Games Like Islets

Crypt Custodian is a charming metroidvania about cleaning up the afterlife. Play as Pluto - a mischievous cat who has died, and is sentenced to be the afterworld's janitor... FOREVER! Hang out with other doomed ghosts, battle beasts, and explore a vastly expansive landscape.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.2%, Platformer 9.9%, Cute 7.8%, Atmospheric 7.7%, Exploration 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same wholesome tone, fluid movement, and character-driven charm found in Islets.

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Animals 23.9% ★, Metroidvania 22.1%, Platformer 8.9%, 2D Platformer 5.2%, Fantasy 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features stunning hand-painted art and a heartwarming story that emphasizes exploration and character connection.

Explore a strange planet, collect the creatures you find, and then shape-shift into them to expand your world. Build your own path, chat with the locals, and discover the planets sprawling secrets in this quirky metroidvania platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.1%, Platformer 14.6%, 2D Platformer 9.1%, Open World 7%, Cute 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A pacifist-focused metroidvania that captures the cozy, exploration-heavy feel of Islets perfectly.

Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.9%, Platformer 17.9%, Family Friendly 8.3%, Adventure 5.9%, Cute 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game blends pinball mechanics with metroidvania exploration in a vibrant, cheerful world that feels very similar in spirit.

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.1%, Platformer 14.8%, Side Scroller 8%, Adventure 6.7%, Cute 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, colorful metroidvania that features excellent platforming and a whimsical fantasy world.

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.6%, Platformer 10.7%, Side Scroller 8.6%, Open World 7.2%, 2D Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a cute aesthetic and a well-designed interconnected world that rewards curiosity.

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 49.2%, Platformer 12.8%, Story Rich 8.4%, Adventure 5.9%, Side Scroller 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features a strong narrative and expressive pixel art that mirrors the story-rich nature of Islets.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.2%, Platformer 16%, Atmospheric 9.8%, Story Rich 6.3%, Cute 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a breathtaking atmospheric experience with fluid movement and a strong emotional core.

Explore a vast, interconnected dream world full of secrets and collectibles in this metroidvania adventure inspired by classic 2D platformers. Reclaim your lost memories to save Slumberland from the mysterious Oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.5%, Platformer 10.2%, 2D Platformer 9.9%, Cute 8.1%, Family Friendly 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Captures a whimsical, hand-drawn aesthetic that feels right at home with the visual style of Islets.

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: Metroidvania 35.3%, Platformer 20.6%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Adventure 6%, Fantasy 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style metroidvania with a charming art style and a focus on lighthearted adventure.

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: Metroidvania 32.4%, Platformer 15.6%, Side Scroller 9.9%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Adventure 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platforming metroidvania that uses atmospheric world-shifting mechanics to create a unique sense of discovery.

Embark on a grand adventure in Phoenotopia! An action-adventure puzzle platformer inspired by the great classics. Meet charming townsfolk, brave the dungeons, and thwart evil in your quest to save your family.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.7%, Platformer 17.9%, Fantasy 7.1%, Adventure 6.9%, Action-Adventure 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: An adventure-heavy game with a large, charming world and a focus on exploration and discovery.

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 54.4%, Platformer 18.7%, Adventure 7.5%, 2D 4.9%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Combines satisfying exploration and upgrade loops with a charming, lighthearted cast of characters.

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.4%, Platformer 13.6%, 2D Platformer 9.6%, Fantasy 7.1%, Cute 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming 2D platformer that focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving in a retro-inspired fantasy world.

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 56.1%, Platformer 12.9%, Side Scroller 6.4%, Adventure 5.4%, Cute 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, cat-themed metroidvania that keeps the action accessible and the world compact and fun to explore.

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: Platformer 18.8%, 2D Platformer 13.8%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Atmospheric 8.9%, Colorful 8%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful, platforming-heavy metroidvania that encourages players to explore its vibrant 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: Metroidvania 38.7%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Platformer 10.8%, 2D Platformer 8.9%, Exploration 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Boasts beautiful hand-drawn visuals and a massive, interconnected world to explore.

Guide Pronty and its Javelin partner Bront as it defends the once great city of Royla. Explore the deep sea, fight mutant sea creatures, and discover the secrets behind this new Atlantis in this beautiful action-packed adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.4%, Platformer 10.6%, Side Scroller 10.2%, 2D Platformer 7%, Atmospheric 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: An underwater metroidvania that offers a unique setting and a focus on exploration and action.

Embark on an enchanting adventure in this breathtaking 2D Metroidvania game inspired by the rich folklore of Indonesia. Control Kimo and Wispy as they seek to recover the Shards of Light. Manipulate terrain to solve puzzles, befriend the natives of Lumina, and take abilities from powerful titans.✨

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.9%, Platformer 11.5%, Cute 8.8%, 2D Platformer 7.8%, Exploration 7%

Why You'll Like It: A stylized, exploration-focused adventure that captures a similar sense of magical discovery.

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: Metroidvania 36.4%, Platformer 12.1%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Cute 7.7%, Exploration 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Despite its cute aesthetic, it offers a deep and rewarding metroidvania experience with plenty of exploration.

A fantastic, oceanic, open world puzzle adventure. Solve innovative block puzzles while unearthing a mystifying story, gaining new friends that change the puzzle landscape, and unlocking powers that provide more options for how you choose to progress through the enigmatic Isles of Sea and Sky.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.7%, Open World 14.4%, Atmospheric 11.8%, Exploration 10.1%, Adventure 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-heavy adventure that captures the feeling of exploring a fragmented, beautiful world.

Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague!

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.6%, Platformer 13.1%, 2D Platformer 9.1%, Side Scroller 8.3%, Exploration 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features a hand-painted aesthetic and a classic 2D platforming adventure structure.

Explore a land filled with lost legends, ancient powers, and ferocious monsters in TUNIC, an isometric action game about a small fox on a big adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.4%, Exploration 12.7%, Cute 10.7%, Action-Adventure 8.4%, Fantasy 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: While more challenging, it shares the sense of discovery and cute aesthetic that makes Islets so engaging.

Bounce and stomp through an enormous interconnected world, doing some intense acrobatics and getting huge combos! A superfast precision platformer that mixes up a Metroidvania world with classic Arcade mechanics.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.9%, Platformer 13.8%, 2D Platformer 8.3%, Action-Adventure 6.6%, Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, colorful platformer that emphasizes movement and exploration in a vibrant 2D world.

Explore strange and wonderful islands and dark labyrinths below in this narrative puzzle platformer. Guide young mechanic Mo on her quest to repair a world on the brink of collapse. The powerful Omni Switch at your disposal may not be enough to fix the damage that hides beneath the surface...

Why similar: Platformer 21.5%, Story Rich 14.6%, Atmospheric 11.4%, Exploration 11.4%, Family Friendly 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven experience that prioritizes atmospheric exploration and a unique, hand-drawn art style.

Experience the tale of a cheerful girl and a grouchy talking hat in this charming Metroidvania, where every ability is hat-based! Throw the hat to attack enemies, teleport to him to make perilous leaps, and fly him through narrow tunnels of spikes as you escape a dangerous magic forest.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Platformer 9.1%, 2D Platformer 8.6%, Nature 7.8%, Cute 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, action-adventure title that fits well within the metroidvania subgenre.

Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.8%, Platformer 13%, 2D Platformer 8.9%, Story Rich 8.8%, Action-Adventure 8.7%

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 27.5%, Platformer 12%, Side Scroller 7.8%, Cute 6.2%, Atmospheric 6%

Why You'll Like It: A cartoonish, action-heavy metroidvania that focuses on exploration and quirky character interactions.

Embark on an adorable adventure, discover new friends and uncover everything the island has to offer. Climb, Swim, Glide and slide your way into the hearts of the many different characters you meet on your travels!

Why similar: Family Friendly 25.3%, Cute 24.2%, Funny 19.8%, Colorful 13.4%, Adventure 8.3%

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: Metroidvania 44.8%, Platformer 15.8%, Fantasy 9%, Cute 8.1%, Exploration 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid combat and beautiful pixel art that emphasizes a sense of wonder and exploration.

Embark on a heartfelt Mushroomvania adventure through a vast and dense interconnected world! It's like a mix of retro and modern classics!

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.9%, Platformer 12.8%, Exploration 7.9%, Adventure 7.5%, 2D Platformer 7.4%

Catmaze is a fairy metroidvania inspired by Slavic myths. Age-old tales will come to life in the unforgettable adventure of Alesta, a sorceress whose courage guides her through mysterious paths and dark forests in search of the lost road to Nav, the world of the dead.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.8%, Platformer 12.6%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Exploration 6.3%, Open World 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A folklore-inspired metroidvania that features a cute protagonist and a focus on exploration.

Musical Metroidvania, with pixel art to die for. Guide orphaned chick 'Birb', on a platform adventure, as he faces off against the denizens of the forest in rhythm-action boss battles. Acclaimed for its gorgeous animation, and heart-warming storytelling, as Birb strives to discover his true origins.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.8%, Platformer 13.1%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Cute 7.6%, Story Rich 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, rhythm-based platformer that focuses on storytelling and exploration.

Fly into a charming handcrafted world and go on an adventure that mixes up open exploration with crispy twin-stick shooter action. Fight your way from the shiny overworld to the deepest caves, improve your ship and overcome the dungeons' bosses to rescue your friends!

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.5%, Exploration 9.5%, Cute 8.8%, Open World 8.2%, Adventure 5.4%

Awita: Journey of Hope is a captivating side-scrolling metroidvania game that follows the remarkable journey of a courageous girl determined to rescue her village from the clutches of a devastating epidemic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.5%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Platformer 10.3%, 2D Platformer 8.2%, Atmospheric 6%

Embark on a wholesome adventure to save The Grove! Forage resources, combat the invasive Rot, and restore the community. Relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor in this charming action-RPG starring a grape.

Why similar: Fantasy 13.1%, Family Friendly 11%, Cute 11%, Story Rich 10.5%, Funny 9.3%

Explore the mysterious island of Kindara in this vibrant 2D action-adventure. Fight and platform your way through jungles, icy peaks, castles, and crystal caverns in a non-linear interconnected world. Adventure awaits!

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.5%, Platformer 9.9%, 2D Platformer 9.3%, Exploration 7%, Fantasy 6.5%

Go on an adventure in a world packed with secrets helped by your friend, a poulp with many abilities. Explore, solve puzzles, wander across dungeons, blast through races and much more in this cute game inspired by the best 3D platformers

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.2%, Platformer 15%, Cute 8.8%, Family Friendly 8.7%, Exploration 7%

Even the smallest person can make a big difference. Join Alba, as she sets out to save her beautiful island and its wildlife. And possibly start a revolution.

Why similar: Nature 19.7%, Family Friendly 13.2%, Open World 11.6%, Story Rich 9.3%, Cute 8.7%

A world of Beauty and Mystery, Emotive Animations, Atmospheric Environments, Visually Driven Story, Metroidvania Exploration and Memorable Sword Duels.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43%, 2D Platformer 10.2%, Atmospheric 9%, Platformer 9%, Exploration 7.2%

Witchcrafty is a metroidvania platformer with magical action gameplay, exploration of a weird world, and adorable pixel art graphics. Help the little witch solve the mystery of strange events in the Kingdom, and defeat enemies with fire, lightning, and ice magic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.3%, Platformer 11.1%, Side Scroller 10.2%, 2D Platformer 7.4%, Cute 5.9%

Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.4%, Platformer 13%, 2D Platformer 8.2%, Cute 7.2%, Story Rich 6.6%

Jump, Swing and Zip your way through colourful worlds and exciting challenges in this unique 2D action-platformer! Master the power of the Grapple on your adventure to save the world!

Why similar: Platformer 22.6%, 2D Platformer 17.9%, Cute 12%, Funny 9.6%, Family Friendly 7.8%

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 52%, Platformer 14.3%, Exploration 9.3%, Atmospheric 7.4%, Cute 5.5%

Five animal friends with unique abillities unite in this metroidvania adventure! You'll need to master each animal's skill to complete your quest! Play as the dog, duck, cat, frog and raccoon at the same time!

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.8%, Platformer 10.5%, 2D Platformer 10%, Family Friendly 9.4%, Exploration 7.2%

Catch hundreds of tinykin and use their unique powers to bring Milo back to his home planet and back to normal size!

Why similar: Platformer 15.8%, Family Friendly 13%, Cute 12.6%, Story Rich 10.4%, Funny 9.8%

Use and upgrade magic items, collect hidden treasures, and uncover the secrets between two worlds in this cute isometric puzzler! When a certain vacationing Elephant stumbles upon a way into the land of the dead, will she unwittingly let something far more sinister slip through?

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.9%, Platformer 13.5%, Open World 8.1%, Nature 7.8%, Action-Adventure 6.1%

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 63.1%, Platformer 18.4%, Adventure 6.9%, Side Scroller 6.4%, 2D 4.3%

A single-player journey of discovery through an ancient world of wonders, created by solo developer Jonas Manke.

Why similar: Platformer 23%, Cute 14.4%, Atmospheric 13.2%, Story Rich 13%, Exploration 12%

Join Koa and Napopo on a 3D platformer adventure through the islands of Mara! Outwit traps, explore the ocean, maneuver dangerous environments, and have fun in 8 wild worlds on their quest to recover stolen pirate loot.

Why similar: Platformer 19.5%, Cute 12.2%, Story Rich 10.6%, Family Friendly 10.5%, Funny 10.2%

Unveil a heartfelt story of family, dinosaurs, and UFOs! Craft, upgrade, and survive in a realm of primeval predators, savage tribes and... ancient aliens. Rise from a humble cave dweller to the planet’s last hope — alone or in local co-op. Welcome to the dinovania!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.9%, Platformer 10.8%, Nature 10%, Side Scroller 9.5%, 2D Platformer 7.1%

Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat.

Why similar: Metroidvania 70.5%, Action-Adventure 8.4%, Action 4.7%, Adventure 3.8%, Platformer 3.3%

🦆 Marbles and 🐢 Checkers need your help finding their way home after being swept away in a storm. In this 90s buddy-platformer there's a ton of stuff to do and even more to collect!

Why similar: Platformer 29.8%, 2D Platformer 21.3%, Cute 13.2%, Adventure 8.5%, 2D 5.7%

Eagle Island is a roguelite action-platformer with falconry-inspired combat. Soar into an original story-driven adventure, fighting through procedurally generated levels and challenging boss fights. Includes free TWIST content, with new characters and handcrafted, retro-themed minigames.

Why similar: Platformer 19.9%, 2D Platformer 18.9%, Cute 14%, Exploration 13.5%, Story Rich 10.9%

Kingdom Shell is an atmospheric 2D platformer with a captivating storyline. Explore the local lands to stop the invasion of nightmarish creatures and unravel the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.3%, Side Scroller 10.4%, 2D Platformer 9.1%, Story Rich 7.4%, Platformer 7.4%

Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41%, Platformer 15.2%, Atmospheric 6.1%, Story Rich 5.9%, Cute 5.3%

Ruthless bird versus bird action. Wild animals and the artefacts of a mysterious ancient culture. A game full of challenge and discovery – unlike anything you've played before.

Why similar: Animals 32.9% ★, Metroidvania 24%, Nature 9.4%, Side Scroller 6.3%, Open World 5.4%

In a colorful archipelago, play as a young thief studying at the Guild. Investigate kidnappings, steer clear of roaming pirates or fight them. Sail the ocean on a cute turtle and climb every island. Cure sick animals, and find the truth during this feel-good journey. Made by a dreamer solo dev.

Why similar: Animals 32.1% ★, Metroidvania 25.6%, Open World 7.8%, Atmospheric 6.4%, Fantasy 5.8%

Dive into a magical woven world on the back of your own carpet dragon! Explore the textile landscape, solve puzzles, challenge quirky creatures and unravel the great mysteries of a long forgotten past in Weaving Tides!

Why similar: Platformer 17.8%, Family Friendly 12.4%, Story Rich 11.9%, Cute 11.4%, Exploration 9.9%