- #1 Knytt Underground
97% matchVery Positive84% of 483 reviews2013
Dev: Nifflas' GamesPub: Ripstone
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 67%
The legendary Knytt series continues with Nifflas’ latest creation; Knytt Underground. In this Knytteration; humans have long since abandoned the planet after practically destroying it in a war, five hundred years ago.
Why similar: Metroidvania 43.2%, Platformer 24.9%, Exploration 15.3%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Puzzle 2.7%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the same sense of lonely, atmospheric exploration through vast, beautiful, and alien landscapes.
- #2 Gato Roboto
96% matchVery Positive94% of 5,104 reviews2019
Dev: doinksoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 53.5%, Platformer 12.5%, Side Scroller 11%, Difficult 6%, 2D 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features a similar focus on navigating a hostile alien planet with a strong emphasis on discovery and ability-gated progression.
- #3 ANIMAL WELL
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 23,932 reviews2024
Dev: Billy BassoPub: Bigmode
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 41.9%, Nonlinear 13.5%, Platformer 11.8%, Exploration 11.2%, Puzzle 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in non-linear exploration and environmental puzzles that rewards curiosity over combat.
- #4 SHEEPO
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 581 reviews2020
Dev: Kyle Thompson
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 55%
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 39.5%, 2D Platformer 16.8%, Platformer 15.3%, Open World 10.8%, Exploration 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A non-combat Metroidvania that focuses entirely on platforming and exploration, mirroring the pacifist nature of the seed game.
- #5 Exographer
94% matchVery Positive95% of 132 reviews2024
Dev: SciFunGamesPub: Abylight Studios
Windows · Mac
Exographer is an exploration game based on science. Become an explorer, stranded in an alien planet, and discover the secrets of an extinct civilization. Gain new powers to avoid dangers and obstacles in your journey, and use your camera to reveal particles and hidden clues.
Why similar: 2D Platformer 22.7%, Metroidvania 16.3%, Platformer 15.8%, Exploration 13.1%, Puzzle 12.1%
Why You'll Like It: An exploration-heavy puzzle game that emphasizes deciphering a strange world, much like the discovery mechanics in Lunnye Devitsy.
- #6 Planet of Lana
93% matchVery Positive93% of 9,699 reviews2023
Dev: WishfullyPub: Thunderful Publishing
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 82%
In a world torn between nature’s grace and cold machine invasion, one girl and her companion must rely on their bond to survive and protect what they hold dear. Their story of hope, loss, and love will stay with you long after the journey ends.
Why similar: Side Scroller 22%, 2D Platformer 19.5%, Female Protagonist 16.5%, Platformer 16.2%, Puzzle 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: A cinematic puzzle-platformer that captures the feeling of being small in a vast, beautiful, and dangerous alien landscape.
- #7 Axiom Verge 2
94% matchMostly Positive78% of 935 reviews2022
Dev: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Explore a sprawling, alien world in the sequel to the award winning Axiom Verge.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, 2D Platformer 12.1%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Platformer 11%, Action-Adventure 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on exploration and uncovering the secrets of a mysterious, alien world with minimal combat focus compared to its predecessor.
- #8 GRIS
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 94,608 reviews2018
Dev: Nomada StudioPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 28.4%, Platformer 18.7%, Relaxing 13%, Walking Simulator 9.7%, Story Rich 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the atmospheric, artistic, and puzzle-platforming focus that makes the seed game feel like a playable painting.
- #9 Teslagrad 2
91% matchMostly Positive76% of 565 reviews2023
Dev: Rain GamesPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Lumina, a young Teslamancer, finds herself stranded after her airship crash lands in Wyrmheim, a remote and treacherous land to the North. Embark on a dangerous adventure, exploring a gigantic, abandoned tower looming over a fjordside valley, on a quest to get Lumina home and back to her family.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.1%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Platformer 10.4%, 2D Platformer 10.2%, Female Protagonist 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that relies on physics and exploration to navigate a mysterious, atmospheric environment.
- #10 Iconoclasts
91% matchVery Positive86% of 4,950 reviews2018
Dev: Joakim SandbergPub: Bifrost Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 42.1%, Female Protagonist 15.7%, Platformer 11.2%, Side Scroller 8.2%, Story Rich 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a rich, story-driven Metroidvania experience with a strong emphasis on environmental interaction and exploration.
- #11 Ghost Song
89% matchVery Positive83% of 1,413 reviews2022
Dev: Old MoonPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 58%
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 32.5%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Platformer 11.1%, Difficult 10.6%, 2D Platformer 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi Metroidvania that prioritizes the lonely, atmospheric experience of exploring a mysterious, alien moon.
- #12 Environmental Station Alpha
90% matchVery Positive83% of 1,627 reviews2015
Dev: Arvi TeikariPub: Hempuli Oy
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 61.7%, Platformer 14.4%, Difficult 11.3%, Exploration 4.6%, Action 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a deep, mysterious world to explore with a heavy emphasis on secrets and environmental puzzle-solving.
- #13 Yoku's Island Express
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,192 reviews2018
Dev: Villa GorillaPub: Team17 Digital Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 62.6%, Platformer 21.9%, Open World 8.6%, 2D 3.1%, Exploration 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A unique, non-combat take on the Metroidvania genre that prioritizes exploration and movement through a charming, interconnected world.
- #14 Islets
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,293 reviews2022
Dev: Kyle ThompsonPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 34.5%, Platformer 12.5%, Side Scroller 12.1%, 2D Platformer 8.7%, Open World 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A charming, exploration-focused Metroidvania that emphasizes movement and discovery in a fragmented world.
- #15 REDO!
88% matchVery Positive88% of 236 reviews2019
Dev: Robson Paiva
Windows
REDO! is a game about a girl trying to find another human in a dystopian world overrun by biomachines. It's a lonely and evocative game about exploring the unknown and overcoming obstacles to see what is left.
Why similar: Metroidvania 38.9%, Female Protagonist 15%, Difficult 14.9%, Nonlinear 14.4%, Exploration 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, melancholic Metroidvania that emphasizes exploration in a desolate, ruined world.
- #16 Haiku, the Robot
86% matchVery Positive90% of 3,452 reviews2022
Dev: Mister Morris Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 28.5%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Nonlinear 11.3%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Platformer 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Features an atmospheric, interconnected world that encourages the same kind of methodical exploration found in the seed game.
- #17 Jubilee
86% matchVery Positive96% of 103 reviews2021
Dev: finalbossblues
Windows
Challenging precision platformer based on tight, fluid movement. Open map layout with multiple routes. Collect gems and save animals.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.2%, 2D Platformer 18.7%, Platformer 17.9%, Exploration 9.9%, Female Protagonist 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A platformer that leans into the exploration and discovery aspects of the Metroidvania genre.
- #18 Worldless
84% matchVery Positive95% of 1,593 reviews2023
Dev: Noname StudiosPub: Coatsink
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Worldless is a stylised 2D platformer with a unique combat system and a mind-bending interpretative narrative. Players embark on a journey of self-growth and understanding, pushing the limits of their nature in a newly born and abstract universe.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.6%, 2D Platformer 15.4%, Platformer 13.2%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Minimalist 12.3%
Why You'll Like It: A stylized, abstract platformer that emphasizes exploration and discovery within a surreal, interconnected environment.
- #19 ITORAH
85% matchMostly Positive74% of 907 reviews2022
Dev: Grimbart TalesPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 56%
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 28.7%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Side Scroller 12.3%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Platformer 11%
Why You'll Like It: A beautiful 2D platformer that focuses on traversing a lush, mysterious world with a strong emphasis on exploration.
- #20 OUTBUDDIES DX
84% matchMostly Positive70% of 285 reviews2019
Dev: Julian LauferPub: Headup
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.8%, Difficult 15.6%, Platformer 12%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Exploration 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: Centers on navigating a strange, subterranean alien world using unique tools to solve environmental puzzles.
- #21 Pseudoregalia
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 18,186 reviews2023
Dev: rittzler
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 44.9%, Nonlinear 16.9%, Female Protagonist 15%, Platformer 13.2%, Exploration 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on fluid, movement-based exploration that encourages players to master the environment to uncover hidden paths.
- #22 Ever Forward
83% matchVery Positive82% of 284 reviews2020
Dev: Pathea Games
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 58%
A girl trapped in a strange world somewhere between reality and imagination. Help her find her way in this adventure puzzle game.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 21.1%, Puzzle 19.7%, Casual 15.4%, Walking Simulator 12.4%, Difficult 12%
Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-heavy adventure that focuses on navigating abstract, atmospheric environments.
- #23 Dreaming Sarah
82% matchVery Positive91% of 2,860 reviews2015
Dev: Asteristic Game Studio
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Dreaming Sarah is an adventure platformer where you play as Sarah, a girl who is in a coma. Explore the world around her and help her wake up!
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, Walking Simulator 17.6%, Platformer 11.6%, Female Protagonist 11%, Relaxing 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A surreal puzzle-platformer that prioritizes exploration and interacting with a strange, dream-like world.
- #24 Outer Wilds
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 102,192 reviews2020
Dev: Mobius DigitalPub: Annapurna Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 16.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
Why similar: Exploration 32.6%, Open World 26.7%, Story Rich 19.4%, Puzzle 19.4%, Action 1.9%
Why You'll Like It: The ultimate experience in being lost on a strange planet, focusing entirely on curiosity-driven exploration and environmental storytelling.
- #25 Toki Tori 2+
82% matchVery Positive85% of 1,089 reviews2013
Dev: Two Tribes
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 27.2%, Nonlinear 17.7%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Open World 10.6%, Platformer 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A pure puzzle-exploration game that requires players to learn the rules of the world through observation rather than combat.
- #26 Supraland
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 14,884 reviews2019
Dev: Supra Games
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Try the demo! A mix between Portal, Zelda and Metroid. Exploration, puzzles, terrible combat, secret upgrades and new abilities that help you reach new places. Playtime 12-25h.
Why similar: Metroidvania 38.5%, Collectathon 17.1%, Exploration 11.1%, Open World 9.4%, Puzzle 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A first-person puzzle-exploration game that captures the joy of uncovering secrets in a world designed around curiosity.
- #27 Cave Story+
80% matchVery Positive93% of 8,055 reviews2011
Dev: Nicalis, Inc.
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 21.7 hrs≥1hr: 60%
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Why similar: Metroidvania 52.5%, Platformer 23.2%, Difficult 7.9%, Exploration 5.3%, 2D 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: A classic exploration-driven adventure that balances platforming and discovery in a mysterious, isolated setting.
- #28 Escape From Tethys
81% matchMixed70% of 460 reviews2018
Dev: Whimsical
Windows · Mac
You're trapped, alone and cold on a distant planet. Pursued by a droid with only one purpose: killing everything. You must find an escape. Explore the hostile environment, find secret upgrades and new weapons, and finally make your escape from this dark, hostile planet...
Why similar: Metroidvania 51.4%, Platformer 20%, Exploration 10.7%, Action-Adventure 10%, Action 8%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi Metroidvania that centers on the exploration of a hostile planet and the discovery of new abilities.
- #29 Planet of Lana II
76% matchVery Positive92% of 782 reviews2026
Dev: WishfullyPub: Thunderful Publishing
Windows
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
As greed and power divide the tribes of their home planet, Lana and her little companion, Mui, must stand together against the forces reshaping their world – struggling not just for survival, but for the soul of their home.
Why similar: 2D Platformer 20.4%, Platformer 18.5%, Female Protagonist 16.7%, Relaxing 12.4%, Puzzle 10.7%
- #30 Lost Nova
77% matchVery Positive92% of 414 reviews2022
Dev: Jon NielsenPub: HopFrog
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Your spaceship crashed on an alien planet. Explore, salvage, craft, trade, manage and upgrade your way back home!
Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.1%, Open World 17.4%, Female Protagonist 16.5%, Relaxing 13.1%, Exploration 12.6%
- #31 Rebel Transmute
77% matchMostly Positive75% of 275 reviews2024
Dev: Fatal Fawn GamesPub: JanduSoft
Windows
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 28.2%, Difficult 13.8%, Nonlinear 13.3%, Female Protagonist 9%, Platformer 8.1%
- #32 Hero's Spirit
78% matchVery Positive92% of 75 reviews2020
Dev: mod.kitchen
Windows
Explore a vast, open world - evade or defeat its monsters, arm yourself with knowledge and equipment, unravel layer upon layer of secrets, and ultimately confront the very magic threatening to destroy everything.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.1%, Collectathon 18.4%, Walking Simulator 13.3%, Nonlinear 11.5%, Female Protagonist 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on exploration and collectathon elements within a non-linear, atmospheric world.
- #33 Luna Sky
78% matchMixed61% of 229 reviews2015
Dev: Vovoid Media Technologies ABPub: KISS ltd
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Momentum-driven old school platformer with modern graphics & physics with a focus on exploration. Offers precision and on later levels a lot of speed. Each world brings new abilities & gameplay
Why similar: Female Protagonist 69.4%, Action 30.6%
Why You'll Like It: An indie adventure that emphasizes exploration and platforming in a mysterious, atmospheric setting.
- #34 Lifeless Moon
75% matchMostly Positive79% of 309 reviews2023
Dev: Serenity Forge
Windows
During an expedition to the Moon, two astronauts find themselves in a familiar town back on Earth. They soon discover the town is the beginning of a strange and mysterious journey...
Why similar: Walking Simulator 49.1%, Exploration 24%, Story Rich 18.5%, Action 8.4%
- #35 Ariana and the Elder Codex
73% matchVery Positive82% of 109 reviews2026
Dev: Idea FactoryPub: Idea Factory International, Inc.
Windows
Ariana must restore the Codices and unravel the Library's hidden truths...
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.5%, Platformer 14.5%, 2D Platformer 11.9%, Action-Adventure 10.2%, Exploration 6.2%
- #36 Awita: Journey of Hope
73% matchMostly Positive75% of 92 reviews2025
Dev: ant_game_projects
Windows · Linux
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 30.6%, Side Scroller 16.8%, 2D Platformer 13.4%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Platformer 9.5%
- #37 Grey Area
74% matchVery Positive88% of 52 reviews2023
Dev: Electric Prune Juice
Windows
A tough platformer following a girl diving over the heads of terrifying creatures and bouncing off walls to traverse a mysterious, unsettling world that's so much bigger than her: the "world between all worlds"
Why similar: 2D Platformer 27.2%, Platformer 24.3%, Exploration 15.9%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Action 7.2%
- #38 Ultros
71% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,179 reviews2024
Dev: HadoquePub: Kepler Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
ULTROS is a psychedelic metroidvania where you wake up stranded on The Sarcophagus — a cosmic uterus holding an ancient, demonic being. Trapped in the loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play...
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.9%, 2D Platformer 16.3%, Platformer 14.4%, Female Protagonist 13.4%, Exploration 9.7%
- #39 Low Oxygen
72% matchVery Positive89% of 303 reviews2023
Dev: Alex-Stefan Neagu
Windows · Linux
Explore an abandoned facility on the planet you've crashlanded, solving puzzles with strange plants along the way.
Why similar: Side Scroller 28.4%, 2D Platformer 23.4%, Platformer 21.9%, Puzzle 14.3%, Casual 6.1%
- #40 Recursion Deluxe
74% matchVery Positive86% of 86 reviews2016
Dev: 2D Heroes
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A crash landing on a world inhabited by bee-like lifeforms. Stranded, our hero must unravel the rules of this uncharted planet to find their way home. Navigate a world where left is right, up is down, and you don't know where the simulation ends and you begin.
Why similar: Platformer 38.6%, Puzzle 21.6%, Casual 17.1%, Action 12.2%, 2D 10.6%
- #41 RIN: The Last Child
73% matchMixed61% of 82 reviews2024
Dev: Space Fox GamesPub: Salient Games
Windows
Join RIN, the last child of the Creator, on a journey to restore order in a mystical world. Collect aspects and runes, craft spells, and confront powerful bosses - your transformed siblings. The fate of the world rests in your hands. Can you restore harmony to this enchanted realm?
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Difficult 13.4%, 2D Platformer 12.9%, Platformer 12.7%, Exploration 8.1%
- #42 The Abandoned Planet
70% matchVery Positive94% of 240 reviews2024
Dev: Dexter Team GamesPub: Snapbreak
Windows · Mac · Linux
A throw-back, retro-inspired, point and click adventure with chunky and beautiful pixel art
Why similar: Female Protagonist 29.9%, Exploration 24.2%, Puzzle 21.9%, Story Rich 13.9%, 2D 10.1%
- #43 Planet of the Eyes
72% matchVery Positive84% of 591 reviews2015
Dev: Cococucumber
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
An atmospheric narrative-platformer about a service robot stranded on a mysterious planet, Planet of the Eyes features a stunning visual mix of puzzle and platforming challenges, an original musical score, and fully voiced audio logs left by another survivor. Explore the mystery of an unknown world.
Why similar: Platformer 39.9%, Puzzle 28%, Exploration 13.3%, Action 9.7%, 2D 6.3%
- #44 Dungeon Gals
68% matchVery Positive100% of 75 reviews2026
Dev: DoricDream
Windows
A small crisis control team has been summoned to help a civilization in the sky escape impending doom! Explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and find lots of treasure to help prepare yourself for incredible challenges!
Why similar: Metroidvania 24%, 2D Platformer 14.2%, Nonlinear 12.5%, Platformer 11%, Female Protagonist 9.6%
- #45 homebound
70% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2023
Dev: Justin Yip
Windows · Mac
Tasked with finding humanity a new home, a lonely astronaut braves a desolate planet while making a fluffy friend along the way. homebound is a short 2D puzzle platformer that explores the feeling of home.
Why similar: Platformer 31.1%, 2D Platformer 31.1%, Puzzle 18.9%, Casual 12%, 2D 7%
- #46 Astronite
71% matchMostly Positive75% of 186 reviews2022
Dev: Dume Games StudioPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Astronite is a 1bit metroidvania that combines action, exploration, puzzles and platforms. Recover the planet where you and yours lived before it was invaded by strange creatures.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.9%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Nonlinear 14.2%, 2D Platformer 10.3%, Platformer 8.8%
- #47 Cats are Liquid - A Light in the Shadows
70% matchVery Positive93% of 701 reviews2016
Dev: Last Quarter Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 46%
A minimalist 2D platformer about a liquid cat, locked in a world she doesn't quite understand, trying to get out.
Why similar: Platformer 54.9%, 2D 19.9%, Story Rich 19.1%, Casual 6.2%
- #48 Elypse
69% matchMostly Positive74% of 374 reviews2023
Dev: Hot Chili GamesPub: PID Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 30.4%, 2D Platformer 17.5%, Platformer 14.6%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Action-Adventure 11.2%
- #49 Awakening Sarah
67% matchVery Positive96% of 67 reviews2025
Dev: Asteristic Game Studio
Windows · Linux
Awakening Sarah is a 2D platformer with emphasis on exploration. Unravel the dreams and realities of Sarah, a girl who's recovering from a coma, while helping her understand the world around her and herself.
Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.4%, 2D Platformer 21.9%, Platformer 18.2%, Female Protagonist 16.8%, Story Rich 6.8%
- #50 Mrs.Cat In Mars
69% matchVery Positive98% of 61 reviews2021
Dev: EVEV01
Windows
Help Mrs.Cat to complete a mission: Explore Mars and collect the energy gems.In this 2d precision platformer, you'll have to memorize and face the invisible and visible deadly objects, running, jumping and meowing!
Why similar: Action-Adventure 50.6%, Minimalist 19.3%, 2D 15.9%, Casual 14.2%
- #51 La-Mulana 2
69% matchVery Positive85% of 1,051 reviews2018
Dev: NIGOROPub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 36.9 hrs≥1hr: 76%
The long-awaited sequel to La-Mulana, La-Mulana 2 follows Lumisa Kosugi as she explores the ancient ruins of La-Mulana. Desperate to find the cause of the recent slew of monsters appearing from the ruins, Lumisa discovers the "other" La-Mulana: the ruins known as Eg-Lana.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28%, Difficult 14.9%, 2D Platformer 11.7%, Platformer 9.3%, Female Protagonist 8.7%
- #52 Morphite
71% matchMixed68% of 109 reviews2017
Dev: Crescent Moon Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Morphite is a casual atmospheric FPS, inspired by the classics. Research plants and animals, battle hostile entities, and unravel a mystery surrounding a rare material called Morphite.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 59.5%, Action 40.5%
- #53 Automaton Lung
67% matchVery Positive93% of 137 reviews2022
Dev: Luke Vincent
Windows · Mac · Linux
Make use of your special abilities to skate, shoot, and fly through over 40 unique locations. In a strange land with almost no information you must be resourceful and clever. Question everything you see and trust nothing you hear.
Why similar: Collectathon 29.1%, Open World 19.4%, Platformer 15.2%, Exploration 12.2%, Female Protagonist 12.2%
- #54 1 Screen Platformer
68% matchVery Positive87% of 426 reviews2019
Dev: Return To Adventure Mountain, LLC
Windows · Mac
This is a SHORT, 2D PLATFORMER with TIGHT CONTROLS about exploring a single level to get past a bunch of TRAPS. There is an EASY mode and a HARD mode depending on your skill level.
Why similar: Difficult 23.5%, Side Scroller 22.3%, 2D Platformer 19.2%, Platformer 14.3%, Female Protagonist 10.9%
- #55 STRAY KITTEN
68% matchVery Positive86% of 118 reviews2021
Dev: LTZinc
Windows
STRAY KITTEN - is a short 2D platformer with surviving and hardcore elements where it is described a story about one lost kitten Silver.
Why similar: Platformer 32%, Side Scroller 23.5%, Minimalist 13.2%, 2D 10.6%, Exploration 9.7%
- #56 Constance
63% matchVery Positive83% of 2,522 reviews2025
Dev: Blue Backpack
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 24.4%, Nonlinear 14.3%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Platformer 9.7%, Female Protagonist 7.9%
- #57 Taiji
64% matchVery Positive91% of 1,395 reviews2022
Dev: Matthew VanDevander
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Solve puzzle panels and uncover the meaning of the symbols within. Explore a dense world where secrets are hidden in plain sight.
Why similar: Nonlinear 19.7%, Difficult 15.6%, Walking Simulator 15.1%, Puzzle 8.6%, Open World 8.5%
- #58 Lifeless Planet Premier Edition
67% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,597 reviews2014
Dev: Serenity Forge
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 64%
PREMIER EDITION - While seeking life on a distant planet, an astronaut discovers an abandoned Russian town. He suspects his mission is a hoax until a mysterious young woman saves him from a strange and deadly phenomenon...
Why similar: Walking Simulator 33.8%, Platformer 21%, Exploration 16.4%, Puzzle 14%, Story Rich 11.5%