Games Like Kotama and Academy Citadel

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 27.7%, Souls-like 13.5%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Action RPG 10.1%, Anime 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a vast, beautiful world and fluid combat that closely mirrors the exploration-heavy nature of the seed game.

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: Metroidvania 43.6%, Souls-like 14.1%, Female Protagonist 11.5%, Action RPG 10.2%, RPG 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title features a similar dark-fantasy atmosphere and a compelling female protagonist navigating a ruined, high-stakes world.

This is an anime-style Metroidvania game with an RPG progression system, numerous weapons for switching, and an emphasis on equipment building. It offers three switchable characters, smooth gameplay, impactful combat feedback, and anime-style story scenes.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.2%, JRPG 13.7%, Souls-like 11.6%, Female Protagonist 9.6%, Platformer 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the exact 2.5D side-scrolling structure and anime-inspired aesthetic found in the seed game.

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: Metroidvania 51%, Female Protagonist 13.8%, Anime 7.8%, RPG 7.6%, Platformer 7%

Why You'll Like It: As a definitive modern Metroidvania, it provides the deep RPG systems and exploration that fans of the genre crave.

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: Metroidvania 38.1%, Female Protagonist 13%, Anime 13%, Action-Adventure 10.3%, Platformer 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines fast-paced, bullet-hell combat with a vibrant anime art style and intricate character progression.

"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series. Join Momo, High Priestess of the village of Koho, as she embarks on a divine mission to save her people from imminent destruction at the hands of the demon hordes summoned by a malevolent bellringer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.8%, Souls-like 14%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Anime 10.3%, Platformer 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a highly polished, atmospheric experience with tight controls and a distinct, charming pixel-art aesthetic.

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: Metroidvania 22.3%, Souls-like 13.7%, Action RPG 10.4%, Female Protagonist 9.3%, Platformer 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title provides a modern, action-packed experience with a strong focus on character-driven storytelling and exploration.

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: Metroidvania 27.4%, JRPG 16.2%, Female Protagonist 11.6%, Platformer 10.7%, RPG 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: The steampunk setting and emphasis on narrative-rich exploration make it a perfect thematic companion to the seed game.

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 32.9%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Platformer 12%, Anime 10%, Exploration 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is a masterclass in anime-styled Metroidvania design, focusing on fluid movement and satisfying combat mechanics.

Ink and blood stain the streets of Ramezia. Witches must burn and sins must be judged. Venture forth as Sister Semilla to burn down the pillars of heresy in Minoria, an action-platformer by Bombservice, creators of Momodora.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.6%, Female Protagonist 14.1%, Souls-like 13.5%, Anime 9.3%, Nudity 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a focused, action-heavy experience with a strong female lead and a striking, painterly art style.

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: Metroidvania 36.7%, Anime 14.8%, Platformer 11.8%, Sexual Content 8.7%, Female Protagonist 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: The anime-inspired visuals and survival-focused combat mechanics make for a unique and engaging side-scrolling experience.

Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.1%, Souls-like 22.2%, Platformer 13.4%, Sci-fi 5.6%, Action-Adventure 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique high-tech, hand-drawn world and challenging, precision-based combat that rewards mastery.

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: Metroidvania 41.7%, Female Protagonist 17.4%, Platformer 16%, Action-Adventure 11.6%, Action 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: It features an incredibly fast-paced combat system and a focus on aerial mobility that feels very similar to high-action Metroidvanias.

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 30.8%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Anime 11.8%, Platformer 10.7%, Action-Adventure 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game excels at blending complex bullet-hell boss encounters with expansive, non-linear exploration.

EXPLORE YOUR WAY. Awoken to a world ruined by war, Alma must traverse the vast city of Arcadia before the life force of her friends and herself withers away. Time is ticking, and every moment matters. Who will you save, and who will you leave to turn UNSIGHTED?

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.8%, Souls-like 14.5%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Action RPG 8.8%, RPG 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique time-pressure mechanic and deep exploration that rewards players for uncovering secrets in a dying world.

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: Souls-like 28.8%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Action RPG 17.1%, Anime 15.2%, RPG 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a high-tech, post-apocalyptic setting with intense, skill-based combat that fits the seed game's vibe.

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: Metroidvania 29.6%, Souls-like 17.9%, Action RPG 14.2%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Platformer 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a challenging, souls-like combat experience with a wide variety of weapons and skills to master.

This game is a Metroidvania game with intense battle. Explore the world and collection power-ups with your cute cat girl! When magic curse suddenly occurred in a small town and all the residents grew cat ears, the real cat girl Nyaruru started her way to uncover the truth...

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.7%, Anime 11.8%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Platformer 10.3%, Action-Adventure 8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a cute but challenging platforming experience with a focus on fluid movement and exploration.

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 31.4%, JRPG 16.9%, Platformer 14%, Action-Adventure 7.9%, Sci-fi 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes a sense of grand adventure and discovery, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the exploration aspect.

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 33.1%, Female Protagonist 11.9%, Platformer 11.7%, Anime 9%, Action-Adventure 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a fast, stylish combat experience with unique time-manipulation mechanics that keep the gameplay fresh.

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: Metroidvania 24.6%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Action RPG 10.2%, Anime 9.2%, Platformer 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: The heavy focus on RPG elements and narrative-driven progression makes it a strong match for fans of story-rich adventures.

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 45.2%, Souls-like 20.1%, Female Protagonist 15.8%, Action RPG 6.8%, Anime 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: The melancholic atmosphere and spirit-based combat system provide a deep, emotional journey similar to the seed game's narrative.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.1%, Platformer 17.7%, Action-Adventure 11.4%, Exploration 9.7%, Adventure 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: The high-tech, diesel-punk world and satisfying combo-based combat offer a similar sense of scale and progression.

Ariana must restore the Codices and unravel the Library's hidden truths...

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.3%, Platformer 15%, Action-Adventure 10.5%, Anime 9.6%, Exploration 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This indie title captures the spirit of classic action-adventure games with a focus on singleplayer progression.

The latest title from the HunterX development studio, Maid of Salvation is an action RPG that features fast-paced and versatile combat. Master your own fighting style with a variety of swords and firearms, and explore a dark world full of secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26%, Souls-like 15.9%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, Action RPG 11.5%, Platformer 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a blend of exploration and hack-and-slash combat that fits well within the Metroidvania sub-genre.

Begin your adventure in Shattered Divinities to reveal the truth! Traverse the land where deities have perished, explore abandoned divine realms, battle mutated monsters, gather divine power to awaken your strength, and unveil the truth behind the deities’ fall.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.3%, Platformer 13.8%, Female Protagonist 7.2%, Action RPG 6.9%, RPG 6.3%

Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.6%, Platformer 17%, Exploration 8.2%, Action-Adventure 7.8%, Cute 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is a charming and well-designed Metroidvania that focuses on rewarding exploration and satisfying combat.

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 32.7%, Female Protagonist 14.1%, Platformer 12.9%, Action-Adventure 8.9%, Anime 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: The hand-painted art style and classic platforming mechanics create a cohesive and enjoyable adventure.

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: Metroidvania 37.1%, Female Protagonist 18.4%, Anime 10.9%, Nudity 9.1%, RPG 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It blends Metroidvania exploration with roguelite elements, offering a high-replayability experience with a female protagonist.

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 47.6%, Platformer 15.8%, Exploration 11.5%, Action-Adventure 8%, Cute 6%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a clean, minimalist approach to the genre with excellent level design and secrets to uncover.

Explore the world, fight fierce and alluring monster girls to uncover the secrets hidden within! A Metroidvania 2D platformer with combats that push you to the edge!

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.7%, Souls-like 14.4%, Sexual Content 13.9%, Nudity 12.2%, Action RPG 7.8%

Step into a beautifully somber pixel art world of decay filled with grotesque, writhing abominations...A dark action RPG that follows the journey of a demon-slaying nun who must resist destruction and despair while purging the corruption from this world one boss after another!

Why similar: Sexual Content 23.2%, Metroidvania 22.1%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Souls-like 8.9%, Action RPG 8.1%

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 35.2%, Souls-like 19.9%, Platformer 13.1%, Action-Adventure 8.3%, Anime 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a massive, challenging world that is perfect for players who enjoy high-difficulty platforming and exploration.

Succubus Successor is a Metroidvania built around the power of seduction. Its unique Charm ability lets you seduce enemies and engage with them intimately. Playing as the succubus heroine, you set out to find the missing demon lord—leaping, battling, and solving puzzles across a vast world as you explore its most hidden corners.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.8%, Sexual Content 15%, Nudity 12.3%, Platformer 10.9%, Female Protagonist 9.5%

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: Metroidvania 25.3%, Spectacle fighter 24.9% ★, Platformer 10.5%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Anime 8%

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 20.6%, Metroidvania 17.6%, Anime 16.3%, Sexual Content 15.1%, Nudity 9.8%

In this city of sin, power comes at a price. Noëlle must navigate a world of corrupt deals and illicit pleasures to gain the upper hand.

Why similar: Metroidvania 19.5%, Nudity 13.1%, Sexual Content 12.8%, Platformer 12.2%, Female Protagonist 10.8%

Control the lovely little witch Nobeta, explore the unknown mysterious castle, and gradually discover the truth!

Why similar: Souls-like 19.9%, JRPG 16.4%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Action RPG 12.9%, Anime 11.8%

Beyond Citadel is an anime style retro throwback shooter inspired by the classics of the 90's, with realistic gunplay mechanics, anime violence and fast paced combat. Fight your way through the heavily armed mechanical fortress and discover the secret that lies beneath.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 27.2%, Anime 21.5%, Action-Adventure 14.9%, Sexual Content 13.7%, Sci-fi 9.4%

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: Metroidvania 32.3%, Female Protagonist 21.9%, RPG 7.7%, Anime 7.6%, Nudity 6.9%

You are a pink life form. The target is utilizing the evolved abilities to seek revenge on the researchers while progressively breaking through barriers toward the exit.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Sexual Content 15.7%, Anime 10.8%, Platformer 8.9%, Action-Adventure 8.4%

Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, Platformer 13.1%, Action RPG 13%, Anime 10.4%, Action-Adventure 8%

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: Metroidvania 26.4%, Female Protagonist 17.3%, RPG 11.1%, Platformer 10.9%, Anime 9.8%

Homura Hime is an anime-style 3D action game merging exhilarating thrills with the tension-filled gameplay of bullet hell. Players dodge hails of projectiles, unleash combos that blend close-quarters and ranged attacks, and utilize dodges and parries to withstand the fierce onslaught of demons.

Why similar: Spectacle fighter 39.2% ★, Action RPG 15.9%, Female Protagonist 15.9%, Anime 12.9%, Cute 5.5%

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.7%, Spectacle fighter 23% ★, Souls-like 13.7%, Female Protagonist 9.5%, Platformer 8.7%

CRYMACHINA is an action RPG where mechanical girls strive to survive in a post-apocalyptic world to become “Real Humans''. But what does it mean to be a “Real Human”?

Why similar: JRPG 22.6%, Action RPG 18.3%, Anime 13.2%, Action-Adventure 10.6%, Female Protagonist 10%

Play as the ancient automaton Cecilia Immergreen as you explore the world for secrets, solve puzzles, delve into dungeons, fight other Hololive members as powerful bosses, help other members with side quests, and find powerful items to explore previously unavailable locations.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.4%, Action RPG 16.2%, Action-Adventure 13.6%, Female Protagonist 10.1%, Exploration 9.8%

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: Spectacle fighter 21.8% ★, Female Protagonist 15.7%, Action RPG 12.3%, Anime 10.4%, RPG 9.1%

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%, Souls-like 16%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Platformer 11.5%, Exploration 8.6%

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 23.8%, RPG 16.6%, Metroidvania 14%, Anime 10.4%, Action 8.9%

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 58.1%, Platformer 13.4%, RPG 7.2%, Action RPG 3.8%, Action 3.8%

ICEY is a 2D side-scrolling action game and a META game in disguise. As you follow the narrator's omnipresent voice, you will see through ICEY's eyes and learn the truth about her world. The narrator will constantly urge you in one direction, but you must ask, "Why? Why am I following his directions?“ Obey? Rebel?

Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.9%, Spectacle fighter 16.4% ★, Anime 15.2%, Metroidvania 11.5%, Action 7.5%

Virtua Unlimited Project is a 2D pixel-art style ACT game featuring VTuber characters. With classical platformer gameplay, challenging combat, and retro game feelings, VUP presents you a surreal, virtual world in which you will play as Aizawa Kana to venture and seek the truth beneath.

Why similar: Action RPG 26.5%, Anime 19.2%, Action-Adventure 17.1%, RPG 9.6%, Female Protagonist 8.8%

In order to save their school after it turns into a massive demonic castle, two "Demon Hunter" sisters slash and shoot their way through this 2D action adventure. Players can swap between control of both characters on the fly, each with entirely different skillsets.

Why similar: Platformer 23.9%, Female Protagonist 20.1%, Anime 18.7%, Cute 8.2%, Action 7.5%

NanoApostle is a dark sci-fi boss rush action game featuring intense reaction-based combat and the unique "Destruction Point" system. Play as Anita, a child augmented with lethal nanomachines, as she battles against twisted cybernetic experiments to escape a top-secret facility.

Why similar: Spectacle fighter 32.3% ★, Souls-like 20.3%, Action RPG 18.5%, Anime 10.1%, Female Protagonist 5.1%

Glimmer in Mirror is a 2D story-rich action shooting game. Play as Shiro in a collapsed world, to meet various unique NPCs and monsters, and gradually uncover the truth of the world through a gripping story.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.2%, JRPG 13.3%, Female Protagonist 10.1%, Action RPG 10%, Anime 8.8%

In the rogue action game "Taboo Trial", you will play as a young female warrior from the Norse mythology, who can transform into multiple cute and sexy female warriors. In the visually stunning 3D world, you will use your combat skills to uncover the truth behind the Twilight of the Gods.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 18.4%, Sexual Content 18.1%, Nudity 17.2%, Action RPG 12.3%, RPG 9.6%

What’s left of humanity are minds trapped in circuits. You are awaken as ReSetna, a warrior on a mission to rescue last human remnants. Explore seven hostile zones, face seven brutal bosses and evolve through a unique upgrade system. Uncover horrifying truth and decide if the future is worth saving.

Why similar: Metroidvania 62.3%, Platformer 20.6%, Adventure 6.3%, Action 6.3%, Indie 4.5%