- #1 Ghoulboy - Dark Sword of Goblin
97% matchMostly Positive71% of 260 reviews2017
Dev: Serkan Bakar
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Ghoulboy is a retro-inspired action platformer. Explore a magical realm of dungeons, towns, treasures and devious monsters.
Why similar: Metroidvania 13.3%, Puzzle Platformer 12.5%, Platformer 11%, Hack and Slash 9.1%, Side Scroller 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: It shares a very similar retro aesthetic and hack-and-slash platforming loop that feels like a direct companion to Mahluk.
- #2 Beholgar
96% matchMostly Positive74% of 358 reviews2022
Dev: Serkan Bakar
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Beholgar is a classically styled metroidvania action adventure. Explore caverns, ancient woods, and deadly castles; battle creatures and solve ancient mysteries at the kingdom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.7%, Platformer 13.2%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Action-Adventure 9.9%, 2D Platformer 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This title captures the same classic action-adventure feel with a focus on exploration and retro-inspired combat mechanics.
- #3 Odallus: The Dark Call
96% matchVery Positive88% of 1,345 reviews2015
Dev: JoyMasher
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
The old gods have forgotten this land. No one could save our people when darkness started spreading and collecting human souls for its army. Odallus is a classic exploration/action game, inspired by Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.6%, Platformer 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Action 8.5%, Action-Adventure 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in retro action-platforming that mirrors the dark, atmospheric, and challenging nature of the seed game.
- #4 Blasphemous
94% matchVery Positive90% of 62,190 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Difficult 12.8%, Platformer 10.4%, Side Scroller 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: While more complex, it shares the dark, gothic pixel-art atmosphere and demanding 2D action-platforming gameplay.
- #5 Inexistence
95% matchMixed66% of 371 reviews2016
Dev: Jonathan BRASSAUD
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Discover a vast world full of mysteries and action in this Metroidvania-style game inspired by the classics of the 16-bit era.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Action 18.3%, RPG 16.9%, Adventure 9.8%, Platformer 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: It blends action-adventure and RPG elements within a 2D side-scrolling framework similar to the seed game.
- #6 Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
94% matchVery Positive94% of 4,427 reviews2018
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21%, Platformer 16.4%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Difficult 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 12%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a polished, classic 2D action experience that perfectly aligns with the retro hack-and-slash style.
- #7 Eastern Exorcist
92% matchVery Positive84% of 6,714 reviews2021
Dev: Wildfire Game(无锡野火数字科技有限公司)
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fantasy eastern world with the vicious spirits and monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience different stories of joy and sorrow.
Why similar: Hack and Slash 23.3%, Side Scroller 18%, RPG 13.3%, Platformer 12.8%, Action 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning side-scrolling action game that focuses on fluid hack-and-slash combat against supernatural foes.
- #8 Slain: Back from Hell
93% matchMostly Positive72% of 2,379 reviews2016
Dev: Steel MantisPub: Silver Lining Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.
Why similar: Platformer 23.1%, Difficult 20.3%, Pixel Graphics 17%, Action 10.2%, Hack and Slash 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: This game features a dark, heavy-metal aesthetic paired with intense, pixel-art hack-and-slash combat.
- #9 Foregone
91% matchVery Positive81% of 1,393 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
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 20.5%, Platformer 14.4%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Difficult 12.2%, Hack and Slash 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: This title combines fast-paced 2D action with modern pixel-art visuals and satisfying combat mechanics.
- #10 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
91% matchVery Positive93% of 11,587 reviews2016
Dev: BombservicePub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 25.2%, Difficult 15.9%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Platformer 14.1%, 2D Platformer 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A beautifully crafted dark action-platformer that emphasizes precise combat and exploration in a pixelated world.
- #11 Castle In The Darkness
90% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,266 reviews2015
Dev: Matt KapPub: Nicalis, Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Castle In The Darkness is a fun and challenging shout out to the early days of video games! It's an action exploration platformer with some RPG elements, much like games from the Castlevania or Metroid series. It's super fast-paced, challenging, and full of secrets!
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.7%, Platformer 16.8%, Difficult 15.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, RPG 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: It is a fast-paced, retro-style action-platformer that captures the same spirit of classic 8-bit and 16-bit adventures.
- #12 Devious Dungeon
89% matchVery Positive83% of 408 reviews2019
Dev: WoblywarePub: Ratalaika Games S.L.
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Set in the Dark Ages, Devious Dungeon is a medieval focused action platformer with RPG styled upgrades.
Why similar: Difficult 21.3%, Platformer 18.8%, 2D Platformer 13.9%, RPG 11.4%, Arcade 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A dungeon-crawling action game that focuses on quick, satisfying combat and character progression.
- #13 Within the blade
89% matchVery Positive86% of 353 reviews2019
Dev: Ametist studio
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Bloody stealth platformer, about the ninja in which you cut the enemies into pieces.
Why similar: Platformer 16.4%, Hack and Slash 14.7%, Difficult 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Side Scroller 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A ninja-themed action platformer that emphasizes pixel-art visuals and challenging, skill-based combat.
- #14 Volgarr the Viking
88% matchVery Positive81% of 2,445 reviews2013
Dev: Crazy Viking Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.
Why similar: Difficult 28.7%, Platformer 27.9%, Action 8%, Arcade 7%, Side Scroller 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game provides a brutal, uncompromising retro action experience that will appeal to fans of challenging platformers.
- #15 Thy Sword
87% matchVery Positive97% of 72 reviews2017
Dev: GamePhase
Windows
Thy Sword is a hack n' slash platformer with procedural levels and roguelike elements. A world of Sword & Sorcery awaits!
Why similar: RPG 40%, Action 23%, Adventure 21.3%, Indie 15.7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a pure, retro-inspired action experience with a focus on hack-and-slash combat and arcade-style progression.
- #16 Devious Dungeon 2
86% matchMostly Positive78% of 89 reviews2020
Dev: WoblywarePub: Ratalaika Games S.L.
Windows
Devious Dungeon 2 is a medieval-focused action platformer with RPG-styled upgrades and procedurally generated levels. It is said that great adventures await behind the walls of this dark castle. A dark castle filled with dungeons, danger, and loot!
Why similar: Hack and Slash 21.3%, Difficult 16%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Platformer 13.8%, Action-Adventure 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: It builds on its predecessor with more variety in combat and platforming challenges in a dark dungeon setting.
- #17 Demon Skin
86% matchMostly Positive72% of 140 reviews2021
Dev: Ludus futurePub: ESDigital Games
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Brutal Hack&Slash game with a challenging combat system plunges you into the harsh dark fantasy world to test your will and your skills. Only those who dare to get into the Demon Skin can survive!
Why similar: Hack and Slash 22.9%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Platformer 14.7%, Dark 14.3%, RPG 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, gritty hack-and-slash game that emphasizes brutal combat mechanics in a side-scrolling perspective.
- #18 The Messenger
82% matchVery Positive93% of 12,834 reviews2018
Dev: SabotagePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.4%, Platformer 18.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, Difficult 8.5%, 2D Platformer 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: An exceptional action-platformer that evolves from a retro-style adventure into a deep, satisfying experience.
- #19 Aggelos
84% matchMostly Positive78% of 656 reviews2018
Dev: Storybird GamesPub: PQube
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Critically-acclaimed action-RPG that takes the template laid down by classics like Wonder Boy, nails the 16-Bit aesthetics for nostalgia fans, but updates the mechanics to feel fresh and modern. Explore a beautiful open world and plunder dungeons, caves and forests to help take down epic bosses!
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.6%, RPG 19.1%, Platformer 11.3%, Adventure 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game is a love letter to 16-bit action-adventure games, featuring non-linear exploration and classic combat.
- #20 EvilMorph
84% matchVery Positive82% of 94 reviews2017
Dev: ClickGames
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Evilmorph – this is a platform game the main feature of which is a transformation into your enemies after killing them. After slaying the foes you obtain their abilities which gives you one kind of power instead of another. Will you be able to overcome all the obstacles of the grim labyrinth? Will you face against the numerous enemies?
Why similar: Action 32.4%, Difficult 19%, Platformer 18.1%, Puzzle Platformer 15.8%, Adventure 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging indie platformer that tests player reflexes with its demanding level design and combat.
- #21 NightmareZ
85% matchMixed44% of 59 reviews2016
Dev: Anamik Majumdar
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 98%
NightmareZ is a side-scrolling platform action game with multiple enemies, lots of fancy features and retro visuals. This is a retro styled platform and action game which will immerse you in a unique world full of good and evil demons.
Why similar: Platformer 26.5%, Action 20%, Difficult 18.4%, Indie 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward 2D action-platformer that focuses on retro-style combat and simple, addictive gameplay.
- #22 MO:Astray
81% matchVery Positive92% of 5,025 reviews2019
Dev: Archpray Inc.Pub: Rayark International Limited
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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: Puzzle Platformer 25.2%, Platformer 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Action 8.6%, Adventure 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A unique puzzle-platformer with dark, pixelated visuals and intense, fast-paced action sequences.
- #23 Venture Kid
83% matchVery Positive83% of 224 reviews2018
Dev: Snikkabo ASPub: FDG Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A 8-bit retro action platformer that goes beyond just pixels and chiptunes
Why similar: Platformer 31.4%, Action 23.8%, Pixel Graphics 20.9%, Indie 15.6%, 2D 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A charming retro action-platformer that feels like a classic title from the 8-bit era.
- #24 Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 16,570 reviews2014
Dev: Yacht Club Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Why similar: Platformer 32.6%, Pixel Graphics 17.9%, Difficult 11.8%, Side Scroller 9.7%, 2D 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive modern retro-platformer that excels in level design, combat, and charming pixel-art aesthetics.
- #25 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
79% matchVery Positive93% of 7,196 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 33.2%, Platformer 19.3%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, RPG 12%, 2D 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: A high-quality action-platformer that captures the essence of classic exploration-based combat games.
- #26 Salt and Sanctuary
80% matchVery Positive89% of 21,497 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 31.6%, Difficult 18.8%, Platformer 12%, RPG 10.2%, Dark 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D souls-like that provides a dark, challenging, and rewarding experience for fans of difficult action games.
- #27 Touhou Luna Nights
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 14,634 reviews2019
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 22.3%, Difficult 15.4%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Platformer 12.4%, Action-Adventure 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A stylish action-platformer that introduces unique time-manipulation mechanics to its fluid combat.
- #28 Pixel Devil and the Broken Cartridge
82% matchMixed61% of 109 reviews2019
Dev: Level Evil
Windows
Classic platformer in the style of Pixel-art. The main character goes to the world of 8-bit games to save his girlfriend. Help him to find new abilities and find out who is behind the abduction of the girl.
Why similar: Action 36.5%, Adventure 34.4%, Indie 29.1%
Why You'll Like It: A nostalgic action-adventure that pays homage to the difficulty and style of early console games.
- #29 Timespinner
79% matchVery Positive86% of 3,099 reviews2018
Dev: Lunar Ray GamesPub: Chucklefish
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.8%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Platformer 14.4%, 2D Platformer 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game features a compelling story and solid 2D action-platforming mechanics with a retro pixel-art style.
- #30 Dragon Is Dead
75% matchMostly Positive76% of 677 reviews2025
Dev: TeamSuneatPub: PM Studios, inc.
Windows
Dragon is Dead is a 2D dark fantasy roguelite with hack-and-slash combat and unlockable classes. Build class skill trees, slot runes, and chase Legendary and Mythic loot through corrupted stages.
Why similar: Hack and Slash 29.7%, Platformer 15.9%, RPG 12.4%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Action 7.1%
- #31 Haunted Lands
74% matchMostly Positive78% of 165 reviews2026
Dev: alevgorPub: Alawar
Windows
Slay grim cultists, infernal minions, and nightmarish creatures in this dark and bloody retro-inspired action platformer. Uncover secrets, acquire powerful artifacts, and face challenging bosses in the Haunted Lands.
Why similar: Difficult 17.8%, Platformer 15.1%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Dark 11.4%, Action-Adventure 11%
- #32 Environmental Station Alpha
78% matchVery Positive83% of 1,601 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 40.7%, Platformer 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Difficult 9.5%, Adventure 6%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action-platformer that rewards exploration and mastery of its challenging boss encounters.
- #33 Katanaut
73% matchVery Positive90% of 354 reviews2025
Dev: VoidmawPub: Acclaim, Inc.
Windows
Katanaut is a fast-paced, Metroidvania-inspired action roguelite blending fluid combat and cosmic horror. Slash, dodge, and wield powerful abilities as you battle through a station sprawling with twisted, once-human horrors. Adapt, survive, and descend into the shadows to uncover dark secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23%, Hack and Slash 19.5%, Difficult 16.2%, Platformer 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%
- #34 Azaran: The Demon Bottle
73% matchVery Positive93% of 67 reviews2025
Dev: Benji
Windows · Linux
Explore cryptic puzzle dungeons in this short, retro, action-adventure!
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.7%, Action-Adventure 16.7%, Action 13.3%, Adventure 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%
- #35 Custodian: Beginning of the End
77% matchMixed68% of 76 reviews2021
Dev: Red-Pixel
Windows
Custodian: Beginning of the End is a brutal and difficult platformer designed for caution and reaction. Explore, seek secrets and collect mechanisms to become even stronger and meet the impending End!
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.7%, Hack and Slash 15.2%, Difficult 11.9%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Platformer 10.5%
- #36 Dark Frame
77% matchMixed52% of 67 reviews2021
Dev: Nimos Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Simple platformer in a dark setting
Why similar: Platformer 19.9%, Side Scroller 17.2%, 2D Platformer 13.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Adventure 8.2%
- #37 ORCS
76% matchVery Positive82% of 413 reviews2016
Dev: Pixel vs Pixel
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
ORCS is an action/platformer 2D old school inspirated by classic like Castlevania and Ghosts 'n Goblins.
Why similar: Platformer 22.1%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%, Action 10.2%, Adventure 9.5%, Indie 8.3%
- #38 Slash or Die
76% matchVery Positive86% of 255 reviews2016
Dev: ClickGames
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
In this game you will face violence and extraordinary complexity. You will have to become one of three heroes to slash enemies or to die from their hands. What will your hero do? It depends only on your skills…
Why similar: Hack and Slash 28.3%, Difficult 19.6%, RPG 11%, Dark 10.8%, Arcade 10%
- #39 DERE EVIL EXE
74% matchVery Positive86% of 382 reviews2018
Dev: Darius Immanuel GuerreroPub: AppSir Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 52%
DERE EVIL EXE is both a terrifying thriller with a gripping meta horror story and a retro 16-bit pixel platformer with unique puzzles and obstacles.
Why similar: Puzzle Platformer 19.2%, Platformer 18.3%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Difficult 10.4%, Action-Adventure 9.9%
- #40 The Excrawlers
71% matchVery Positive88% of 112 reviews2023
Dev: Game Dynasty
Windows
Action-RPG slasher in which you have to get into the dark atmosphere of dungeons full of monsters and madness.
Why similar: Hack and Slash 36.4%, Difficult 26.9%, Pixel Graphics 14%, 2D 7.9%, Action-Adventure 7.1%
- #41 Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 292 reviews2024
Dev: 70`StrikePub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows · Linux
Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.3%, Difficult 15.6%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Platformer 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%
- #42 Diabolic
73% matchVery Positive83% of 390 reviews2018
Dev: MyDreamForeverPub: Red twice potato
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 73%
The game is set in a dark pixel fantasy world. Destroy hordes of monsters ruling over what once was a prosperous land. 10 levels filled with various enemies await, you, each requiring a different approach to defeat. Like in any RPG, leveling up is the core element of the game
Why similar: Hack and Slash 32.6%, Pixel Graphics 16.9%, RPG 16.4%, Action 9.4%, Adventure 9.4%
- #43 Madness
75% matchMixed56% of 131 reviews2016
Dev: Indie Games StudioPub: Enoops
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
You a hero, so have to explore a world full of dangers. overcome various difficulties, traps and demons.
Why similar: RPG 20.6%, Action 15.4%, Adventure 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Action-Adventure 9.8%
- #44 After Death
72% matchVery Positive89% of 166 reviews2017
Dev: After Death Team
Windows
After Death is a platform / exploration game in a dark and hostile world. With the help from lost souls, you will have to find a way to open a gate which seems to be the only exit from this mysterious world infected by monsters.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.8%, Platformer 11.8%, Side Scroller 9.9%, Action 9.2%, Adventure 9.1%
- #45 Louma
70% matchMostly Positive75% of 51 reviews2023
Dev: DreamStudios
Windows
Louma is a Roguelike Dungeon Crawler. Fight through the procedural generated floors and save the World of Louma.
Why similar: Hack and Slash 40.4%, Adventure 19.3%, Dark 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, 2D 7.2%
- #46 They Bleed Pixels
71% matchVery Positive83% of 2,537 reviews2012
Dev: Spooky Squid Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
They Bleed Pixels is a fiendishly difficult action platformer inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and classic horror.
Why similar: Hack and Slash 21.5%, Difficult 18.8%, Platformer 17.2%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 11%
- #47 Stray Savior
67% matchVery Positive93% of 61 reviews2025
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Stray Savior is a 2D action platformer packed full of lethal traps, precise jumps, and powerful bosses. Venture through the dystopian world with weapons and skills, to prove yourself and forge your own path.
Why similar: Platformer 18.1%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Action-Adventure 13.9%, 2D Platformer 12%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%
- #48 Dark Light
69% matchMostly Positive78% of 734 reviews2022
Dev: Mirari&Co.
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 44%
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 36%, Platformer 17.9%, Dark 13.5%, Action 9.2%, Adventure 7.9%
- #49 AVA: Dark History
71% matchMostly Positive73% of 56 reviews2020
Dev: DnovelPub: My Way Games
Windows
Mysterious, dark as night, hard as a saw platformer. AVA: Dark story in the world "Koutei"
Why similar: Action 16.7%, Adventure 16.1%, Puzzle Platformer 15%, Casual 14.7%, Platformer 12.3%
- #50 Bat to Bed
66% matchVery Positive88% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: Brothers Make Games
Windows · Mac
A punishing yet friendly get-to-the-top adventure across a haunted, retro-inspired world.
Why similar: Difficult 30.1%, Dark 22.6%, Pixel Graphics 17.1%, Action 11.1%, Platformer 11.1%
- #51 Cat Warrior
67% matchMostly Positive80% of 132 reviews2024
Dev: Sadi & AyuPub: sadimakegames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Cat Warroir is an action-platformer of retro and cute style about a cat knight on his way to recapture his stolen treasure. Deep into the dangerous fantasy world,defeat the challenging big boss with your slash, dash, jump, walljump and other skills to find the treasure back!
Why similar: Hack and Slash 22.9%, Metroidvania 21.8%, Platformer 12.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, 2D Platformer 7.3%
- #52 DEAD DAYLIGHT
66% matchVery Positive88% of 73 reviews2025
Dev: KARMIU
Windows
"DEADDAYLIGHT" is a side-scrolling platform action-adventure game.Developed independently by a single person. It tells the dark story of a protagonist who wakes up from a nightmare about the plague during a plague after the gods abandoned the earth, and then return to the Cathedral of Holy Light.
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.4%, Hack and Slash 19.3%, Platformer 15%, Action-Adventure 11.4%, 2D Platformer 9.8%
- #53 Cursed
68% matchVery Positive89% of 175 reviews2022
Dev: Disaster Squad Productions
Windows
A horrific retro point and click adventure with combat
Why similar: Action-Adventure 26%, Pixel Graphics 19.8%, Dark 17.7%, Stylized 14.3%, Adventure 13.2%
- #54 DarkMaus
69% matchVery Positive81% of 437 reviews2016
Dev: Daniel Wright
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 49%
DarkMaus is an indie action RPG with challenging, skill-based combat that punishes careless play.
Why similar: Difficult 40.9%, RPG 27.3%, Action 18.1%, Indie 13.6%
- #55 Gravethorn
64% matchVery Positive90% of 63 reviews2026
Dev: Volviir
Windows
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: Difficult 23.3%, Side Scroller 22.3%, 2D Platformer 15.6%, Action-Adventure 14%, Pixel Graphics 9%
- #56 Berserk Boy
65% matchVery Positive86% of 410 reviews2024
Dev: BerserkBoy Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 51%
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: Metroidvania 14.7%, Hack and Slash 14.5%, Difficult 11.9%, Platformer 11.6%, Side Scroller 10.5%
- #57 Revenge of the shadow ninja
66% matchMostly Positive79% of 73 reviews2023
Dev: Varvarik
Windows
Platform game with a gloomy artistic style. Challenging levels with many traps and enemies. Use all your skills to avoid dangerous traps. Destroy all opponents on your way to revenge.
Why similar: Platformer 26.3%, Difficult 20.2%, Side Scroller 12.4%, 2D Platformer 9.6%, Adventure 8.6%
- #58 Toby: The Secret Mine
69% matchMostly Positive70% of 725 reviews2015
Dev: Lukas Navratil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A challenging puzzle platformer inspired by games like Limbo and Badland.
Why similar: Platformer 16.9%, Puzzle Platformer 15.8%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Dark 11.9%, Difficult 9.4%
- #59 SAVAGE: The Shard of Gosen
68% matchMostly Positive77% of 78 reviews2019
Dev: Planet Tobor
Windows
A 2D action/platforming adventure with a healthy dose of RPG elements set in the hostile world of Lor, a classic sword and sorcery setting. The slave-hungry Argeshii empire dominates the known world, old and false gods conspire; brutal combat is the only means of survival!
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.6%, Hack and Slash 13%, Platformer 12.4%, Difficult 12.1%, RPG 8.7%