Games Like Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.

Why similar: Metroidvania 17.7%, Retro 12.8%, Platformer 11.4%, Difficult 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 9%

Why You'll Like It: This direct sequel continues the tight, character-swapping action of the original with even more refined level design.

Count Dracula is once more back from the dead... Join the fight against Evil in the Castlevania Advance Collection, a compilation of timeless action-exploration masterpieces!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.7%, Vampires 21.9% ★, Gothic 9.4% ★, Retro 8.7%, Dark Fantasy 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This collection contains the definitive classic titles that served as the primary inspiration for the seed game.

In order to save their school after it turns into a massive demonic castle, two "Demon Hunter" sisters slash and shoot their way through this 2D action adventure. Players can swap between control of both characters on the fly, each with entirely different skillsets.

Why similar: Gothic 21.3% ★, Side Scroller 15.1%, Platformer 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Dark Fantasy 8%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this game features the same character-swapping mechanics and gothic action style.

Konami's Castlevania Anniversary Collection traces the origins of the historic vampire franchise. Included is a unique eBook with details provided by developers, artists and others inspired by the Castlevania legacy which sheds a fresh light into the world of Castlevania.

Why similar: Vampires 25.2% ★, Metroidvania 16.1%, Platformer 8.7%, Retro 7.6%, Gothic 6.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: These foundational titles are essential for understanding the roots of the retro-action genre.

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 36.1%, Gothic 11.9% ★, Side Scroller 9.2%, Female Protagonist 8%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: The modern, expansive evolution of the series that offers a deeper RPG experience while maintaining the same gothic charm.

Three incredible action adventure games from the Castlevania series have finally returned, for the first time! But wait, there's more! Haunted Castle Revisited, a redesigned version of the very first Castlevania arcade game, makes its debut!

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.4%, Vampires 26% ★, Dark Fantasy 9.6%, Retro 8.9%, Platformer 8%

Why You'll Like It: This collection brings together the later handheld classics that perfected the formula seen in the seed game.

Infernax is the adventures of a great knight who returns to his homeland only to find it plagued with unholy magic. Uncover the mysteries of the curse and face the consequences of your actions.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.5%, Retro 13.6%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Dark Fantasy 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, retro-style action game that feels like a direct homage to classic Castlevania titles.

As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Platformer 14%, Retro 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Combines tight 8-bit action with modern platforming sensibilities and a fantastic soundtrack.

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 33.2%, Gothic 12% ★, Dark Fantasy 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Difficult 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the dark, gothic atmosphere and challenging combat that fans of the genre will appreciate.

The old gods have forgotten this land. No one could save our people when darkness started spreading and collecting human souls for its army. Odallus is a classic exploration/action game, inspired by Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Retro 16.4%, Platformer 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Action 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A faithful and challenging homage to 8-bit gothic action games with excellent pixel art.

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 24.6%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Platformer 11.1%, Difficult 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid, pixel-art combat in a dark fantasy setting with a focus on tight movement.

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 24.3%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Difficult 11.7%, Platformer 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers fast-paced, stylish combat with unique time-manipulation mechanics in a 2D space.

Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.8%, Gothic 18.8% ★, Vampires 17% ★, Dark Fantasy 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 8%

Why You'll Like It: Blends gothic horror with precise action-platforming and deep, rewarding combat.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.

Why similar: Metroidvania 19.8%, Retro 13.6%, Platformer 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Side Scroller 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, high-octane retro action game that captures the intensity of classic ninja-themed platformers.

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 41.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Retro 9.8%, Action 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-style action game with challenging combat and exploration that feels right at home in this genre.

Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom!

Why similar: Metroidvania 32%, Platformer 13.7%, Retro 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Fantasy 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features clever character-swapping mechanics and a beautiful retro aesthetic that rewards exploration.

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 31.4%, Platformer 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Female Protagonist 10.1%, Anime 8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished metroidvania that feels like a spiritual successor to the classic Symphony of the Night.

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 49.9%, Platformer 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Difficult 6.6%, Action 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on deep, skill-based combat and platforming with a distinct, high-energy feel.

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 28.9%, Platformer 16.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Female Protagonist 10%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features excellent platforming and action-adventure elements with a polished, classic feel.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, Platformer 13%, Retro 10.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, Female Protagonist 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, retro-inspired adventure with tight mechanics and a focus on environmental puzzles.

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 29.4%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Platformer 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 9%, Anime 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful metroidvania with a unique focus on rhythmic combat and atmospheric storytelling.

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 34.2%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Gothic 9.5% ★, Difficult 9.2%, Anime 8%

Why You'll Like It: A gothic-themed action game with fluid combat and a strong focus on atmosphere.

Take control of one of three playable characters (Gunvolt, Ekoro, and Beck) as you blast your way past the baddies in stage after stage of side-scrolling action! Each stage ends with a boss encounter. Defeat the boss to complete the stage.

Why similar: Platformer 26.2%, Retro 21%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Pixel Graphics 15.7%, Action 13.2%

Why You'll Like It: A short, punchy action game from the same developers that focuses on pure, arcade-style fun.

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 37.2%, Platformer 14.9%, Difficult 11.9%, Retro 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult, fast-paced action game with a distinct retro look and a high level of challenge.

Follow the story of Xandria, the iron alchemist. Seeking revenge, she accepts the dangerous mission to put an end to the evil that resides in Dracula's castle and torments the people of Transylvania. Fight with an iron whip in this retro-style & Classic-Vania adventure.

Why similar: Gothic 23.5% ★, Vampires 17.2% ★, Side Scroller 9.9%, Dark Fantasy 9.2%, Platformer 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A direct and loving homage to the classic Castlevania formula with modern quality-of-life improvements.

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: Metroidvania 37.4%, Dark Fantasy 15.9%, Difficult 15.4%, Platformer 11.5%, Side Scroller 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, challenging 2D action game with deep RPG elements that emphasizes gothic exploration.

"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 25.4%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Platformer 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Female Protagonist 8%

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 30.4%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Platformer 13.9%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania with a strong narrative and a retro aesthetic that pays tribute to the genre's best.

Rosenkreuzstilette is a mega-action-platformer game in which you step into the shoes of Spiritia Rosenberg, a virtuous young woman caught on the wrong side of a revolution instigated by her closest friends.

Why similar: Side Scroller 14.9%, Platformer 14.1%, Difficult 11.7%, Retro 11.2%, Female Protagonist 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A high-difficulty action platformer that is heavily reminiscent of classic 8-bit titles.

Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurtled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Whip foes, burrow through the ground, and explore a pixel-perfect world in Mina the Hollower, a brand new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight!

Why similar: Gothic 31.7% ★, Platformer 15%, Pixel Graphics 12.3%, Female Protagonist 11%, Dark Fantasy 9.7%

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 40.6%, Platformer 12.5%, Retro 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Adventure 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action-adventure that perfectly captures the feel of 8-bit classics.

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.2%, Pixel Graphics 13%, Platformer 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Difficult 7%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled game with a focus on exploration and challenging boss encounters.

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 23%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Platformer 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Female Protagonist 7.9%

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 24.7%, Platformer 20.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.7%, Female Protagonist 11.5%, Anime 8.5%

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 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 18.3%, Retro 12%, Female Protagonist 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

A succubus issues threats against humanity once every 100 years. While men die and young women disappear one by one, a succubus hunter visits a cursed city under the moonlight. Let's rescue abducted girls and defeat the succubus!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.9%, Side Scroller 15%, Platformer 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Female Protagonist 9.3%

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 28.1%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Action 6.5%, Anime 5.6%

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 41.5%, Dark Fantasy 12.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Female Protagonist 8.9%, 2D 4.4%

Step into the shoes of Freudia Neuwahl, a cool and collected young woman on a mission to save her best friend from an Imperial witch hunt. "Rosenkreuzstilette Freudenstachel" is the sequel to "Rosenkreuzstilette", a level-based 2D side scrolling action game for PC.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 12.8%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Platformer 12%, Female Protagonist 8.5%, Retro 8.4%

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 34.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Platformer 10.9%, Action 7.5%

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 30.4%, Platformer 15.2%, Difficult 10.9%, Dark Fantasy 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

Mutant scum never learn! Blaster Master Zero makes its Steam debut! Blaster Master Zero is a 8-bit style top-down & sideview 2D action-adventure game that hearkens back to the golden age of the NES. The game features new gameplay elements such as improved gameplay, and a more robust scenario.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.6%, Retro 16.2%, Platformer 15.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%, Action 11.5%

This sequel to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow reveals the story of the Belmonts as they battle destiny across generations to discover their true fate. Trevor Belmont, knight of the Brotherhood of Light, embarks on an epic quest to avenge his mother who was killed by his father Gabriel.

Why similar: Vampires 40.2% ★, Metroidvania 18.8%, Gothic 9.5% ★, Platformer 9%, Side Scroller 5.9%

Arise from the dead as the 'Cursed King' in an enthralling action platformer. Wield the chains that once imprisoned you to vanquish foes and traverse your fallen kingdom. Uncover hidden areas, strategically level up, and reclaim your throne by banishing colossal bosses!

Why similar: Vampires 22.9% ★, Metroidvania 17.5%, Platformer 11.1%, Dark Fantasy 10.9%, Difficult 8.9%

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 19.3%, Platformer 12.7%, Retro 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%

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 25.9%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Platformer 14.9%, Difficult 10.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%

Janosik 2 is a retro action-platformer with metroidvania elements. Get ready to jump, slash, dodge roll, dive, smash and bash your way through deadly traps, mischievous villains and bosses, and more in this sequel to Janosik.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.8%, Vampires 19% ★, Platformer 15.1%, Retro 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32%, Platformer 15.7%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Action 7%

A 2D action game featuring a young man with the power of lightning who stands for freedom against the evil ambitions of a massive organization. When lightning strikes, a new legend is born.

Why similar: Platformer 22.4%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Action 13.1%, Anime 12.5%

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 41.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Platformer 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Retro 7.4%

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 32%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%, Platformer 11.4%, Female Protagonist 11%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%

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 39.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Dark Fantasy 13.7%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Difficult 8.6%

Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.

Why similar: Gothic 23.6% ★, Platformer 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%, Difficult 10.4%

Experience the apeX of 2D action! A new era of 2D action begins now! Get ready for high-speed, stylish 2D side-scrolling action like never before. Inti Creates presents the ultimate in classic 2D action with "Luminous Avenger iX"!

Why similar: Platformer 21.3%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Action 17%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%

Take control of Specter Knight, servant to the Enchantress, in a quest to recruit a cadre of knights and create the Order of No Quarter. Experience perfect platforming, world-class visuals, impeccable stage design, incredible music, and even meet a friend or two in Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment!

Why similar: Platformer 22.6%, Pixel Graphics 15.9%, Action 13.9%, Retro 9.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%

Enter the dark world of Nosgoth – Ascendance is a fast paced, 2D action platformer built around fluid combat, vertical movement, vampiric powers, and skill-driven play.

Why similar: Metroidvania 15.6%, Gothic 15.2% ★, Vampires 14% ★, Platformer 11.3%, Side Scroller 9.5%

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.

Why similar: Platformer 20.7%, Great Soundtrack 18.5%, Retro 15.3%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Side Scroller 7.6%

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 41.5%, Platformer 16.8%, 2D 6.2%, Dark Fantasy 5.7%, Female Protagonist 5.6%

Hunt the legendary Beast of Gévaudan in Chronicles of the Wolf! Step into the boots of Mateo Lombardo in this epic adventure featuring brutal bosses, vast castles, and secrets to uncover. Narration by the legendary Robert Belgrade and other special appearances!

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.8%, Vampires 21.8% ★, Side Scroller 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Dark Fantasy 7.7%