Games Like Gateways

What if someone knew your mind better than you did? The Swapper is an award-winning, narrative driven puzzle game set in the furthest reaches of space.

Why similar: Puzzle 32.3%, Platformer 21.9%, Sci-fi 14.5%, Metroidvania 10.3%, Puzzle Platformer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Like Gateways, this game features a heavy emphasis on sci-fi spatial puzzles and cloning mechanics that require careful navigation of 2D environments.

A journey begins... A treacherous tower... Unravel its mysteries!Discover the secrets kept in the long abandoned Tesla Tower!Magnetism and other electromagnetic powers will help you explore a non-linear world of beautiful hand-drawn environments, in a steampunk-inspired vision of old Europe.

Why similar: Platformer 36.4%, Metroidvania 26.4%, Puzzle 18.2%, Indie 8.2%, Puzzle Platformer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fantastic Metroidvania that replaces traditional combat with physics-based electromagnetic puzzles, mirroring the puzzle-heavy exploration of Gateways.

Enter a macabre and comical silent world filled with mischief, time travel and delicious pie. Includes Steam Achievements, Cloud, and Leaderboards!

Why similar: Platformer 30.6%, Time Manipulation 24% ★, Puzzle 22%, Indie 13%, Puzzle Platformer 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It utilizes time-loop and clone-based puzzle mechanics that feel very similar to the time-manipulation tools found in Gateways.

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 25.1%, Time Manipulation 23.1% ★, Puzzle Platformer 21.8%, Puzzle 19.4%, Indie 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This classic title shares the core time-manipulation mechanics and intricate puzzle-platforming design that define the gameplay loop of Gateways.

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 46%, Puzzle 29.5%, Indie 14.4%, Puzzle Platformer 5.4%, Metroidvania 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the non-linear exploration and perspective-shifting puzzles that make navigating the world of Gateways so rewarding.

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: Platformer 39.9%, Metroidvania 38.6%, Indie 15.8%, 2D 3.5%, Singleplayer 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a portal-like mechanic where you open rifts to change the properties of the world, creating a similar sense of spatial discovery.

In the dark and mysterious world of Closure, only what you see exists. Manipulate lights to phase objects in and out of reality in this multiple-award-winning puzzle game. Play as a strange spider-like demon who explores the stories of three human characters through beautiful, eerie environments such as a decrepit factory, a murky...

Why similar: Platformer 41.6%, Puzzle 31.3%, Indie 13.2%, Puzzle Platformer 10.4%, 2D 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game features unique light-and-shadow mechanics that force players to manipulate their environment to progress, much like the gateway gun.

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 55.7%, Platformer 24.7%, Indie 8.9%, Sci-fi 7.7%, 2D 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the sci-fi Metroidvania exploration and retro aesthetic that fans of Gateways will appreciate.

Shuggy has just inherited a castle full of goblins, ghouls, zombies, and robots. Help him clear out over 100 rooms to make his new home liveable again!

Why similar: Platformer 45.3%, Puzzle 17.9%, Indie 13.9%, Time Manipulation 11.5% ★, Puzzle Platformer 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the same developer, this game shares the distinct puzzle-platforming DNA and retro-styled charm of Gateways.

A platform-adventure game about time travelling, puzzle solving and a friendship between an Old Inventor and a Snail.

Why similar: Platformer 29%, Puzzle Platformer 20.7%, Puzzle 18.4%, Time Manipulation 18.3% ★, Indie 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: It centers on time-manipulation mechanics where you switch between different eras to solve environmental puzzles in a 2D platforming space.

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

Why similar: Platformer 57.2%, Indie 17.3%, Metroidvania 9.8%, Sci-fi 5.1%, Puzzle 5%

Why You'll Like It: While more focused on precision, its gravity-flipping mechanic provides a similar 'aha!' moment for spatial navigation as the gateway gun.

Hue is a vibrant, award-winning puzzle-adventure, where you alter the world by changing its background colour.

Why similar: Platformer 29.9%, Puzzle 26.6%, Puzzle Platformer 15.6%, Indie 14.9%, Metroidvania 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: The color-switching mechanic creates a unique puzzle-platforming experience that requires constant environmental manipulation to progress.

Light up the world! As Plug, you are charged with restoring the expansive Amp-Tree-System, and thwarting an enigmatic intruder.

Why similar: Platformer 28.2%, Metroidvania 23.8%, Puzzle Platformer 18.3%, Puzzle 16.8%, Indie 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on light-based exploration and puzzle-solving within a large, interconnected 2D world.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.9%, Platformer 39%, 2D 4.3%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a pure, retro-styled Metroidvania experience with a strong focus on exploration and platforming mastery.

Journey to another planet and discover its secrets in order to bring your loved one back to life. Experience an adventure, inspired by old school classics like Another World, Heart of Darkness and Flashback.

Why similar: Platformer 37.4%, Puzzle Platformer 18.2%, Indie 16.8%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Puzzle 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi adventure that blends narrative with puzzle-platforming elements in a way that feels stylistically consistent with Gateways.

Toki Tori 2+ may look cute, but it’s a challenging puzzle adventure game. Whistle and stomp are the only moves you need to solve increasingly complex puzzles, as you go anywhere, anytime on a lush forest island.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.2%, Platformer 28.1%, Puzzle 19.1%, Puzzle Platformer 14.4%, 2D 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A pure puzzle-platformer that encourages non-linear exploration and environmental interaction without traditional combat, similar to Gateways.

A carefully created world with unique environments and an engrossing atmosphere, Unmechanical offers over 30 unique puzzles of exploration and adventure!

Why similar: Puzzle 49.1%, Indie 25.5%, Platformer 25.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game features physics-based puzzles and a sci-fi atmosphere that aligns well with the puzzle-heavy nature of Gateways.

Another Perspective is a puzzle platformer following the very confusing adventure of someone looking for something. Swap minds to see the world in different ways! Where one mind sees a bottomless pit, another might not. Where one sees a locked door, another sees a key. To change perspective is to change reality!

Why similar: Platformer 41.6%, Indie 25.6%, Puzzle 22.2%, Puzzle Platformer 8.7%, 2D 2%

Why You'll Like It: It features perspective-shifting and clone-based puzzles that challenge the player's spatial reasoning in a 2D environment.

In 2097, life is discovered on Mars. When your mission of first contact becomes trapped by a cave-in, you must master the alien ecosystem to survive. Soon you stumble upon more than anyone expected, and with time running out, you will make a decision that determines the fate of a lost planet.

Why similar: Platformer 30.8%, Metroidvania 19.5%, Puzzle 18.5%, Sci-fi 17.2%, Indie 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes exploration and ecosystem manipulation in a sci-fi setting, providing a cerebral experience similar to Gateways.

Exographer is an exploration game based on science. Become an explorer, stranded in an alien planet, and discover the secrets of an extinct civilization. Gain new powers to avoid dangers and obstacles in your journey, and use your camera to reveal particles and hidden clues.

Why similar: Platformer 29.5%, Puzzle 23%, Puzzle Platformer 15.8%, Metroidvania 14.4%, Sci-fi 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern Metroidvania that places a heavy emphasis on puzzle-solving and exploration, perfect for fans of the genre.

Armed with only your wits and a pair of Stealthing Goggles, it’s your job to sneak your way through a deadly facility that’s determined to extinguish your fragile little life.

Why similar: Platformer 51%, Puzzle 26.3%, Indie 15.4%, Puzzle Platformer 4%, 2D 2%

Why You'll Like It: It combines sci-fi aesthetics with tight, puzzle-oriented platforming that requires careful planning and timing.

Backworlds is a multi-dimensional puzzle platform game in which you explore by painting. Solve environmental conundrums by using each world’s physical properties to your advantage, and use your own creativity to craft original solutions to the game’s puzzles.

Why similar: Indie 40.3%, Platformer 23.5%, Puzzle 18.2%, Puzzle Platformer 13.5%, 2D 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: A creative puzzle-platformer where you manipulate the environment to solve problems, echoing the experimental nature of Gateways.

A short 2D pixel-style metroidvania where you explore, fight bosses, aquire items and abilities and find secrets. Inspired by games such as You Have to Win the Game and VVVVVV.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.6%, Platformer 32%, Indie 9.3%, 2D 3.5%, Singleplayer 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: A nonlinear Metroidvania that focuses on exploration and discovery, which are key pillars of the Gateways experience.

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 47.3%, Platformer 37.1%, Indie 13.8%, 2D 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled Metroidvania that captures the sci-fi platforming feel of Gateways with a more action-oriented focus.

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 70.2%, Indie 23%, 2D 5.6%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: It celebrates retro platforming history with a variety of mechanics that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Crystal Catacombs is a challenging, retro inspired “Megavanian” love letter that utilizes Rogue-like procedurally generated levels/enemies/items with a heavy emphasis on classic 2D platforming.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging Metroidvania that rewards exploration and platforming skill, fitting the core loop of the seed game.

Challenge perception, redefine reality, and reshape the world around you with an instant camera. Viewfinder is a new single player game offering gamers hours of interesting and fun experiences while uncovering the mysteries left behind.

Why similar: Puzzle 36.5%, Platformer 32.1%, Puzzle Platformer 27.8%, Singleplayer 3.6%

Revisitor is a first person puzzle-platformer game set in a futuristic virtual space. Use two different types of teleportation to both navigate and solve a series of increasingly challenging missions.

Why similar: Platformer 38.4%, Puzzle 29.6%, Sci-fi 11.7%, Puzzle Platformer 11.4%, Indie 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi puzzle-platformer that requires logical thinking and environmental awareness to navigate its challenging levels.

Help Puzzled Cat use jetpacks, portals, bombs, gum, and more to conquer treacherous platforming stages. Play your own way using save states to explore a world full of challenges and secrets - but can you find the way through? Travel through time and space and reach enlightenment.

Why similar: Time Manipulation 35.1% ★, Platformer 23.2%, Puzzle 15.4%, Puzzle Platformer 15.2%, Indie 5.8%

Gravity Error is an indie 2D puzzle/platformer about changing gravity. Guide Force in his quest seeking emotional stableness in a set of levels and avoid being crushed. Solve the puzzles in multiple creative ways.

Why similar: Platformer 36.4%, Puzzle 24.5%, Indie 19.6%, Puzzle Platformer 15.6%, 2D 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides a straightforward puzzle-platforming experience that relies on spatial navigation and logic.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.5%, Platformer 31.1%, Indie 8.9%, 2D 2.4%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Saira is a puzzle platformer with non-linear gameplay and a whole universe for you to explore. The game is heavily influenced by classic puzzle adventure games and uses a new unique graphical style combining high resolution photography into a lush and mysterious world.

Why similar: Platformer 35.6%, Metroidvania 23.1%, Puzzle 19.6%, Indie 18.8%, 2D 1.9%

Metroidvania with challenging puzzles and free exploration as long as you have oxygen.

Why similar: Platformer 36.2%, Indie 31.9%, Metroidvania 31.8%

EDGE, the award winning retro-styled platform game has been extended! Now with over 40 brand new levels, additional music and all-new races against the notorious Dark Cube!

Why similar: Puzzle 33.1%, Puzzle Platformer 25.4%, Platformer 24.6%, Indie 15.5%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Rewind time and manipulate gravity in order to solve parkour puzzles in this exciting new 2D platformer.

Why similar: Platformer 27.8%, Time Manipulation 22.1% ★, Puzzle 18.4%, Puzzle Platformer 15.9%, Indie 11.8%

The Sun and Moon, the winner of Ludum Dare 29, is a platformer with a unique mechanic: you can dive into the ground. Momentum is conserved but gravity is reversed, letting you fling yourself high into the air or deep beneath the surface.

Why similar: Platformer 48.8%, Indie 30.7%, Puzzle 20.5%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.8%, Platformer 39.9%, Indie 11.5%, 2D 2.5%, Sci-fi 2%

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 57%, Platformer 25.1%, Indie 15.9%, 2D 2%

Escape Goat 2 is a puzzle platformer game where you use machinery, the environment, and a friendly mouse to progress through a dungeon.

Why similar: Platformer 45.7%, Puzzle 29.7%, Indie 17%, Puzzle Platformer 5%, 2D 1.8%

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 37.3%, Platformer 22.2%, Puzzle 18.4%, Puzzle Platformer 13.2%, Indie 5.6%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.7%, Platformer 30.4%, Indie 13.6%, Sci-fi 3.8%, 2D 2.2%

Evergate is a haunting 2D puzzle-platformer set in a stunning hand-drawn vision of the Afterlife with an original score recorded by a live orchestra. Navigate 85 challenging stages and unleash the extraordinary powers of the genre-defining 'Soulflame' to help a lost soul reincarnate on earth!

Why similar: Time Manipulation 29.3% ★, Platformer 28.4%, Puzzle 18.3%, Puzzle Platformer 14.9%, Indie 7.3%

A precise 2D platformer with a twist. NO JUMPING. Master your magnetic powers to beat each level with speed and skill. Enjoy classic 16-bit gaming vibes, tackle challenging achievements and compete for global leaderboard supremacy along the way.

Why similar: Platformer 29%, Indie 25.1%, Puzzle Platformer 17.4%, Puzzle 14.7%, Sci-fi 8.1%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.1%, Platformer 26.8%, Indie 9.4%, Puzzle 4%, Sci-fi 3.6%

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: Platformer 38.3%, Metroidvania 30.3%, Indie 22.5%, Sci-fi 6.3%, 2D 2.6%

Play as the ultimate digital underdog in the Adventures of Pip,an action-platformer with a fresh gameplay twist inside a retro 32-bit world. Alas, Pip is an unlikely 1-pixel hero yet has the unique ability to absorb the pixels of his defeated enemies to evolve into three different forms.

Why similar: Platformer 51.7%, Indie 16.3%, Puzzle 16.1%, Puzzle Platformer 15.9%

Space Expedition is a 2D sci-fi platformer where you play as an astronaut who is sent to a space station to collect samples of mysterious dark matter. Space Expedition combines puzzle platforming, pixel art, and atmospheric adventures set in the style of 1980s sci-fi horror films.

Why similar: Platformer 43.5%, Puzzle Platformer 25.5%, Indie 22.7%, 2D 6.3%, Singleplayer 2%

Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.2%, Platformer 39.4%, Indie 10.3%, 2D 3.1%

Pages of Time: Prologue is a 2D platformer puzzle game. Play as the witch who controls the magic of time, in a beautiful and magnificent magic academy, utilize the skills of recording and rewinding time, solve all kinds of puzzles, and look forward to the adventure of the future.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.7%, Puzzle 24.5%, Platformer 22.1%, Indie 12.1%, Puzzle Platformer 10.8%

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 46%, Platformer 28.7%, Puzzle 13.1%, Indie 7.7%, Puzzle Platformer 2.3%

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 41.4%, Platformer 23.3%, Indie 12.8%, Puzzle Platformer 10.6%, Puzzle 5.6%

Antiflux is a challenging but fun puzzle platformer with upgrades, building complexity over time.

Why similar: Puzzle 34.8%, Indie 24.9%, Puzzle Platformer 20.7%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Singleplayer 3.1%

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 48.1%, Platformer 28.2%, Puzzle 15.8%, Puzzle Platformer 4.8%, 2D 2%

An immersive puzzle dungeon adventure in the spirit of 1980's home computer games. Dig your way through 100 levels into the ancient depths of Dreadrock Mountain. Winner of Google Indie Games Festival / Indie Clash 1st prize / PocketGamer People's Choice Finalist / GDWC best indie game nominee.

Why similar: Puzzle 49%, Indie 26.1%, Puzzle Platformer 19%, Singleplayer 3%, 2D 2.9%

YesterMorrow is a single-player time travelling 2D platformer, mixing action sequences with puzzle elements. Follow the engaging story of Yui, who travels back into the past to save her family and the remnants of a world now trapped in Never-ending Night.

Why similar: Platformer 49.9%, Indie 36.9%, Puzzle Platformer 9.6%, 2D 2.2%, Singleplayer 1.3%

The Multi-Medium is a visually unique 2D puzzle platform adventure in which you play as an interdimensional explorer lost in the multiverse. Travel to diverse worlds, each drawn or painted by hand in a different medium and style, in search of your place in the cosmos.

Why similar: Platformer 36.7%, Puzzle 23.9%, Puzzle Platformer 19.5%, Sci-fi 13.7%, 2D 4%

Try this year’s must-play indie smash-hit for free, with Evergate Ki’s Awakening. Take on seven unique levels in this haunting precision puzzle-platformer, set in a stunning hand-drawn vision of the Afterlife, with an original score recorded by a live orchestra.

Why similar: Platformer 25.6%, Puzzle Platformer 24.2%, Puzzle 17.8%, Time Manipulation 14.6% ★, Indie 12.6%

Inspired by Stephen King’s book - “The Dark Tower”, Alter World is a 2D platformer with interesting gameplay mechanics. Player can pass on an alternative universe anytime and use an alternative realms to move to another level. Levels are unique, with puzzles. player will have to react quickly and assess when to move between the Worlds.

Why similar: Indie 33.5%, Platformer 28.3%, Puzzle 22%, Puzzle Platformer 16.3%