Games Like Gish

Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO

Why similar: Platformer 32.2%, Indie 24.7%, Puzzle Platformer 16.6%, Adventure 7.2%, Puzzle 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the dark, atmospheric, and underground aesthetic that makes Gish's world so memorable.

World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.

Why similar: Physics 43.7%, Indie 35.7%, Puzzle 14.8%, 2D 4.1%, Singleplayer 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: Like Gish, this title features unique physics-based mechanics involving blob-like entities to solve environmental puzzles.

Unravel is a physics-based puzzle platformer. Yarny, a character made from a single thread of yarn, must embark on a larger than life adventure.

Why similar: Platformer 33.9%, Action 19%, Adventure 18.4%, Puzzle 11.9%, Puzzle Platformer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: The protagonist's movement is entirely physics-based, relying on yarn physics that feel similar to Gish's sticky tar mechanics.

N++ is a fast-paced, momentum-based platformer about darting around obstacles, narrowly evading enemies and collecting gold in a beautiful minimalist landscape.

Why similar: Local Multiplayer 21.7%, Platformer 19%, Physics 16.6%, Indie 15.1%, Local Co-Op 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers highly refined, physics-based precision platforming that captures the same challenging movement feel as Gish.

And Yet It Moves is a puzzle-platformer, set in a unique world, made of ripped paper. Within the paper-collage you can jump, run and last but certainly not least: rotate the world. Learn how to apply the physical consequences of rotation to master the many tricky situations you may encounter.

Why similar: Platformer 52.7%, Indie 29.9%, Puzzle 7.4%, 2D 4.1%, Action 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game centers on physics-based platforming where the player rotates the world to navigate, mirroring the experimental nature of Gish.

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

Why similar: Platformer 59.5%, Indie 30.7%, 2D 5.6%, Action 3%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: A seminal indie platformer that shares the high-difficulty, momentum-based gameplay found in Gish.

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

Why similar: Platformer 52.2%, Indie 31.3%, Action 5.6%, 2D 4.8%, Adventure 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title features unique movement mechanics that force players to rethink traditional platforming, much like Gish's tar-based traversal.

Struggling is a physics-based co-op platformer with a twisted spin on teamwork. Control the arms of a squishy abomination and lead it through a deranged world.

Why similar: Physics 24.1%, Indie 19%, Local Multiplayer 17.8%, Platformer 14.2%, Local Co-Op 10%

Why You'll Like It: It features chaotic, physics-based movement that requires the player to master awkward controls to navigate, much like Gish.

Wrangle the hands and arms of a 1970s space cosmonaut and push, pull and twist your way through an increasingly precarious range of physically simulated stellar scenarios, where without gravity, nothing is still, nothing is secure, and nothing is simple.

Why similar: Physics 29.6%, Indie 13%, Local Co-Op 12.7%, Local Multiplayer 11.2%, Adventure 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game is entirely built around complex, physics-based limb movement, appealing to fans of Gish's tactile control scheme.

Slime-san was minding his own business when suddenly… A giant worm appeared and gobbled him up! Deep within the worm’s belly, Slime-san has to face a decision: Be digested by the incoming wall of stomach acid... Or jump, slide and slime his way through the worm and back out its mouth!

Why similar: Platformer 35.5%, Indie 18.7%, Local Multiplayer 12.9%, Action 9.2%, Adventure 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced platformer that features a slime protagonist and demanding, precision-based movement.

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 38.6%, Indie 25.1%, Puzzle Platformer 21.4%, Puzzle 9.7%, 2D 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic indie puzzle-platformer that, like Gish, defined the early era of experimental physics and time-manipulation gameplay.

Guide a group of rectangles through 120 levels, using their different skills together to overcome a series of obstacles in each environment. Discover the human-made story of the first sentient artificial intelligences with Danny Wallace’s BAFTA-winning narration.

Why similar: Platformer 39.5%, Physics 21.9%, Indie 20.8%, Puzzle Platformer 10.9%, 2D 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on unique character movement and physics-based puzzle-solving within a minimalist, atmospheric setting.

Grimind is a 2D, physics based, adventure, platform game in horror/creepy theme. Grimind casts you into forgotten caves and ancient crypts, without memories. While being there you have to demonstrate great manual skills to pass obstacles and solve non trivial puzzles to get out of scary environment and additionally discover what are you...

Why similar: Platformer 37.9%, Indie 33.8%, Adventure 11.2%, Physics 8.7%, Action 6%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, physics-based platformer that focuses on environmental interaction and atmospheric exploration.

Snapshot is the tale of a lone robot lost in an abandoned world. Armed with only his trusty camera, Pic sets forth on his great adventure. A camera might not seem like enough for a puzzle platforming adventure, but this camera is different from most: It has the ability to capture and remove from the world the very objects that it...

Why similar: Platformer 37%, Indie 33.2%, Adventure 16%, Puzzle 7.5%, Puzzle Platformer 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based puzzle-platformer where the player interacts with the environment through a camera, emphasizing experimental mechanics.

Offspring Fling is a game about a poor forest creature that has misplaced all of her children.

Why similar: Platformer 38.7%, Indie 31.7%, Puzzle 8.8%, Adventure 7.7%, Puzzle Platformer 7%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based puzzle-platformer that requires careful movement and momentum management to succeed.

A minimalist 2D platformer about a liquid cat, locked in a world she doesn't quite understand, trying to get out.

Why similar: Indie 45%, Platformer 30.4%, Adventure 18.8%, 2D 5.1%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: The fluid, shape-shifting movement of the protagonist is a direct thematic match for Gish's tar-based mechanics.

When Blobolonia is threatened by an evil Emperor, the blob comes to Earth looking for help. Instead, he finds a young boy. Help the blob dethrone the evil Emperor that's terrorizing Blobolonia and establish a friendship with the blob that will last a lifetime.

Why similar: Platformer 40.3%, Adventure 25.5%, Puzzle Platformer 16.5%, Puzzle 9.6%, 2D 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that utilizes unique transformation mechanics to solve environmental challenges.

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: Platformer 33.1%, Indie 27.4%, Puzzle 15.8%, Puzzle Platformer 9.1%, Adventure 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric puzzle-platformer that uses unique physics and cloning mechanics to navigate a dark, mysterious environment.

Embark on a journey to give his majesty the ride of his afterlife. Guide a chariot containing the King's remains through underground caves using physics-based mechanics such as pushing, pulling, riding and swinging.

Why similar: Indie 19%, Platformer 19%, Physics 15.6%, Local Multiplayer 15.3%, Adventure 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game relies heavily on physics-based momentum and cooperative movement, echoing the tactile feel of Gish.

The ground starts shaking, light bulbs are breaking - and something rather unusual is happening right behind the walls of your very room. Equipped with nothing but wit and courage, you slowly descend into a world inhabited by avian folk and seemingly deadly furniture monsters.

Why similar: Platformer 33.2%, Indie 18.1%, Puzzle Platformer 14.8%, Adventure 13.1%, Puzzle 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric puzzle-platformer with a distinct, hand-drawn art style that captures a similar mood to Gish.

Meet Henry, merely half a head, yet with the peculiar ability to become any object within their reach! Discover every object’s unique abilities and cleverly combine them to take Henry through their not-so-ordinary everyday life.

Why similar: Physics 31.8%, Local Multiplayer 25.3%, Local Co-Op 13.1%, Adventure 12.6%, Action 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based sandbox game that focuses on unique movement and interaction in a charming, experimental way.

After losing contact with his explorer friend Virgi, our fearless alien hero Spidy heads to Earth in his spacecraft to find her. While entering the Earth’s atmosphere, his spacecraft suddenly fails and starts to break up, causing Spidy to crash-land on the strange planet, with his craft scattered across forests, throughout ponds and in...

Why similar: Indie 34.8%, Platformer 31.5%, Action 16.9%, Adventure 16.1%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based platformer where the player controls a spider, focusing on momentum and sticky traversal.

Crayon Physics Deluxe is a 2D physics puzzle / sandbox game, in which you get to experience what it would be like if your drawings would be magically transformed into real physical objects. Solve puzzles with your artistic vision and creative use of physics.

Why similar: Physics 43.8%, Indie 37.5%, Puzzle 13.5%, 2D 3.8%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: A pure physics-based puzzle game that captures the experimental spirit of early 2000s indie titles.

You are the Ball. Escape.

Why similar: Platformer 40.1%, Adventure 27.1%, Puzzle Platformer 20.1%, 2D 10.4%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, movement-based platformer that strips the genre down to its core physics and momentum.

The legendary Knytt series continues with Nifflas’ latest creation; Knytt Underground. In this Knytteration; humans have long since abandoned the planet after practically destroying it in a war, five hundred years ago.

Why similar: Platformer 46.5%, Indie 35.3%, Adventure 14.6%, 2D 1.9%, Puzzle 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes exploration and unique movement through a vast, atmospheric world similar to the underground setting of Gish.

The pinnacle of alien evolution, Maw is a cowardly fat blob concerned mostly with snacking and lounging. He can, however, absorb the traits of anything he eats, is virtually indestructible, and can grow to unlimited size. If he wasn't a danger to all life in the universe, he'd make the perfect pet.

Why similar: Indie 45%, Platformer 30.3%, Action 15.9%, Adventure 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title features a unique, blob-like protagonist and physics-based interaction within an adventure-platformer framework.

Assemble your team of three from seven unlikely adventurers, then descend into the mysterious depths to explore The Cave!

Why similar: Platformer 37.9%, Adventure 18.8%, Local Co-Op 11.1%, Local Multiplayer 11%, Indie 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer set in a mysterious underground environment that emphasizes character-specific abilities.

Glyph is a cute, physics-based adventure starring a mech-scarab and his trusted guide, Anobi, challenged with rebuilding an ancient civilization buried under the desert sand. Jump, double-jump, smash and glide through the air in this vertical platformer with amazing controls.

Why similar: Platformer 27.9%, Physics 25.5%, Indie 18.1%, Action 9.1%, Adventure 9%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based platformer that focuses on momentum and fluid movement through challenging 3D environments.

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 44.4%, Indie 27.1%, Local Multiplayer 7.8%, Local Co-Op 6.6%, Puzzle 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that uses gravity and rotation mechanics to challenge the player's movement skills.

Grab a friend and get squishy! Putty Pals is the ultimate co-op platformer, challenging two players to work together and overcome puzzles in a bright and beautiful world.

Why similar: Platformer 22%, Local Multiplayer 20.9%, Indie 19.4%, Local Co-Op 10.2%, Adventure 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based platformer that requires players to utilize the unique properties of their characters to solve puzzles.

Help a small body save a head-like organism full of air, from a leak that threatens its life. Explore their Metroidvania-style world and overcome challenging environmental puzzles to find the key to the head's survival.

Why similar: Indie 33.2%, Adventure 17.1%, Platformer 13.8%, Action 12.7%, Physics 11.6%

At the bottom of a massive underground dump, a sentient pile of sludge is born. After finding a discarded book that shows photographs of the surface, they decide to make the journey upward to see the outside world.

Why similar: Platformer 40.5%, Action 21.5%, Adventure 20.2%, Indie 12.9%, 2D 4.2%

As a swashbuckling archaeologist, unlock the mystery of the ancient ruins that have been hidden for centuries and discover a mysterious artifact, a gold and metal shelled Ball.

Why similar: Indie 24.7%, Physics 22.5%, Puzzle Platformer 16.1%, Action 13.3%, Adventure 12%

Living liquid machines have overrun a world of unstoppable progress and their inventor must stop the chaos in this game about a man with the power to bring ordinary matter to life!

Why similar: Platformer 32.5%, Indie 24.5%, Physics 17.4%, Puzzle 9.8%, Action 6.7%

Jamboy and Billy are devoured by a giant and now they have to escape from its guts! Explore the giant's intestines as you defeat food monsters in this frantic, multi-genre game and go on a stomach-churning adventure!

Why similar: Platformer 46.7%, Indie 20.3%, Action 16.3%, Adventure 8.2%, 2D 6.9%

Take control of Zeb in this puzzle/platformer. He is a small energy based life form from space, known as a Plazma Being. While journeying through space to his home, Zeb was surprised to find that he was being kidnapped by aliens. They took him back to their planet and unceremoniously threw him into captivity.

Why similar: Platformer 32%, Indie 20.8%, Physics 16.2%, Adventure 13%, Action 8.6%

A giraffe born with slippery feet sets out to find love...

Why similar: Indie 30.2%, Platformer 19.3%, Physics 17%, Adventure 14.9%, Action 14.5%

AtmaSphere is roll-a-ball game set in a medieval world which is full of dangerous traps and uncertain paths! Roll all you want, but don't fall off! Collect all diamonds to impress Ballerina, and get Ballard safely to her house!

Why similar: Indie 27.6%, Platformer 24%, Physics 21.2%, Action 10.7%, Adventure 10.4%

Welcome to the Deep: Pixelart platformer indie game located deep inside caves. You are a cave explorer who accidentally falls in a pit which leads to a big cave system. After some exploration, you find remains of an old civilization that used to live there and decide to explore it a little further.

Why similar: Indie 28.6%, Local Multiplayer 19.5%, Platformer 18.3%, Adventure 16.5%, Action 14.3%

BlackEye is an adventure game, and its main character is the inhabitant of the world of Koyte. This mysterious world is divided into two - upper and lower ones. No one inhabitant of the upper world would voluntarily go down to the lower world. However the main character has to reach the bottom!

Why similar: Indie 34.7%, Action 19.9%, Platformer 18.3%, Adventure 17.5%, Puzzle Platformer 6.3%

You awaken in your mansion and discover that your love is missing. She has been kidnapped but it's unclear by whom.

Why similar: Indie 35.1%, Platformer 34.6%, Adventure 17%, Puzzle Platformer 8%, 2D 5.3%

A tough platformer following a girl diving over the heads of terrifying creatures and bouncing off walls to traverse a mysterious, unsettling world that's so much bigger than her: the "world between all worlds"

Why similar: Platformer 60.8%, Action 22.9%, 2D 8.3%, Indie 7.5%, Singleplayer 0.4%

A Void Hope takes you on an atmospheric narrative adventure to find a cure for a collapsed city. Follow the story of a tormented couple as they try to decipher reality from nightmares and evade the shadowy threats lurking in the dark.

Why similar: Platformer 32.3%, Adventure 22.9%, Indie 19.3%, Puzzle Platformer 13.3%, Puzzle 7.3%

After decades of toil, an old machinist plots his escape from Communism, through manipulation and scheming. Along the road, he befriends the most unlikely creature, an abandoned robot. Could they solve the puzzles and flee this bleak world together?

Why similar: Platformer 30.4%, Indie 26.6%, Adventure 13.5%, Action 12.3%, Puzzle Platformer 9.5%

Capsized is a fast paced 2D platformer focused on intense action and exploration. As a intrepid space traveler, your ship has crash landed on a mysterious alien planet. You must navigate through the perilous environment and fight off blood-thirsty creatures to save your crewmates and escape with your lives!

Why similar: Platformer 36%, Indie 23.8%, Action 13.7%, Physics 9.2%, Local Co-Op 7%

In Between is set inside the mind of a man hit by a cruel twist of fate. Together you are on a journey through the protagonist's head, a world that doesn’t obey the laws of physics.

Why similar: Platformer 30.1%, Indie 21.3%, Physics 12.4%, Puzzle Platformer 10.2%, Action 6.7%

Stuck in the Underworld without the slightest clue why, a young fiend has a bit of a mystery to solve in this action/adventure platformer. With a world to explore, a past to uncover, and quite the task to complete, players must embark on a quest filled with monsters, towns, dungeons, bosses, and various platforming challenges.

Why similar: Indie 38.1%, Platformer 24.3%, Adventure 19%, Action 18.5%

Discover the beautiful world of Nihilumbra and join Born on his adventure to find himself whilst trying to escape from his inevitable curse. Born was created from the absolute nothingness: The Void. But somehow he separates himself from the black emptiness and appears in the world.

Why similar: Platformer 34.9%, Indie 30.1%, Adventure 11.9%, Puzzle Platformer 8.4%, Puzzle 7.4%

The Princess of the Flower Kingdom has vanished! She was taken by the Ghulibas of the north, and it is up to brave Zee Tee to rescue her. On his quest, he - and you - will discover the hidden lands behind the peaceful kingdom, and come face to face with secrets that will set you on edge!

Why similar: Platformer 59.2%, Indie 34.8%, 2D 3.5%, Puzzle 1.6%, Singleplayer 0.9%

Story of a Father who is in search of his son who has fallen in a cave. You play as Father and fight with monsters,ghosts and deadly animals to save your son. This game has also local multiplayer which can be played upto four players.

Why similar: Indie 29.9%, Platformer 20.1%, Action 15.7%, Adventure 15.6%, Local Multiplayer 15.1%

A co-op climbing game about two stuck-together toys on an escape mission from their evil owner.

Why similar: Platformer 31.1%, Local Multiplayer 17.7%, Indie 13.5%, Adventure 10.9%, Physics 10.5%

One gloomy night, Bulb Boy wakes suddenly from a frightening nightmare to discover that evil has overshadowed the Bulbhouse. His family has disappeared and there are horrid monsters lurking in the shadows. Gather the courage and use his glass head to save everything he loves.

Why similar: Indie 52.1%, Adventure 32.8%, Puzzle 9.3%, 2D 3.1%, Singleplayer 2.6%

Adventures of different characters with their unique atmosphere and puzzles.

Why similar: Platformer 32.7%, Indie 25.6%, Adventure 9.9%, Physics 9.6%, Puzzle 7.5%

Tandem : A Tale of Shadows redefines the puzzle platformer genre with a unique gameplay and exceptional aesthetics. Help Emma and the teddy bear Fenton solve the mystery of the disappearance of the famous magician Thomas Kane.

Why similar: Platformer 31.8%, Indie 24.9%, Puzzle Platformer 11.8%, Action 10.1%, Adventure 8.2%

A puzzle-platformer set in a dystopian world where the invention of a cloning device has messed things up, big time. Armed with a clone gun and a mighty fine mustache, the chore of saving THE WHOLE OF CIVILIZATION rests on your shoulders. Don’t blow it.

Why similar: Platformer 31.1%, Indie 14.1%, Action 12.4%, Adventure 12.4%, Puzzle Platformer 10.3%

Andarin Weppes is a first person puzzle experience of a man with ever advancing dementia...

Why similar: Platformer 30.3%, Physics 24.8%, Indie 15.8%, Adventure 10.6%, Puzzle Platformer 10.3%

Ria's journey to the strange storm...

Why similar: Platformer 29.4%, Indie 24.2%, Physics 16%, Adventure 13.3%, Action 11.8%

Cast into an ancient crypt, survive the horrors that dwell below, and ascend from despair with your unexpected companion in this short 2D puzzle platformer. Take risks to evade the petrifying gaze from beyond the dark.

Why similar: Platformer 42.9%, Adventure 16.2%, Indie 14.9%, Puzzle Platformer 11.2%, Puzzle 9.1%

Devil's Drizzle is a 2D platformer that narrates the story of a kid in pursuit of his friend, an umbrella. Brave the storm and outrun the clutches of the demonic Pazuzu in this audacious effort to save your buddy.

Why similar: Platformer 32.3%, Indie 22.3%, Action 13.2%, Puzzle Platformer 12.8%, Adventure 12.3%