Games Like Laika: Aged Through Blood

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 29.7%, Difficult 15.5%, Hand-drawn 11.7%, Gore 11.3%, Platformer 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a highly refined, parry-focused combat system that mirrors the intense, skill-based challenge found in Laika.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.4%, Gore 24.8%, 2D Platformer 17.1%, Platformer 11.5%, Exploration 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Shares a striking aesthetic and thematic connection to the post-apocalyptic, gore-filled world of Laika.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Platformer 17.1%, 2D Platformer 16.4%, Violent 15.6%, Difficult 15.2%, Gore 13.5%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a fast-paced, narrative-driven experience where precise movement and instant-death combat define the gameplay loop.

Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.9%, Violent 16.3%, Gore 14.3%, Difficult 11.4%, Platformer 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, pixel-art Metroidvania that blends souls-like combat with a dark, oppressive atmosphere.

SANABI is an exhilarating stylish dystopian action-platformer. Play as a legendary retired veteran and use your signature prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs and skyscrapers, zip through bullets and traps and defeat powerful enemies.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 19.2%, Story Rich 17.7%, Platformer 14.3%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Difficult 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines momentum-based movement with a deeply emotional, story-rich narrative that resonates with Laika's themes of loss.

Rusted Moss is a twin-stick shooter metroidvania where you sling around the map with your grapple, blasting your way through witches and rusted machine monstrosities alike. This wasteland once harboring mankind has since fallen, and Fae long forgotten now knock on humanity's door...

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Platformer 18.9%, Difficult 15.6%, 2D Platformer 12.7%, Atmospheric 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Utilizes physics-based movement mechanics that require mastery, similar to the motorbike handling in Laika.

Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.9%, Gore 16.7%, Violent 12.2%, Difficult 10.6%, Platformer 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a dark, violent, and atmospheric Metroidvania experience that emphasizes punishing combat and religious-gothic lore.

HAAK is a Metroidvania-Platformer. As the mysterious wanderer Haak, you embarked on an epic expedition across the vast cyber-wasteland to find your lost brother. Explore deserted cities and metro, refine your weapons and hack skills, and uncover the secrets behind metal and dust.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Platformer 14.6%, 2D Platformer 12.5%, Exploration 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A post-apocalyptic Metroidvania that balances exploration with fluid, gadget-based movement and combat.

On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Platformer 10.7%, Hand-drawn 10.3%, Difficult 10%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an atmospheric, sci-fi exploration experience with a focus on lonely, melancholic storytelling.

Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.5%, Difficult 16.8%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Platformer 12.9%, Atmospheric 8%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique parry-based combat system and a surreal, body-horror world that rewards aggressive play.

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: Metroidvania 45.2%, Side Scroller 14.1%, 2D Platformer 13.2%, Platformer 11.4%, Difficult 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, souls-like 2D action game that captures the same sense of melancholy and violent struggle.

Fueled by love but driven by rage, Cherry embarks on a blood-soaked quest for revenge, explores the massive Megastructure, and eviscerates the armies of Infornet in a best-in-class action-adventure that breaks tropes and bones.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.4%, Soundtrack 21.4% ★, Gore 15.7%, Violent 12.7%, Platformer 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, stylized, and fast-paced Metroidvania that leans heavily into gore and aggressive combat mechanics.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.6%, Platformer 15.7%, 2D Platformer 15.5%, Story Rich 8.9%, Exploration 8%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid, combo-heavy combat and a gritty, industrial atmosphere that complements its Metroidvania structure.

Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.3%, 2D Platformer 15.9%, Platformer 12.4%, Hand-drawn 11.1%, Atmospheric 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, lore-rich exploration game that emphasizes challenging 2D platforming and combat.

One-hit kill die-retry murderballet. Left for dead by a colorful band of bandits: you will chain killing sprees to exact revenge on the treacherous Mr. Black Wolf. Improvise your kills with utterly everything you can get your hands on: from carrots to plasma guns.

Why similar: Soundtrack 32.4% ★, Gore 18.3%, Violent 17.5%, Difficult 17.2%, Arcade 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, violent action game that shares a distinct western-inspired aesthetic and high-lethality combat.

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 52.4%, Platformer 10.7%, Atmospheric 8.6%, Exploration 8.5%, Adventure 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Combines exploration with a ticking-clock mechanic that adds urgency and emotional weight to the journey.

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 60%, Difficult 15.1%, Atmospheric 10.9%, Hand-drawn 7.7%, Singleplayer 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a deeply emotional narrative paired with challenging, skill-based combat in a ruined, beautiful 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 33.2%, Side Scroller 15%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Platformer 11.6%, Atmospheric 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A charming yet challenging Metroidvania that focuses on exploration and atmospheric world-building.

You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious.

Why similar: Difficult 24.9%, Metroidvania 21.4%, Atmospheric 13%, Platformer 12.8%, 2D Platformer 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a brutal, atmospheric survival experience that captures the feeling of being a small creature in a hostile, uncaring world.

Deep underground, Gloom Girl discovers DOOMBLADE, a sentient weapon hellbent on escape after eons in chains. Together, “Doom and Gloom” embark on a vengeful quest to unlock the powerful abilities and destroy the Dread Lords once and for all in this 2D Action Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.5%, Side Scroller 17.5%, 2D Platformer 12.9%, Platformer 11.6%, Atmospheric 8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on fast-paced, hack-and-slash movement that keeps the player constantly engaged in high-speed combat.

Uncover the dark secrets of a gritty, tangled metropolis and battle diabolic villains with your trusty Gunbrella, a bulletproof brolly that doubles as a firearm.

Why similar: Side Scroller 31.3%, Difficult 25.7%, Platformer 20.1%, Exploration 12.4%, Adventure 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique, movement-focused action with a gritty, noir-inspired setting that feels distinct and rewarding.

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: Soundtrack 24.3% ★, Metroidvania 22.1%, Difficult 12%, Side Scroller 9%, Platformer 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Presents an extremely difficult platforming challenge for players who enjoy the precision required in Laika.

Constance is a 2D hand-drawn action adventure featuring a paintbrush-wielding artist, striving to escape from a colorful but decaying inner-world, created by her declining mental health.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.3%, Hand-drawn 13.5%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Platformer 12.1%, Atmospheric 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid, artistic platforming mechanics that emphasize grace and precision in a challenging environment.

Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.5%, Gore 17.4%, Violent 12.2%, Platformer 11.3%, Atmospheric 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A cyberpunk-themed, souls-like Metroidvania that focuses on exploration and intense combat encounters.

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 60.6%, Platformer 19.1%, Exploration 12%, Adventure 3.6%, Singleplayer 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: A movement-focused 3D platformer that rewards players for mastering fluid, acrobatic traversal.

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 38.2%, Side Scroller 22%, Platformer 15.8%, Exploration 7.1%, Atmospheric 5%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, music-themed Metroidvania that emphasizes emotional storytelling and rhythmic combat.

Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Difficult 14%, Platformer 12.2%, Hand-drawn 10%, Atmospheric 9.3%

Embark upon a tragic tale and discover the ravaged world of Elypse! Fight your destiny in an arduous 2D adventure, story rich platformer, in a mesmerising and mysterious world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32%, 2D Platformer 18.7%, Platformer 16.8%, Atmospheric 9.6%, Difficult 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A parkour-heavy, challenging platformer that demands high-speed reactions and precise movement.

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 34.1%, Platformer 13.3%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Atmospheric 10.1%, 2D Platformer 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional, well-paced Metroidvania that focuses on connection and exploration in a fragmented world.

MO: Astray is a pixel art, side-scrolling, action-platformer. Lead MO through mind-bending puzzles using special abilities. Bizarre enemies, threatening traps and ingenious level designs await.

Why similar: Gore 18.5%, Platformer 14.5%, Violent 12.1%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Atmospheric 10%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer with a dark, atmospheric narrative that tests the player's ability to navigate dangerous environments.

Possessor(s) is a fast-paced action side scroller with combat inspired by platform fighters, a story told through dangerous characters, set in a deep interconnected world ready for exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.9%, Side Scroller 21.6%, Platformer 16.9%, Atmospheric 7.3%, Adventure 7.2%

Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.7%, Violent 13.3%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Gore 11.9%, Difficult 11.8%

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 35.1%, Hand-drawn 13.2%, Platformer 12.5%, Difficult 10.8%, Side Scroller 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides chaotic, high-difficulty combat against massive enemies in a hand-drawn, Lovecraftian world.

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: Metroidvania 33.5%, Side Scroller 19.7%, 2D Platformer 15.6%, Platformer 15%, Atmospheric 9.1%

Volkolak: The Will of Gods is an epic 2D soulsvania in a dark Slavic fantasy setting, with hand-drawn animation. Explore an enchanted world full of secrets and enemies. Your choices will lead to several endings: become a warrior, a werewolf, or join the darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.7%, Side Scroller 19.5%, 2D Platformer 14.1%, Platformer 11.8%, Hand-drawn 9.6%

Explore a stunning hand-crafted world ravaged by war and ruled by a evil tyrant. Face a wide variety of enemies as you customize your strategy, switch weapons, and unlock powerful abilities

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.6%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Difficult 14.8%, Platformer 10.7%, Hand-drawn 10.3%

Tails of Iron is an epic RPG Adventure with punishingly brutal combat. As Redgi, heir to the throne, you must embark on a perilous quest to reclaim your Kingdom. Explore a deceivingly charming world. Assemble a band of brave companions. Banish the merciless Frog clan!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31%, Difficult 26.4%, Story Rich 14%, Atmospheric 12.2%, Adventure 7.8%

The wolves are watching! Venture through a captivating but brutal dystopia where our young adventurer Ravengirl will travel through this huge city’s brightest highs and delve to its darkest depths on her perilous journey of discovery and finding her destiny where hope seems in short supply.

Why similar: Difficult 16.6%, Platformer 14.9%, Gore 14%, Violent 12.7%, Atmospheric 12%

"Kill The Crows" is a fast-paced top-down arena shooter set in the twisted western world. A gunslinger burning with vengeance steps into the ruins of a forsaken town, ready to face death. Prepare for one-shot, one-kill gunfights using classic revolvers and fanning techniques.

Why similar: Bullet Time 52.8% ★, Arcade 25.5%, Atmospheric 12.2%, Action 7.2%, Indie 1.4%

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 67.2%, Side Scroller 6.8%, Difficult 6%, Atmospheric 5%, Platformer 4.6%

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: Metroidvania 30.1%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Difficult 14.5%, Platformer 14.1%, Atmospheric 4.5%

A colorful action platformer with metroidvania elements and a staff that unlocks unique combat techniques and new ways to overcome obstacles. Explore beautiful worlds, fight monsters, and help Mako stop the amber storms that poison all living things.

Why similar: Metroidvania 19.9%, Difficult 13.7%, Side Scroller 11.7%, 2D Platformer 11.4%, Platformer 9.5%

Rebel Transmute is a challenging 2D action-platformer epic with heart! Explore the twisting caverns of an alien planet, augment your play-style to fit your strengths, battle deadly bosses, and uncover a dark truth as Moon Mikono searches for her long lost mother.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.5%, Difficult 16.7%, Platformer 10%, Atmospheric 9.7%, 2D Platformer 8.9%

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 51%, Platformer 12.8%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Difficult 6%, Adventure 5.1%

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.2%, Platformer 13.5%, Side Scroller 5%, Difficult 4.3%, Exploration 3.9%

Experience the moving tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf as they embark on a thrilling adventure through a rapidly dying world.

Why similar: Platformer 29%, Atmospheric 23.9%, 2D Platformer 19.8%, Adventure 12.4%, Hand-drawn 5.2%

Gravethorn is a 2D platformer that combines soulslike and metroidvania elements with deep storytelling. The story follows an Inquisitor who has lost his memory, searching for his forgotten past along with his regrets.

Why similar: Side Scroller 30.3%, Difficult 25.6%, 2D Platformer 22%, Story Rich 8.8%, Violent 6%

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.6%, Side Scroller 16.2%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Exploration 8.8%, Atmospheric 4.1%

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 47.9%, Platformer 14%, Story Rich 10.2%, Side Scroller 9.4%, Adventure 6.2%

A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.

Why similar: Side Scroller 14.4%, Soundtrack 14% ★, Gore 12.7%, Difficult 12.2%, 2D Platformer 12%

Dive into Fatal Claw, a Metroidvania game in vibrant 2D artwork. Explore the arcane underworld your way with Kisha. Your ultimate goal is to find the key to the surface world alongside other survivors, while vanquishing infected enemies and absorbing their power. Start your clawsome adventure now!

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.9%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Hand-drawn 11.8%, 2D Platformer 11%, Platformer 10%

BIOMORPH is a dark metroidvania game where you become the creatures that you kill! Solve ingenious puzzles and navigate a stunning hand-drawn world. Meet quirky characters, rebuild a city, and uncover the secrets of a sprawling, fallen civilization… and of your own mysterious origins.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.6%, Platformer 14.6%, 2D Platformer 14.2%, Hand-drawn 12.2%, Exploration 7.7%

Test your limits in ITTA, a bullet-hell, boss-rush style adventure. Armed with her father’s revolver and guided by a strange ghostly cat, a displaced girl must battle her way through impossible trials in search of answers… and peace.

Why similar: Atmospheric 33.1%, Action 18.4%, Adventure 17.5%, Indie 15.2%, Exploration 9.2%

Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.6%, Difficult 19.6%, Platformer 10.2%, Gore 7.9%, Side Scroller 7.8%

A deadly plague known as erosion broke out in the land of Elworth. It corrupted all life, bringing pain and destruction – Idonia, as the knight accepting the bloodthirsty imprint set out on a path to redemption, exterminating plague minions and destroying ancient evils

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.1%, Gore 19.6%, Violent 15.9%, Action 5.2%, Adventure 2.8%

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 33.1%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Difficult 14%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Platformer 10.1%

The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.1%, Difficult 25.3%, Side Scroller 14.6%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Platformer 9.3%

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: Soundtrack 25.3% ★, Metroidvania 18%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Difficult 11.9%, 2D Platformer 10.3%

Paradox Soul is a chilling fight for exploration and survival; a Metroidvania pixel action-shooter hybrid!

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.7%, Difficult 15.8%, Platformer 12.6%, 2D Platformer 12.2%, Atmospheric 9.4%

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

Why similar: Gore 31.3%, Violent 18.1%, Difficult 18.1%, Platformer 11.7%, Action 5.9%