Games Like Headlander

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 57.2%, Sci-fi 13.2%, Platformer 12.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, Action 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential sci-fi metroidvania that captures the retro exploration feel found in Headlander.

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: Sci-fi 46.7%, Platformer 20.3%, Metroidvania 19.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Side Scroller 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a core body-swapping mechanic that mirrors the central gameplay hook of Headlander.

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Metroidvania 58.2%, Platformer 13.9%, Action 8.2%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Side Scroller 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A compact, retro-styled sci-fi metroidvania where you pilot a mech, echoing the robotic themes of the seed game.

Combining quirky missions and mysterious conspiracies, Psychonauts 2 is a platform-adventure game with cinematic style and tons of customizable psychic powers.

Why similar: Comedy 32.7%, Platformer 30.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Action 11.4%, Funny 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the signature humor, imaginative world-building, and creative platforming style of Double Fine Productions.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 63.2%, Platformer 15.2%, Sci-fi 7%, Action 5.8%, Great Soundtrack 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a deep, challenging metroidvania experience set in a mysterious, pixelated sci-fi environment.

SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 62.8%, Platformer 22.2%, Action 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished sci-fi metroidvania that balances exploration and action with a charming, distinct aesthetic.

Fire up your ray guns, crystal swords, and laser whips, and get ready for thrills and chills! With three incredible movie stars playing out decidedly B-level sci-fi exploits, Dick Starspeed, Scarlet Nova, and Robot will have you ready to jump off the side of the tower—right into adventure!

Why similar: Sci-fi 45.4%, Comedy 22.6%, Action 20%, Funny 7.3%, Retro 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the same B-movie sci-fi charm and comedic tone found in Headlander's 70s-inspired world.

Head back to the Mexiverse in this long-awaited sequel to the smash hit Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across stunning new hand-crafted levels. Featuring a dense and colorful world, new luchador moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!

Why similar: Metroidvania 51%, Platformer 20.5%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Action 8.1%, Funny 6%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a vibrant, humorous, and highly refined metroidvania experience with excellent combat mechanics.

Super Time Force Ultra is an insane platformer filled with robots and dinosaurs and fun and time travel... sometimes all at the same time!

Why similar: Platformer 38.2%, Side Scroller 36.5%, Retro 12.7%, Funny 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, humorous side-scroller that emphasizes unique time-manipulation mechanics and retro flair.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.1%, Great Soundtrack 28.7%, Sci-fi 18.8%, Action 13.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an atmospheric, sci-fi action experience with a heavy emphasis on visual storytelling and exploration.

MindSeize is a 2D Metroidvania game set in a Sci-Fi-universe. Transfer your mind to a robot and rescue your beloved one!

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.1%, Action 17.7%, Sci-fi 14.5%, Platformer 11.2%, Side Scroller 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action-platformer that focuses on exploration and combat within a futuristic setting.

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 56.2%, Platformer 15.4%, Action 9%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, Sci-fi 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich metroidvania that balances intricate platforming with a unique, colorful sci-fi world.

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 52%, Platformer 15.7%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Action 7.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-heavy metroidvania that features unique companion-based mechanics in a sci-fi world.

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 34.6%, Great Soundtrack 26.2%, Action 17%, Sci-fi 15.8%, Retro 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features fast-paced, stylish action with a strong retro aesthetic and a narrative-driven approach.

In this Insanely Twisted, 2-D action-adventure game, explore unique environments and battle bizarre creatures.

Why similar: Metroidvania 71.7%, Sci-fi 18.8%, Action 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a distinct visual style and sci-fi exploration mechanics that feel right at home with Headlander.

A crazy action-adventure platformer... In Hell.

Why similar: Platformer 33.3%, Metroidvania 30%, Comedy 13.8%, Action 10.9%, Funny 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky, comedy-focused platformer that shares the irreverent tone of Double Fine's work.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 51%, Platformer 23.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Action 6%, Sci-fi 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic of the genre that defined the modern indie metroidvania with its retro charm and sci-fi narrative.

NeuroVoider is a twin-stick shooter RPG set in a cyber futuristic world about brains shooting around evil robots with nuclear rocket launchers. Battle through the horde of vigilant robots, boost your character with the smoking remains of your victims, and defeat the master NeuroVoider.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.1%, Sci-fi 34.3%, Action 29.5%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action-roguelike that features heavy robot customization and intense combat.

Good Robot is a fast-paced roguelike shoot-em-up that pits you against thousands of robots out to violate your warranty. Explore a procedurally generated sci-fi metropolis and the depths of corporate depravity, but never stop shooting...unless, of course, you're a Bad Robot. You're not, are you?

Why similar: Action 82%, Funny 18%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, humorous action game centered on robotic combat and retro-futuristic aesthetics.

ChAIR’s fresh twist on classic side-scrolling design with modern gameplay is amplified in Shadow Complex Remastered. 10+ hrs of exploration and fast-paced combat from award-winning original game, updated with graphical enhancements, dynamic melee take-downs, and new Master Challenges.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.8%, Platformer 17%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Action 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality, modern metroidvania that leans into sci-fi themes and tactical exploration.

Surf through a pulsating, underground world on platforms pulled from thin air in this challenging, psychedelic, rhythm-infused action platformer that has you defying gravity to a pumping beat.

Why similar: Platformer 38.1%, Great Soundtrack 27.3%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Retro 10.6%, Action 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A precision platformer that emphasizes rhythm and style, matching the vibrant energy of Headlander.

Blast off in a 2D metroidvania adventure bursting with platforming thrills, deep exploration, and explosive action. Assemble a crack team of heroes to save the world in Blast Brigade!

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.8%, Platformer 19.1%, Comedy 15.3%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful, action-packed metroidvania that leans into the same campy sci-fi tropes as Headlander.

Xeodrifter is the story of an interstellar drifter traveling the stars on a simple mission of exploration. We join our nomad as he embarks on the investigation of a small cluster of four planets in the omega sector, after a collision with a rogue asteroid damaged his warp core.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.8%, Sci-fi 20.8%, Platformer 16.6%, Side Scroller 7.9%, Action 6%

Why You'll Like It: A concise, retro-inspired metroidvania that focuses on exploration and sci-fi boss encounters.

Shoot, jump, and slide your way through a ruined, mysterious, dog-filled world as you fight to save humanity from the clutches of a rogue AI named Daddy.

Why similar: Platformer 38.3%, Sci-fi 18.4%, Action 17.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Side Scroller 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled platformer that combines exploration with a humorous, lighthearted sci-fi narrative.

Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

Why similar: Platformer 32.9%, Action 19%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Comedy 15.2%, Retro 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane, humorous side-scroller that captures the over-the-top action spirit of retro gaming.

Michel Ancel, the celebrated creator of Rayman®, Beyond Good & Evil®, and the Raving Rabbids®, returns to unleash his innovative creativity on this new entry into the Rayman® franchise.When Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies discover a mysterious tent filled with captivating paintings, they are suddenly transported to a series of...

Why similar: Platformer 49.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Action 10.2%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Comedy 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: While not a metroidvania, it offers the same high-quality, humorous, and fluid platforming experience.

Exception is a game about AI programming. During the game, the player assists the units to defeat their enemies in the virtual world. However, the player needs to control the units by programming instead of controlling them directly.

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced platformer set inside a computer system, featuring sci-fi themes and shifting environments.

"The best platformer of 2019."Horace is a huge platforming adventure which pushes the boundaries of the genre with a profound story of a small robot learning of life, the universe and Douglas Adams. Made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers!

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.6%, Platformer 18.5%, Comedy 10.4%, Side Scroller 8.6%, Action 8.1%

Unleash your inner bear in this over-the-top bullet-hell FPS! Embark on a zany retro-futuristic adventure and destroy oil-thirsty robots with an outrageous arsenal. Transform into a bear, wield unique powers, and embrace the absurd fast-paced action of Bears in Space!

Why similar: Sci-fi 40.7%, Comedy 26.6%, Action 12.1%, Funny 10.5%, Retro 10.1%

A fast-paced 2D handcrafted metroidvania with strange sci-fi environments. Something is roaming the halls, watching your every move.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.8%, Sci-fi 24.3%, Platformer 12.3%, Side Scroller 11%, Action 4.5%

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: Metroidvania 43.4%, Platformer 26.6%, Sci-fi 15.2%, Action 10.9%, Retro 4%

A nostalgic metroidvania adventure with insane weapons, skills, and pixel gore. Ride your BMX and blast your enemies as you discover the secrets of the Wasteland.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.2%, Sci-fi 21%, Comedy 14%, Platformer 12.8%, Action 7.4%

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 50.9%, Sci-fi 25.6%, Platformer 14.6%, Action 9%

In the action-adventure platformer, Akimbot, blast your way through armies of robots, pilot spaceships and forge your own path to save the universe from impending doom! Set in a sci-fi world where only robots exist, travel the galaxy and experience non-stop robot mayhem and explosive action!

Why similar: Platformer 40.9%, Sci-fi 38.9%, Action 15.1%, Retro 5.1%

When an old woman's computer system is taken over by a virus bent on total annihilation, you assume control of an ordinary software program transformed into an elite combat machine. Retake the system and build your character into a formidable instrument of retribution.

Why similar: Sci-fi 28.7%, Platformer 25.1%, Side Scroller 18%, Action 15.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%

Help Frank F. Franky fight the evil cardesians, zombies & robots while setting your arrested friends free. Bullshot is a run 'n gun game that tries to recover the essence of the 90s classics, such as Abuse, Contra or the Metal Slug sagas.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.4%, Platformer 17.6%, Sci-fi 17.5%, Comedy 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.8%

Left to fend for himself after mankind abandoned the doomed planet Aurora, robot Kramer 227 must find a way through 20 action-packed levels and rescue his robotic friends before Aurora crashes into its sun.

Why similar: Action 29.4%, Sci-fi 25.3%, Platformer 20.9%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%

A self-inflicted bullet hell that combines retro sci-fi with the sounds and sights of the disco era

Why similar: Sci-fi 61%, Action 28.4%, Funny 10.6%

In this pixel-perfect homage to the classic action platformers, you play as Sydney Hunter - an explorer who gets trapped inside a Mayan pyramid while he's out exploring!

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.1%, Platformer 20.8%, Action 20.2%, Comedy 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%

Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 24.4%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Comedy 20%, Action 17.5%, Retro 9.4%

The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.

Why similar: Sci-fi 35.5%, Side Scroller 27.8%, Action 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%

Fight as Heart, an innocent robot fighting to escape the grip of mindless machines in a future where humans are no more. A fast-paced 3D brawler with roguelike elements set in a colorful yet desolated world.

Why similar: Action 59.3%, Great Soundtrack 40.7%

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

Why similar: Sci-fi 33.9%, Platformer 28.4%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Action 12.1%, Retro 9.2%

BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.

Why similar: Platformer 41.6%, Action 33.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Retro 10.2%

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

Why similar: Platformer 33.8%, Sci-fi 17.1%, Side Scroller 16%, Action 14.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%

A sci-fi puzzle-platformer of cataclysmic proportions! Evolve from a tiny captive into a world-eating giant. Use your mutant blob powers to devour the pathetic humans and all of civilization!

Why similar: Platformer 26.7%, Side Scroller 22.9%, Comedy 18.9%, Retro 12.4%, Action 11%

A throwback to the golden age of white-gloved 16-bit video-game mascots, Spectacular Sparky is an action-packed platformer with wacky characters, explosive weapons and boss battles to treasure!

Why similar: Sci-fi 25.9%, Platformer 19.7%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Comedy 16.2%, Action 8.3%

Immerse yourself in the story of two brave space amazons who dare to challenge the irresponsible aristocratic system. Overcome all the obstacles that appear on your way - hordes of space scavengers, armies of General Admiral and get to the main villain - Evil Moneybag!

Why similar: Side Scroller 35.6%, Comedy 27.6%, Action 22.8%, Retro 14.1%

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: Platformer 39.1%, Side Scroller 25%, Action 15.9%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Retro 5.8%

Shoot rubber ducky arrows, pound enemies with a rhino hammer, and help Beethoven get his groove back in the last totally normal high school themed RPGvania you’ll ever want.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.8%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Comedy 13.9%, Action 12%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%

Arcade Mayhem Juanito is a retro experience about arcade-hopping. Teleport into different video games, play with unique mechanics inspired by well-known arcade games, face stunningly animated bosses and join the fight against the clonocell invasion.

Why similar: Sci-fi 47.6%, Action 36.6%, Retro 15.8%

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: Metroidvania 45.5%, Platformer 19%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Retro 7.2%, Action 5.6%

The 2D side-scrolling shooter from The Behemoth is back! With your mighty blaster and a group of mysterious kids by your side, destroy the agency and reclaim your spaceship!

Why similar: Side Scroller 56.4%, Action 28.4%, Funny 15.3%

A vibrant sci-fi platform adventure game where you help Maxwell the dog explore unfamiliar worlds, make strange new friends and contend with mysterious forces - by jumping, shooting, slicing, shrinking, warping and drilling.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46%, Platformer 20.9%, Sci-fi 13.6%, Comedy 11.3%, Action 8.2%

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 52.9%, Platformer 21.4%, Side Scroller 12%, Retro 7.7%, Action 5.9%

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Platformer 24%, Sci-fi 17.6%, Action 16.3%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Metroidvania 11.9%

Revenge of the Savage Planet is an upbeat, satirical action adventure Sci-Fi. Jump, shoot and collect your way across vibrant alien worlds, uncovering new gear and upgrades, while discovering various hidden secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.1%, Sci-fi 23.7%, Platformer 17.2%, Comedy 13.2%, Action 7.7%