Games Like Cave Story+

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 48.8%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Platformer 12.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%, Retro 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a love letter to classic sci-fi exploration games, featuring unique weapon mechanics and a mysterious, retro-inspired atmosphere.

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 42%, Great Soundtrack 23%, Platformer 15.2%, Difficult 5%, Indie 3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a vast, interconnected world and deep lore that captures the same sense of wonder and challenge found in Cave Story.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.8%, Platformer 13.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, Retro 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title excels at providing a dense, retro-styled world filled with secrets and challenging boss encounters.

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: Great Soundtrack 32%, Platformer 27.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Retro 9.3%, Metroidvania 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the spirit of 8-bit classics with tight controls, memorable music, and polished level design.

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 34.2%, Great Soundtrack 21.9%, Platformer 16.7%, Retro 7.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It starts as a linear action-platformer and evolves into a full-fledged Metroidvania with a fantastic soundtrack and witty writing.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.8%, Great Soundtrack 29%, Platformer 18.3%, Difficult 3.1%, Adventure 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: It features breathtaking art and fluid movement mechanics that make exploration feel incredibly rewarding.

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 50.2%, Platformer 14%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Retro 5.7%, Indie 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: This compact, charming adventure features a similar scope and retro-pixel aesthetic to Cave Story.

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 43.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Platformer 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Indie 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: It combines high-quality pixel art with a surprisingly deep, emotional story and varied action-platforming gameplay.

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 63.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.9%, Platformer 10.1%, Action 3.6%, Adventure 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: As a spiritual successor to the Castlevania series, it offers the deep progression and exploration that fans of the genre crave.

Aquaria is an award-winning action-adventure game set in a massive underwater world teeming with life and filled with ancient secrets. Join Naija, a lone underwater adventurer, as she travels from hidden caves shrouded in darkness, to beautiful, sunlit oases in search of her past.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.3%, Great Soundtrack 27.3%, Indie 4.4%, Exploration 4.2%, Adventure 3%

Why You'll Like It: This underwater exploration game shares a similar sense of discovery and a unique, atmospheric world-building style.

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.2%, Platformer 20.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Indie 4.3%, 2D 4%

Why You'll Like It: It pairs emotional, narrative-heavy storytelling with unique flight-based platforming 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 44.9%, Platformer 16%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Difficult 5.6%, Indie 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is a perfect choice for players who want a punishingly difficult exploration experience filled with intricate puzzles.

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 39.3%, Platformer 16.2%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Difficult 6.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features fast-paced action and unique time-manipulation mechanics that make for a highly satisfying combat experience.

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 39.6%, Great Soundtrack 21.8%, Platformer 20.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%, 2D 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a polished, character-driven exploration experience with plenty of charm and clever level design.

VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 28.8%, Platformer 24.4%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Metroidvania 7.4%, Retro 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique gravity-flipping mechanic and a fantastic chiptune soundtrack that feels very retro-inspired.

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 48.4%, Platformer 20%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Difficult 6.9%, Exploration 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a dark, atmospheric world with tight combat and beautiful pixel art that feels very similar to Cave Story's aesthetic.

Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 37.9%, Metroidvania 19.7%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Difficult 7.6%, Indie 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a beautiful, atmospheric world and challenging combat that relies on visual storytelling rather than dialogue.

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 45.3%, Platformer 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, Great Soundtrack 4.8%, Exploration 4%

Why You'll Like It: The fluid combat and stunning pixel art make this a standout Metroidvania that feels like a modern classic.

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: Great Soundtrack 40.5%, Pixel Graphics 20.3%, Retro 7.3%, Indie 5.6%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: While more of an action-RPG, its deep puzzles, pixel art, and satisfying combat feel right at home for fans of the genre.

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.9%, Platformer 22%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Action 4.5%, Indie 4%

Why You'll Like It: The beautiful hand-drawn art and fluid combat make this an engaging action-adventure experience.

Deep within the realm of sleep, Sybil finds herself pulled to a distorted castle. Grow strong, and unlock new abilities to build up a deep movement system, fight enemies, find secrets, and free the weary soul of Castle Sansa, in this retro-inspired 3D Platformer Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 62%, Platformer 21.8%, Exploration 4.8%, Retro 4.8%, Indie 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: This modern 3D platformer captures the spirit of retro exploration with an emphasis on expressive and fluid movement.

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 55.8%, Platformer 10.6%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Difficult 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a challenging, dark, and cryptic world that rewards players who enjoy deep exploration and combat.

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 53.6%, Platformer 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%, Retro 6.2%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is a pure, challenging, and retro-inspired Metroidvania that focuses on exploration and discovery.

SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.8%, Platformer 20.2%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Indie 4.5%, Adventure 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: The satisfying loop of mining, upgrading, and exploring makes this a highly addictive Metroidvania experience.

Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.

Why similar: Platformer 37.7%, Great Soundtrack 29.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Indie 7.5%, Exploration 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on exploration and perspective-shifting puzzles that reward curiosity and patience.

Head back to the Mexiverse in this long-awaited sequel to the smash hit Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across stunning new hand-crafted levels. Featuring a dense and colorful world, new luchador moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.5%, Platformer 23.8%, Difficult 7.5%, 2D 4.6%, Action 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is a vibrant, mechanically satisfying exploration game that emphasizes fluid movement and combat.

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 32.7%, Platformer 23.2%, Great Soundtrack 19.3%, Retro 5.4%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: This is a faithful and beautiful remake of a classic exploration platformer that defined the genre.

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 59.4%, Platformer 15.9%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Action 3.4%, Indie 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features deep combat systems and branching paths that provide significant replayability for fans of action-platformers.

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: Platformer 43.7%, Great Soundtrack 26.9%, Indie 9%, Classic 8% ★, 2D 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: This classic puzzle-platformer features a strong, thought-provoking narrative and unique time-manipulation mechanics.

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: Great Soundtrack 31.5%, Platformer 27.7%, Classic 7.9% ★, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Retro 7.2%

The legendary Knytt series continues with Nifflas’ latest creation; Knytt Underground. In this Knytteration; humans have long since abandoned the planet after practically destroying it in a war, five hundred years ago.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.8%, Platformer 27.4%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Indie 6.6%, Exploration 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game prioritizes atmosphere and exploration over combat, offering a vast world to get lost in.

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 35.4%, Platformer 26.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Indie 5.7%

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 46.9%, Platformer 17.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%, Difficult 4.9%

Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.

Why similar: Platformer 34.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Difficult 9.8%, Retro 7.7%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.4%, Platformer 16.6%, Retro 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.4%, Difficult 3.3%

Spelunky is a unique platformer with randomized levels that offer a challenging new experience each time you play. Journey deep underground and explore fantastic places filled with all manner of monsters, traps, and treasure.

Why similar: Platformer 57.6%, Difficult 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Indie 9%, 2D 5.8%

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 50.5%, Platformer 19.2%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Retro 9.2%, Action 8.1%

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 40.3%, Platformer 17.9%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Retro 6.1%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%

Experience the rhythmic thrill of BIT.TRIP RUNNER! With its retro charm, simple controls, and award-winning visuals, this classic sets the standard for rhythm gaming. Don't miss the game that started it all in the acclaimed runner series.

Why similar: Platformer 33.3%, Great Soundtrack 20.2%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Action 6.3%, 2D 6.2%

Electronic Super Joy is a brutally hard platformer set in a world of pulse-pounding electronic music. Run, jump, smash & fly your way through 45+ weird & different levels, with low-gravity, world rotation, giant monsters & swarming missiles.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 40.3%, Platformer 33.4%, Difficult 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%, Indie 5.4%

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 40.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.7%, Platformer 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, Difficult 4.6%

Sonic Mania is an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 32%, Classic 24% ★, Platformer 19.3%, Retro 8%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%

Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 38.9%, Indie 12%, Retro 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Difficult 10%

You play an explorer stranded on a dangerous alien planet. Low on fuel, your only hope for escape is to find the planet’s core in this incredibly clever action-puzzle-platformer.

Why similar: Platformer 27.8%, Great Soundtrack 23.7%, Metroidvania 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Retro 6.4%

Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action-adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, lovable bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you!

Why similar: Platformer 23.1%, Great Soundtrack 20%, Indie 10.9%, Action 10.4%, Adventure 9.5%

"This is some of the most fun I've had with a game so far this year, and it will go down as one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time." - 9/10, Destructoid

Why similar: Platformer 42.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.5%, Action 12.1%, Indie 11.9%, 2D 7.5%

Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 57%, Pixel Graphics 16.9%, Indie 9%, Adventure 8.9%, 2D 2.1%

SteamWorld Dig is an action-adventure puzzler with strong Metroidvanian influences set in the SteamWorld Universe. You’ll need to dig deep into the earth, gather resources to upgrade your tools and abilities, take on enemies, solve challenging puzzles and uncover the secrets to save a dying town.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.5%, Platformer 29%, Great Soundtrack 4.8%, Indie 4.4%, Adventure 3.8%

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: Great Soundtrack 35%, Platformer 31.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Retro 7%, Action 6.3%

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.2%, Platformer 20.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%, Retro 5.1%, Action 4%

Rediscover this great Metroidvania game in a brand new version with a lot of features and improvements! Run in 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 48.6%, Platformer 22.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Action 4.4%, Indie 4.2%

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 43.2%, Platformer 18.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.6%, Action 4.8%, Indie 4.7%

Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games.

Why similar: Classic 25.7% ★, Platformer 22.5%, Great Soundtrack 22.1%, Retro 9%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut brings hair-whipping, belly-dancing to your PC! Play one of the most critically acclaimed handheld series of all time, now with brand new features!

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.9%, Platformer 24%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%, Pixel Graphics 6%, Retro 2.9%

A huge hand-crafted world packed with 13 unique bosses, a gripping story, and tons of enemies, Spaceport Hope is the ultimate test of gaming prowess.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.6%, Platformer 25.5%, Indie 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, Action 5%

The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!

Why similar: Platformer 36%, Great Soundtrack 24.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%, Difficult 10.8%, Indie 5.9%

SANABI is an exhilarating stylish dystopian action-platformer. Play as a legendary retired veteran and use your signature prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs and skyscrapers, zip through bullets and traps and defeat powerful enemies.

Why similar: Platformer 21.6%, Great Soundtrack 18.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.9%, Action 7%, Story Rich 6.3%