Games Like MANOS: The Hands of Fate ~ Director's Cut

"The most rewarding game of 2013!" Influenced by retro classics Mega Man and Castlevania, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures features the AVGN and friends as they blast their way through 10 levels of fun, fast paced 2D action based on the AVGN's adventures in his online series.

Why similar: Platformer 29%, Retro 21.4%, Action 14%, Adventure 12.2%, Indie 12%

Why You'll Like It: Like the seed game, this title is a direct adaptation of a cult-classic media property known for its terrible quality and high difficulty.

Dogurai is a retro-styled platformer with animal-like characters, graphics and soundtrack designed with old portable games in mind - down to the limited color ranges and sprite sizes!

Why similar: Action 26.1%, Indie 21.1%, Platformer 20.3%, Retro 20.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the 8-bit aesthetic and tight, responsive platforming mechanics found in classic retro action games.

They Bleed Pixels is a fiendishly difficult action platformer inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and classic horror.

Why similar: Platformer 41.9%, Pixel Graphics 25.9%, Action 19.2%, Indie 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a challenging, gore-filled platforming experience that matches the intense difficulty of the seed game.

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: Retro 26.2%, Platformer 25.6%, Pixel Graphics 17%, Indie 12.7%, Action 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features a meta-narrative and horror-tinged platforming that mirrors the unsettling, self-aware nature of the seed game.

A 8-bit retro action platformer that goes beyond just pixels and chiptunes

Why similar: Action 24.2%, Retro 22.5%, Platformer 21.5%, Indie 18%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%

Why You'll Like It: This title is a love letter to classic 8-bit action platformers, mirroring the simple but effective gameplay loop of the seed game.

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 31.5%, Pixel Graphics 22.3%, Action 20.7%, Indie 13.4%, Retro 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: The gothic pixel-art style and brutal combat difficulty provide a similar atmosphere to the darker, retro-inspired platformers.

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Platformer 27.3%, Action 24.6%, Retro 16.9%, Pixel Graphics 16.4%, Indie 14.8%

Why You'll Like It: This heavy-metal-infused action platformer delivers the same high-octane, retro-styled challenge as the seed game.

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: Retro 26%, Platformer 24.3%, Pixel Graphics 17.2%, Action 14.9%, Adventure 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A masterful homage to classic NES action-platformers that feels like a polished version of the retro experience the seed game aims for.

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: Retro 30.6%, Platformer 21.4%, Pixel Graphics 18%, Action 16.7%, Indie 13.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, exploration-focused retro platforming experience with a dark, atmospheric pixel-art style.

Jet Gunner is a 2D platform action indie game that's full of Nestalgia. Full of action, gunfights, bosses and explosions so if you're into the whole 8-Bit vibe you should love this. From the sound, to the graphics to the flicker, this should pay tribute to those classic hard as nails, run 'n' gun games.

Why similar: Action 26.3%, Platformer 20.8%, Retro 17.4%, Adventure 12%, Pixel Graphics 12%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides a classic run-and-gun platforming experience that feels right at home alongside the seed game.

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: Platformer 35.5%, Retro 22.2%, Action 15%, Indie 11.4%, Adventure 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its unforgiving difficulty, this game is a must-play for fans of the brutal, old-school platforming found in the seed game.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.

Why similar: Retro 29.8%, Platformer 25.6%, Pixel Graphics 17%, Action 10.9%, Indie 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on 8-bit action platformers that captures the precise movement and challenging level design of the genre's golden era.

A curse has befallen the Crescent Isle and it's up to you to save it. Luckily the curse has transformed your people into helpful monsters such as drills, blobs, icicles, and gravity flipping...things. With your monster subjects in hand you'll have to drill through rocks, maneuver through spiky terrain, freeze water to pass over the sea,...

Why similar: Adventure 29.3%, Action 27.5%, Indie 22.8%, Platformer 20.3%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, retro-inspired platformer that emphasizes traditional level design and pixel-art aesthetics.

In this pixel-perfect homage to the classic action platformers, you play as Sydney Hunter - an explorer who gets trapped inside a Mayan pyramid while he's out exploring!

Why similar: Action 21.4%, Adventure 20.8%, Platformer 16.7%, Indie 16.5%, Retro 15.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a classic adventure-platforming experience with a distinct retro feel and challenging obstacles.

The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!

Why similar: Platformer 46.4%, Pixel Graphics 21.7%, Indie 16.5%, Retro 11.6%, Action 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: While more polished, it shares the core focus on high-difficulty, twitch-based platforming that defines the retro experience.

Play as the ultimate digital underdog in the Adventures of Pip,an action-platformer with a fresh gameplay twist inside a retro 32-bit world. Alas, Pip is an unlikely 1-pixel hero yet has the unique ability to absorb the pixels of his defeated enemies to evolve into three different forms.

Why similar: Platformer 26.5%, Retro 21.3%, Action 14.9%, Adventure 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique platformer that uses pixel-art evolution as a core mechanic, appealing to fans of retro-styled games.

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: Retro 29.5%, Platformer 27.5%, Pixel Graphics 17.5%, Action 10.7%, Indie 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It blends retro-inspired platforming with a witty, self-aware narrative that resonates with the campy spirit of the seed game.

Extreme Exorcism is a paranormal platformer where every move you make comes back to haunt you.

Why similar: Platformer 26.4%, Indie 24.4%, Adventure 20%, Action 18.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: This action platformer features a unique gameplay loop and retro visuals that align well with the seed game's style.

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: Action 25.5%, Platformer 22.8%, Retro 20.9%, Indie 19.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D action platformer that leans into retro aesthetics and challenging level design.

Ghoulboy is a retro-inspired action platformer. Explore a magical realm of dungeons, towns, treasures and devious monsters.

Why similar: Platformer 23.5%, Retro 22.7%, Adventure 14.4%, Action 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines retro platforming with light RPG elements, offering a similar feel to the seed game's adventure focus.

Part man, part blade, all badass – help Fist Slash defeat the evil Dr. X and recover the mystical mirror shards before they're used to wreak ultimate destruction on the world!

Why similar: Action 25%, Indie 23.5%, Retro 21.6%, Platformer 15.8%, Pixel Graphics 14%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, retro-styled action platformer that focuses on the same core mechanics as the seed game.

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: Adventure 24%, Indie 18.6%, Retro 15.7%, Platformer 15%, Action 14.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the charm of 16-bit adventure platformers with a focus on exploration and classic combat mechanics.

A mysterious agent, capable of becoming a digital ghost, sneaks aboard the Nakamura Space Station. This is where the fun begins: the station is well-protected with its heavy defences, never-ending arsenal of weapons, and mysterious artifacts. It will all have to be destroyed.

Why similar: Platformer 29%, Action 25.6%, Indie 23.2%, Adventure 22.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, pixel-art action platformer that provides a similar sense of retro-inspired exploration and combat.

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: Retro 29%, Platformer 26.7%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, Adventure 14.4%, Action 13.6%

Shin Samurai Jazz is a platform-adventure game. It combines the likes of film noir and samurai cinema, presenting them with 8-bit graphics, an electro-jazz soundtrack, and a comic/manga-like style creating a unique atmosphere.

Why similar: Platformer 20.2%, Retro 18.3%, Adventure 17.9%, Action 17.5%, Indie 13.3%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish, retro-inspired action platformer that emphasizes fast movement and precise combat.

A horrific retro point and click adventure with combat

Why similar: Adventure 50%, Pixel Graphics 44.9%, Action 5.1%

Evolve through the history of video games in this fun-filled blast from the past.

Why similar: Platformer 25.6%, Adventure 23.1%, Action 20.8%, Indie 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a nostalgic journey through the history of platforming, mirroring the retro-focused design of the seed game.

ORCS is an action/platformer 2D old school inspirated by classic like Castlevania and Ghosts 'n Goblins.

Why similar: Platformer 27.3%, Adventure 18.8%, Action 18.6%, Pixel Graphics 18%, Indie 17.4%

Why You'll Like It: This indie action platformer captures the simple, arcade-like feel of early 90s gaming.

Volchaos is an ultra-challenging old school platformer.

Why similar: Platformer 26%, Retro 24.9%, Adventure 15.7%, Action 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action platformer that focuses on retro-style difficulty and pixel-art visuals.

The eight-bit first-person shooter in the NES palette!

Why similar: Retro 31.8%, Adventure 19.8%, Indie 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 16.4%, Action 15.4%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, retro-inspired action game that focuses on quick, challenging platforming segments.

"BLAH BLAH BLAH 8-bit, BLAH BLAH BLAH, blow stuff up. BLAH BLAH BLAH, retro." BLOWING INTO THE CARTRIDGE NOT REQUIRED!

Why similar: Retro 29.6%, Action 26.8%, Adventure 24.5%, Indie 19.1%

Mago is a retro 2D platformer that puts us in the boots of a sorcerer, who was unfortunate enough to eat evil overlords' food. Now he has to rescue his beloved princess from the dinner menu of the evil Gourmet! Nostalgia awaits!

Why similar: Platformer 27.7%, Retro 19.5%, Adventure 16.4%, Indie 15.3%, Pixel Graphics 14.8%

Hardcore, bloody platformer with a simple dude.

Why similar: Action 32.1%, Indie 26.6%, Platformer 25.9%, Pixel Graphics 15.4%

A strange journey

Why similar: Platformer 31.8%, Adventure 20.8%, Action 20.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, Retro 10.9%

The Padre is a retro stylised 3D horror adventure game tapping deep into the roots of classic horror games.

Why similar: Adventure 34.1%, Action 31.3%, Indie 26.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%

An adventure game with focus on acrobatics and discovering secrets. Classic platformer gameplay in the spirit of the 8-bit era games.

Why similar: Retro 29.3%, Platformer 22.3%, Pixel Graphics 16.6%, Action 12.7%, Adventure 11.7%

An absurd retro-platformer that tests your patience.

Why similar: Platformer 25.7%, Pixel Graphics 17.4%, Adventure 16%, Action 15.7%, Indie 13.6%

"SUPER DISTRO" is a hard-as-nails 2D platformer in the style of retro games such as Megaman, Super Mario Bros 2: The Lost Levels and other such rage-inducing classics. Taking "Difficult gameplay" to a whole new level - SUPER DISTRO is not for the faint-of-heart. The weak need not apply.

Why similar: Indie 31.6%, Platformer 30.6%, Adventure 19.2%, Action 18.7%

A retro jump’n’run adventure based on a German film you’ve probably never heard of. Expect talking kangaroos, weird conspiracy theories, and jokes that may or may not translate. It’s meta. It’s pixelated. It’s probably not what you expected.

Why similar: Retro 28.7%, Platformer 28.7%, Adventure 16.1%, Action 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%

Control "The Nerd" in a retro-inspired action platformer! It's two games in one, remixed and rebalanced to bring you the ultimate experience of Nerd Rage. Featuring stylized pixel art inspired by classic games, a highly energetic soundtrack, and challenging levels -- plus a special NEW chapter!

Why similar: Platformer 26.3%, Retro 22.2%, Adventure 15.4%, Action 15.1%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%

Hikikomori No Chuunibyou is a pseudo 8-bit platform-adventure game with beat-em-up, puzzle, and stealth elements. With its storytelling directing the player through open-ended levels, progression through each stage requires usage of parkour-like abilities and martial-arts techniques.

Why similar: Retro 19.3%, Adventure 18.6%, Platformer 18.4%, Action 18.3%, Indie 14.5%

Embark on a quest for revenge in Lords of Exile, an 8-bit side-scrolling action platformer set in the far Lands of Exilia. With classic retro mechanics and linear level design in 8-bit graphics.

Why similar: Platformer 25.9%, Retro 23.6%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%, Action 13.3%, Adventure 12.9%

Face the grim reaper at 3 frames per second.

Why similar: Retro 27.3%, Pixel Graphics 17.5%, Indie 15.7%, Platformer 15%, Action 12.7%

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: Adventure 34.8%, Action 34.2%, Indie 30.9%

Rush to Adventure is a retro fantasy speedrunning adventure. Inspired by classic NES titles like Zelda, Mario and Castlevania. You awaken on the shore of a cursed island. Your only way off the island is to fight the monsters and lift the curse.

Why similar: Adventure 21.1%, Action 19.8%, Indie 16.4%, Retro 16.2%, Platformer 14.4%

Hands down the most adventurous and handsome hand in the world! You play as a hand on a gripping handventure where you single-handedly face dangerous obstacles and de-feet a handful of evil feet.

Why similar: Platformer 63.9%, Action 36.1%

Kick butt in this retro 2D action-platformer! SEEP Universe is an indie game for PC inspired by the 8-16 bit era!

Why similar: Adventure 21%, Action 19.7%, Platformer 17.7%, Retro 17.3%, Indie 15.8%

Scrap hunting season has gone wrong, VHS slasher survival horror.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 27.8%, Action 26.5%, Retro 23.8%, Adventure 21.9%

An explosive homage to SNES-era platformers from the makers of Stealth Bastard Deluxe, Explodemon is non-stop action mayhem like you've never seen before.

Why similar: Platformer 39.3%, Action 25.9%, Adventure 17.7%, Indie 17.1%

Alien Scumbags is a sci-fi action platformer with a big slice of horror and a stack of pop culture references. You'll run, hide and kill across several levels, collect items from capsule machines and unlock characters.

Why similar: Platformer 42.7%, Pixel Graphics 30.7%, Action 26.6%

This collection includes 7 games that will bring you 80s trash movie vibes. Plus a story mode including all games in a unique, bizarre and bloody story!

Why similar: Adventure 34.7%, Retro 33.6%, Action 31.7%

A game that puts together Rastan's action with adventure elements inspired by Faxanadu. An old school tribute for every lover of 8-bit classics!

Why similar: Platformer 37.7%, Adventure 28.5%, Action 26.5%, Pixel Graphics 4.8%, Indie 2.6%

Mibibli's Quest is a retro-style surrealistic platformer game. Join Mibibli as it blasts its way through over 20 crazy and eclectic levels! Conquer caves, dance through raves, wander the suburbs, and blow up eggs... travel through time and explore your nightmares along the way!

Why similar: Action 27.8%, Platformer 24.9%, Retro 24.4%, Indie 23%

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: Platformer 23.2%, Pixel Graphics 21%, Adventure 20%, Action 18.9%, Indie 17%

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 52.8%, Indie 47.2%

A trip to hell. Hordes of demons. Big guns. Insane combat encounters. Pixel art mustaches. It's going to be a long day for Officer John Mustache.

Why similar: Action 27.5%, Retro 21.6%, Adventure 20.2%, Indie 16.4%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%

Dispersio is a retro-style action platformer. As you progress through the game, you will have to use and combine special abilities, such as dashing, wall-jumping and more. There's even a hard mode for hardcore players.

Why similar: Adventure 32.9%, Platformer 26.8%, Indie 26.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%

Clash of Puppets is a 3D hack’n’slash platformer, featuring classic b-movie style.

Why similar: Action 58.8%, Indie 41.2%