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 41.2% ★, Emotional 19.4%, Surreal 16.4%, Relaxing 9.3%, Story Rich 7.5%

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

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: Drama 27.5%, Story Rich 20.7%, Relaxing 14%, Emotional 13.7%, Adventure 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This narrative-driven experience uses time-loop mechanics to explore the tragedy of loss and the desire to change the past.

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 20.8%, Puzzle Platformer 19.3%, Narration 17.4%, Platformer 10.8%, Relaxing 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game masterfully weaves a deeply emotional narrative into its puzzle-platforming gameplay, much like the storytelling in Arise.

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 37.3%, Story Rich 18.4%, Local Co-Op 15.3%, Adventure 12.1%, Platformer 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A powerful, emotional journey that uses unique control mechanics to tell a story of grief and connection.

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: Puzzle Platformer 17.6%, Platformer 17.4%, Surreal 15.3%, Relaxing 14.8%, Story Rich 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: An artistic masterpiece that uses platforming to represent the stages of grief and emotional recovery.

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 18.9%, 3D Platformer 14%, Narration 13.6%, Puzzle Platformer 12.7%, Relaxing 9.8%

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

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 22.1%, 3D Platformer 19.7%, Relaxing 12.1%, Colorful 10.5%, Adventure 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful 3D puzzle-platformer that deals with themes of loss and acceptance through wordless, atmospheric storytelling.

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: Emotional 23.1%, Platformer 23%, Surreal 17.8%, Exploration 14.3%, Adventure 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D platformer that explores themes of life, death, and the environment through a surreal and emotional lens.

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

Why similar: Relaxing 32.8%, Exploration 26.4%, Adventure 12.6%, Story Rich 10.3%, Family Friendly 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential atmospheric adventure that focuses on the emotional impact of a wordless, shared journey.

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 24.4%, Platformer 21.6%, Family Friendly 19.9%, Colorful 12.9%, Adventure 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A heartfelt puzzle-platformer where the mechanics are tied to the theme of connection and memory.

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 39.7%, Story Rich 14.2%, Surreal 12.4%, Drama 10.8%, Cute 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A highly emotional narrative experience that uses a unique mechanic to reflect on the fleeting nature of life.

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

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 18.1%, 3D Platformer 15.5%, Platformer 11%, Relaxing 10.6%, Cute 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, visually stunning 3D exploration game that captures the sense of wonder found in Arise.

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 17.1%, Emotional 16%, Platformer 10.4%, Relaxing 8.9%, Exploration 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D platformer that emphasizes exploration and a gentle, story-rich atmosphere.

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 30.8%, Emotional 27.8%, Platformer 18.3%, Cute 11.8%, Adventure 5.1%

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

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 42.8%, Platformer 26.1%, 3D Platformer 16.7%, Adventure 10.3%, Singleplayer 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game uses 3D platforming to externalize the internal emotional struggles of its protagonist, similar to the metaphorical world of Arise.

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 21.4%, Puzzle Platformer 20.8%, Platformer 11.5%, Narration 10.7%, Drama 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal puzzle-platformer with a strong focus on atmosphere and a mysterious, emotional narrative.

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 22.3%, Nature 17.1%, Relaxing 11.2%, Cute 10.3%, Family Friendly 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy game that focuses on childhood memories and the bittersweet nature of looking back at the past.

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 31.1% ★, Emotional 14.6%, 3D Platformer 14.2%, Puzzle Platformer 14.2%, Platformer 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features time-manipulation mechanics and puzzle-solving that mirror the core gameplay loop of Arise.

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 24.2%, Puzzle Platformer 18%, Surreal 13.7%, Platformer 10.7%, Cute 10.6%

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

Explore the remains of a fallen world from fascinating perspectives! Slip into the role of different animals to uncover the fate of an ancient world. Dive into deep waters, fly at lofty heights, dig underground as a mole or even climb steep cliffs with a mountain goat, there are lots of ways of getting around.

Why similar: Emotional 19.9%, Nature 18.7%, Relaxing 12.1%, Exploration 9.7%, Cute 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-focused game that allows you to experience the world from different perspectives to uncover a lost history.

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

Why similar: Relaxing 20.7%, Cute 14.5%, Platformer 14.5%, Exploration 12.9%, Nature 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, hand-painted puzzle-platformer that emphasizes atmosphere and emotional resonance.

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 38.2% ★, Puzzle Platformer 17.6%, Emotional 16.4%, Platformer 6.8%, Drama 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle game centered on time-manipulation mechanics that impact the lives of the characters around you.

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 23.2%, Puzzle Platformer 22.1%, Relaxing 15.6%, Platformer 14.2%, Cute 10.4%

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

Traverse a dried-out seabed littered with the remains of a decaying civilization. Keep your unique vessel going, overcome numerous obstacles and withstand the hazardous weather conditions. How far can you make it? What will you find?

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 25.1%, Nature 21.5%, Platformer 15.4%, Exploration 13.9%, Story Rich 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A meditative journey across a desolate landscape that emphasizes the emotional weight of travel and survival.

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 27%, Exploration 21.8%, Adventure 21.2%, Indie 10.9%, 3D Platformer 9%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric adventure that focuses on exploration and the emotional bond between the player and the world.

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 22.9%, Nature 18.9%, Puzzle Platformer 17.4%, Drama 9.6%, Cute 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A casual, emotional puzzle game that explores the relationship between nature and human identity.

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 32.9%, Puzzle Platformer 23.7%, Platformer 12.3%, Story Rich 9.8%, Relaxing 9%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that uses environmental manipulation mechanics to tell a story about two characters who cannot touch.

Jivana is a story-driven adventure game. Embody Aelis, a water priestess who uses her powers to open the path for her community, forced to flee after the appearance of a huge cataclysm. Explore the enchanting landscapes of Jivana, use your ability to manipulate water and lead your people to safety.

Why similar: Emotional 19.2%, Narration 16.6%, Puzzle Platformer 15%, Platformer 10.4%, Drama 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional adventure game that emphasizes narrative and personal discovery through its world design.

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 21.8%, 3D Platformer 18.4%, Narration 17.4%, Story Rich 9.5%, Exploration 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich adventure that focuses on personal growth and the challenges of the past.

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 37.8% ★, Emotional 18.9%, Relaxing 7.5%, Story Rich 7.5%, Exploration 6.3%

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 25.8% ★, Puzzle Platformer 14.9%, Surreal 12.5%, Nature 8.3%, Relaxing 7.5%

Transform into a bird and fly to explore and experience a vibrant world of floating islands in the sky. Venture down into lost ancient ruins where each step leads you closer to the end of the world.

Why similar: Relaxing 20%, Exploration 19.7%, Nature 12.3%, Adventure 9.4%, 3D Platformer 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A game focused on flight and exploration that captures the same sense of freedom and melancholy as Arise.

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 19.5%, Puzzle Platformer 17.8%, Narration 17.2%, Emotional 13.6%, Platformer 11.6%

Let's fall together.

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 17.3%, Surreal 13.7%, Drama 13.6%, Emotional 9.3%, Relaxing 8.5%

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 15.2%, Puzzle Platformer 14.8%, Nature 14.3%, Emotional 11.3%, Relaxing 9.1%

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 24.2%, Local Co-Op 21.8%, Relaxing 14.9%, Cute 12.6%, Family Friendly 12%

Guide a herd of mysterious creatures on a stirring and beautiful journey into the mountains… and beyond.

Why similar: Emotional 24.8%, Nature 15.1%, 3D Platformer 14.5%, Relaxing 11.1%, Exploration 10.4%

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 16.8%, 3D Platformer 16.2%, Emotional 13.6%, Narration 11.5%, Puzzle Platformer 11.4%

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 19.5%, 3D Platformer 16.5%, Cute 11.7%, Relaxing 11.4%, Exploration 9%

Awakening Sarah is a 2D platformer with emphasis on exploration. Unravel the dreams and realities of Sarah, a girl who's recovering from a coma, while helping her understand the world around her and herself.

Why similar: 3D Platformer 22.9%, Surreal 17.3%, Narration 15.5%, Platformer 14.2%, Cute 8.9%

The Beggar’s Ride is a unique and innovative Platform Puzzle Adventure Game where the player can manipulate the environment to solve puzzles in a deep and intriguing story of discovery.

Why similar: Platformer 16.8%, Narration 16.7%, Emotional 12.7%, Puzzle Platformer 11.3%, 3D Platformer 10.2%

Dive into a magical woven world on the back of your own carpet dragon! Explore the textile landscape, solve puzzles, challenge quirky creatures and unravel the great mysteries of a long forgotten past in Weaving Tides!

Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 17.7%, Narration 11%, Emotional 11%, Relaxing 10%, Platformer 9.2%

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 37.7% ★, 3D Platformer 16.5%, Puzzle Platformer 14.9%, Relaxing 8.4%, Cute 7.5%

Experience the epic journey of Nuna and Fox as they search for the source of an eternal blizzard that threatens the survival of everything they have ever known.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 38.3%, Platformer 18.2%, Puzzle Platformer 13.3%, Story Rich 8.4%, Nature 6.9%

A radiant journey of life to fulfill Your greatest idea.

Why similar: Narration 21.8%, Emotional 21.3%, 3D Platformer 18%, Relaxing 14.3%, Platformer 8.1%

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 32.2% ★, Puzzle Platformer 17.9%, Emotional 14.9%, Platformer 10.8%, Story Rich 6.7%

Play as a border collie and restore color to your human’s world in an atmospheric journey through the northern isles of Scotland. Explore land and sea, uncover hidden paths, herd animals and free wildlife to bring color back to her world, while revealing an emotional story about saying farewell.

Why similar: Emotional 20.9%, Nature 16.9%, Relaxing 10.1%, Exploration 8.4%, Story Rich 8.3%

How to Say Goodbye is a beautiful narrative puzzle game inspired by picture books. Reorganize the environment and solve puzzles to help a group of ghosts on their quest to finally move on.

Why similar: Emotional 25.7%, Narration 20.6%, Puzzle Platformer 17%, Relaxing 12.8%, Cute 10.9%

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 32.2% ★, 3D Platformer 20.3%, Puzzle Platformer 19.5%, Platformer 10.5%, Story Rich 6.3%

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 29.2%, Drama 19.3%, Platformer 14.6%, Story Rich 11.1%, Exploration 9.1%

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 20.9%, Narration 19.6%, Platformer 13.8%, Relaxing 11.6%, Exploration 10.1%

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 32.8%, Drama 24.7%, Story Rich 14.4%, Colorful 13.9%, Adventure 7.1%

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 33.7%, Nature 28.6%, Family Friendly 14.8%, Colorful 12.3%, Adventure 6.6%

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 29.5%, Emotional 21%, Platformer 20.8%, Story Rich 13%, Exploration 5.8%

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 22.4%, Puzzle Platformer 20%, Platformer 14.5%, Exploration 9.3%, Nature 9%

Discover the tale of two peculiar characters: the Old Pilgrim and the Little Star, as they embark on a journey up the Great Mountain of Wonders. Guide them both simultaneously with a single controller. Join this poetic adventure that will challenge your mind and skills!

Why similar: Narration 24.7%, Relaxing 17.8%, Nature 14.7%, Story Rich 14.4%, Family Friendly 10.3%

A pidgeon-doctor in a small town. A broken healthcare system. A heartfelt narrative game. Fall of Porcupine tells an emotional story about a young doctor who struggles to find his place. Accompany Finley in a lovingly illustrated world and uncover the darkest secrets of Porcupine.

Why similar: Emotional 25.8%, Narration 21%, Drama 14.2%, Story Rich 12.1%, Cute 12%

A woman alone in a house. A mystery and a love story. Explore the present to uncover the past, in a short story of love and loss and a life well-lived. A narrative exploration game that examines a world where memories are constantly fading and jumbled.

Why similar: Emotional 53.5%, Exploration 25.5%, Adventure 9.9%, Indie 6.6%, Singleplayer 4.6%

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

Why similar: Emotional 59.4%, Story Rich 23.2%, Adventure 9.7%, Indie 4.9%, Singleplayer 2.8%