalice and defend its animal citizens!
Why similar: Platformer 22.9%, Female Protagonist 16.4%, Pixel Graphics 15.6%, Retro 12.8%, Side Scroller 12.2%