- #1 ANIMAL WELL
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 23,519 reviews2024
Dev: Billy BassoPub: Bigmode
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.
Why similar: Metroidvania 44%, Exploration 10.6%, Nonlinear 10.5%, Platformer 8.8%, Atmospheric 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: It shares a deep focus on non-linear exploration, environmental puzzles, and a mysterious, atmospheric world.
- #2 Islets
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,209 reviews2022
Dev: Kyle ThompsonPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 10.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.8%, Platformer 10.5%, Cute 8.6%, Atmospheric 8.4%, Exploration 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game features a similarly charming art style and a heartwarming story centered on exploration and connecting a fractured world.
- #3 Haiku, the Robot
96% matchVery Positive90% of 3,390 reviews2022
Dev: Mister Morris Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.6%, Nonlinear 11.6%, Exploration 9.4%, Platformer 9.1%, Atmospheric 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a very similar metroidvania structure with a cute, post-apocalyptic aesthetic and satisfying combat.
- #4 Gato Roboto
95% matchVery Positive94% of 5,065 reviews2019
Dev: doinksoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 46.5%, Cats 22.8%, Platformer 7.7%, Cute 5.1%, Action 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: Like Crypt Custodian, it features a feline protagonist in a compact, well-designed metroidvania world.
- #5 TUNIC
94% matchVery Positive91% of 17,199 reviews2022
Dev: TUNIC TeamPub: Finji
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Explore a land filled with lost legends, ancient powers, and ferocious monsters in TUNIC, an isometric action game about a small fox on a big adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.7%, Exploration 11.7%, Nonlinear 10.1%, Action RPG 9.3%, Cute 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the joy of discovery and exploration through a cute, deceptive exterior that hides a deep, challenging adventure.
- #6 Death's Door
94% matchVery Positive93% of 21,056 reviews2021
Dev: Acid NervePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it's honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death - where creatures grow far past their expiry.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.6%, Action RPG 13.5%, Cute 12.6%, Dungeon Crawler 11.1%, Action-Adventure 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the afterlife theme and a cute yet slightly melancholic tone, focusing on tight combat and exploration.
- #7 Hauntii
93% matchVery Positive91% of 394 reviews2024
Dev: Moonloop GamesPub: Balor Games
Windows
An action adventure about a ghost’s journey through the afterlife. Possess enemies and the environment and fend off hostile spirits in pursuit of starry fragments from a past life.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 18.1%, Cute 14.4%, Exploration 14%, Action-Adventure 12.2%, Atmospheric 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game features a beautiful, hand-drawn aesthetic and a whimsical exploration experience set in a ghostly afterlife.
- #8 8Doors: Arum's Afterlife Adventure
92% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,561 reviews2021
Dev: Rootless StudioPub: NEOWIZ
Windows
Median: 7.6 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.
Why similar: Metroidvania 49.3%, Platformer 9.7%, Adventure 7.5%, Action 7.1%, Hand-drawn 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: It directly mirrors the afterlife setting and metroidvania gameplay, focusing on a journey through a purgatory-like realm.
- #9 SHEEPO
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 561 reviews2020
Dev: Kyle Thompson
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Explore a strange planet, collect the creatures you find, and then shape-shift into them to expand your world. Build your own path, chat with the locals, and discover the planets sprawling secrets in this quirky metroidvania platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 43.3%, Platformer 11.9%, Exploration 9.4%, Cute 8.5%, Hand-drawn 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: It is a charming, pacifist-focused metroidvania that emphasizes movement and exploration over traditional combat.
- #10 Yoku's Island Express
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,150 reviews2018
Dev: Villa GorillaPub: Team17 Digital Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure!
Why similar: Metroidvania 58.3%, Platformer 14.6%, Cute 7%, Adventure 7%, Hand-drawn 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: This unique metroidvania uses pinball mechanics to create a charming, exploration-heavy experience in a vibrant world.
- #11 Minishoot' Adventures
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 7,362 reviews2024
Dev: SoulGame Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Fly into a charming handcrafted world and go on an adventure that mixes up open exploration with crispy twin-stick shooter action. Fight your way from the shiny overworld to the deepest caves, improve your ship and overcome the dungeons' bosses to rescue your friends!
Why similar: Metroidvania 46.4%, Nonlinear 15.8%, Exploration 11.5%, Cute 9.4%, Adventure 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: It blends twin-stick shooting with metroidvania exploration, offering a fresh take on traversing an interconnected world.
- #12 SteamWorld Dig 2
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 8,836 reviews2017
Dev: Image & Form Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 15.6 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 58.2%, Platformer 14.2%, Adventure 8.3%, Action 6.5%, Exploration 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: It excels at the loop of digging, exploring, and upgrading, providing a highly polished and satisfying metroidvania experience.
- #13 Iconoclasts
89% matchVery Positive86% of 4,919 reviews2018
Dev: Joakim SandbergPub: Bifrost Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 51.7%, Platformer 9.7%, Story Rich 7.5%, Adventure 6.6%, Action 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a story-rich metroidvania experience with a strong emphasis on character-driven narrative and creative boss encounters.
- #14 Lone Fungus
88% matchVery Positive84% of 1,139 reviews2023
Dev: BASTI GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 61%
A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!
Why similar: Metroidvania 48.6%, Platformer 11.3%, Exploration 8.1%, Atmospheric 7.9%, Colorful 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses heavily on platforming challenges and deep exploration within a colorful, interconnected map.
- #15 Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 69,981 reviews2016
Dev: Moon Studios GmbHPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 21.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
“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 48.7%, Platformer 13.6%, Atmospheric 12.2%, Cute 7%, Story Rich 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a breathtakingly beautiful world with fluid movement and exploration mechanics that define the genre.
- #16 Hollow Knight
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 534,538 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 50%, Platformer 10.7%, Exploration 7.1%, Hand-drawn 6.7%, Atmospheric 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for atmospheric exploration and challenging combat in a beautifully realized, interconnected world.
- #17 MIO: Memories in Orbit
84% matchVery Positive83% of 2,890 reviews2026
Dev: Douze DixièmesPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.
Why similar: Metroidvania 42.5%, Platformer 10.7%, Exploration 10.2%, Hand-drawn 9.2%, Atmospheric 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a stylish, atmospheric metroidvania experience with a focus on fluid movement and exploration.
- #18 Afterimage
85% matchMostly Positive78% of 9,803 reviews2023
Dev: Aurogon ShanghaiPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 44.9%, Action RPG 14%, Exploration 9.5%, Platformer 9%, Action-Adventure 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: It is a massive, beautiful metroidvania that rewards players for exploring every corner of its expansive, hand-drawn world.
- #19 ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
84% matchVery Positive94% of 43,849 reviews2021
Dev: Live WirePub: Binary Haze Interactive
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 69.8%, Action RPG 8.9%, Atmospheric 8.7%, Hand-drawn 6.3%, Indie 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: It features a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and an afterlife-adjacent setting that rewards careful exploration.
- #20 Cathedral
86% matchMostly Positive73% of 445 reviews2019
Dev: Decemberborn Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 50%
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 66.6%, Platformer 9.8%, Action 9%, Adventure 8.8%, Indie 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the retro feel of classic metroidvanias with a vast, interconnected world and challenging exploration.
- #21 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
83% matchVery Positive93% of 11,587 reviews2016
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 49%, Platformer 12%, Cute 11.2%, Exploration 11.2%, Atmospheric 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a tight, atmospheric metroidvania experience with a distinct, dark-yet-cute visual style.
- #22 Pronty
82% matchVery Positive91% of 1,254 reviews2021
Dev: 18Light Game Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Guide Pronty and its Javelin partner Bront as it defends the once great city of Royla. Explore the deep sea, fight mutant sea creatures, and discover the secrets behind this new Atlantis in this beautiful action-packed adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 42.1%, Platformer 9.6%, Exploration 9.4%, Atmospheric 8.8%, Action-Adventure 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a unique underwater metroidvania experience with creative combat and exploration mechanics.
- #23 Touhou Luna Nights
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 14,634 reviews2019
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 49.5%, Platformer 12%, Exploration 11.1%, Action-Adventure 10.1%, Action 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: It features incredibly polished combat and movement mechanics within a compact, exploration-focused metroidvania structure.
- #24 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
81% matchVery Positive93% of 7,196 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 48.2%, Platformer 12.2%, Exploration 10.9%, Cute 10.2%, Adventure 5%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a classic, high-quality metroidvania experience with fluid combat and beautiful pixel art.
- #25 Blue Fire
81% matchVery Positive81% of 3,030 reviews2021
Dev: Robi StudiosPub: Graffiti Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 57%
Explore the fallen world of Penumbra in this precision 3D metroidvania platformer. Slash fierce enemies, conquer deadly traps, uncover ancient temples, and master fast, fluid movement across challenging platforming gauntlets in your quest to restore a fallen kingdom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 41.6%, Platformer 11.4%, Exploration 10.4%, Cute 10.3%, Action-Adventure 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: It blends 3D platforming with metroidvania exploration, focusing on movement-based challenges and secrets.
- #26 Guacamelee! 2
80% matchVery Positive91% of 3,294 reviews2018
Dev: Drinkbox Studios
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 41.7%, Platformer 11.6%, Exploration 7.7%, Funny 7.7%, Action-Adventure 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a vibrant, action-packed metroidvania experience with a humorous tone and excellent platforming mechanics.
- #27 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
78% matchVery Positive93% of 40,867 reviews2019
Dev: ArtPlayPub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 25.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 73%, Platformer 6.9%, Action 5.5%, RPG 4.8%, Exploration 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: It is a quintessential metroidvania that offers deep customization and a vast, rewarding world to explore.
- #28 SwooshCat
77% matchVery Positive87% of 69 reviews2025
Dev: PixelForestStudio
Windows
SwooshCat is a vibrant precision-platformer adventure. Leap, dash, slash, stab, roll, and ricochet your way through a charming pixel world as you help a brave little cat 🐾 explore and battle!
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.3%, Cats 17.5%, Action RPG 14.2%, Exploration 7.9%, Platformer 6.5%
- #29 Sundered®: Eldritch Edition
79% matchVery Positive82% of 5,120 reviews2017
Dev: Thunder Lotus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Sundered is a chaotic hand-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!
Why similar: Metroidvania 51.5%, Hand-drawn 13.4%, Platformer 12.1%, Atmospheric 5.9%, Exploration 5%
Why You'll Like It: It features stunning hand-drawn art and a chaotic, exploration-heavy metroidvania loop.
- #30 Environmental Station Alpha
79% matchVery Positive83% of 1,601 reviews2015
Dev: Arvi TeikariPub: Hempuli Oy
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 65.8%, Platformer 10.9%, Adventure 5.6%, Action 4.5%, Exploration 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses heavily on secrets and exploration, rewarding players who look beyond the surface of its retro world.
- #31 Axiom Verge
78% matchVery Positive90% of 6,442 reviews2015
Dev: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 70%, Platformer 10.3%, Exploration 4.6%, Action 4%, Adventure 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: It is a classic-style metroidvania that emphasizes discovery, strange alien environments, and unique power-ups.
- #32 Lone Fungus: Melody of Spores
75% matchVery Positive96% of 241 reviews2025
Dev: BASTI GAMES
Windows
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 44.1%, Exploration 9.7%, Platformer 8.5%, Action-Adventure 8%, Adventure 7.1%
- #33 Nyaruru Fishy Fight
76% matchVery Positive90% of 1,751 reviews2023
Dev: 赤瞳大白猫
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 27.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
This game is a Metroidvania game with intense battle. Explore the world and collection power-ups with your cute cat girl! When magic curse suddenly occurred in a small town and all the residents grew cat ears, the real cat girl Nyaruru started her way to uncover the truth...
Why similar: Metroidvania 46.3%, Cute 10.9%, Exploration 9.3%, Platformer 9.2%, Action-Adventure 8.1%
- #34 Dimensional Animals
77% matchVery Positive89% of 61 reviews2024
Dev: Marcos Game Dev
Windows
Five animal friends with unique abillities unite in this metroidvania adventure! You'll need to master each animal's skill to complete your quest! Play as the dog, duck, cat, frog and raccoon at the same time!
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.9%, Cats 18.6%, Nonlinear 15%, Exploration 8.7%, Cute 7.3%
- #35 Promenade
75% matchVery Positive95% of 847 reviews2024
Dev: Holy Cap
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Go on an adventure in a world packed with secrets helped by your friend, a poulp with many abilities. Explore, solve puzzles, wander across dungeons, blast through races and much more in this cute game inspired by the best 3D platformers
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.7%, Platformer 10.9%, Cute 10.4%, Exploration 9.5%, Action-Adventure 7.6%
- #36 Have a Nice Death
74% matchVery Positive86% of 10,508 reviews2023
Dev: Magic Design StudiosPub: Arc Games
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Have a Nice Death is a 2D action roguelike where you play as an overworked Death, whose employees have run rampant, completely throwing off the balance of souls - and his vacation plans. In order to restore order, you'll have to grab your trusty scythe and show your employees who's boss.
Why similar: Metroidvania 53.2%, Funny 16.6%, Platformer 14%, Action 9.1%, Indie 4.6%
- #37 Fatal Claw
73% matchVery Positive96% of 122 reviews2025
Dev: NDEV GAMESPub: Com2us Holdings
Windows
Dive into Fatal Claw, a Metroidvania game in vibrant 2D artwork. Explore the arcane underworld your way with Kisha. Your ultimate goal is to find the key to the surface world alongside other survivors, while vanquishing infected enemies and absorbing their power. Start your clawsome adventure now!
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.5%, Cats 20.7%, Hand-drawn 10%, Platformer 8.7%, Action-Adventure 7.6%
- #38 Bobo The Cat
76% matchVery Positive81% of 57 reviews2023
Dev: Bobo The Cat
Windows
In this Marioid styled game you can help little cat Bobo. Jump on enemies, run, scratch and spit furballs to fight your way back home. Bobo feels completely powerless and struggles to get in shape at first, but he constantly learns new mechanics and abilities.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.9%, Cats 24.9%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Cute 8.2%, Action-Adventure 7.9%
- #39 BioGun
73% matchVery Positive87% of 611 reviews2024
Dev: Dapper Dog Digital
Windows · Linux
Get injected into the microscopic world of BioGun. Face viral threats and winding corridors on your mission to save man’s best friend from the inside. Will you save dog-kind from extinction?
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.7%, Hand-drawn 10.5%, Platformer 8.4%, Atmospheric 8%, Cute 7.6%
- #40 Constance
72% matchVery Positive83% of 2,256 reviews2025
Dev: Blue Backpack
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Constance is a 2D hand-drawn action adventure featuring a paintbrush-wielding artist, striving to escape from a colorful but decaying inner-world, created by her declining mental health.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.7%, Nonlinear 12.6%, Hand-drawn 9.5%, Platformer 8.1%, Action-Adventure 6.8%
- #41 Nine Sols
70% matchVery Positive95% of 38,824 reviews2024
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.1%, Cats 17.9%, Hand-drawn 10.3%, Platformer 8.8%, Atmospheric 6.1%
- #42 Vampire's Best Friend
71% matchVery Positive99% of 75 reviews2025
Dev: SinksAdventure
Windows
Vampire hunters are after a mischievous vampire girl, and it's up to her pet bat to save the day. Flap through peril in this open-ended precision “batformer” with a unique control scheme that re-contextualizes precision platformer trappings and flips them upside-down!
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.8%, Nonlinear 15.8%, Platformer 11.3%, Cute 11.1%, Exploration 7.1%
- #43 Imp of the Sun
74% matchMixed65% of 241 reviews2022
Dev: Sunwolf EntertainmentPub: Fireshine Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Restore the Sun’s light and end the Eternal Eclipse in this 2D fast-paced action-platformer game inspired by Peruvian cultures. Explore hand-crafted environments, battle and improve your skills to defeat the Four Keepers that stole the power of the Sun.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Hand-drawn 13%, Nonlinear 11.6%, Platformer 7.6%, Cute 6.8%
- #44 Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread
73% matchVery Positive89% of 325 reviews2022
Dev: MY.GAMESPub: Knights Peak
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Blast off in a 2D metroidvania adventure bursting with platforming thrills, deep exploration, and explosive action. Assemble a crack team of heroes to save the world in Blast Brigade!
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.5%, Platformer 10.2%, Cute 8.4%, Exploration 8.2%, Action-Adventure 7.8%
- #45 Cats Catching Mice: The Black and White World
71% matchVery Positive99% of 77 reviews2025
Dev: 半星BanXing
Windows · Linux
Explore in a black-and-white world. You'll encounter interesting enemies, feel smooth physics effects, freely combine props to solve fun puzzles, use powerful weapons, and defeat cool bosses.
Why similar: Metroidvania 50.6%, Exploration 12.4%, Platformer 12%, Cute 8.3%, Puzzle 6.6%
- #46 Marko: Beyond Brave
72% matchMostly Positive72% of 67 reviews2024
Dev: Studio MechkaPub: Studio Mechka
Windows
Marko: Beyond Brave is an action-packed Metroidvania adventure. Wander through lush forests and crumbling castles, battle corrupted creatures, and escape intricate traps. Jump, slash, and shoot your way through challenging foes and mighty bosses inspired by Slavic myths and legends.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.9%, Hand-drawn 10.3%, Platformer 8.6%, Exploration 8.2%, Action-Adventure 7.3%
- #47 Iron Diamond
71% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2024
Dev: North Folk Studios
Windows
Explore the mysterious island of Kindara in this vibrant 2D action-adventure. Fight and platform your way through jungles, icy peaks, castles, and crystal caverns in a non-linear interconnected world. Adventure awaits!
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.6%, Nonlinear 13.5%, Exploration 8.1%, Hand-drawn 8%, Cute 6.6%
- #48 Cat Quest III
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,852 reviews2024
Dev: The GentlebrosPub: Kepler Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
In Cat Quest III you play as a purrivateer in a freely explorable 2.5D open-world swarming with Pi-rats. You can sail the seas in your ship for treasures galore! But prepare for peril, as the Pirate King aims to hunt you down...
Why similar: Cats 31.8%, Action RPG 18.4%, Cute 11.3%, Exploration 10.9%, Funny 8.2%
- #49 BIOMORPH
68% matchVery Positive92% of 651 reviews2024
Dev: Lucid Dreams Studio
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 68%
BIOMORPH is a dark metroidvania game where you become the creatures that you kill! Solve ingenious puzzles and navigate a stunning hand-drawn world. Meet quirky characters, rebuild a city, and uncover the secrets of a sprawling, fallen civilization… and of your own mysterious origins.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.6%, Nonlinear 13.1%, Platformer 10.1%, Hand-drawn 8.9%, Exploration 8.2%
- #50 Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
70% matchVery Positive89% of 2,575 reviews2019
Dev: Game AtelierPub: FDG Entertainment
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 46.4%, Platformer 12%, Adventure 7.8%, Action 6.9%, Exploration 6.4%
- #51 Unbound: Worlds Apart
70% matchVery Positive84% of 1,299 reviews2021
Dev: Alien Pixel Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Summon portals to overcome vicious beasts, devious puzzles and fiendish platforming challenges. Master the unique powers of each portal to stop the collapse of reality, while exploring lush, hand-drawn worlds and unraveling a deep narrative full of mysteries.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.6%, Platformer 12.3%, Atmospheric 9.6%, Hand-drawn 8.1%, Exploration 8%
- #52 Night in the Woods
69% matchVery Positive95% of 19,753 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite FallPub: Finji
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.
Why similar: Cats 28.2%, Hand-drawn 13.7%, Platformer 10.9%, Exploration 10.4%, Story Rich 10.3%
- #53 Elephantasy: Flipside
69% matchVery Positive83% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: B. Maksym (Linker)
Windows
Use and upgrade magic items, collect hidden treasures, and uncover the secrets between two worlds in this cute isometric puzzler! When a certain vacationing Elephant stumbles upon a way into the land of the dead, will she unwittingly let something far more sinister slip through?
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.5%, Nonlinear 15.4%, Platformer 9.5%, Action-Adventure 7.9%, Exploration 7.1%
- #54 Master Key
67% matchVery Positive92% of 262 reviews2024
Dev: Achromi
Windows · Mac · Linux
Master Key is a top-down adventure game with a strong focus on item-based exploration and secrets. Embark on a journey to discover what that key could be used for and meet colorful characters!
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.8%, Nonlinear 14.2%, Exploration 10.2%, Cute 9%, Action-Adventure 8.2%
- #55 Öoo
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 5,680 reviews2025
Dev: NamaTakahashi
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A Bomb Caterpillar's Big Adventure! "Öoo" is a charming yet mysterious exploration puzzle platformer where you discover creative ways to use bombs!
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.8%, Exploration 12.2%, Platformer 11.9%, Cute 11.3%, Puzzle 6.5%
- #56 Auridia
65% matchVery Positive98% of 144 reviews2025
Dev: Norseboar Games
Windows · Mac
Explore an interconnected world full of platforming challenges in this short metroidvania. Reach new areas by swinging from ceilings, throwing bombs, bouncing off spikes, and more. Examine dozens of artifacts, commune with forgotten gods, and piece together what happened to Auridia.
Why similar: Metroidvania 49.7%, Exploration 12%, Platformer 9.7%, Atmospheric 8.8%, Adventure 6.1%
- #57 Umbraclaw
67% matchVery Positive90% of 164 reviews2024
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Umbraclaw tells the story of Kuon, a house cat who has died in the mortal world, after she awakens in the Soulplane, a realm of the dead. She must challenge the perilous underworld to return home to her owner in this 2D action adventure.
Why similar: Platformer 28.5%, Cats 26.5%, Action 21.8%, Adventure 21.3%, Singleplayer 2%
- #58 Babushka's Glitch Dungeon
65% matchVery Positive99% of 223 reviews2025
Dev: pets club 2
Windows · Mac
Oh hello dearie.. Babushka needs to clean up her big magical cellar. Use hag magic, or just hit stuff with your broom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.9%, Nonlinear 18.5%, Exploration 10.3%, Platformer 10%, Cute 8.4%
- #59 Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 1,528 reviews2025
Dev: Pocket TrapPub: PM Studios, Inc.
Windows
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.6%, Action-Adventure 13.8%, Exploration 12.6%, Platformer 11.4%, Story Rich 9.3%
- #60 KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT
66% matchVery Positive96% of 170 reviews2024
Dev: KamotachiPub: Mameshiba Games
Windows
Join KinnikuNeko, a cat with a bodybuilder's body, in this fun 2D platformer and fight against the mysterious alien invasion. A story full of goofy humor, friendship, drama and action. Its aesthetics are a love letter to 90s anime along with an unforgettable soundtrack.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.7%, Cats 15.6%, Platformer 9.4%, Action-Adventure 7.9%, Hand-drawn 7.7%