Games Like Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31%, Platformer 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Side Scroller 7.5%, Adventure 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct spiritual predecessor, it shares the exact transformation-based gameplay and classic adventure DNA.

The adventures of Asha, the little warrior, begin! Together with her blue sidekick Pepelogoo, she will run through numerous stages and save the Monster World from the darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.1%, Platformer 16.1%, Side Scroller 12%, Adventure 6.6%, Anime 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This entry maintains the series' signature charm, vibrant art style, and action-adventure platforming.

Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.3%, Platformer 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%, Anime 4.8%, Side Scroller 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features the same blend of transformation mechanics, lighthearted humor, and interconnected world exploration.

Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! When a mysterious crime wave sweeps Sequin Land, it’s up to Half-Genie Hero Shantae to save the day! Use Shantae’s devastating Hair-Whip Attack to send monsters flying, or Belly Dance to transform her into more powerful forms!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.3%, Platformer 13.3%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Anime 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a polished, colorful experience with transformation-based puzzles and tight platforming controls.

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 52.7%, Adventure 14.2%, Platformer 12.5%, Indie 9%, Action 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to the 16-bit era that perfectly replicates the feel of classic action-adventure games like Monster Boy.

Shantae is back in an all-new tropical adventure! In her fifth outing, the Half-Genie hero gains new Fusion Magic abilities to explore a vast sunken city, makes new Half-Genie friends, and battles the Seven Sirens in her biggest, most thrilling quest yet!

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.3%, Platformer 17.1%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, Adventure 6.2%, Anime 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, polished take on the series with expansive exploration and fluid, transformation-heavy gameplay.

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 41%, Platformer 15%, Side Scroller 8.2%, Adventure 6.7%, Cute 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on a heartwarming story and accessible, fun exploration within a vibrant, interconnected world.

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 41.1%, Platformer 14.8%, Anime 7.3%, Exploration 5.5%, Adventure 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a beautiful anime aesthetic with fluid metroidvania combat and elemental switching mechanics.

Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Platformer 15.3%, Adventure 5.3%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a breathtakingly beautiful world with highly refined platforming and exploration-based progression.

Head back to the Mexiverse in this long-awaited sequel to the smash hit Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across stunning new hand-crafted levels. Featuring a dense and colorful world, new luchador moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.2%, Platformer 15.6%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Adventure 6%, Action 6%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers high-energy action, vibrant visuals, and challenging platforming segments that feel very rewarding.

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 44.3%, Platformer 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Adventure 7.4%, Action 7%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich metroidvania with a distinct, colorful art style and creative puzzle-platforming elements.

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 43.3%, Platformer 15.2%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Exploration 5.8%, Action 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: An anime-inspired metroidvania that features unique time-manipulation mechanics and a charming, nostalgic atmosphere.

SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.9%, Platformer 16.8%, Adventure 8.8%, Action 6.7%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a satisfying gameplay loop centered on exploration, upgrading abilities, and uncovering secrets.

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.5%, Platformer 16.1%, Adventure 7.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%, Indie 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on clever puzzle-solving and exploration within a charming, retro-styled world.

Dodge bullets, missiles and lasers in battle as you wrap your head around that bunny girl costume! Combo away with your mighty Piko Hammer or spam various spells from afar with your fiery fairy friend. Explore and explode through Rabi-Rabi Island as you collect power-ups and uncover secrets...

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.9%, Platformer 10.6%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Anime 6.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: An anime-styled metroidvania that offers deep combat systems and a massive, non-linear world to explore.

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 54.8%, Platformer 16.8%, Action 5.9%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%, Adventure 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers fast-paced, challenging platforming and exploration with a distinct retro aesthetic.

Mutant scum never learn! Blaster Master Zero makes its Steam debut! Blaster Master Zero is a 8-bit style top-down & sideview 2D action-adventure game that hearkens back to the golden age of the NES. The game features new gameplay elements such as improved gameplay, and a more robust scenario.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.9%, Platformer 18.6%, Action 15.8%, Anime 4.9%, 2D 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: Utilizes a unique vehicle-to-on-foot transformation mechanic that feels very similar to the core loop of Monster Boy.

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 42.1%, Platformer 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Action 4.9%, Side Scroller 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action-platformer that evolves into a full-fledged metroidvania with a great sense of humor.

Mega Man is back! The newest entry in this iconic series blends classic, challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh new visual style. The new Double Gear system boosts Mega Man's speed and power for a new twist to the satisfying gameplay the series is known for.

Why similar: Platformer 31.4%, Side Scroller 20.2%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Action 13.9%, Difficult 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides classic, high-quality action-platforming with a modern, vibrant visual style.

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 45.9%, Platformer 15.1%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Adventure 7.7%, Exploration 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, well-designed metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and tight, responsive movement.

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40%, Platformer 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Action 7.2%, Adventure 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features stunning hand-drawn art and fast-paced, satisfying combat that mirrors the polish of Monster Boy.

An ancient evil has been set loose, and Jonathan cursed in the process. Jonathan must now collect seven holy grails from around all of Egypt to cleanse himself of the curse of Sehur the First. Be delighted by the quirky humor, charming characters, and the beautifully designed world, in Pharaoh Rebirth+!

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.3%, Adventure 16.5%, Action 16.1%, Platformer 14.6%, Indie 10%

Why You'll Like It: An action-oriented platformer with a quirky, retro charm and satisfying ability-based progression.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity!

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.9%, Side Scroller 8.3%, Platformer 7.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive modern metroidvania experience with deep RPG elements and a vast, interconnected castle.

Bounce and stomp through an enormous interconnected world, doing some intense acrobatics and getting huge combos! A superfast precision platformer that mixes up a Metroidvania world with classic Arcade mechanics.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.3%, Platformer 15.3%, Adventure 8.8%, Action 7.8%, Action-Adventure 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A precision platformer that emphasizes speed and flow within a bright, colorful, and interconnected world.

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.7%, Platformer 15.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Adventure 5.3%, Exploration 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, challenging metroidvania that rewards players who enjoy complex puzzles and thorough exploration.

Blast off in a 2D metroidvania adventure bursting with platforming thrills, deep exploration, and explosive action. Assemble a crack team of heroes to save the world in Blast Brigade!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.3%, Platformer 14.1%, Side Scroller 9.1%, Cartoon 9%, Adventure 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a humorous, cartoonish tone with solid metroidvania exploration and character-swapping mechanics.

Set sail for adventure with a paper hat on your head and a magical shrinking boat in your pocket, in search of legendary treasures! Solve tricky puzzles, battle formidable foes, piece together clues and dig up secrets to uncover your own shrouded history as you explore this sprawling open world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.8%, Adventure 19%, Platformer 18.8%, Indie 11.6%, Cute 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A grand, open-world adventure that prioritizes exploration and discovery in a colorful, stylized setting.

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 39%, Platformer 13.6%, Side Scroller 13%, Exploration 5.3%, Anime 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, anime-inspired action-platformer with tight combat and rewarding exploration.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a brand-new 2.5D platformer from some of the key creative talent behind 'Donkey Kong Country'. As the colourful buddy duo you must tackle a series of stunning, 2.5D levels and explore a puzzling 3D Overworld rich with secrets and surprises!

Why similar: Platformer 31.4%, Adventure 23.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.7%, Indie 14.2%, Colorful 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A creative platformer that features vibrant world design and a focus on inventive level mechanics.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.4%, Side Scroller 12.3%, Exploration 6.8%, Adventure 5.9%, Action 5.8%

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 32%, Platformer 15.7%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Action 7%

A colorful pixel-art metroidvania/point-and-click adventure hybrid about magic, cute witches and joys of vandalism.

Why similar: Metroidvania 61.6%, Adventure 11.8%, Platformer 11.6%, Action 7.8%, Indie 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, lighthearted adventure that blends metroidvania exploration with a unique, magic-focused protagonist.

Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.6%, Platformer 18.1%, Side Scroller 10%, Action 8.5%, Anime 7.4%

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut brings hair-whipping, belly-dancing to your PC! Play one of the most critically acclaimed handheld series of all time, now with brand new features!

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.9%, Platformer 21.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%, Action 4.4%, Anime 3.9%

Embark on a heartfelt Mushroomvania adventure through a vast and dense interconnected world! It's like a mix of retro and modern classics!

Why similar: Metroidvania 50.5%, Platformer 13.9%, Adventure 10.7%, Exploration 6.7%, Action-Adventure 5.6%

Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.3%, Platformer 22.9%, Action 9.1%, Anime 8.7%, Indie 6.5%

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.8%, Platformer 15.9%, Exploration 6%, Action-Adventure 5.8%, Adventure 5.2%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.6%, Platformer 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Action 4.2%, Adventure 3.8%

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Platformer 13.7%, Adventure 4.1%, Exploration 3.8%

Join Jason, Eve, and Fred on an intergalactic journey! The side-scrolling/top-down hybrid action adventure title "Blaster Master Zero" returns with its long-awaited sequel! Experience the yet-untold story of Jason and Eve after defeating Earth's mutant scourge in "Blaster Master Zero".

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.9%, Platformer 22.6%, Action 16.2%, Anime 6.8%, 2D 4.6%

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 35.2%, Platformer 12.3%, Side Scroller 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 8%, Anime 5.6%

A powerful ancient evil has arisen, and the war to save humanity has begun! As an elite agent in the monster-hunting Prodigium organization, you must use a variety of weapons, upgrades, and mysterious artifacts to defend mankind against the supernatural hordes of Princess Ahmanet.

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.9%, Action 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Adventure 9.2%, Platformer 8.5%

Mickey Mouse returns to star in Castle of Illusion, a fantastical reimagining of the Sega Genesis classic.

Why similar: Platformer 54.9%, Adventure 15.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Colorful 4.8%, Cartoon 4.2%

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.4%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Platformer 16.5%, Adventure 5.4%, Side Scroller 3.8%

Tomba is back for more in Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return Special Edition, a celebration of the often overlooked sequel to the legendary platformer, Tomba!

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.3%, Platformer 12.6%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Cartoon 7.2%, Anime 7%

Guide Timmy the little treasure hunter through traps and puzzles to reach the legendary treasure! Experience the classic mini metroidvania remade with new visuals, music, and content!

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Platformer 14.2%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Cartoon 7%, Adventure 6.9%

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.2%, Platformer 12.1%, Action 6.9%, Adventure 6.7%, Side Scroller 6%

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 43.4%, Platformer 13%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%, Side Scroller 7.1%, Adventure 6.3%

Take control of Specter Knight, servant to the Enchantress, in a quest to recruit a cadre of knights and create the Order of No Quarter. Experience perfect platforming, world-class visuals, impeccable stage design, incredible music, and even meet a friend or two in Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment!

Why similar: Platformer 26.9%, Adventure 19%, Action 18.6%, Indie 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.4%, Platformer 16.3%, Adventure 7.2%, Action 6%, Action-Adventure 5.5%

Fight your way through the dungeons of the Alchemist's Castle, collect power ups and take back what is rightfully yours from the Alchemist himself in this old-school metroidvania!

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.2%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Action 8.5%, Adventure 8.4%

Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat.

Why similar: Metroidvania 68.3%, Action 7.6%, Action-Adventure 6.7%, Adventure 5.1%, Difficult 3.9%

Explore a vast, interconnected dream world full of secrets and collectibles in this metroidvania adventure inspired by classic 2D platformers. Reclaim your lost memories to save Slumberland from the mysterious Oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.4%, Platformer 12.2%, Exploration 6.4%, Cute 6.2%, Adventure 5.4%

Embark on a grand adventure in Phoenotopia! An action-adventure puzzle platformer inspired by the great classics. Meet charming townsfolk, brave the dungeons, and thwart evil in your quest to save your family.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.8%, Platformer 19%, Adventure 9.7%, Action 8.2%, Action-Adventure 5.2%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.5%, Platformer 17.7%, Adventure 7.1%, Action 6.9%, Exploration 5.8%

A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.8%, Platformer 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%, Action 6.3%, Adventure 4.8%

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34%, Great Soundtrack 21.8%, Platformer 15.2%, Adventure 6%, Cute 3.8%

A legend returns in stunning new detail with Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX! Fire up your power bracelet and relive a platforming classic alongside new modes, levels and features!

Why similar: Platformer 37.6%, Adventure 14.5%, Colorful 11.7%, Difficult 10%, Action 9.6%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.5%, Platformer 16.9%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Adventure 7.8%, Action 7.5%