- #1 Voidwrought
97% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,038 reviews2024
Dev: Powersnake
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.2%, Lore-Rich 17.3%, Dark 9.7%, Platformer 8.6%, Hand-drawn 7.3%
- #2 Aeterna Noctis
96% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,162 reviews2021
Dev: Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 28%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Platformer 11.1%, Hand-drawn 8.9%, Open World 8.1%
- #3 Ghost Song
96% matchVery Positive83% of 1,459 reviews2022
Dev: Old MoonPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 58%
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 29.1%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Platformer 10.9%, Hand-drawn 9.9%, Dark 8.3%
- #4 Unbound: Worlds Apart
95% matchVery Positive83% of 1,338 reviews2021
Dev: Alien Pixel Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 6.5 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 26.8%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Platformer 14.3%, Hand-drawn 8.3%, Open World 7.2%
- #5 Kingdom Shell
94% matchVery Positive88% of 286 reviews2023
Dev: Cup of PixelsPub: Top Hat Studios, Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Kingdom Shell is an atmospheric 2D platformer with a captivating storyline. Explore the local lands to stop the invasion of nightmarish creatures and unravel the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.8%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Dark 7.4%, Story Rich 7.3%, Platformer 7.2%
- #6 Haiku, the Robot
94% matchVery Positive90% of 3,583 reviews2022
Dev: Mister Morris Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.5 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 27.6%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Lore-Rich 12.1%, Open World 10.6%, Platformer 9.8%
- #7 Venture to the Vile
93% matchMostly Positive77% of 185 reviews2024
Dev: Studio Cut to BitsPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Dive into the strange town of Rainybrook, taken over by the “Vile” in this 2.5D metroidvania! Fight your way through treacherous terrains and defeat formidable bosses to absorb their powers! Will you save the town and find your missing friend Ella — or will you give in to the monster you've become?
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.7%, Lore-Rich 13.4%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Open World 10.1%, Platformer 8.3%
- #8 Gestalt: Steam & Cinder
92% matchVery Positive80% of 2,304 reviews2024
Dev: Metamorphosis GamesPub: Fireshine Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Inspired by 16 and 32-bit classics, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder fuses tight 2D platforming and exhilarating combat with an engrossing, twist-laden narrative in a stunningly handcrafted steampunk world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.8%, Platformer 14.4%, Anime 9.4%, Story Rich 9%, Exploration 7.1%
- #9 Islets
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,527 reviews2022
Dev: Kyle ThompsonPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 30.3%, Platformer 11.9%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Open World 7.6%, Story Rich 6.5%
- #10 Well Dweller
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,655 reviews2026
Dev: Kyle Thompson
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Well Dweller is a dark fairy-tale metroidvania, full of charming characters living in a wretched kingdom. Play as Glimmer - a tiny bird armed with a matchstick - who must burn the wicked queen to save his family.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Hand-drawn 10.4%, Side Scroller 9.7%, Horror 8.6%, Action-Adventure 8.5%
- #11 Afterimage
91% matchMostly Positive77% of 10,497 reviews2023
Dev: Aurogon ShanghaiPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 11.4 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 28.5%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Lore-Rich 11.1%, Anime 8.8%, Platformer 8.8%
- #12 Plus Ultra: Legado
90% matchVery Positive84% of 129 reviews2025
Dev: Póntica
Windows · Mac
Explore a vast, colorful world in this 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania set during the Age of Discoveries. Grab your halberd and become a hero amid the storm!
Why similar: Metroidvania 43.6%, Lore-Rich 14.6%, Hand-drawn 9.7%, Platformer 6.8%, 2D 6.4%
- #13 Fallen Tear: The Ascension
89% matchMostly Positive80% of 392 reviews2026
Dev: CMD Studios
Windows
A story-driven Metroidvania where the allies you choose to bond with change how you fight and explore. Journey through the high-fantasy world of Raoah, uncover lost civilizations, and forge bonds that shape your path through a land on the brink of collapse.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23%, Lore-Rich 14.9%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Hand-drawn 9.7%, Anime 7.5%
- #14 Constance
88% matchVery Positive83% of 3,085 reviews2025
Dev: Blue Backpack
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 24.2%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Hand-drawn 11%, Platformer 10.4%, Open World 9.3%
- #15 The Perfect Pencil
87% matchMostly Positive74% of 90 reviews2026
Dev: Studio Cima
Windows
The Perfect Pencil is a surreal action platformer where exploration and choice shape everything. Discover hidden paths, meet bizarre characters, and unravel a psychological story filled with bizzare humor.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.6%, Lore-Rich 13.5%, Hand-drawn 12.3%, Dark 10.4%, Action-Adventure 7.8%
- #16 9 Years of Shadows
86% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,382 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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 27.4%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Platformer 11.5%, Anime 8.4%, Action-Adventure 7.1%
- #17 Gunbrella
86% matchVery Positive85% of 1,056 reviews2023
Dev: doinksoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Uncover the dark secrets of a gritty, tangled metropolis and battle diabolic villains with your trusty Gunbrella, a bulletproof brolly that doubles as a firearm.
Why similar: Side Scroller 40%, Platformer 25.3%, Exploration 16.5%, 2D 7.5%, Action 5.2%
- #18 Oblitus mortis
85% matchVery Positive96% of 68 reviews2025
Dev: Oblitus mortis
Windows
A Pixel art adventure inspired by the fascinating legends and myths of Venezuela. Enter a mysterious world where you will be the one to help this little Espanto solve the mystery of why all these creatures and lost souls are wandering the earth.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.7%, Lore-Rich 20.6%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Platformer 11.1%, Action-Adventure 9.4%
- #19 Twilight Monk
84% matchMostly Positive77% of 379 reviews2025
Dev: Aquatic Moon GamesPub: GRAVITY GAME ARISE Co., Ltd.
Windows
Embark on a quest to recover the Three Rings of the Triskelion, as the last descendant of ancient Kung Fu warriors in Twilight Monk!. Experience a richly crafted Metroidvania, RPG, with intricately crafted dungeons, linked across a vast overworld spanning multiple continents.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.5%, Lore-Rich 14%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Hand-drawn 9.5%, Platformer 8.9%
- #20 Little Nemo and the Guardians of Slumberland
83% matchVery Positive95% of 128 reviews2026
Dev: DIE SOFT
Windows
Explore a vast, interconnected dream world full of secrets and collectibles in this metroidvania adventure inspired by classic 2D platformers. Reclaim your lost memories to save Slumberland from the mysterious Oblivion.
Why similar: Metroidvania 41.4%, Hand-drawn 17%, Platformer 11.7%, Exploration 10.3%, Action-Adventure 9.9%
- #21 Infinitevania
82% matchVery Positive93% of 303 reviews2026
Dev: JHT Games
Windows
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 42.2%, Platformer 17.4%, Action-Adventure 9.6%, Exploration 7.9%, Story Rich 6.5%
- #22 ITORAH
84% matchMostly Positive73% of 962 reviews2022
Dev: Grimbart TalesPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague!
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Hand-drawn 12.6%, Side Scroller 12.3%, Platformer 11.9%, Action-Adventure 8.4%
- #23 Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 2,212 reviews2025
Dev: Pocket TrapPub: PM Studios, Inc.
Windows
Median: 9.4 hrsMean: 12.9 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 33.9%, Action-Adventure 16.3%, Platformer 14.9%, Exploration 11.4%, Story Rich 10%
- #24 Fatal Claw
79% matchVery Positive91% of 547 reviews2026
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 23.5%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Hand-drawn 11%, Platformer 9.9%, Action-Adventure 7.9%
- #25 Mask of Soul
81% matchVery Positive82% of 62 reviews2026
Dev: XION ENTERTAINMENTPub: XIONPLUS
Windows
Mask of Soul is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure where you play as Cheong-oh Chasa, gatekeeper of the Underworld, tracking spirits beneath the Red Moon. Use parry combat and mask abilities to explore an oriental dark fantasy world inspired by Korean mythology.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Lore-Rich 15.5%, Side Scroller 13%, Platformer 11.2%, Action-Adventure 7.6%
- #26 Aestik
82% matchMostly Positive72% of 109 reviews2024
Dev: Hooded Traveler Games
Windows
Make impactful decisions in moral dilemma situations, which will change the course of your journey through this atmospheric, hand-drawn metroidvania. Explore the hazardous paths of the Realm of Aestik and fight its corrupted inhabitants as you unravel its deep-rooted mysteries.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.5%, Lore-Rich 15.4%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Hand-drawn 11%, Platformer 9.6%
- #27 Souldiers
81% matchMixed69% of 3,156 reviews2022
Dev: Retro ForgePub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 58.4%, Action-Adventure 12.9%, Lore-Rich 12.8%, Action 5.2%, Adventure 3.1%
- #28 Saviorless
79% matchVery Positive88% of 387 reviews2024
Dev: Empty Head GamesPub: Dear Villagers
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Embark on a journey to The Smiling Islands, the realm of the Saviors, where an enigmatic guide beckons. The seasoned narrator has shared this story countless times, yet none have graced the miraculous land. Can you seize your narrative and ascend as a Savior?
Why similar: Hand-drawn 26.5%, Action-Adventure 20%, Platformer 16.8%, Story Rich 13.5%, Atmospheric 10%
- #29 Hollow Knight
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 563,086 reviews2017
Dev: Team Cherry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 41.8 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 41%, Platformer 13.5%, Hand-drawn 7.6%, Open World 6.3%, Exploration 6.3%
- #30 Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU
77% matchVery Positive83% of 988 reviews2024
Dev: Surgent StudiosPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Wield the dance of the shaman. Reclaim your father’s spirit. Brave the beautiful and treacherous land of Kenzera with the God of Death in Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU, a metroidvania-style adventure crafted by Surgent Studios.
Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Lore-Rich 10.9%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Platformer 9.4%, Action-Adventure 9.3%
- #31 TEVI
76% matchVery Positive89% of 4,070 reviews2023
Dev: CreSpirit
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 21.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Embark on an epic action-adventure as you slash, dash, and combo your way through a vast, vibrant world. Explore and uncover hidden secrets. Customize your build to triumph in spectacular boss battles. Experience a tale of mystery, magic, and mayhem in TEVI, a bullet hell metroidvania!
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.7%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Anime 10.9%, Action-Adventure 9.5%, Platformer 8.8%
- #32 Catmaze
78% matchVery Positive83% of 606 reviews2018
Dev: Redblack Spade
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Catmaze is a fairy metroidvania inspired by Slavic myths. Age-old tales will come to life in the unforgettable adventure of Alesta, a sorceress whose courage guides her through mysterious paths and dark forests in search of the lost road to Nav, the world of the dead.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.7%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Lore-Rich 11.9%, Platformer 9.6%, Open World 7.3%
- #33 Genopanic
76% matchMostly Positive77% of 385 reviews2024
Dev: Mobirate
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Genopanic is a pixel-art, Metroidvania-inspired adventure-platformer. Explore corridors of the space station, teeming with secrets and dangers, and engage in boss fights. Solve puzzles and uncover hidden mysteries in the dark atmosphere of a sci-fi research complex. Discover the truth with each step
Why similar: Metroidvania 33%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Platformer 13.3%, Exploration 8.2%, Atmospheric 7.2%
- #34 BIOMORPH
75% matchVery Positive92% of 717 reviews2024
Dev: Lucid Dreams Studio
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 8.6 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 29.2%, Lore-Rich 16.7%, Platformer 12.4%, Hand-drawn 9.8%, Action-Adventure 8.6%
- #35 After Death
78% matchVery Positive89% of 167 reviews2017
Dev: After Death Team
Windows
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 45.2%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Platformer 10.7%, Horror 8.2%, Action 6.6%
- #36 ANIMAL WELL
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 24,672 reviews2024
Dev: Billy BassoPub: Bigmode
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 45.8%, Platformer 14.1%, Exploration 11.7%, Horror 11.3%, Atmospheric 6.5%
- #37 DEVIATOR
75% matchMixed67% of 1,011 reviews2024
Dev: Gami Studio
Windows
Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.1%, Platformer 13.8%, Hand-drawn 12.7%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Dark 5.1%
- #38 Nine Sols
71% matchVery Positive94% of 45,860 reviews2024
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 19.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 39.4%, Hand-drawn 14.7%, Platformer 14.4%, Story Rich 7.3%, Action-Adventure 5.9%
- #39 Emberbane
74% matchMixed61% of 136 reviews2026
Dev: Hamlet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Four elements. One destiny. Embark on an elemental journey inspired by tales of balance and power, reborn as a Metroidvania adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36%, Side Scroller 22%, Platformer 8%, Exploration 7.7%, Story Rich 6.9%
- #40 Eldritchvania
73% matchVery Positive85% of 141 reviews2024
Dev: DeathCount Games
Windows
Explore unearthly ruins, solve arcane riddles and pick up your sword against the indescribable horrors that lurk amidst the forgotten depths of our world. Beware the creeping grip of madness as you uncover secrets not meant for the eyes of men!
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.9%, Lore-Rich 18.4%, Platformer 13.3%, Exploration 8%, Action-Adventure 7.8%
- #41 Adventure of Samsara
72% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2025
Dev: Ilex GamesPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
A hero resurrected. A new Adventure. With stunning, 2D pixel art, Adventure of Samsara combines classic gameplay, a deeply connected world, and a heady, twisting narrative of death, rebirth and memory. Become the Solar Champion and restore balance to the multiverse.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.8%, Lore-Rich 18.6%, Platformer 12.3%, Action-Adventure 9.2%, Exploration 7.9%
- #42 Curse of the Sea Rats
74% matchMixed59% of 224 reviews2023
Dev: Petoons Studio
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Embark on an epic, hand-animated, ‘ratoidvania’ adventure, where your crew has been turned into rats by a pirate witch! Explore a rich non-linear world, enjoy fun action platforming, face challenging bosses, and unlock unique abilities - either alone or in local co-op!
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.1%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Hand-drawn 12.9%, Platformer 11.2%, Story Rich 10.8%
- #43 Pronty
72% matchVery Positive91% of 1,323 reviews2021
Dev: 18Light Game Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 32.3%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Platformer 11.3%, Action-Adventure 9%, Exploration 7.7%
- #44 GRIME II
67% matchVery Positive87% of 2,047 reviews2026
Dev: Clover BitePub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Become the stealer of forms in GRIME II, a surreal action-adventure metroidvania. Launch tendrils made of hands to absorb foes and summon molds in their shape, as you explore a bizarre lived-in-world obsessed with art.
Why similar: Metroidvania 47.2%, Lore-Rich 23.3%, Exploration 11.9%, Dark 5.9%, Fantasy 5%
- #45 Lamp Chronicle
73% matchMixed66% of 82 reviews2021
Dev: Pixellica Corp.
Windows
Lamp Chronicle is a 2D platformer game that tells the story of a little hero who travels to save a kingdom in crisis. Defeat enemies against beautiful backgrounds and enjoy exciting battles with bosses.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.9%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Hand-drawn 13.7%, Platformer 11.8%, Action-Adventure 6.4%
- #46 Beholgar
71% matchMostly Positive74% of 395 reviews2022
Dev: Serkan Bakar
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 16.9 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Beholgar is a classically styled metroidvania action adventure. Explore caverns, ancient woods, and deadly castles; battle creatures and solve ancient mysteries at the kingdom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.6%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Platformer 14.7%, Action-Adventure 11.7%, Action 5.2%
- #47 Ariana and the Elder Codex
68% matchMostly Positive79% of 138 reviews2026
Dev: Idea FactoryPub: Idea Factory International, Inc.
Windows
Ariana must restore the Codices and unravel the Library's hidden truths...
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.3%, Platformer 18%, Action-Adventure 13.2%, Anime 11.6%, Exploration 8%
- #48 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
69% matchVery Positive93% of 7,464 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.9 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 40.3%, Platformer 15.5%, Anime 12.1%, Exploration 9.7%, Fantasy 9.1%
- #49 Overbowed
69% matchVery Positive92% of 94 reviews2024
Dev: Klardonics Digital, Ltd
Windows
Explore a kingdom overrun by evil magic as you fight foes with your own magical bow in this retro inspired action-adventure platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 44.1%, Platformer 13.8%, Open World 7.1%, Action-Adventure 7%, Fantasy 6.7%
- #50 Forgotton Anne
70% matchVery Positive90% of 2,065 reviews2018
Dev: Throughline Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Step into a hand-animated realm of wonder in which everyday objects take on a life of their own. Uncover the Forgotlings’ mysteries & harness magical forces as you embark upon a quest to return home.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 24.1%, Platformer 14.6%, Anime 14.4%, Story Rich 13.8%, Fantasy 12.1%
- #51 Somber Echoes
68% matchVery Positive83% of 349 reviews2025
Dev: Rock Pocket GamesPub: Bonus Stage Publishing
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Armed with God-given powers, the revived tribune Adrestia is given a second chance to save the universe from her maniacal twin sister. Find secrets, acquire upgrades, and dominate mighty foes through sheer combat prowess as you explore and conquer the horrors of the forsaken vessel Atromitos.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.8%, Platformer 11.8%, Dark 11.3%, Exploration 9.5%, Action-Adventure 9.3%
- #52 Windmills
70% matchMostly Positive78% of 50 reviews2023
Dev: Poor Locke
Windows
Master your combat techniques and explore a magic world in this combat - focused metroidvania. Help the unreliable narrator complete his story which changes depending on the player's actions.
Why similar: Metroidvania 49.7%, Action-Adventure 13.8%, Fantasy 10.3%, Story Rich 9.3%, Action 5.3%
- #53 Axiom Verge
70% matchVery Positive90% of 6,640 reviews2015
Dev: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 9.5 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 61.3%, Platformer 14.1%, Side Scroller 5.3%, Exploration 4.4%, 2D 4.1%
- #54 Last Vanguard
67% matchVery Positive84% of 99 reviews2025
Dev: Cool Tapir Studios
Windows
Explore a stunning hand-crafted world ravaged by war and ruled by a evil tyrant. Face a wide variety of enemies as you customize your strategy, switch weapons, and unlock powerful abilities
Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Platformer 12.1%, Hand-drawn 10.9%, Exploration 8.4%
- #55 Scrabdackle
66% matchVery Positive96% of 170 reviews2025
Dev: jakefriendPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows · Mac · Linux
The magical misadventure of a novice wizard thrown (literally) into the unfamiliar world outside. Go on a sprawling hand-drawn adventure with spells to study, bosses to best, and a huge handcrafted world to traverse on the long journey home.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.6%, Open World 15.7%, Hand-drawn 13.9%, Action-Adventure 10.7%, Exploration 8.2%
- #56 Crypt Custodian
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 3,178 reviews2024
Dev: Kyle Thompson
Windows
Median: 9.1 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Crypt Custodian is a charming metroidvania about cleaning up the afterlife. Play as Pluto - a mischievous cat who has died, and is sentenced to be the afterworld's janitor... FOREVER! Hang out with other doomed ghosts, battle beasts, and explore a vastly expansive landscape.
Why similar: Metroidvania 38%, Hand-drawn 11.1%, Platformer 10.4%, Exploration 9%, Action-Adventure 8.8%
- #57 Moonlight Pulse
67% matchVery Positive92% of 265 reviews2024
Dev: Seafloor Games LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Teamwork matters most in this seamless, fantastical metroidvania within a living, breathing world. Realize each character's true potential to take down an invading force of overwhelmingly powerful parasites.
Why similar: Metroidvania 46.7%, Platformer 14.2%, Action-Adventure 11.7%, Exploration 11.6%, Action 6.2%
- #58 Auridia
65% matchVery Positive97% of 206 reviews2025
Dev: Reed Molbak
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 38.6%, Platformer 12.4%, Lore-Rich 12.1%, Exploration 10.1%, Story Rich 9.5%
- #59 Ghoulboy - Dark Sword of Goblin
71% matchMostly Positive71% of 266 reviews2017
Dev: Serkan Bakar
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Ghoulboy is a retro-inspired action platformer. Explore a magical realm of dungeons, towns, treasures and devious monsters.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Platformer 15%, Action-Adventure 10.2%, Exploration 6%
- #60 Emerald Dreams: Sanity - Platformer Quest
67% matchVery Positive91% of 90 reviews2024
Dev: Involve GamesPub: INVOLVE IT SOFTWARE LLC
Windows
Emerald Dreams: Sanity - Platformer Quest is an exciting 2.5D platformer and adventure Metroidvania that takes you on a journey through mysterious worlds. The game offers a rich story set in a dark fantasy universe where every decision you make can lead to one of multiple endings.
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.2%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Platformer 14.6%, Hand-drawn 14.5%, Exploration 7.5%