Games Like Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a fast-paced platformer that will plunge you into the heart of two opposing worlds.

Why similar: Platformer 39.1%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Action 10.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Difficult 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This standalone expansion continues the exact gameplay loop and world-shifting mechanics of the original.

The fast paced platforming of Freedom Planet returns! Become a full-time cartoon heroine and use abilities and items suited to your play style to explore the world of Avalice and defend its animal citizens!

Why similar: Side Scroller 23.2%, Platformer 16.4%, Female Protagonist 13.4%, Difficult 12.4%, Anime 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: The sequel refines the high-speed action and platforming mechanics that make the first game a perfect companion to the seed.

Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.

Why similar: Platformer 24.7%, Female Protagonist 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Retro 10.8%, Difficult 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It features fast-paced, momentum-based platforming and a strong female protagonist similar to the Giana Sisters.

Experience the magical universe of Rayman with legendary 2D gameplay that has captured the hearts of millions of fans!

Why similar: Platformer 26.6%, Local Co-Op 23.4%, Local Multiplayer 9%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Side Scroller 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers highly polished, fluid 2D platforming with a similar emphasis on arcade-style movement and vibrant aesthetics.

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: Side Scroller 17%, Platformer 13.9%, Difficult 13.3%, Retro 10.4%, Female Protagonist 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title captures the retro-inspired action-platforming feel that fans of difficult arcade games will appreciate.

Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.

Why similar: Difficult 14.4%, Local Co-Op 12.7%, Platformer 12.3%, Side Scroller 11.5%, Retro 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: It expands on the challenging action-platforming of its predecessor with improved mechanics and character variety.

Take control of a nimble janitor to rid the world of dust and debris.

Why similar: Platformer 28.5%, Difficult 26%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Local Co-Op 6.1%, Side Scroller 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on precision platforming and maintaining flow, mirroring the high-skill ceiling of the seed game.

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Difficult 29.2%, Platformer 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Side Scroller 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides the same level of difficult, precision-based platforming while maintaining a focus on tight controls.

Wings of Vi is a challenging 2D platformer in which the player controls the angel Vi, tasked with defeating the Demon Lord Jeh’oul after he is freed from captivity. While inspired by masochistic retro platformers, Wings of Vi aims to cut out arbitrary difficulty in favor of skill based gameplay.

Why similar: Difficult 31.6%, Platformer 20.5%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Anime 7.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D platformer that features a female lead and requires the same level of twitch-reflex mastery.

Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse.

Why similar: Platformer 26%, Female Protagonist 21.2%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Anime 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is an action-platformer featuring a charismatic female protagonist and satisfying, fast-paced combat.

20XX is a roguelike action platformer that you can play with a friend. Jump and shoot your way through ever-changing levels, collect awesome new powers, and battle mighty bosses in the name of saving the human race maybe!

Why similar: Platformer 22.7%, Local Co-Op 14.1%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Local Multiplayer 9.6%, Female Protagonist 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action-platformer that emphasizes movement and combat, heavily inspired by the Mega Man formula.

In order to save their school after it turns into a massive demonic castle, two "Demon Hunter" sisters slash and shoot their way through this 2D action adventure. Players can swap between control of both characters on the fly, each with entirely different skillsets.

Why similar: Side Scroller 23.9%, Platformer 17.6%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Anime 11.1%, Local Co-Op 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features side-scrolling action with a character-swapping mechanic that echoes the world-shifting feel of the seed.

Wryn is a girl with a big arsenal and big dreams -- she wants to be the ultimate videogame hero! Help her take down the Greatest Heroes of All Time in an action-packed bid to claim the title for herself and show the world what a true hero looks like!

Why similar: Platformer 23.5%, Difficult 16.3%, Female Protagonist 15.4%, Local Co-Op 12.9%, Side Scroller 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a fast-paced, arcade-style action platformer that demands quick reflexes and precision.

Mega Man is back! The newest entry in this iconic series blends classic, challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh new visual style. The new Double Gear system boosts Mega Man's speed and power for a new twist to the satisfying gameplay the series is known for.

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.9%, Platformer 20.1%, Difficult 16.2%, 2.5D 14%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It provides the classic, challenging action-platforming foundation that heavily influenced the Giana Sisters series.

Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.

Why similar: Difficult 30.7%, Platformer 24.1%, Retro 10.5%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Arcade 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A brutally difficult action-platformer that captures the unforgiving nature of classic arcade titles.

Rosenkreuzstilette is a mega-action-platformer game in which you step into the shoes of Spiritia Rosenberg, a virtuous young woman caught on the wrong side of a revolution instigated by her closest friends.

Why similar: Side Scroller 18.1%, Difficult 16.3%, Platformer 13.5%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Anime 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: An anime-inspired action platformer that shares the same challenging, boss-focused design as the seed.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.

Why similar: Platformer 25.6%, Retro 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Difficult 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a masterclass in retro-inspired platforming with tight controls and challenging level design.

As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.

Why similar: Platformer 24.4%, Retro 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Difficult 14.5%, Side Scroller 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game features tight controls and challenging platforming sections that reward player skill and timing.

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

Why similar: Platformer 30.9%, Difficult 29.7%, Great Soundtrack 17.7%, Side Scroller 8%, Indie 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on difficult, rhythm-based platforming that tests your timing and patience.

Step into the shoes of Freudia Neuwahl, a cool and collected young woman on a mission to save her best friend from an Imperial witch hunt. "Rosenkreuzstilette Freudenstachel" is the sequel to "Rosenkreuzstilette", a level-based 2D side scrolling action game for PC.

Why similar: Side Scroller 17%, Platformer 12.9%, Difficult 12.8%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Anime 10%

Why You'll Like It: The sequel continues the challenging, character-driven action platforming of the original.

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 25.7%, Side Scroller 22.9%, Anime 17.7%, Action 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 10%

Why You'll Like It: A high-speed action platformer with unique combat mechanics that reward aggressive playstyles.

Rush through the cyberpunk landscapes of Neo Barcelona in Aeon Drive, an action-platformer with a speedrunning twist! Whether solo or in up to 4 player co-op, sprint and dash through many areas of the neon-infused city - and use your time and space-bending abilities to get ahead.

Why similar: Difficult 19.8%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Local Co-Op 14.7%, Platformer 12.1%, Female Protagonist 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on speed-running and time-manipulation mechanics within a challenging platforming environment.

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: Platformer 26.1%, Difficult 23.6%, Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Retro 9.4%, Action 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features fast-paced, one-hit-kill action platforming that requires intense focus and precision.

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: Side Scroller 25.2%, Difficult 21.8%, Platformer 15.6%, Female Protagonist 14.4%, Anime 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric action-platformer that balances challenging combat with tight, responsive movement.

Classic side-scrolling gameplay is reporting back for duty with Bionic Commando Rearmed, a remake of the classic NES game, out now on PC.20 years after the 8-bit classic was released, Bionic Commando Rearmed recreates the world of the original with a complete "2.5D" visual revamp.

Why similar: Platformer 27.3%, Local Co-Op 24.6%, Local Multiplayer 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Action 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging action-platformer that focuses on unique movement mechanics and high-stakes platforming.

Giana Sisters 2D is a HD remake of the beloved Nintendo DS game from 2009. It features full controller support, precise, intuitive controls and a smooth learning curve. All balanced for hours of fun and challenge.

Why similar: Platformer 40.8%, Female Protagonist 22.1%, Retro 17.5%, Action 6.8%, Indie 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A direct return to the classic Giana Sisters gameplay style for those who enjoy the franchise's roots.

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: Female Protagonist 26.8%, Platformer 20.7%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Action 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines action-platforming with a strong narrative and a memorable female lead.

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: Side Scroller 26.5%, Difficult 22.7%, Platformer 15.9%, Arcade 11.4%, Retro 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, difficult 2D platformer that emphasizes arcade-style scoring and movement.

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

Why similar: Difficult 28.6%, Platformer 28.4%, Great Soundtrack 15.9%, Retro 12.9%, 2D 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult, gravity-flipping platformer that relies on clever level design rather than combat.

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

Why similar: Difficult 37.1%, Platformer 30.6%, Great Soundtrack 10%, 2D 5.3%, Retro 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive experience for players who enjoy difficult, twitch-based precision platforming.

Hardcore action platformer with multiple endings that depend on your choices.

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.1%, Difficult 20.6%, Platformer 16%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Anime 7.8%

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.9%, Local Co-Op 15.8%, Retro 12.4%, Difficult 11.1%, Platformer 9.8%

TetherGeist is a challenging precision platformer that rewards practice and perseverance. Guide Mae and her axolotl spirit, Bao, on a wholesome coming-of-age pilgrimage while mastering Astral Projection, a tether that links Mae to her spirit and is the source of her strength.

Why similar: Difficult 22.5%, Side Scroller 20.7%, Platformer 13.2%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Fantasy 8.1%

A cosmic turbulence caused the 2D Platformer and the Top-Down Puzzler dimensions to merge! Switch between Toodee and Topdee and their unique perspectives to overcome hard-as-nails challenges, solve mind-melting puzzles and defeat huge bosses.

Why similar: 2.5D 18%, Local Co-Op 17.1%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Difficult 16.1%, Local Multiplayer 10.9%

Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.7%, Difficult 18.8%, 2.5D 16.5%, Female Protagonist 10%, Arcade 9.5%

Puzzling Action for One or Two Players.

Why similar: Difficult 20.6%, Local Co-Op 18.2%, Local Multiplayer 15.5%, Platformer 13.6%, Arcade 11.8%

Race to the finish in Giana Sisters: Dream Runners, a fast-paced, head-to-head platformer for up to four players.

Why similar: Local Multiplayer 18.3%, 2.5D 17.6%, Platformer 15.6%, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Multiplayer 11.3%

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

Why similar: Platformer 28.5%, Difficult 23.2%, Local Co-Op 20.8%, Arcade 5.7%, Local Multiplayer 4.5%

Mighty No. 9 is a 2D Side-scrolling Action game that takes the best elements from 8 and 16-bit classics that you know and love and transforms them with modern tech, fresh mechanics, and fan input into something fresh and amazing!

Why similar: Side Scroller 23.5%, Platformer 21.3%, 2.5D 21%, Anime 11.4%, Retro 6.2%

Pepper Grinder is an action-packed 2D adventure blending traditional platforming with an alternate drilling mode that allows you to dive in and out of the earth like a dolphin swims through water.

Why similar: Difficult 28.6%, Platformer 20.3%, Female Protagonist 16.9%, Arcade 14.5%, Retro 8.2%

Lock and load for chaotic, fast-paced action in Gunslugs! Battle the evil Black Duck Army across wild, procedurally generated levels packed with explosions, jetpacks, chicken guns, and rogue-like permadeath. Unlock heroes, conquer bizarre worlds, and fight your way to the gates of Hell!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 18.9%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Platformer 15.5%, Retro 10.6%, Arcade 8.9%

Abathor is a challenging 2D action platformer for solo play or up to 4 players. Embark on an epic 16-bit quest inspired by Golden Axe, Rastan, and Castlevania IV. Traverse Atlantis, battle demons, and defeat vicious bosses to save your progress! Enjoy an amazing OST from classic-era musicians!

Why similar: Side Scroller 17.6%, Difficult 16.9%, Platformer 16.3%, Local Co-Op 13.3%, Retro 9.4%

Fight’N Rage is a brand new old-school side-scroller beat’em up. Inspired by the classics from the “golden age”, and with an art style that mimics the aesthetic from the 90's arcade gems, this game pays homage to all classic gameplay features that makes this genre one of the best from its time!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 16.2%, Local Multiplayer 14.5%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Difficult 10.8%, Female Protagonist 8.3%

Citrouille: Sweet Witches is a modern spin on old arcade classics. Brave danger and cover the world with flowers using your magic ladders. Play alone, together or settle the score in versus to rediscover the challenge of the good old days.

Why similar: Platformer 16.4%, Local Co-Op 12.9%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Difficult 11.2%

"The most rewarding game of 2013!" Influenced by retro classics Mega Man and Castlevania, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures features the AVGN and friends as they blast their way through 10 levels of fun, fast paced 2D action based on the AVGN's adventures in his online series.

Why similar: Difficult 26.2%, Platformer 24.2%, Retro 12.4%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%

Play as Chelshia the chimera in this platforming beat-em-up adventure into the wonderful world of monster girls!

Why similar: Platformer 25.3%, Female Protagonist 19.7%, Difficult 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Anime 6.5%

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

Why similar: Difficult 18.6%, Side Scroller 17%, Platformer 16.5%, Retro 12.4%, Arcade 11.1%

Electronic Super Joy 2 is a brutally hard platformer, set in a world of brain-smashing electronic music. Run, jump, smash, & slice your way through 55+ weird & different levels, with giant monsters, swarming missiles & secret areas.

Why similar: Difficult 27.6%, Side Scroller 19%, Platformer 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Retro 9.2%

Battle Princess Madelyn is a game that follows the journey of a young knight in training, Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog, Fritzy. Join them as they set out on a journey to save her kingdom and her family from the clutches of an evil wizard!

Why similar: Platformer 18.1%, Female Protagonist 17.7%, Difficult 17.4%, Retro 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%

Never STANDBY in this fast-paced, precise platformer and get out of the glitched world! Can you do it faster than anyone?

Why similar: Difficult 25.2%, Platformer 18.6%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Arcade 6.7%

Nostalgic as well as new! Warp action game! A fairy "El" and a forest girl "Mia" living in a village Run through exhilarating warp to save villagers! A fantastic world view like a picture book and beautiful 3D graphics, Enjoy your imagination and enjoy with the beautiful sound that you listen carefully.

Why similar: 2.5D 13.2%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Difficult 12%, Platformer 11.7%, Anime 10.5%

Dark Scrolls is a fantasy-themed action platformer that fuses shmup-style chaos with roguelite progression and is packed with charm, challenge, and secrets.

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.6%, Platformer 23.6%, Action 10.3%, Local Co-Op 10%, Adventure 9.1%

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Platformer 24.6%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Difficult 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Retro 9.5%

Dodge bullets, missiles and lasers in battle as you wrap your head around that bunny girl costume! Combo away with your mighty Piko Hammer or spam various spells from afar with your fiery fairy friend. Explore and explode through Rabi-Rabi Island as you collect power-ups and uncover secrets...

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.1%, Difficult 14.7%, Female Protagonist 13.9%, Platformer 13.5%, Anime 12%

Ultionus is a love-letter to the home computer arcade games of the late 80s and early 90s, with colorful 2D visuals, catchy chiptune music by the legendary Jake 'Virt' Kaufman, and 7 stages of hard-as-nails gameplay.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.5%, Platformer 20.8%, Retro 18.5%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Arcade 7.4%

Never Give Up is a hardcore platformer determined to turn you into bloody chunks. Run, jump, and slide your way through ever-changing levels that get harder each time you succeed. You’ll need to try, die, and try again if you want to conquer the game without pressing the Give Up button.

Why similar: Difficult 28.4%, Platformer 23.8%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Great Soundtrack 8%, Action 5.7%

Seraph is a skill-based, acrobatic shooter... without aiming! Take the role of an angel who's mastered the art of 'Gun Fu' as she blasts and cartwheels her way through hordes of twisted demons.

Why similar: Platformer 28.8%, Side Scroller 28.3%, Female Protagonist 27.2%, Action 10.6%, 2D 5.1%

BE WILD! BE WONDERFUL! BE-WITCHING!

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.7%, Platformer 18.7%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Arcade 14%, Anime 12.9%