Games Like Cyber Shadow

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: Ninja 34.8% ★, Metroidvania 17.1%, Retro 10%, Platformer 9%, Great Soundtrack 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the spirit of 8-bit action-platformers with its tight controls, ninja protagonist, and clever genre-shifting mechanics.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer that channels the golden age of classic 16-bit action games in a full-throttle quest for revenge. Created to defend a totalitarian state, the Moonrider rejects its programming and now seeks vengeance on its creators.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20%, Retro 15.9%, Platformer 14.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Post-apocalyptic 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a direct homage to 16-bit action classics, featuring fast-paced, satisfying hack-and-slash combat that feels very similar to Cyber Shadow.

Gravity Circuit is a flashy action packed 2D platformer in the spirit of console classics. Follow Kai, a lone operative war hero who harnesses the mysterious powers of the Gravity Circuit, on an adventure in a futuristic world inhabited by sentient robots.

Why similar: Platformer 20.9%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Retro 14%, 2D Platformer 10.6%, Side Scroller 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a high-octane, retro-inspired experience with a focus on fluid movement and powerful melee combat that mirrors the intensity of Cyber Shadow.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Ninja 22.5% ★, Cyberpunk 16.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%, Platformer 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: While more focused on one-hit-kill mechanics, its stylish pixel art, cyberpunk aesthetic, and lightning-fast ninja action make it a perfect thematic companion.

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 19.9%, Retro 13.7%, Platformer 12.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Side Scroller 9%

Why You'll Like It: Developed with a deep appreciation for classic retro action, this title provides the same challenging, stage-based platforming and boss-heavy progression.

With its cyberpunk city brought to life with retro graphics, Ninja Issen invites players into a world filled with "hyper ninja action" as they work alone to annihilate waves of enemy troops using a variety of ninja skills and fight bosses coming at you with relentless, diverse attack patterns.

Why similar: Ninja 45.7% ★, Cyberpunk 15.5%, Retro 8.4%, Platformer 6.4%, Pixel Graphics 6%

Why You'll Like It: It combines a gritty cyberpunk world with high-speed ninja combat, directly echoing the aesthetic and gameplay loop of the seed game.

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 40.6%, Platformer 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Retro 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: While more exploration-heavy, its retro aesthetic and tight, action-oriented combat make it a staple for fans of 2D platformers.

Shinobi alert! Use your 7 shinobi weapons to survive the bloodshed! Introducing a hard core 2D ninja action game by Hyper-retro graphics.

Why similar: Ninja 61.9% ★, Retro 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, 2D Platformer 8.1%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: This is a pure, retro-styled ninja action game that emphasizes precise swordplay and challenging platforming segments.

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 23.9%, Anime 17.8%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features fast-paced, anime-inspired action with a focus on high-skill combat and tight, responsive movement.

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: Cyberpunk 25.1%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%, Platformer 10.9%, 2D Platformer 8.4%, Retro 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers a compelling, story-rich cyberpunk experience with unique grappling-hook-based movement that feels as fluid as a ninja's agility.

KUNAI is a quirky, fast-paced action platformer. You play as Tabby, a tablet who joins the fight against a robot uprising. Use your kunai and ninja parkour skills to stop Lemonkus, the A.I.-gone-evil that almost wiped out all human life.

Why similar: Ninja 26.3% ★, Metroidvania 21%, Platformer 9.3%, Action 8.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a unique, agile protagonist and fast-paced platforming that emphasizes movement and combat flow.

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 37.9%, Platformer 11.4%, Retro 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Side Scroller 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This compact metroidvania features tight controls and a retro aesthetic that feels like a love letter to classic action-platformers.

When a global war nearly decimated humankind, an evil military organization called Oniken takes advantage of the situation to dominate and oppress the few remaining survivors. Even though any resistance to this organization seemed hopeless, a small rebel movement organizes strikes against Oniken.

Why similar: Retro 27.3%, Platformer 23.6%, Ninja 12.8% ★, Difficult 9%, Pixel Graphics 9%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, retro-styled action game that captures the punishing difficulty and arcade-like feel of early 8-bit ninja titles.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.8%, Platformer 12.8%, Retro 7.2%, Difficult 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a deep, challenging metroidvania experience with a minimalist pixel-art style that rewards precision and exploration.

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 38.9%, Pixel Graphics 14.7%, Platformer 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%, Side Scroller 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a beautiful pixel-art world with a heavy emphasis on platforming and challenging boss encounters.

Shadow Blade is an action-platformer set in a visually striking world where the ancient teachings of ninjas and samurai clash upon a modern landscape. Sprint through stages littered with traps, slaying enemies along your path without hesitation as Kuro, the blade of shadow!

Why similar: Ninja 74.7% ★, Platformer 16.5%, Action 5.3%, Indie 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated ninja-themed platformer that focuses on fast-paced, fluid movement and satisfying combat encounters.

Explore a dark and sinister Osaka as the Demon Hunter Shin. Battle demons, regain lost skills, and uncover the truth of your forgotten past in this exciting occult-inspired cyberpunk metroidvania.

Why similar: Ninja 27% ★, Metroidvania 21.1%, Cyberpunk 13.2%, Side Scroller 8.8%, Platformer 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern metroidvania that emphasizes side-scrolling action and martial arts-inspired combat mechanics.

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 44.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, Retro 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Platformer 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a surprisingly deep action-platformer with a retro aesthetic and challenging combat that feels very similar to Cyber Shadow.

Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!

Why similar: Retro 24.8%, Platformer 15.8%, Difficult 11%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Side Scroller 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is a high-difficulty, run-and-gun action game that captures the intense, screen-filling chaos of classic arcade shooters.

A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.

Why similar: Ninja 40.1% ★, Platformer 9.7%, Retro 8.9%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Difficult 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: It leans heavily into the ninja action genre, providing a fast-paced, pixel-art experience that fits the Cyber Shadow vibe.

Be a ninja and go on an action platforming adventure to save the world. Climb walls, slice up bad guys, master tricky platforming sequences and face ruthless bosses.

Why similar: Ninja 33.2% ★, Platformer 10.4%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Difficult 9.8%, Retro 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, fast-paced platformer that demands precision and quick reflexes, much like the more difficult sections of Cyber Shadow.

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.2%, Platformer 15.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Action 7.9%, Great Soundtrack 7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique movement mechanic that forces players to master the environment, providing a fresh take on the 2D platformer genre.

From the dark streets of San Diego to the deepest depths of the criminal underworld, control the Street Cleaner as he takes down outlaw scum in search of justice.

Why similar: Ninja 36.7% ★, Cyberpunk 14.2%, Platformer 13.2%, Retro 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It features a distinct 80s-inspired aesthetic and straightforward, satisfying action-platforming gameplay.

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 27.1%, Retro 13.9%, Platformer 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Difficult 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A focused, retro-styled action game that emphasizes boss fights and tight, responsive platforming mechanics.

A hand-drawn 2D metroidvania in a post-apocalyptic world. Forge your destiny in a non-linear story with multiple endings. Explore diverse biomes, conquer 20+ unique bosses, and master a magical Gauntlet with ever-evolving powers.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.3%, Cyberpunk 14.9%, Platformer 13.6%, Side Scroller 11%, 2D Platformer 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a solid 2D platforming experience with a focus on action and exploration in a stylized world.

After Death is a platform / exploration game in a dark and hostile world. With the help from lost souls, you will have to find a way to open a gate which seems to be the only exit from this mysterious world infected by monsters.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Retro 10.4%, Platformer 9.1%, Side Scroller 7%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania with a focus on exploration and combat that rewards players for mastering its mechanics.

The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.

Why similar: Ninja 42.2% ★, Metroidvania 21.7%, Platformer 12.5%, 2D Platformer 9.2%, Action 5.5%

Leap, slash, splash! You are the overpowered ninja hero Shadow Bug! Save your home forest from the evil factory by slicing monsters to pieces.

Why similar: Ninja 65.8% ★, Platformer 17.3%, 2D 6%, Action 5.4%, Indie 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a unique 'slash' mechanic that makes the ninja combat feel fast, fluid, and highly satisfying.

BERSERK BOY is a high speed action packed Platformer, with Metroidvania elements. Packed with vibrant and stylish pixel art. Go Berserk! as you change into different forms and use the power of Lightning, Fire, Ice, Air, and Earth to save the planet!

Why similar: Metroidvania 18.2%, Retro 11.8%, Platformer 11.5%, Side Scroller 9.6%, Difficult 9.5%

Platform game with a gloomy artistic style. Challenging levels with many traps and enemies. Use all your skills to avoid dangerous traps. Destroy all opponents on your way to revenge.

Why similar: Ninja 51.7% ★, Platformer 15.6%, Difficult 9.7%, Side Scroller 6.8%, 2D Platformer 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward ninja-themed platformer that focuses on precision and classic action-adventure tropes.

Cybarian The Time Travelling Warrior is a classically inspired arcade action game, with a mixture of modern and retro gaming tropes.

Why similar: Retro 15%, Platformer 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%, Difficult 10%, Side Scroller 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It combines retro-style combat with a unique sci-fi premise, offering a fun and accessible action experience.

Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.

Why similar: Retro 14.1%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Platformer 11.2%, Difficult 10.8%, Post-apocalyptic 10.3%

Ronin is stylish a turn-based action platformer following the exploits of a vengeful heroine determined to strike down five prominent figures of a powerful corporation.

Why similar: Ninja 56.8% ★, Platformer 12.4%, Cyberpunk 9.8%, Difficult 6.2%, 2D 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: While turn-based, it captures the 'lone ninja' aesthetic and high-stakes combat feel perfectly through its strategic gameplay.

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 15.7%, Platformer 14.2%, Retro 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Action 8.2%

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

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 20.5%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, Difficult 17.8%, Metroidvania 16.1%, Post-apocalyptic 6.6%

Bloody stealth platformer, about the ninja in which you cut the enemies into pieces.

Why similar: Ninja 47.6% ★, Platformer 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Difficult 7.1%, Retro 6.7%

On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.4%, Platformer 13.9%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Difficult 8.6%, 2D Platformer 6.9%

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 36.8%, Retro 17.8%, Platformer 15.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Action 7.9%

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 35.1%, Platformer 17.4%, Side Scroller 15%, Anime 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%

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 52.2%, Pixel Graphics 17%, Difficult 13.9%, Action 4.7%, Platformer 3.3%

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 55%, Platformer 15.9%, Difficult 6.7%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%, Action 4.2%

After 34 years in the shadows, prepare to see this legendary action adventure in a new light! Looking and playing better than ever before, Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is Tengo Project’s remake of a cult classic, that the fans have been waiting for.

Why similar: Ninja 42% ★, Retro 11.1%, Platformer 9.8%, Side Scroller 9.2%, Anime 7.6%

Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.7%, Cyberpunk 23.2%, Platformer 12.6%, Post-apocalyptic 6.6%, Sci-fi 5.6%

An intense, hardcore action side-scroller. Maneuver as a ninja killerbot through dynamic wastelands with 26+ specialized weapons. Dodge, dash, and dominate. A homage to Metroidvania and Roguelike: customize atomic evolution, breach intricate alert levels to decrypt the Oblivion Code...

Why similar: Ninja 56.5% ★, Side Scroller 12.8%, Post-apocalyptic 6.3%, Cyberpunk 6.1%, Roguelike 5%

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 40.4%, Platformer 15.6%, Difficult 14.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Retro 6.3%

A pixel-art sci-fi adventure set in the midst of a rebellion against a totalitarian regime, LUNARK is a modern take on the 2D cinematic platformer genre of the '90s. Run, jump, hang, climb, roll, and shoot your way through gorgeous and mysterious locations!

Why similar: Cyberpunk 21.2%, Platformer 15.2%, Retro 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Side Scroller 8.9%

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 29.1%, Platformer 16.4%, Side Scroller 14%, Difficult 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%

Blade Assault is a 2D action rogue-lite platformer with beautiful pixel art set in a desolate sci-fi world. Fight against the corrupt military of Esperanza as part of the resistance force of the Undercity. Bring the corrupt to justice by becoming stronger and fighting alongside your trusty comrades.

Why similar: Cyberpunk 23.2%, Platformer 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.7%, Side Scroller 10.8%, 2D Platformer 10.8%

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 38.4%, Platformer 15.3%, Difficult 11.7%, Retro 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.9%, Platformer 19.4%, Retro 11.7%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.9%

The ultra-refined 2D side-scrolling action you remember from "Azure Striker Gunvolt" is recharged and better than ever! In Gunvolt 2, series anti-hero Copen joins the fray as a playable character! Copy abilities from defeated boss characters and use them as your own!

Why similar: Platformer 24.6%, Anime 17.7%, Retro 17.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.8%, Action 9.3%

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 33.4%, Platformer 12.7%, Difficult 10.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%

A fast-paced action platformer based on the world of Ninja Slayer, a hit manga that sold 4.44 million copies! In the fictional cyberpunk city of Neo-Saitama, take control of Ninja Slayer as he does battle with numerous evil ninjas, all to avenge the death of his wife and child.

Why similar: Ninja 43.4% ★, Cyberpunk 16.3%, Retro 11.6%, 2D Platformer 8.2%, Side Scroller 8%

Strider returns in a brand new adventure, complete with incredible side-scrolling action, and lightning fast combat all in a massive interconnected world! Download the full game February 19th and become the original assassin!

Why similar: Ninja 41.3% ★, Metroidvania 22.9%, Platformer 14.6%, Side Scroller 6.7%, Retro 4.4%

Super House of Dead Ninjas is an action arcade game with roguelite elements. Race against a 30 second timer as you descend floor after foe-filled floor and attempt to unlock the secrets of this deadly tower!Play as the fearsome Crimson Ninja, wielding an arsenal of deadly ninja weapons and attacks.

Why similar: Ninja 47% ★, Platformer 16.6%, Difficult 8.3%, Retro 5.6%, Roguelike 5.1%

Join Pixel as he quests through gaming history, teleporting across the most iconic video game systems of generations past. He’ll have to jump, dodge and play smart if he wants to survive all the traps, puzzles and enemies waiting to take him down at every turn.

Why similar: Platformer 28.1%, Retro 26.4%, Pixel Graphics 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 14%, 2D 7.4%

10 SECOND NINJA X is a hardcore sidescroller. You're a ninja, there are robots, you've got ten seconds to destroy them all. Get three star ratings, climb leaderboards, discover secrets and stop Captain Greatbeard.

Why similar: Ninja 46.8% ★, Platformer 21.9%, Difficult 10.1%, Action 7.2%, Side Scroller 4.8%

Amaterasu and her yokai army rule over feudal Japan. Switch in real time between Kensei and Ayame to defeat the goddess in this intense, 16-bit action platformer with Metroidvania elements and gorgeous pixel art.

Why similar: Ninja 33.1% ★, Metroidvania 16%, Retro 9.2%, Platformer 8.5%, Difficult 7.3%

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 41.6%, Platformer 19.2%, Difficult 13.4%, 2D Platformer 7.7%, 2D 5.9%