Games Like 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 41.6%, Platformer 16.2%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Story Rich 6.5%, Cute 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It shares a similar focus on breathtaking hand-painted visuals, fluid movement, and an emotional, atmospheric narrative.

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 37.1%, Platformer 11.8%, Open World 8.1%, Atmospheric 7.1%, Exploration 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a classic, accessible Metroidvania experience with a cute aesthetic and rewarding exploration that feels very similar to 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 40.8%, Platformer 10.5%, Cute 8.6%, Atmospheric 8.4%, Exploration 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the same wholesome, character-focused charm while delivering a polished and satisfying Metroidvania experience.

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: Metroidvania 42.3%, Platformer 13.7%, Atmospheric 6.7%, Exploration 5.4%, Colorful 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It places a heavy emphasis on creative platforming and exploration, making it a great fit for players who enjoyed the movement mechanics of Islets.

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 52%, Platformer 18.1%, Family Friendly 7.8%, Adventure 6%, Cute 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: Like Islets, it offers a unique, non-violent, and incredibly charming take on the Metroidvania genre through its innovative pinball-based traversal.

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 40.2%, Platformer 15.4%, Open World 7.5%, Cute 7%, Exploration 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on non-violent exploration and creature collection, mirroring the gentle and wholesome tone of Islets.

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 51.6%, Platformer 13.6%, Story Rich 8.9%, Adventure 6.3%, Action 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a strong emphasis on story and character development within a 2D action-platformer framework.

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 43.8%, Platformer 15.8%, Adventure 7.1%, Cute 5.3%, Fantasy 5%

Why You'll Like It: This title features vibrant, colorful art and a lighthearted adventure that emphasizes exploration and ability-based progression.

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 43.4%, Platformer 18.5%, Fantasy 7.6%, Adventure 7.2%, Cute 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is a sprawling adventure that emphasizes exploration and discovery in a beautifully crafted world.

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 38%, Platformer 12%, Atmospheric 7.7%, Cute 6.6%, Exploration 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This underwater adventure offers a unique combat system and a vibrant, atmospheric world to explore.

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 33.6%, Platformer 16.2%, Atmospheric 8.9%, Adventure 6.1%, Story Rich 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: The game uses atmospheric world-shifting mechanics to create a unique platforming experience that feels both challenging and rewarding.

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 44.6%, Platformer 12.5%, Exploration 7.3%, Side Scroller 7.1%, Open World 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: The game features stunning hand-drawn art and a vast, interconnected world that rewards curious explorers.

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 43.3%, Platformer 15%, Fantasy 8.1%, Cute 7.6%, Exploration 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic 8-bit exploration feel with modern quality-of-life features and satisfying puzzle-platforming.

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 53.3%, Open World 14.5%, Atmospheric 12%, Exploration 10.2%, Adventure 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on puzzle-heavy exploration in an open-world setting, perfect for those who enjoyed the island-hopping theme of Islets.

Deep within the realm of sleep, Sybil finds herself pulled to a distorted castle. Grow strong, and unlock new abilities to build up a deep movement system, fight enemies, find secrets, and free the weary soul of Castle Sansa, in this retro-inspired 3D Platformer Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.2%, Platformer 17.6%, Exploration 9.3%, Fantasy 7.3%, Adventure 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is a movement-focused platformer that excels at making traversal feel rewarding and fun, much like the core gameplay loop of 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: Metroidvania 34.3%, Platformer 13.7%, Story Rich 7.9%, Fantasy 7.8%, Atmospheric 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is a story-rich adventure with a distinct art style that emphasizes flight-based exploration and emotional character moments.

Explore the fallen world of Penumbra in this precision 3D metroidvania platformer. Slash fierce enemies, conquer deadly traps, uncover ancient temples, and master fast, fluid movement across challenging platforming gauntlets in your quest to restore a fallen kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.7%, Platformer 16.4%, Cute 9.4%, Exploration 8.2%, Fantasy 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: While 3D, it shares the same intense focus on precise platforming challenges and fluid movement abilities.

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: Metroidvania 49.5%, Platformer 16.8%, Exploration 8.5%, Side Scroller 8.4%, 2D 5%

Why You'll Like It: This Metroidvania features tight combat and unique time-manipulation mechanics that make exploration feel fresh and exciting.

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 31.2%, Platformer 13.7%, Cute 7.2%, Atmospheric 6.9%, Story Rich 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines a cartoonish, lighthearted tone with solid Metroidvania exploration and action.

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: Cute 29%, Family Friendly 28.1%, Funny 14.4%, Colorful 13.9%, Adventure 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: It is a purely wholesome and relaxing experience that captures the joy of exploration without the pressure of combat.

Restore the Sun’s light and end the Eternal Eclipse in this 2D fast-paced action-platformer game inspired by Peruvian cultures. Explore hand-crafted environments, battle and improve your skills to defeat the Four Keepers that stole the power of the Sun.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.6%, Platformer 12.2%, Open World 7.4%, Story Rich 7.3%, Cute 7%

Why You'll Like It: It features a beautiful hand-drawn art style and fast-paced action that feels very much in line with the aesthetic of Islets.

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 22.8%, Story Rich 15.7%, Atmospheric 12.4%, Exploration 12.4%, Family Friendly 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: While more puzzle-oriented, its hand-drawn art and focus on island exploration evoke a similar sense of wonder.

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 33.8%, Platformer 12.6%, Cute 9.9%, Exploration 7.8%, Fantasy 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: The game features a stylized, whimsical world that encourages exploration and lighthearted action-adventure gameplay.

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 48.5%, Platformer 15.6%, Adventure 6.9%, Fantasy 5.2%, Action 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It is a precision-platformer that emphasizes speed and flow, offering a highly satisfying movement experience.

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 14.9%, Cute 12.5%, Story Rich 11.8%, Family Friendly 11.6%, Exploration 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: This cozy action-RPG features a charming world and a focus on helping others, mirroring the wholesome spirit of Islets.

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: Metroidvania 80.1%, Atmospheric 9.7%, 2D 5.4%, Singleplayer 2.6%, Action 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a beautiful, melancholic atmosphere and fluid combat that makes exploring its ruined world a joy.

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.3%, Platformer 15.6%, Open World 7.2%, Atmospheric 6.9%, Exploration 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: For players who want a more challenging platforming experience while keeping the Metroidvania structure.

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 35%, Platformer 12.8%, Cute 7%, Fantasy 6.5%, Family Friendly 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A charming side-scrolling platformer that focuses on magic-based combat and exploration.

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 27.3%, Platformer 15.6%, Cute 9.4%, Family Friendly 8.6%, Exploration 7.5%

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 36.7%, Platformer 14.8%, Story Rich 10.3%, Exploration 9%, Family Friendly 7%

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 52.6%, Platformer 14.1%, Exploration 8.9%, Adventure 8.1%, 2D Platformer 3.7%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 65.8%, Platformer 15.2%, Adventure 5.4%, Atmospheric 3.7%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, rewarding exploration game that focuses on uncovering secrets in a mysterious, interconnected world.

Sundered is a chaotic hand­-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.2%, Platformer 17.8%, Atmospheric 6%, Side Scroller 5%, 2D 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features gorgeous hand-drawn art and intense action sequences that push the boundaries of the 2D platforming genre.

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 39.7%, Platformer 15.1%, Exploration 7.2%, Side Scroller 5%, Colorful 5%

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 36.7%, Platformer 11.3%, Atmospheric 6.7%, Exploration 6.7%, Story Rich 6.6%

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 40.1%, Platformer 10.5%, Cute 8.6%, Story Rich 7.3%, Nature 6.6%

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 50.4%, Exploration 13.8%, Cute 11.7%, Fantasy 7.4%, Atmospheric 7.3%

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 50.3%, Exploration 9.6%, Cute 9%, Open World 8.3%, Fantasy 5.5%

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 64.9%, Platformer 19%, Adventure 7.1%, 2D 4.6%, Side Scroller 3.5%

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 43.3%, Platformer 10.9%, Exploration 7.8%, Cute 7.3%, Fantasy 7.3%

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 37.7%, Platformer 13.8%, Cute 8.2%, Story Rich 8%, Atmospheric 7.6%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.2%, Atmospheric 10.4%, Platformer 10%, Exploration 8.3%, Colorful 5.5%

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 37.3%, Platformer 14.4%, Open World 8.8%, Nature 6.2%, Cute 6.2%

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 35.8%, Platformer 14%, Cute 7.9%, Story Rich 7.3%, Exploration 6.9%

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48%, Platformer 14.3%, Atmospheric 6.1%, Story Rich 5.7%, Exploration 5.3%

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 76%, Action 5.1%, Adventure 4.2%, Platformer 3.6%, Singleplayer 2.7%

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.8%, Platformer 19.8%, Fantasy 6.8%, Action 5%, Adventure 4.8%

Shantae is back in an all-new tropical adventure! In her fifth outing, the Half-Genie hero gains new Fusion Magic abilities to explore a vast sunken city, makes new Half-Genie friends, and battles the Seven Sirens in her biggest, most thrilling quest yet!

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.3%, Platformer 18.3%, Cute 6.6%, Adventure 5%, 2D 3.3%

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 21.6%, Cute 13.8%, Story Rich 12%, Exploration 11%, Family Friendly 11%

Explore an interconnected world full of platforming challenges in this short metroidvania. Reach new areas by swinging from ceilings, throwing bombs, bouncing off spikes, and more. Examine dozens of artifacts, commune with forgotten gods, and piece together what happened to Auridia.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.8%, Platformer 13.6%, Exploration 9.3%, Atmospheric 8.5%, Story Rich 6%

Toki Tori 2+ may look cute, but it’s a challenging puzzle adventure game. Whistle and stomp are the only moves you need to solve increasingly complex puzzles, as you go anywhere, anytime on a lush forest island.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.9%, Platformer 12.6%, Open World 7.5%, Cute 7.3%, Exploration 6.5%

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 57.5%, Platformer 13.2%, Cute 5.6%, Adventure 5.5%, 2D 5.2%

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 17.7%, Cute 14.5%, Family Friendly 13.8%, Story Rich 11.9%, Atmospheric 10.9%

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 27.2%, Cute 19.9%, Story Rich 15.2%, Exploration 14.1%, Colorful 11.9%

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 54%, Platformer 14.8%, Adventure 7.9%, Action 5.9%, Side Scroller 4%

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 41%, Story Rich 8.3%, Platformer 8.1%, Atmospheric 7.8%, Fantasy 7.1%

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

Why similar: Platformer 22.9%, Cute 14.7%, Atmospheric 13.5%, Story Rich 13.3%, Exploration 12.2%

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 42.7%, Platformer 11.3%, Family Friendly 9.6%, Exploration 7.9%, Cute 7.7%

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 17%, Family Friendly 14.5%, Open World 13.7%, Story Rich 11.1%, Cute 10.4%