Games Like Arise: A Simple Story

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 29.8% ★, Puzzle Platformer 14.7%, Surreal 13.6%, Emotional 12.5%, Relaxing 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Like Arise, this game centers on manipulating time to navigate through emotional, memory-filled dioramas.

A deep, interactive adventure about love and loss, beautifully depicted and offering an intense cinematic experience. What would you do to save the one you love?

Why similar: Story Rich 27.4%, Relaxing 18.3%, Emotional 17.9%, Adventure 12.5%, Third Person 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the core theme of reliving and altering past moments to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Unravel is a physics-based puzzle platformer. Yarny, a character made from a single thread of yarn, must embark on a larger than life adventure.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 21.7%, Platformer 19.2%, Family Friendly 17.7%, Puzzle 11.5%, Colorful 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: This puzzle-platformer uses a touching, wordless narrative and environmental interaction to convey deep emotional themes.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Platformer 17.2%, Puzzle Platformer 17%, Surreal 14.5%, Relaxing 14%, Story Rich 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, atmospheric platformer that explores the stages of grief through stunning visual storytelling.

Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director, Josef Fares and top-tier developer Starbreeze Studios. Control both brothers at once as you experience co-op play in single player mode, like never before.

Why similar: Emotional 33.8%, Story Rich 17%, Local Co-Op 13.9%, Adventure 11.3%, Puzzle 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a powerful, wordless emotional narrative through innovative puzzle-platforming mechanics.

The Last Campfire is an adventure, a story of a lost ember trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home.

Why similar: Emotional 20.3%, 3D Platformer 15.5%, Puzzle Platformer 14.1%, Relaxing 10.5%, Cute 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A gentle, puzzle-focused adventure that deals with themes of hope and finding one's purpose.

Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.

Why similar: Relaxing 30.4%, Exploration 24.4%, Adventure 11.9%, Story Rich 9.7%, Family Friendly 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same sense of wordless, atmospheric wonder and emotional connection found in Arise.

A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful, rugged world of RiME. Armed with your wits and a will to overcome—and the guidance of a helpful fox—you must explore the enigmatic island, reach the tower's peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets.

Why similar: Exploration 19.5%, 3D Platformer 17.7%, Puzzle 11%, Relaxing 10.6%, Colorful 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D platformer that focuses on exploration and emotional discovery within a vibrant, mysterious world.

A short, fully voiced, story-first adventure across two worlds. Rearrange words into platforms in Izzy’s diary, then wield word magic to shape your path in the fantasy she writes. Gentle puzzles, watercolour wonder, and a bittersweet story of family, loss, and healing.

Why similar: Emotional 25.6%, Puzzle Platformer 23.6%, Platformer 14.4%, Relaxing 10.2%, Story Rich 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It combines a deeply emotional narrative with unique puzzle-platforming mechanics that reshape the environment.

In a world torn between nature’s grace and cold machine invasion, one girl and her companion must rely on their bond to survive and protect what they hold dear. Their story of hope, loss, and love will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 29.2%, Emotional 25.5%, Platformer 17.5%, Cute 10.8%, Puzzle 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A cinematic puzzle-platformer that balances a touching story with beautiful, atmospheric exploration.

When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters… Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world of darkness and light, and discover what it means to be human.

Why similar: Emotional 39.7%, Platformer 25.6%, 3D Platformer 16%, Adventure 9.9%, Stylized 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: This 3D platformer uses metaphorical environments to explore the protagonist's inner emotional struggles.

Explore the corners of a surrealistic post-human world to give life on Earth a second chance in this touching story about sacrifice and hope.

Why similar: Platformer 21.9%, Emotional 21.1%, Surreal 16.4%, Exploration 13.1%, Adventure 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D platformer that uses surreal, emotional environments to tell a story about loss and restoration.

A single-player journey of discovery through an ancient world of wonders, created by solo developer Jonas Manke.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 16.8%, 3D Platformer 14.4%, Platformer 10.4%, Relaxing 9.6%, Cute 8%

Why You'll Like It: A wholesome, relaxing 3D platformer that emphasizes exploration and wonder in a beautifully crafted world.

Immerse yourself in a unique narrative experience and explore the thousand summer colors of Dordogne as you revisit your childhood to uncover lost family secrets in this touching formative journey.

Why similar: Emotional 20.9%, Nature 16.4%, Relaxing 10.5%, Cute 9.7%, Family Friendly 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven experience that focuses on the bittersweet nature of childhood memories and reflection.

Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes.

Why similar: Emotional 42.9%, Story Rich 15.6%, Surreal 13.1%, Cute 6%, Colorful 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional story-rich game that uses unique mechanics to reflect on the passage of a life.

Scarf is an atmospheric and emotional journey about what it means to be a hero. An adventure game mixing puzzles and 3D platforms. Explore beautifully crafted worlds and discover your true destiny with the help of a dragon-shaped scarf.

Why similar: 3D Platformer 16.6%, Emotional 15.1%, Platformer 10.3%, Relaxing 8.4%, Exploration 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D platformer that focuses on exploration and emotional discovery in a colorful, stylized world.

This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 38.5%, Time Manipulation 36.8% ★, Platformer 14.2%, Puzzle 5.9%, Indie 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic puzzle-platformer that pioneered the use of time-manipulation as a core narrative and gameplay mechanic.

Set out on a mystical adventure of self-discovery against the backdrop of fantastical landscapes of The Tower. Meet its dwellers and unravel their stories. Manipulate spirits to solve puzzles, and lead Ina on her path to freedom.

Why similar: Surreal 25.5%, Puzzle Platformer 25.3%, Platformer 14.2%, Story Rich 8.5%, Exploration 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, atmospheric puzzle-platformer that emphasizes a strong narrative and a sense of discovery.

Spirit of the North is a single-player 3rd-person adventure game inspired by the breathtaking and mysterious landscapes of Iceland. Play as an ordinary red fox whose story becomes entwined with the guardian of the Northern Lights, a female spirit fox.

Why similar: Relaxing 24.1%, Exploration 20.2%, Adventure 19.7%, Indie 9.7%, Puzzle 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing 3D exploration game that relies on environmental storytelling rather than dialogue to convey its message.

Hoa is a beautiful puzzle-platforming game that features breathtaking hand-painted art, lovely music, and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.

Why similar: Relaxing 20.4%, Platformer 14.9%, Cute 14.4%, Exploration 12.8%, Puzzle Platformer 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features breathtaking hand-painted art and a serene, emotional platforming experience similar to the tone of Arise.

My Memory of Us is a moving fairy tale about friendship and hope in the darkest moments of our times. Enter a hand-crafted, gorgeously animated 2D world full of adventure, exploration, stealth and puzzles. Meet the kids brought up in different worlds and help them survive during times of occupation.

Why similar: Emotional 21.8%, Puzzle Platformer 21.3%, Relaxing 14.6%, Platformer 13.9%, Cute 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that uses a unique art style to tell a touching story of friendship during difficult times.

Play as a tiny lil' mushroom who's lost in the forest and can't find its way home. Explore unique areas freely at your own pace, chat with friendly inhabitants, and take on different adventures to get back home!

Why similar: Nature 18.6%, 3D Platformer 16.1%, Cute 11.1%, Relaxing 10.7%, Exploration 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, exploration-heavy adventure that captures the relaxing and whimsical side of Arise.

Degrees of Separation is a puzzle platformer where cooperation is built into every move. Two contrasting souls, Ember and Rime, fall in love, but are separated by an enigmatic force, and must use their powers to progress through a spectacular world of fantasy and adventure.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 31.3%, Puzzle Platformer 22.8%, Platformer 12%, Story Rich 9.2%, Relaxing 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A co-op puzzle-platformer where manipulating environmental elements is key to progressing through the story.

Cast away on an island paradise complete with a cast of friendly frogs. Enjoy sandbox island life and explore at your own pace, solving sticky situations for your new friends and trading your way to fixing your ship!

Why similar: 3D Platformer 15%, Puzzle Platformer 14.6%, Nature 14%, Emotional 10.9%, Relaxing 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, exploration-based game that shares the cute and low-pressure atmosphere of Arise.

Evergate is a haunting 2D puzzle-platformer set in a stunning hand-drawn vision of the Afterlife with an original score recorded by a live orchestra. Navigate 85 challenging stages and unleash the extraordinary powers of the genre-defining 'Soulflame' to help a lost soul reincarnate on earth!

Why similar: Time Manipulation 31.1% ★, Puzzle Platformer 17.4%, Emotional 14.1%, Platformer 10.7%, Story Rich 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that features a poignant story and mechanics centered on manipulating time and space.

Experience the altered memories of a dying man, reliving his entire life as a little boy while lying on his deathbed. Explore the profound depths of his subconscious as you assist Griffin to shed the remains of his miserable life before his impending demise.

Why similar: Emotional 22.9%, Puzzle Platformer 17.4%, Surreal 13%, Platformer 10.6%, Cute 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich puzzle-platformer that explores themes of childhood and emotional healing.

Zeno has accidentally banished his sister, so what now? Create paradoxes to help him complete trials and bring her back, obviously. Take on a wide variety of puzzles while collaborating with your past self and experiencing a fully-voiced cinematic story as you help Zeno bring her back.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 36.8% ★, 3D Platformer 16.2%, Puzzle Platformer 14.6%, Relaxing 8%, Cute 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D platformer that explicitly uses time-manipulation mechanics to solve puzzles and navigate levels.

Harmony’s Odyssey is a 3D fantasy adventure puzzle game set on mythical dioramas full of riddles, perky creatures and magic. Embark on a fantastic journey through remote fabled lands tangled by a rowdy cat and bring peace to its inhabitants.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 22.9%, Local Co-Op 20.6%, Relaxing 13.8%, Cute 11.7%, Family Friendly 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-adventure game that offers a relaxing, family-friendly experience with a charming aesthetic.

Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.

Why similar: Platformer 34.2%, Local Co-Op 26.4%, Story Rich 16.8%, Cute 9.7%, Adventure 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: An artistic, emotional platformer that uses a poetic narrative style to guide the player through a journey of growth.

Help the cursed souls of Limbo escape their endless time loop in the afterlife. As Kulebra, a newly-deceased snake, witness their grief and guide them toward closure through point-and-click puzzles, light stealth, and empathy-driven boss encounters.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 35% ★, Emotional 17%, Story Rich 6.9%, Relaxing 6.8%, Exploration 5.8%

The House of Hikmah is a fully voice-acted, narrative-driven 3D adventure game exploring grief, legacy and the search for answers after profound loss. Solve puzzles, encounter historical scholars of the Islamic Golden Age, and uncover timeless lessons in a beautifully imagined House of Wisdom.

Why similar: Emotional 16.8%, 3D Platformer 15.1%, Puzzle Platformer 13.9%, Platformer 11.2%, Surreal 8.9%

Nomori is a mind-bending adventure game where you control time and space to journey through a shattered spirit world. Take shortcuts through portals, rotate your perspective, and control the flow of time to move forward, whichever way that is.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 25.1% ★, Puzzle Platformer 14.5%, Surreal 11.9%, Nature 8%, Relaxing 7.1%

Time Loader is a story-driven puzzle-platformer with tiny robots, alternate realities, nostalgic music, and primitive tech from the 90s!

Why similar: Time Manipulation 30.7% ★, Emotional 14.5%, 3D Platformer 14.2%, Puzzle Platformer 14.1%, Platformer 9%

Run, climb and glide your way through a dark Nordic forest and explore its living, breathing ecosystem filled with secrets and mystical creatures. Become Fe and discover a world that you will never want to leave.

Why similar: 3D Platformer 39.9%, Puzzle 22.7%, Adventure 11.5%, Cute 9.9%, Exploration 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric 3D platformer where you explore a living forest, focusing on connection and non-verbal communication.

A cute yet challenging puzzle-platformer with a unique mechanic of moving the world itself to create new paths. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op mode to help Ben & Abi navigate this mysterious world. Test your logic skills by solving clever puzzles to help them find their way back home

Why similar: Local Co-Op 17.4%, Puzzle Platformer 14.5%, Emotional 13.3%, Surreal 11.3%, Platformer 8.9%

Old Man’s Journey, a soul-searching puzzle adventure, tells a story of life, loss, and hope. Interacting with the world around you, you'll shape the landscape to create the old man's path forward. Experience heartache and hope as you embark on a heartfelt journey through a sunkissed world.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 16.7%, Emotional 16.5%, Family Friendly 13.5%, Story Rich 12.9%, Exploration 8.9%

Take control of the seasons and use them to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and discover the beautiful world of Valdi in this award-winning indie adventure.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 28.3% ★, 3D Platformer 19.8%, Puzzle Platformer 13.5%, Platformer 12.7%, Cute 6.3%

Timeworks is a time-traveling 3D puzzle platformer with a bouncy cartoon style. Work along past versions of yourself to solve puzzles, create unique Items, and fill out your quotas for your mysterious employers.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 30.8% ★, 3D Platformer 19.5%, Puzzle Platformer 18.7%, Platformer 10.3%, Story Rich 6%

Let's fall together.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 19.6%, Surreal 15.3%, Emotional 10.2%, Relaxing 9.4%, Exploration 9.3%

✉️ Become a living letter and find your way to the one who still waits for you! Fly, sail, roll, solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and travel through time and continents in this adventure platformer!😸

Why similar: 3D Platformer 18.9%, Emotional 18.8%, Platformer 11.5%, Relaxing 10.2%, Cute 8.7%

Adapta Solva is a short puzzle platformer adventure. Play as an Adaptarian to absorb elements from magical shrines to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. Uncover the truth behind your creation in a world laid to ruin by an unknown cause.

Why similar: 3D Platformer 21.2%, Puzzle Platformer 18.9%, Platformer 14%, Exploration 8.7%, Nature 8.5%

The world has been swallowed into the grey void of time and space. The only key to the winding puzzle - a time-controling pocket-watch - lies in the hands of a clockmaker Father. The watch creates a mysterious barrier between the Father and his estranged Daughter.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 39.5% ★, Puzzle Platformer 18.3%, Emotional 16.6%, Platformer 7.1%, Story Rich 5.6%

Embark on a daring journey through life and master the skill of paper plane flight. Explore colorful worlds with unique challenges, find secrets and unlock your full potential!

Why similar: Emotional 30%, Nature 26%, Family Friendly 13.5%, Colorful 11.1%, Stylized 9.7%

When you cut ties to the past, new bonds form. Build relationships with other Yarnys in local co-op or as a single player, fostering friendship and support as you journey together.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 49.3%, Puzzle Platformer 9.2%, Platformer 8.1%, Puzzle 8.1%, Cute 7.3%

Control the strings of fate and embark on a grand adventure with Drev and Nieve. A magical, story-driven 2.5D puzzle-platformer where puppeteering mechanics and a whimsical, theater-inspired world intertwine.

Why similar: 3D Platformer 22.8%, Puzzle Platformer 20.7%, Emotional 15.4%, Platformer 13.7%, Cute 8.2%

Dive into the mind of Lucienne, a tormented painter. Leap through emotional memories, solve puzzles where shapes deceive and emotion leads the way. A dreamlike platformer where each painting brings you one step closer to yourself.

Why similar: Surreal 17.3%, 3D Platformer 17.1%, Emotional 14%, Puzzle Platformer 12%, Family Friendly 8.2%

Eternal Hope is a puzzle platformer game that follows the story of Ti’bi – a boy who must embark on a journey of love and hope to find his beloved’s soul.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 27.8%, Platformer 20%, Emotional 19.3%, Story Rich 12.1%, Puzzle 6.2%

Do plants feel? A unique boy from the village and a girl lost her memory stay together for the adventure in the Chengying plain, a breathtaking place but fulfilled with bushy vines. Through changing viewpoints and the way of thinking, solve puzzles and move towards the source of the Treeman.

Why similar: Emotional 25%, Nature 21%, Puzzle Platformer 19.5%, Cute 9.6%, Story Rich 9.4%

In the wake of catastrophe find the means to make your family whole again.

Why similar: Emotional 52.6%, Story Rich 20.9%, Puzzle 10.8%, Adventure 8.9%, Indie 4.3%

Enter the hauntingly beautiful shadow world of In His Time, a 2D puzzle-solving adventure game. There you will meet Olly and join him to solve puzzles throughout each step of his emotional journey of growth and self-discovery.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 34.5%, Platformer 17.5%, Story Rich 13%, Exploration 10.6%, Cute 8.2%

Hazel Sky is a heartfelt adventure about a young engineer facing his destiny and his desires. Fix ramshackle flying machines and jump, climb, swing, and slide through a beautiful, mysterious world.

Why similar: Emotional 24.7%, 3D Platformer 21.4%, Story Rich 10.9%, Exploration 10.2%, Third Person 9.8%

A Tiny Sticker Tale is a cozy miniature adventure about changing the world, using the power of stickers!

Why similar: Emotional 31.6%, Relaxing 14.8%, Exploration 11.8%, Family Friendly 11%, Cute 9.8%

Make up for lost time with Once Again, If you could travel through time, who’s the first person you’d meet? An interactive story about a boy who spends his summers wandering between past and present... After meeting her, summer will never be the same again...Who is she, and what journey awaits you?

Why similar: Emotional 38.8%, Story Rich 17.1%, Colorful 16.4%, Adventure 8.5%, Relaxing 6.2%

Causal Loop is a narrative puzzler that blends mind-bending mechanics with a rich sci-fi story about time, consequence, and survival. Solve intricate puzzles by using the signature “echo” mechanic to record, replay, and interact with up to three versions of your past self. Can you break the loop?

Why similar: Time Manipulation 29.1% ★, Puzzle Platformer 18.9%, Emotional 15.7%, Platformer 12%, Story Rich 7.8%

Starshifter is a game about shapeshifting, desert animals, and finding your place.

Why similar: Nature 25.2%, 3D Platformer 11.4%, Cute 11.3%, Platformer 10.9%, Story Rich 8.4%

An atmospheric vehicle adventure that follows the emotional journey of a boy and his ship as he embarks on a voyage to find a new home.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 30.5%, Emotional 20.7%, Platformer 17.8%, Relaxing 10.8%, Stylized 7.6%

Be a stone Golem and try to save Nature with the help of an adorable Fox! Reconnect ancient sources of energy in environmental puzzles. Discover secrets from a lost civilization and save animals on an emotional quest in a cozy, colorful world.

Why similar: Emotional 19.8%, Relaxing 12.1%, Cute 10.7%, Exploration 10%, Family Friendly 9.5%

Embark on a surrealistic afterlife journey to discover the secrets of the broken and mysterious Plane of Memory in this cinematic adventure with a hint of stealth. Dive into a wonderful voxel world with an intense atmosphere and save the day!

Why similar: Emotional 24.1%, Platformer 16.6%, Relaxing 13.4%, Exploration 11.7%, Family Friendly 11.2%

Andarin Weppes is a first person puzzle experience of a man with ever advancing dementia...

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 19.2%, 3D Platformer 18.7%, Surreal 16.8%, Emotional 15.7%, Platformer 11.5%