- #1 Abort, Retry, Fail
97% matchVery Positive89% of 84 reviews2022
Dev: Manpukuken Ramen
Windows
Abort, Retry, Fail is a top-down roguelike action adventure in which you play as a lazy programmer that has to generate his own weapon and shoot his way through hordes of enemies. Are you brave enough to help him escape from computer hell of Windows 98?
Why similar: Action 76.2%, Indie 23.8%
- #2 The End o,,,o
96% matchMixed63% of 273 reviews2017
Dev: xrrawva
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 15%
Face the grim reaper at 3 frames per second.
Why similar: Side Scroller 37.2%, Indie 33.5%, Action 29.2%
- #3 Brainmelter Deluxe
96% matchPositive98% of 52 reviews2019
Dev: Cosmocat
Windows
Melt your brain with this twisted take on the platform genre!
Why similar: Side Scroller 61.3%, Action 25.6%, Indie 13.1%
- #4 Smilemo
95% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,291 reviews2022
Dev: REXECHOPub: CFK Co., Ltd.
Windows
A new side-scrolling platformer where you go flying out of control at the slightest touch! In this virus-infected world, it is your job to collect the scattered pieces of vaccine code and exterminate the virus!
Why similar: Action 50.7%, Side Scroller 36.8%, Indie 12.5%
- #5 1 Screen Platformer: Prologue
94% matchVery Positive87% of 224 reviews2020
Dev: Return To Adventure Mountain, LLCPub: Return To Adventure Mountain, LLC
Windows
FREE DEMO features 1 playable character and 1 complete level with leaderboards. Try, die, retry in this challenging but fair precision platformer that takes place on 1 screen. Ultra tight controls, dozens of traps. Great for speedrunning, and 100% completionists. Also, no water levels!
Why similar: Side Scroller 59.8%, Action 28.2%, Indie 11.9%
- #6 Maru Expedition: We can fly
92% matchVery Positive94% of 196 reviews2025
Dev: MoldGamesPub: Jungle Game Lab
Windows
Catch falling allies and dominate the battlefield! Control your flying platform to catch characters and auto-attack enemies. Build your team, link skills, and shape your own strategy in this evolving arcade action game.
Why similar: Action 50%, Side Scroller 38.6%, Indie 11.3%
- #7 KEEK
93% matchVery Positive96% of 169 reviews2022
Dev: 70-MTNSPub: GCORES PUBLISHING
Windows · Mac
KEEK is a pixel 2D platformer that you could use a special force to change the dimension of objects. Overcome obstacles, disable traps, collect items and face the final challenge.
Why similar: Action 80.3%, Indie 19.7%
- #8 Pixel Fodder
94% matchMostly Positive80% of 160 reviews2015
Dev: WachaPub: wacha.ru
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Pixel Fodder is a old school platformer with a fully destructible world, a large choise of characters, incredible dynamics and gigaliters of 8-bit meat.
Why similar: Action 57.9%, Indie 42.1%
- #9 PI.EXE
91% matchVery Positive90% of 59 reviews2022
Dev: ZenBerry Team
Windows
Take the role of an antivirus software within the world of an operating system, eliminating malware spawns in a challenging, platforming quest!
Why similar: Side Scroller 62.9%, Action 29.7%, Indie 7.4%
- #10 Lawyer Guy: Defender of Justice
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 137 reviews2020
Dev: Rob Welch
Windows
Lawyer Guy is a tough-as-nails action platformer game inspired by Mega Man, with modern quality-of-life touches and sprawling intricately-designed levels and bosses. And it's free!
Why similar: Side Scroller 54.7%, Action 45.3%
- #11 Moonlaw
90% matchMostly Positive71% of 130 reviews2021
Dev: Scumhead
Windows
Moonlaw is a mini-micro-metroidvania about a heroic knight's adventure to destroy a horrible monster on the moon!
Why similar: Indie 100%
- #12 Pixel Poops
89% matchVery Positive88% of 83 reviews2021
Dev: Mostly Random GamesPub: yyrGames
Windows
You have a problem with joggers. They think they own the whole park. They talk about motivation, or reaching their goals. But in this action-packed throwback to early 80s console games, you'll show them. You'll stop them yourself...in the most effective way you know.
Why similar: Action 76.7%, Indie 23.3%
- #13 Sir! I'd Like To Report A Bug!
89% matchMixed57% of 56 reviews2015
Dev: Lord Puggington Games
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Bust some bugs and save the world with the most average of heroes in this retro style platformer! Overcome obstacles such as killer cars, lava floors and one seriously @!&#^% off sun, tackle the horrors of the daily commute but with more fire and randomness.
Why similar: Side Scroller 69.5%, Action 30.5%
- #14 League of Evil
88% matchMostly Positive80% of 64 reviews2016
Dev: Ratalaika Games S.L.
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 97%
League of Evil is an action game where you, as a bionic super agent take on the mission to defeat the League of Evil. Use your acrobatic skills to punch your way through levels filled with deadly traps and defeat your enemies. The world is counting on you!
Why similar: Action 55.7%, Indie 44.3%
- #15 Mini-Dead
86% matchVery Positive94% of 915 reviews2018
Dev: Alec SmithPub: Milo Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 42%
144 FPS boss battle action with a devilishly creative game mechanic.
Why similar: Action 53.3%, Indie 46.7%
- #16 RUKIMIN's Disappointing Adventure!
85% matchVery Positive92% of 362 reviews2022
Dev: RUKIMIN.
Windows
Action game suitable for live game play and streaming, which looks cute but full of unreasonable traps! "RUKIMIN's Disappointing Adventure!" series is a 2D side-scrolling action game in which you control Shobomi, a cute cat character, and aim for the goal!
Why similar: Side Scroller 63.9%, Action 23.6%, Indie 12.5%
- #17 Color Symphony
86% matchMostly Positive73% of 1,292 reviews2014
Dev: REMIMORY
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 19%
Color Symphony is a game program utilizing the human recognition ability and visual senses, and various colors are used to play the game by changing colors to disrupt the cognition or to strengthen the cognition. The player can control the enemy, eliminate obstacles or build new roads with different colors.
Why similar: Action 38.1%, Indie 37.6%, Side Scroller 24.3%
- #18 Bad Bots
87% matchMixed55% of 260 reviews2013
Dev: Point Five ProjectsPub: Digital Tribe
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 45%
As Sam McRae, last surviving member of the “Titan Hauler” crew, you must hack and blast your way through an onslaught of truly bad 'bots to find a way to prevent a potential planet-destroying catastrophe.
Why similar: Action 54.6%, Indie 45.4%
- #19 Cantaloper
84% matchVery Positive82% of 55 reviews2021
Dev: ComputerCow
Windows · Mac
A cantaloupe with strong hind legs feels incredible pain.
Why similar: Intentionally Awkward Controls 75.9% ★, Indie 12.8%, Action 11.2%
- #20 The Itch
84% matchVery Positive90% of 99 reviews2019
Dev: Dane ShermanPub: MAGIC Spell Studios
Windows
The Itch is a 2D platformer centered around using heart rate as a resource to make objects move, grow, and shoot in order to find a doctor who can cure a deadly virus. The path to the doctor is full of obstacles as you traverse cavernous environments filled with plant life and people.
Why similar: Indie 100%
- #21 Fork Parker's Holiday Profit Hike
83% matchVery Positive83% of 727 reviews2014
Dev: Dodge RollPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 31%
Against explosive firepower, bitter cold, and dizzying heights, Fork Parker must outwit a group of no-talent game developers in a deadly holiday promotional game. Also, it's free.
Why similar: Action 52%, Indie 48%
- #22 Unchained
80% matchVery Positive91% of 95 reviews2025
Dev: Double Time Studios
Windows · Mac
Unchained is a fast paced retro multiplayer first person shooter in which you can compete in different game modes and maps, using a large arsenal of unique and deadly weapons (And some cool powerups too) to defeat your enemies.
Why similar: Action 61%, Indie 39%
- #23 CPU Invaders
82% matchVery Positive83% of 766 reviews2017
Dev: Microblast GamesPub: SA Industry
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 20.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Invaders are living inside your computer. You shouldn't let that happen! Interact with your desktop while playing, watch Youtube videos, chat with your friends and more! CPU Invaders overlaps the game itself with your computer screen.
Why similar: Action 52.7%, Indie 47.3%
- #24 DreamDasher
81% matchVery Positive85% of 124 reviews2020
Dev: C3BGames
Windows · Mac
The Dreamworld has been infected! It is up to you to explore the Dreamworld as the DreamDasher, discover its secrets, and defeat the Nightmare.
Why similar: Action 53%, Indie 47%
- #25 PHAT PHROG
82% matchMixed62% of 78 reviews2016
Dev: ColloseusXPub: Phat Phrog Studios
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Phat Phrog is an all new one of a kind free to play, physics based addictive arcade game that puts your reflexes and skills to the test (and also your patience).
Why similar: Action 56.4%, Indie 43.6%
- #26 Debugging Hero
77% matchVery Positive88% of 285 reviews2025
Dev: Team ETTU
Windows
As the Debugging Hero chosen by the Legendary Sword, you have gained the ability to manipulate character variables! Use this powerful ability to overcome the dungeons blocking your path and defeat the Demon Lord!
Why similar: Action 67.7%, Indie 32.3%
- #27 Offendron Warrior
81% matchVery Positive86% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.
Why similar: Side Scroller 57.3%, Action 26.6%, Indie 16.1%
- #28 Totally Accurate Battlegrounds
76% matchVery Positive88% of 87,705 reviews2018
Dev: Landfall
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Grab your balloon crossbow and trusty inflatable hammer, because things are about to get wobbly! Be the last weirdo standing in the world-leading physics-based Battle Royale game.
Why similar: Indie 66.1%, Action 33.9%
- #29 PIXELMAN
79% matchVery Positive81% of 278 reviews2018
Dev: Kindermann Corp.
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
PIXELMAN is a retro styled, action-filled, high-score chaser arcade game, where you control the title character in his mission to rescue the citizens of Pixville from the evil Baron Von Pixel and his contraptions.
Why similar: Action 57.1%, Indie 42.9%
- #30 The Witch & The 66 Mushrooms
78% matchVery Positive87% of 199 reviews2020
Dev: Gotcha Gotcha Games
Windows
An all-new Metroidvania-style game developed using Pixel Game Maker MV! Make use of a variety of weapons as you traverse sprawling stages on a mission to take back your brother's body from the witch who stole it!
Why similar: Side Scroller 59.5%, Action 25.3%, Indie 15.2%
- #31 Jack Axe: The Trial
79% matchMostly Positive79% of 53 reviews2021
Dev: Keybol GamesPub: Neon Doctrine
Windows
Be Jack! Throw your axe! Test yourself against The Trial to prove yourself worthy in this speedrunning competition!
Why similar: Side Scroller 66.6%, Action 33.4%
- #32 You Have to Win the Game
76% matchVery Positive93% of 5,726 reviews2014
Dev: Minor Key Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 43%
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic.
Why similar: Indie 54%, Action 27.1%, Side Scroller 18.9%
- #33 Dungeon Mage
75% matchVery Positive89% of 152 reviews2023
Dev: greenpixels
Windows
Collect, fight and craft: Face the dangers of the shifting dungeon layouts and challenge the fierce bosses within. A completly free community-driven game!
- #34 The Warrior
72% matchVery Positive98% of 312 reviews2025
Dev: ThornDuck
Windows · Mac · Linux
A unique platforming experience where the protagonist, story, and mechanics are constantly changing. Take control of legendary warriors, giant worms, greedy kings, and lazy demons, each with their own purpose.
Why similar: Side Scroller 100%
- #35 Iron Mandate
73% matchVery Positive94% of 181 reviews2025
Dev: Emerick Gibson
Windows
A steampunk roguelike with a unique fighting mechanic. Master the piloting of giant mechanical worms, lay waste to all that stand in your way and reclaim your rightful place on the throne.
Why similar: Side Scroller 61.7%, Action 38.3%
- #36 Mighty Gunvolt
77% matchMostly Positive74% of 428 reviews2015
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Take control of one of three playable characters (Gunvolt, Ekoro, and Beck) as you blast your way past the baddies in stage after stage of side-scrolling action! Each stage ends with a boss encounter. Defeat the boss to complete the stage.
Why similar: Action 42%, Side Scroller 30.4%, Indie 27.6%
- #37 Khimera: Destroy All Monster Girls
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,401 reviews2016
Dev: Suits & Sandals
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Play as Chelshia the chimera in this platforming beat-em-up adventure into the wonderful world of monster girls!
Why similar: Action 54.4%, Indie 45.6%
- #38 Super Bernie World
74% matchMostly Positive79% of 3,095 reviews2020
Dev: Gamedevs for BerniePub: Kitsune Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 1.4 hrs≥1hr: 21%
Join Bernie's movement and transform the United States in this free retro 2D platformer.
Why similar: Action 37.9%, Indie 34.6%, Side Scroller 27.5%
- #39 Unless
72% matchVery Positive98% of 156 reviews2025
Dev: Bellwood Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Challenge yourself and master 4 Distinct worlds with 66 finely tuned level screens and climb to the top of the Steam Leaderboards in this retro pixel art speedrunning platformer!
Why similar: Action 88.7%, Indie 11.3%
- #40 Lost In Malul
73% matchVery Positive87% of 75 reviews2022
Dev: Team Malul
Windows
Lost in Malul is a community made game following a streamer protagonist. After preparing to start his stream one day, the unexpected happens and his house is taken over by vile beasts. Fight with a flurry of punches and kicks to take back the house from the creatures that wish to make it their own.
Why similar: Side Scroller 45%, Action 39.7%, Indie 15.3%
- #41 High Entropy: Challenges
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,268 reviews2020
Dev: Álvaro García (binarynonsense)
Windows
Use computers (via GUIs or the command line), unlock doors, crawl through vents, fight enemies head on or find other ways to neutralize or avoid them...
Why similar: Action 77.2%, Indie 22.8%
- #42 Fried Panic
73% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2022
Dev: Simply Artizan
Windows · Mac · Linux
Survive as long as possible in Fried Panic! Buy weapons, abilities, and even donut producing machines. Fight through waves of eggs, lemons, chicken drumsticks, and much more, all in a top down pixel art style.
Why similar: Action 63.3%, Indie 36.7%
- #43 Buff Knight Advanced
75% matchMostly Positive72% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: Buff Studio Co.,Ltd.
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Buff Knight Advanced is a 2D Pixel RPG where you’re constantly on the move. Kill the invading monsters with your sword or by timing your use of spells carefully! As you progress the game becomes more intense with stronger and uglier monsters!
Why similar: Side Scroller 53.2%, Action 25%, Indie 21.8%
- #44 Space Pressure 3D: Prelude
71% matchVery Positive85% of 130 reviews2023
Dev: Maze TeamPub: Tinaynox
Windows
Immerse yourself in the story of two brave space amazons who dare to challenge the irresponsible aristocratic system. Overcome all the obstacles that appear on your way - hordes of space scavengers, armies of General Admiral and get to the main villain - Evil Moneybag!
Why similar: Side Scroller 43.1%, Action 34.4%, Indie 22.5%
- #45 Alpacalypse
70% matchVery Positive93% of 153 reviews2023
Dev: Gus McGuirePub: Neumont College of Computer Science
Windows
Alpacalypse is a 2.5D action platformer where you control Pancake The Llama, fighting to rescue your wife, The Mrs. Kick and spit your way through hordes of alpacas, collecting coins, and platforming your way to victory.
Why similar: Side Scroller 78.7%, Action 21.3%
- #46 Underlevel
68% matchVery Positive93% of 256 reviews2023
Dev: Stepford
Windows
In Underlevel, you play as hordes of skeletal minions working to stop a hero from raiding the dungeon to level up and kill your boss. And as skeletons, you REALLY can't afford to lose the dental plan they provide!
Why similar: Action 100%
- #47 Lab Rags
69% matchVery Positive92% of 441 reviews2021
Dev: Salt Mine Studios
Windows
Enjoy failure as it fuels your success in Lab Rags, where you get to use your ragdoll bodies to solve puzzles!
Why similar: Action 88.2%, Indie 11.8%
- #48 Castle Kong
71% matchMostly Positive76% of 54 reviews2020
Dev: Drowning Monkeys Games
Windows
Relive classic arcade action in an all new title! 4 stages, 22 levels, and a kill screen. 1 coin* , 3 lives - set the high score. Stop the evil BaronMan and save PrincessGirl! *(Meaning no restarts or additional lives. there are no actual coins on the PC version of the game)
Why similar: Action 65.3%, Indie 34.7%
- #49 Rage Quit
66% matchVery Positive96% of 242 reviews2025
Dev: Vancouver Film School
Windows
Rage Quit is a first-person melee game where the player uses only the sledgehammer for combat, traversal, and defense against hordes of office-bots. Use a fluid variety of light, heavy, dash-based, and reflective attacks to smash your way through your foes and enact revenge!
Why similar: Action 100%
- #50 Malediction
70% matchMostly Positive76% of 111 reviews2019
Dev: Desert Beagle StudiosPub: FIEA
Windows
Malediction is a third-person puzzle/platformer that gives the player the ability to control space and time! Use your magic to solve puzzles, navigate through a cursed city, and fight magic clones to reclaim your powers.
Why similar: Action 56.4%, Indie 43.6%
- #51 Indie Game Sim
70% matchVery Positive91% of 58 reviews2016
Dev: Valadria
Windows · Mac
Become an indie game developer! Make your own games by hand and publish them on a fantasy market like Steam. Earn fans, receive brutal reviews, and battle your inner demons. Can you become the creator of your dreams?
Why similar: Action 55.3%, Indie 44.7%
- #52 Slash/Jump
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 590 reviews2024
Dev: Starts With Cinder
Windows
How do you platform if walking and jumping aren't an option? With a sword of course! Bounce and slash your way through this short and sweet, uniquely controlled precision platformer!
Why similar: Side Scroller 50%, Action 33%, Indie 17%
- #53 John's Quest
65% matchVery Positive98% of 52 reviews2026
Dev: Benjamin Halko
Windows · Mac · Linux
You are John Appleby, game historian. Your shadow twin "Evil John" has been doing some evil business and is causing genres to collide! Only you have the power to restore peace and save gaming...
Why similar: Side Scroller 70.9%, Action 29.1%
- #54 ChronoBreach
67% matchVery Positive97% of 262 reviews2019
Dev: UpsilonGames
Windows
A deadly factory surrounds you. The manipulation of time is necessary to escape this underground facility. Use your wit, your laser blaster, and your time-warping abilities to face your demise head-on and triumph!
Why similar: Action 54.6%, Indie 45.4%
- #55 Squally
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 125 reviews2023
Dev: Zachary CanannPub: Squalr, Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Squally is a 2D puzzle RPG programming game that teaches you how to hack. Control the world by rewriting it in x86/x64 assembly language!
Why similar: Action 100%
- #56 Overclocked
67% matchVery Positive93% of 321 reviews2018
Dev: Magnesium Ninja
Windows · Mac
Overclocked is a free-flowing action game that blends combat and platforming to create a fluid and rhythmic experience. Take on the role of Amber, a glass-cannon vigilante, as you fight to uncover a plot that threatens to tear your home apart.
Why similar: Action 59.1%, Indie 40.9%
- #57 RAM: Random Access Mayhem
61% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 635 reviews2025
Dev: Xylem Studios
Windows · Mac
The roguelike where you play as the enemies. Take control of your foes, turn them against each other in fast-paced combat, and leap to a new host before your current body breaks down.
Why similar: Action 100%