Games Like ICEY

An action game set in the Ancient China, bringing players addictive experiences with its unique Chinese traditional art-style and sound design.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 25.7%, Female Protagonist 22.3%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Action 12.3%, RPG 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is one of the closest Steam matches to ICEY, offering fast 2D side-scrolling hack-and-slash combat, an anime-inspired look, and a female lead.

ANNO: Mutationem is an action-adventure game with RPG elements set in a cyberpunk world, featuring a unique mix of pixelated 2D & 3D graphic style with a rich, dark and bizarre plot.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 26.7%, Cyberpunk 18.5%, Anime 14.4%, Spectacle fighter 12.6% ★, RPG 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This also blends a female protagonist, side-scrolling action, and cyberpunk storytelling, with a similarly stylish sci-fi atmosphere beneath the surface.

Guide Vivian the Vagrant, through vibrant and dynamic landscapes while hacking and slashing a path from a quiet coastal village through mysterious forests, haunted castles, and wrecked battlegrounds. When the endless barrage of enemies have been vanquished, what solace will be left for our hero?

Why similar: Female Protagonist 26.5%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Hack and Slash 13.9%, Metroidvania 8.5%, Action 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its combo-heavy 2D action, anime art, RPG progression, and female swordswoman make it a very natural follow-up to ICEY.

THE INITIAL is a hyper action game about pretty schoolgirls battling against evil. It's developed by a small team of five developers. We hope you will love this game as much as we do.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 31.4%, Female Protagonist 26.7%, Anime 16.2%, Action 13.3%, RPG 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers flashy anime-styled side-scrolling hack-and-slash action with a female lead and a very similar overall gameplay profile.

Metal Unit is a sprawling side-scrolling platformer with roguelite features. Play as Joanna, a soldier on a mission to capture her treasonous sister. Wear the M-Unit 11 suit and battle against monsters and aliens while uncovering the truth about humanity.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 29.7%, Action 17.3%, Side Scroller 12.2%, RPG 11.3%, Anime 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its sci-fi setting, female protagonist, and snappy side-scrolling combat echo ICEY's blend of futuristic style and action focus.

NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 36.3%, Female Protagonist 14.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Spectacle fighter 10.2% ★, RPG 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Even though it shifts into 3D often, it shares ICEY's stylish combat, android heroine, existential sci-fi themes, and meta-leaning storytelling.

“Initial Ⅱ” is a fast-paced hack & slash featured Action RPG. It tells a tale of both the super-power war and the friendship. Our Heroine wields 4 types of weapons and can dynamically switch between them at will. Hope you like it!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 30%, Female Protagonist 27.2%, Anime 14.1%, Action 13.8%, RPG 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Like ICEY, it centers on stylish 2D action, combo-driven swordplay, and a female protagonist in an anime-inflected world.

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: Hack and Slash 21.7%, Female Protagonist 21.1%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Anime 14.1%, Metroidvania 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: While more exploration-heavy, it still offers beautiful anime-style 2D combat and a female lead that should click with ICEY fans.

Dex is a 2D, side-scrolling, open-world cyberpunk RPG with a focus on exploration and non-linear gameplay.

Why similar: Cyberpunk 22.8%, Female Protagonist 21.5%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Metroidvania 7.6%, Action 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its cyberpunk 2D action-RPG structure and female protagonist make it a good fit for players who want more side-scrolling sci-fi adventure.

Vernal Edge is a 2D action-packed Metroidvania featuring an intense combat system, tight platforming sequences and a powerful story of rivalry, revenge and growth.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 38.1%, Metroidvania 19.7%, Action 14.6%, Character Action Game 7.2% ★, Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This one nails the airborne combo-heavy feel of a stylish 2D action game while starring a fast, agile female lead.

AWAKEN - Astral Blade is a 2.5D action-adventure metroidvania where you play as Tania, a bionic warrior fighting through a world twisted by Karpas energy. Master parries, upgrade your abilities, and survive relentless enemies and bosses. Is there any chance of survival in such a desperate place?

Why similar: Hack and Slash 23.7%, Female Protagonist 20.8%, Anime 13.8%, Metroidvania 10.8%, Action 8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers polished side-scrolling melee combat, sci-fi anime visuals, and a female protagonist that line up well with ICEY's core appeal.

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: Hack and Slash 27.8%, Great Soundtrack 21%, Cyberpunk 19.8%, Action 14.5%, Platformer 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is a superb match if what you loved most was the fast side-view action and the narrative that keeps making you question what is real.

Become more than human and save mankind from total annihilation! From legendary developer Game Freak comes an action adventure like no other - manipulate the world around you and smash the evil Ajeet to smithereens!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 31.4%, Anime 20.8%, Action 15.1%, Metroidvania 8.7%, Cyberpunk 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This is another anime-styled side-scroller with a female lead and a sci-fi setting, though it leans more into physics and puzzles than pure combo combat.

HunterX is an action-adventure game full of spirited battles. Use various styles of weapons and magic to experience your own fighting style and explore a great world.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 25.3%, Side Scroller 21.7%, Hack and Slash 14.1%, Metroidvania 12.7%, Action 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: It keeps the focus on a female protagonist and responsive 2D melee combat, but pushes the formula a bit more toward metroidvania and soulslike design.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 23.6%, Metroidvania 18.8%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Anime 10.9%, Action 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is less linear than ICEY, but the female-led 2D action and satisfying combat progression still make it an easy recommendation.

The followup to 2009's Dead Samurai, The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile is a combo-fueled, fast-paced, stylistic 2D action platformer that features the series' staple gritty, graphic novel-inspired art style, built on a new engine that allows for an even more visually gruesome experience.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 34.5%, Action 18.5%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Character Action Game 12.9% ★, Great Soundtrack 6%

Why You'll Like It: It captures a similarly relentless 2D hack-and-slash pace with flashy combos and a female-led action focus.

Discover the world of Transistor, a sci-fi-themed action RPG from the creators of Bastion.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 29.4%, Great Soundtrack 25.4%, Cyberpunk 18.8%, RPG 5.4%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: It trades platforming for isometric combat, but the female lead, futuristic mood, and layered storytelling make it a strong thematic cousin.

A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 33.2%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Anime 11.2%, RPG 10.2%, Action 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: The action is more action-RPG than pure hack-and-slash, but its female lead, clever sci-fi narrative, and strong sense of mystery make it resonate.

Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.8%, Female Protagonist 19.7%, Anime 12.1%, Metroidvania 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 8%

Why You'll Like It: If you want another precise, stylish side-scrolling action game with a distinctive twist, its time-stop combat scratches a similar itch.

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: Female Protagonist 27.8%, Anime 14.7%, Metroidvania 14.2%, RPG 11.6%, Action 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: This combines a female protagonist, tight 2D combat, and polished anime-inspired presentation in a way that should appeal to ICEY players.

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: Female Protagonist 27.8%, Anime 17.4%, Metroidvania 15.1%, Action 9.7%, RPG 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers elegant anime-style side-scrolling combat with a female lead, though it is more exploration-driven than ICEY.

ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 37.2%, Metroidvania 22.9%, Great Soundtrack 16.9%, Anime 8.4%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: It is slower and moodier, but fans of female-led 2D combat and strong atmosphere will find a lot to like here.

Foregone is a fast and fluid 2D action-platformer packed with legendary loot and stunning pixel art. Collect an arsenal of powerful weapons and unravel a compelling story of regret and conspiracy as you slice your way through hordes of enemies to save Calagan.

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.4%, Female Protagonist 17.4%, Hack and Slash 13.9%, Metroidvania 12.3%, Action 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its fluid side-scrolling action and futuristic aesthetic give off a similar stylish arcade-combat vibe, even without ICEY's meta angle.

Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.4%, Action 14.4%, RPG 9.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Side Scroller 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is an excellent side-scrolling action RPG with deep combat systems for players who want more mechanical depth than ICEY offers.

Explore the stylish world of Wonderland with Usada and Kotora as they search for a mysterious girl named Alice! A Metroidvania action game with a rich, exhilarating battle system all wrapped up in cuteness!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 21.9%, Female Protagonist 18.9%, Spectacle fighter 16.2% ★, Anime 12.4%, Metroidvania 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is a lighter metroidvania take, but its anime presentation, female protagonists, and side-scrolling combat keep it adjacent to ICEY's lane.

Touhou Hero of Ice Fairy is an indie game developed by GAMEPULSE.Step into the shoes of Cirno, the Hero of Ice, as she embarks on a journey against evil, liberating Gensokyo and saving her dear princess.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 26.3%, Side Scroller 25.7%, Anime 19.2%, Action 7.1%, RPG 5.6%

Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.

Why similar: Side Scroller 19%, Metroidvania 18%, Female Protagonist 17.9%, Action 16.5%, Hack and Slash 16.1%

Why You'll Like It: It is much darker and more punishing, yet its female lead and sharp 2D melee combat still make it a worthwhile lower-ranked alternative.

In the Academy Citadel, strength reigns supreme: only the most powerful survive and thrive. Fight your way through the high-tech Academy in your quest to get the highest of honors for a student, and uncover secrets that can save it in its direst crisis in this 2.5D side-scrolling Metroidvania.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 23%, Spectacle fighter 16.3% ★, Anime 15.2%, Metroidvania 12%, Action 7.5%

AeternoBlade is a Time-Manipulation Hack-and-Slash Action-Puzzle Game. Join Freyja to take revenge on Beladim, the Lord of the Mist who destroyed her hometown and unravel the mysteries of AeternoBlade.

Why similar: Action 30%, RPG 22.1%, Hack and Slash 10.4%, Indie 9.7%, Female Protagonist 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: This earlier entry also offers anime-styled 2D action, time-based mechanics, and a female lead in a compact hack-and-slash package.

Take on the role of a warrior maiden forced to hunt down her best friend, who has stolen a sacred demon blade. Immerse yourself in the tale of a deadly feud between two old friends and the demonic sword tearing them apart―told through high-speed action!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 29.8%, Female Protagonist 24.9%, Anime 16.3%, Character Action Game 10.7% ★, Spectacle fighter 9.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: Although not a side-scroller, it shares ICEY's anime heroine and emphasis on flashy, stylish sword-based action.

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: Female Protagonist 22%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Anime 16.5%, Metroidvania 11.4%, Action 7.8%

Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 21.3%, Anime 20%, Metroidvania 13.2%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Action 9.9%

Underground dwelling girl Hisako is aiming for the surface in a zombie infested Tokyo. Hack and slash RPG! Obtain weapons and gear from enemies, and customize your skill tree to create your own unique and powerful a character!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 29.4%, Anime 19.2%, Hack and Slash 13.7%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Action 9.5%

In the distant future when civilization is on the verge of extinction, people follow the legend of the Elysium in the last city, Havenswell. In this post-apocalyptic wasteland sci-fi ARPG, you will play as Arrisa, a Blader with immortality, and explore the city ruin to find the hope of a new life.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 41.6%, Anime 28.9%, Action 9.6%, RPG 7.2%, Hack and Slash 5.7%

Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?

Why similar: Female Protagonist 27.5%, Metroidvania 22.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Anime 8.4%, Side Scroller 7.6%

ZERO 2 is an ARPG with intriguing storytelling, an unpredictable battle system, and endless heartfelt adventure. The story includes multiple subtle metaphors for the relationship between God and humans.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 21%, Hack and Slash 19.6%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Anime 12.6%, Metroidvania 8.9%

VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 34%, Cyberpunk 28.6%, Anime 19.4%, Adventure 5%, 2D 4.8%

Tower Hunter: Erza’s Trial contains core elements of roguelite games, presented in a toon render style. The player explores a mysterious tower with Erza, vanquishes mutant monsters and defeats bosses to acquire a Hunter’s License and become the most powerful Battle Maiden.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 26.5%, Anime 12.9%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Metroidvania 11.6%, Hack and Slash 10.7%

Remember Me™ is a 3rd person action adventure where players take on the role of Nilin, a former elite memory hunter with the ability to break into people’s minds and steal or even alter their memories.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 31.5%, Cyberpunk 26.4%, Action 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Hack and Slash 7.5%

PlatinumGames’ universally acclaimed action masterpiece finally comes to PC. Experience the over-the-top stylish action in 60fps at unlocked HD resolutions. The definitive way to play: being bad never felt so good.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 25.7%, Female Protagonist 23.7%, Character Action Game 12.2% ★, Spectacle fighter 12.1% ★, Action 10.2%

Bright Memory is a lightning-fast fusion of the FPS and action genres, created by one-man development studio FYQD using Unreal Engine. Combine a wide variety of skills and abilities to unleash dazzling combo attacks.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 32.6%, Female Protagonist 29.3%, Anime 14%, Action 10.2%, Adventure 4.3%

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: Female Protagonist 31.1%, Metroidvania 16%, Action 12.4%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 9%

《Heroine Anthem Zero : Sacrifice》 is an epic fantasy 2D side-scrolling ARPG with Japanese voiceovers and support for 7 languages. In a world unforgiven by God, it is a story of sacrifice and survival ten years in the making. Come and enter a world of adventure from long ago.

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.9%, Female Protagonist 19.6%, Anime 14.3%, Hack and Slash 12.3%, Metroidvania 10.9%

BERSERK BOY is a high speed action packed Platformer, with Metroidvania elements. Packed with vibrant and stylish pixel art. Go Berserk! as you change into different forms and use the power of Lightning, Fire, Ice, Air, and Earth to save the planet!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 20.3%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Female Protagonist 16.6%, Anime 12.8%, Metroidvania 7.8%

Indivisible is a hand drawn action RPG platformer from Lab Zero, creators of the critically acclaimed Skullgirls! Set in a huge fantasy world, Indivisible tells the story of Ajna, a fearless girl with a rebellious streak who sets out on a quest to save everything she knows from being destroyed.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.3%, Action 15.2%, Anime 12.7%, RPG 12.5%, Side Scroller 10.3%

Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! When a mysterious crime wave sweeps Sequin Land, it’s up to Half-Genie Hero Shantae to save the day! Use Shantae’s devastating Hair-Whip Attack to send monsters flying, or Belly Dance to transform her into more powerful forms!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.6%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Anime 13%, Metroidvania 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%

Parkour through the ruins of a megastructure, climb massive bosses, and hunt down every construction equipment in this slice of life action-adventure with immaculate vibes.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 30.5%, Female Protagonist 28.2%, Anime 18.9%, Action 9.5%, Platformer 4.8%

The Dreamcutter, a mysterious scythe with an ulterior motive, promises sexy rewards and a chance at escape. What strange dangers and exotic encounters will you find inside your own mind?

Why similar: Female Protagonist 24%, Side Scroller 23.8%, Hack and Slash 15%, Anime 13%, Action 7%

A hand-drawn 2D metroidvania in a post-apocalyptic world. Forge your destiny in a non-linear story with multiple endings. Explore diverse biomes, conquer 20+ unique bosses, and master a magical Gauntlet with ever-evolving powers.

Why similar: Side Scroller 24.8%, Anime 14.1%, Metroidvania 12.8%, Cyberpunk 12.4%, Action 11.7%

Enjoy action-packed flashy combat with incredibly satisfying combos and responsive controls! Numerous characters, each with completely unique playstyles and loads of unlockable moves & upgrades! This action roguelike sets the bar for fluid fast-paced action.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 28.9%, Anime 18.9%, Cyberpunk 17.8%, Action 13%, 2D 6.2%

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: Female Protagonist 23.7%, Side Scroller 23.3%, Anime 19.2%, Metroidvania 15%, Action 6.7%

The smash-hit stylish action game DMC4 is back and better than ever, boasting new playable characters and game modes!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 32.3%, Character Action Game 19.3% ★, Spectacle fighter 14.6% ★, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Action 11.4%

A great unknown danger is approaching Roah's home planet. Follow Roah as she explores the world and encountering all of its different factions, uncovering the mystery of what is draining the planets lifeforce.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 26.9%, Action 15.4%, Anime 12.4%, RPG 9.4%, Metroidvania 8.9%

Play as Maggie, an immortal agent fighting a cyberpunk megacorporation. Infiltrate enemy territory through stealth,—or arm yourself with whatever weapons you can find and engage in direct combat. Maggie cannot die—but heavy damage can lead to capture, imprisonment, and new paths forward.

Why similar: Side Scroller 27.1%, Action 20.1%, Anime 13.2%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Metroidvania 10.1%

In Blade Kitten, join Kit Ballard as she explores the mysterious world of Hollow Wish to hunt down rogue mechs and soft targets.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 32.4%, Anime 22.3%, Hack and Slash 15.2%, Action 13%, Platformer 6.2%

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

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.7%, Female Protagonist 24.3%, Anime 12.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Action 9.1%

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: Female Protagonist 24.1%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Anime 17%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Action 11.5%

Discover all the secrets of two completely different worlds.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 51%, Female Protagonist 16.2%, Action 7.7%, 2D 7.1%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%

Bright Memory: Infinite is an all-new lightning-fast fusion of the FPS and action genres, created by FYQD-Studio. Combine a wide variety of skills and abilities to unleash dazzling combo attacks.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 43.4%, Hack and Slash 24.9%, Action 19.2%, Sci-fi 4.2%, Indie 3.7%

Explore the land of Sulnas as the "Shadow of Death", a cat girl who's dauntless and fierce. The land is poisoned by secret power and desperately needs salvation. Can you save it from its sure demise or will you doom its fate like everyone else would?

Why similar: Female Protagonist 28.6%, Hack and Slash 22.7%, Anime 20%, Action 11.9%, RPG 7.4%