Games Like Castle In The Darkness

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 43.5%, Platformer 14.7%, Retro 8.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the fast-paced, retro-inspired action and platforming intensity that defines Castle In The Darkness.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 57%, Platformer 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Difficult 7.4%, Great Soundtrack 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes exploration and challenging boss encounters within a dense, secret-filled world.

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 28.3%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Retro 12.3%, Difficult 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: This title is the gold standard for modern games that honor the difficulty and charm of classic 8-bit action-platformers.

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 61%, Platformer 10.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%, Retro 4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a deep, atmospheric exploration experience that feels like a spiritual successor to the early metroidvania genre.

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

Why You'll Like It: A direct homage to classic Castlevania games, offering the same tight, punishing action and retro aesthetic.

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 62%, Platformer 10.3%, Retro 6.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, RPG 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: This collection offers the definitive classic metroidvania experience that inspired the genre's most iconic mechanics.

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.7%, Difficult 15.4%, Platformer 12.9%, Great Soundtrack 5.4%, Retro 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a high level of difficulty and dense, puzzle-heavy exploration that will satisfy fans of challenging retro games.

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 55.1%, Platformer 12.1%, Retro 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Action 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the exact 8-bit action-adventure feel and dark, gothic atmosphere found in early platforming classics.

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 55.5%, Platformer 9.5%, Difficult 8.4%, Retro 5.8%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, classic-style exploration platformer that focuses on tight controls and a sprawling, interconnected map.

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.7%, Difficult 16.4%, Platformer 14.1%, Retro 7.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: As a foundational indie metroidvania, it balances exploration, shooting, and platforming with a distinct retro charm.

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 55%, Platformer 14.8%, Retro 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a retro-styled world packed with secrets and clever character-switching mechanics.

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 54.5%, Platformer 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Retro 6.6%, Difficult 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: It features retro-inspired exploration and puzzle-platforming that rewards players for uncovering hidden paths.

Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.

Why similar: Difficult 33.6%, Platformer 31.4%, Retro 10.7%, Action 6.8%, Indie 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers brutal, unforgiving difficulty and precise platforming that mirrors the most challenging moments of the seed game.

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 50.6%, Platformer 9.8%, RPG 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%, Adventure 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic 16-bit action-adventure feel with a focus on exploration and character progression.

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 55.2%, Platformer 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 5.6%, Action 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines tight platforming with high-octane boss fights and a strong narrative focus.

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 55.9%, Platformer 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Retro 5.8%, Indie 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A compact, retro-styled action-platformer that packs a punch with its focused design and exploration.

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 44.6%, Difficult 16.3%, Platformer 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%, Great Soundtrack 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers incredibly fast-paced action and unique time-manipulation mechanics within a metroidvania structure.

Explore the depths below a remote mountain town in this procedurally-generated Adventure Platformer. Taking inspiration from hack 'n slash dungeon crawlers and Metroidvania-style platformers, Chasm will immerse you in a fantasy world full of exciting treasure, deadly enemies, and abundant secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.5%, Platformer 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, RPG 5%, Indie 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: It combines procedural elements with classic platforming to create a fresh experience in every playthrough.

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 54.8%, Platformer 16.8%, Action 5.9%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%, Adventure 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers polished platforming and creative transformation mechanics that keep the gameplay feeling fresh.

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 65.6%, Difficult 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Action 4.2%, Platformer 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides challenging combat and deep character building within a sprawling, beautifully rendered world.

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 54.2%, Platformer 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, RPG 5.8%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: It features fluid combat and classic exploration that feels like a modern evolution of the Castlevania formula.

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 48.2%, Platformer 15.1%, Difficult 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%, Action 4.1%

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 52.4%, Difficult 17.4%, Platformer 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, challenging, and fast-paced action-platformer that emphasizes tight movement and combat.

Xeodrifter is the story of an interstellar drifter traveling the stars on a simple mission of exploration. We join our nomad as he embarks on the investigation of a small cluster of four planets in the omega sector, after a collision with a rogue asteroid damaged his warp core.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.6%, Platformer 14.4%, Difficult 10.9%, Retro 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a short, punchy, and highly focused exploration experience that respects the player's time.

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 60.9%, Difficult 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, Platformer 8.1%, Great Soundtrack 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a dark, atmospheric, and highly difficult action-platforming experience with deep lore.

Elliot Quest is an adventure/RPG where players explore the mysterious Urele island in search of an ancient demon. With 5 dungeons to conquer, 16 bosses to defeat, and countless treasures to discover and hidden areas. Well-balanced gameplay easy to pick up but challenging to master.

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.4%, Platformer 10.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, RPG 7.5%, Action 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-heavy adventure that incorporates RPG progression and a vast, interconnected world.

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 57.1%, Platformer 16.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, RPG 5.9%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: This game blends RPG-lite elements with a classic metroidvania structure and a beautiful pixel-art aesthetic.

Throw on your nostalgia goggles and travel back in time with Super Win the Game, a retro-core explosion of exploration and platforming action!!

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.3%, Difficult 16.2%, Platformer 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, Retro 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-aesthetic exploration game that captures the simplicity and joy of early platforming titles.

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 46.8%, Platformer 25.2%, Difficult 10%, Indie 4.1%, Great Soundtrack 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A unique puzzle-platformer that focuses on physics-based movement and clever environmental challenges.

An ancient evil has been set loose, and Jonathan cursed in the process. Jonathan must now collect seven holy grails from around all of Egypt to cleanse himself of the curse of Sehur the First. Be delighted by the quirky humor, charming characters, and the beautifully designed world, in Pharaoh Rebirth+!

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.2%, Platformer 14.8%, Action 11.4%, Adventure 9.3%, Indie 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features fast-paced action and platforming with a quirky, retro-inspired sense of humor.

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.4%, Platformer 20.4%, Difficult 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%, Retro 6.2%

You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59%, Platformer 12.7%, Difficult 8.7%, Retro 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 4%

Embark on a heartfelt Mushroomvania adventure through a vast and dense interconnected world! It's like a mix of retro and modern classics!

Why similar: Metroidvania 62.5%, Platformer 14%, Adventure 6%, RPG 4.8%, Pixel Graphics 3%

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 45.7%, Platformer 23.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Action 6.5%, Indie 5.8%

Inspired by the retro glory days of 8-bit games, Rex Rocket is a traditional 2D platformer brought into the 21st century. Paying tribute to classic NES games like Mario, Mega Man, and Metroid, old-school platformer fans will find Rex Rocket a breath of fresh air.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45%, Platformer 14.4%, Difficult 10.1%, Retro 6.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%

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 54%, Retro 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%, Indie 6.5%

In this pixel-perfect homage to the classic action platformers, you play as Sydney Hunter - an explorer who gets trapped inside a Mayan pyramid while he's out exploring!

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Platformer 15.2%, Action 10%, Difficult 9.2%, Adventure 7.9%

Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.7%, Difficult 12.7%, Platformer 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.6%

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 69.1%, Retro 7.7%, Action 5.5%, Platformer 5.2%, Pixel Graphics 4.3%

Discover a vast world full of mysteries and action in this Metroidvania-style game inspired by the classics of the 16-bit era.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.2%, Action 12.8%, RPG 9.2%, Platformer 9%, Adventure 6.1%

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 65.1%, Platformer 12%, Difficult 6.5%, RPG 4.4%, Great Soundtrack 3.7%

Spark the electric jester is an action/platformer video game heavily based on best classics from the 16-bit era from both sides of the aisle.

Why similar: Platformer 35.9%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Retro 10.5%, Action 10.2%

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 61.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, Platformer 7.4%, Action 6.3%, Great Soundtrack 5.6%

"The most rewarding game of 2013!" Influenced by retro classics Mega Man and Castlevania, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures features the AVGN and friends as they blast their way through 10 levels of fun, fast paced 2D action based on the AVGN's adventures in his online series.

Why similar: Platformer 27.2%, Difficult 24.7%, Retro 11%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%

2D platform game focused on intense combat against enemies and exploration of secret areas in dark dungeons full of dangers.

Why similar: Platformer 21.1%, Difficult 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Retro 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 10%

A 8-bit retro action platformer that goes beyond just pixels and chiptunes

Why similar: Platformer 30.9%, Retro 17.7%, Action 17.1%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, Indie 13%

Hop into a Game Boy inspired metroidvania adventure! Explore a huge and open dungeon and find ability upgrades to help you in your quest! Can you survive the tiny dangerous dungeons and find the presumably huge treasure?

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.2%, Platformer 17.2%, Retro 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Indie 7.4%

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 39.3%, Platformer 18%, RPG 8.6%, Great Soundtrack 7%, Action 6.9%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.9%, Difficult 19.3%, Platformer 16.5%, Indie 3.1%, 2D 2.9%

Bounce and stomp through an enormous interconnected world, doing some intense acrobatics and getting huge combos! A superfast precision platformer that mixes up a Metroidvania world with classic Arcade mechanics.

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.9%, Platformer 15.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, Action 5.5%, Adventure 4.9%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 53%, Difficult 15%, Platformer 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Indie 3%

Retro Game Crunch is a series of 7 games, full of the charm and challenge of the 8-bit generation. Each world feels like an authentic NES classic. A massive genre-spanning collection.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Retro 13.6%, Platformer 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.7%, Action 7.4%

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 55.7%, Platformer 16.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Retro 8.2%, Indie 3.4%

The End Is Nigh is a sprawling adventure platformer where you die a lot, but thats ok because you are probably already dead anyway.

Why similar: Platformer 31.3%, Difficult 31.2%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Indie 6.5%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%

Join brave sir Lootalot on his epic quest in this little Zelda-lite adventure. Explore and fight your way through the dangerous dungeons filled with traps, puzzles and magical artifacts. And, of course, show the evil bosses who is the real boss here.

Why similar: Retro 19.7%, Pixel Graphics 18.1%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, Action 13.6%, Indie 12.4%

Steel yourself for a relentless display of might and muscle…brawn and bravery…magic and mayhem! Inspired by heroic fantasy fiction, Tiny Barbarian DX combines engaging 2D platform action and combo-based hack-and-slash combat with retro-style pixel art and a loincloth-stirring chiptune soundtrack.

Why similar: Platformer 35.4%, Action 22.5%, Adventure 17.8%, Retro 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%

FOX n FORESTS is a 16-bit style action platformer with RPG elements! Switch seasons on the fly and wield your crossbow to unveil the mystery of the 5th season.

Why similar: Platformer 26.1%, Pixel Graphics 14.5%, Action 13.3%, RPG 12.7%, Adventure 9.6%

Love pixels? Fond of platformers? Is there a special place in your heart for the 8-bit and 16-bit era? Want to have fun? Yes!? Well, you’ve come to the right place, my friend. Mutant Mudds Deluxe is a “12-bit” action platformer full of pixels and platforming fun!

Why similar: Platformer 34%, Pixel Graphics 19.6%, Retro 13%, Indie 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%