Games Like Musashi vs Cthulhu

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: Fast-Paced 26%, Lovecraftian 21.4%, Hack and Slash 14.5%, Souls-like 9.2%, Metroidvania 9%

Take on the role of the martial arts master Hiro, Meilin, or Shin as they face off in a desperate fight for their lives against the Black Mantis clan. DOUBLE THE MAYHEM: Bring a friend and battle against ninjas, demons, and more in the 2-player local co-op mode of this action-adventure platformer.

Why similar: Ninja 27.9% ★, Beat 'em up 23.2%, Hack and Slash 11%, Metroidvania 7.6%, Arcade 7.6%

Onikira is a 2D side scrolling beat ‘em up set in a fantasy feudal Japan where the player takes on the role of a samurai fighting to prevent the forces of the Japanese underworld from breaking through into the world of the living.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.9%, Action 21.1%, Hack and Slash 17.3%, Platformer 10.4%, Indie 8.4%

A village in peril. A samurai reanimated. An Oni advancing. Fight an army of undead warriors and Japanese monsters as a human, a Kodama, and a cat in this 2D stop-motion action adventure.

Why similar: Ninja 32.5% ★, Swordplay 25.4%, Hack and Slash 13.2%, Souls-like 9.7%, Action 6.9%

Play as Miyamoto Musashi in this beautiful 2D platformer and travel through a 17th century fantasy Japan, from north to the island of Ganryu-jima where everything happened between Musashi and Kojiro. The game is inspired by the story of Takezo Musashi from the famous novel “The Stone And The Sword”.

Why similar: Ninja 24.9% ★, Swordplay 22.5%, Hack and Slash 20.7%, Arcade 10%, Platformer 8.3%

Shadow Blade is an action-platformer set in a visually striking world where the ancient teachings of ninjas and samurai clash upon a modern landscape. Sprint through stages littered with traps, slaying enemies along your path without hesitation as Kuro, the blade of shadow!

Why similar: Ninja 44.6% ★, Fast-Paced 31.8%, Action 10.7%, Platformer 8.7%, Indie 4.1%

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 28.2%, Souls-like 18.6%, Action 15.6%, Platformer 9.7%, 2D 9.6%

Play as the samurai Kan and fight in a dark, demon-infested Japan. Face this 100% arcade experience without any credits or saves: you can only rely on your skills with the katana.

Why similar: Action 33.6%, Arcade 17.6%, Platformer 17.2%, Indie 13%, 2D 10%

You are Ronin. Survive against an onslaught of enemies using a unique, mouse-based combat system. Draw your attack, felling your enemies in one swoop!

Why similar: Swordplay 22.9%, Beat 'em up 19.1%, Hack and Slash 15.9%, Ninja 14.6% ★, Arcade 8.8%

A fast-paced action platformer based on the world of Ninja Slayer, a hit manga that sold 4.44 million copies! In the fictional cyberpunk city of Neo-Saitama, take control of Ninja Slayer as he does battle with numerous evil ninjas, all to avenge the death of his wife and child.

Why similar: Ninja 27.8% ★, Fast-Paced 22.1%, Swordplay 20.1%, Hack and Slash 11.8%, Action 6.6%

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 20.9%, Action 17.4%, Platformer 16.2%, Anime 13.2%, Arcade 13%

Bloody stealth platformer, about the ninja in which you cut the enemies into pieces.

Why similar: Ninja 42.4% ★, Hack and Slash 11.9%, Action 10.9%, Fast-Paced 9.2%, Platformer 8.3%

Rogue Samurai is an intense roguelite action game where you fight relentless waves of enemies as a legendary samurai. Master your skills, unlock powerful abilities, and face epic boss battles in a quest for survival.

Why similar: Ninja 56.2% ★, Arcade 19.5%, Action 13%, RPG 8.9%, Singleplayer 2.5%

Shadowlings - is a slaughter to heavy metal in decorations of Medieval Japan.Hardcore battles, in which everything depends on your skill, ancient ninja's martial arts, sharp swords, strong spears and mysterious Shadow Magic.

Why similar: Ninja 27.1% ★, Swordplay 20.4%, Fast-Paced 18.1%, Hack and Slash 12.5%, Action 7%

Fast-paced and brutally challenging, Eldest Souls is a unique Soulslike experience. In a final act of vengeance, the Old Gods have unleashed a great Desolation upon the world. Mankind's only hope lies with a lone warrior… and his greatsword of pure Obsydian.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 28.6%, Souls-like 24.1%, Lovecraftian 19.3%, Action 10.4%, Anime 5.9%

Every strike is lethal in this blood-soaked sword fighting game. Slash, clash, parry, dodge and watch limbs fly. Choose your move carefully - the first cut is also the last.

Why similar: Swordplay 36.2%, Hack and Slash 27%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 8.5%, Co-op 7.4%

Take on the role of a warrior maiden forced to hunt down her best friend, who has stolen a sacred demon blade. Immerse yourself in the tale of a deadly feud between two old friends and the demonic sword tearing them apart―told through high-speed action!

Why similar: Fast-Paced 19.9%, Swordplay 19.4%, Hack and Slash 17.7%, Beat 'em up 17.4%, Arcade 9.5%

A journey of a lost samurai. Encounter five samurai and challenge them to a duel. Unleash your katana strike and deflect incoming attacks. Fight for honor or die with shame.

Why similar: Swordplay 61.6%, Action 14.3%, Indie 8.9%, 2D 6.4%, Souls-like 6.4%

An action/adventure game taking ques from both film-noir and samurai-drama's of old, "samurai_jazz" takes players on an adventure through an enigmatic city, engaging in sword-fights, encounters with mythological beings, and quirky dialog with the local inhabitants presented with a pseudo 8-bit style.

Why similar: Action 45.8%, Anime 25.5%, Indie 19.3%, Adventure 9.3%

With its cyberpunk city brought to life with retro graphics, Ninja Issen invites players into a world filled with "hyper ninja action" as they work alone to annihilate waves of enemy troops using a variety of ninja skills and fight bosses coming at you with relentless, diverse attack patterns.

Why similar: Ninja 50.8% ★, Fast-Paced 12.9%, Action 12.2%, Hack and Slash 10.7%, Platformer 6.3%

You are the sword; cut down your foes with steel and thunder. You are the wings; explore the skies and uncover unreachable mysteries. Embark on a journey through a vicious world ruled by darkness and imperial tyranny - the lands of Blackmist.

Why similar: Swordplay 23.6%, Ninja 19.7% ★, Hack and Slash 15.9%, Beat 'em up 15.5%, Action 10.1%

Draw Slasher is the unique demanding and dynamic action packed beat'em up you need only a mouse to play. Cut, slice, snip, sever, chop, shear and trim hordes of Pirate Monkey Zombies™.

Why similar: Ninja 34.4% ★, Beat 'em up 23.3%, Hack and Slash 12.3%, Action 7.7%, Arcade 5.9%

3000th Duel is action-adventure game that has speedy, exciting battles as its charm. Fight against monsters with your own style of battle to travel an unidentified world and discover a secret hidden.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 21.7%, Metroidvania 17.1%, Souls-like 16.4%, Action 11.5%, Platformer 10.1%

Madshot is a fast-paced, acrobatic, rogue-lite shooter. Survive the ever-changing road through Cthulhu and beyond. Equip endless upgrade combinations as you fight your way through horrific monsters and multi-phased boss battles.

Why similar: Lovecraftian 40.7%, Fast-Paced 34.6%, Platformer 9.7%, Action 7.9%, 2D 5.4%

Shinobi alert! Use your 7 shinobi weapons to survive the bloodshed! Introducing a hard core 2D ninja action game by Hyper-retro graphics.

Why similar: Ninja 55.4% ★, Beat 'em up 26.8%, Action 12.3%, 2D 4.4%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Whisper Trip is a fast-paced side-scrolling co-op action game with cyberpunk elements. You are a new employee of the TPF (Tactical Police Force), a unit dedicated to the prevention of terrorist activities and the destruction of criminal groups...

Why similar: Ninja 26.8% ★, Beat 'em up 20.9%, Swordplay 20.6%, Hack and Slash 13.2%, Arcade 7.1%

A full-scale action game in which one Kunoichi fights against ninjas and necromancers during the Warring States period.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 33.6%, Ninja 27.6% ★, Swordplay 14.1%, Action 9.9%, Arcade 7.8%

Amaterasu and her yokai army rule over feudal Japan. Switch in real time between Kensei and Ayame to defeat the goddess in this intense, 16-bit action platformer with Metroidvania elements and gorgeous pixel art.

Why similar: Ninja 48.2% ★, Metroidvania 16.6%, Platformer 10.9%, Action 8.7%, 2D 7.5%

Usurper is a Metroidvania Action-RPG. With Eldritch horrors having been unleashed by the outer-worldly Citadel, your job is to rid London of its terrors. Use the new "Guard" system that rewards skillful play and accuracy, to uncover the massive structure and defeat the nightmares lurking within.

Why similar: Lovecraftian 39.3%, Metroidvania 21.6%, Action 15.5%, RPG 7.6%, Indie 6.1%

Ninja Hanrei is a 2D run and gun Platformer game inspired on Ancient Japan but with Super Powers.

Why similar: Ninja 42.4% ★, Action 24.2%, Platformer 17%, 2D 7.6%, Indie 5%

Ninjas are cool, this is an established fact of the universe. Nazi Robots from space are not cool, they are the complete opposite of cool, and Robot Hitler is out to get you, the world's first ninja. You have 10 seconds to destroy all Nazi Robots in your vicinity. IT. IS. ON.

Why similar: Ninja 41.4% ★, Fast-Paced 29.3%, Platformer 10.4%, Action 10.1%, Indie 4.8%

Death is not the end: defeat infernal foes until you die and carry on the fight with your eternal soul and memories in a new body!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 49.5%, Swordplay 31.2%, Action 13.5%, Indie 3.7%, Singleplayer 2.1%

Sclash is a plug’n play 2D samurai fighting game full of tension where one hit is enough to kill. Play as a hand-drawn samurai in beautiful painted settings and fight your opponent in epic solemn duels where each move matters. Manage well your stamina, breath and take your time to land a deadly hit.

Why similar: Swordplay 49.1%, Arcade 15.6%, Anime 15.5%, Action 10.7%, 2D 7.1%

Explore a dark and sinister Osaka as the Demon Hunter Shin. Battle demons, regain lost skills, and uncover the truth of your forgotten past in this exciting occult-inspired cyberpunk metroidvania.

Why similar: Ninja 39.8% ★, Metroidvania 22.2%, Platformer 11.4%, Action 10.1%, 2D 7.9%

Be a ninja and go on an action platforming adventure to save the world. Climb walls, slice up bad guys, master tricky platforming sequences and face ruthless bosses.

Why similar: Ninja 41% ★, Arcade 13.9%, Fast-Paced 12.5%, Platformer 11.3%, Action 8.6%

Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.4%, Action 14.4%, Platformer 14.2%, RPG 7.1%, 2D 6.4%

10 SECOND NINJA X is a hardcore sidescroller. You're a ninja, there are robots, you've got ten seconds to destroy them all. Get three star ratings, climb leaderboards, discover secrets and stop Captain Greatbeard.

Why similar: Ninja 32.2% ★, Fast-Paced 26%, Action 17%, Platformer 13.3%, Indie 6.5%

A Wuxia-themed action game featuring one-hit-kill martial arts combat.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 52.9%, Action 23.6%, Anime 9.9%, 2D 9.8%, Indie 2.8%

As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward.

Why similar: Ninja 36.6% ★, Swordplay 29.8%, Hack and Slash 20.3%, Action 9.7%, Adventure 2%

Yasai Ninja is a hack & slash game set in feudal Japan where Kaoru Tamanegi and Broccoli Joe face the most terrible vegetable-fighters. Play 1/2 Player mode and finish the adventure!

Why similar: Action 61.2%, Indie 25.8%, Adventure 13%

Test your limits in this hardcore, cyber-samurai game set in post-apocalyptic Japan. Parry your foes’ blows with your weapon of choice and use implants to attack the weaknesses of unstoppable bosses from Japanese folklore!

Why similar: Ninja 28% ★, Beat 'em up 27%, Hack and Slash 19.2%, Souls-like 13.4%, Action 7.4%

BloodRush: Undying Wish is an extremely fast-paced hack n' slash roguelike set in a gothic, undying world. Dash, shoot and strike with ability combos, weaving between enemies like an improvised dance. Death is gone; bring her back.

Why similar: Fast-Paced 55.9%, Hack and Slash 32%, Action 7.3%, 2D 4.9%

Nightmare: The Lunatic is a parrying action rogue-lite platformer game about escaping a nightmare. Constantly swap between 3 weapons, use special attacks, and avoid and parry enemy attacks. Strengthen yourself by collecting powerful and unique totems.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 32.6%, Souls-like 17.8%, Metroidvania 17.7%, Platformer 11.1%, Action 9.2%

Down to hell is a dynamic slasher in which lone swordsman must face the hordes of hellish demons. Moreover Down to Hell will give you truly Heavy F’N Metal experience.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 32.9%, Action 24.4%, Platformer 10.9%, Indie 9.7%, 2D 9.4%

Hunted by mercenaries of an enemy with untold power, the fighter Pseudo and the creature under his protection begin a perilous quest to the edges of strange lands.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 26.5%, Souls-like 26.4%, Action 18.7%, RPG 9.9%, Exploration 5.7%

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Fast-Paced 29%, Ninja 23.2% ★, Hack and Slash 16.8%, Action 11.3%, Platformer 9.8%

Intense 2D action with special attacks, aerial combos, and customizable combat in a vibrant, hand-drawn world. Upgrade your skills, forge new items, discover secret paths, and face challenging enemies on a journey to save the kingdom!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 29%, Hack and Slash 20.5%, Metroidvania 11.2%, Action 9.4%, Anime 7.9%

Indie souls-like with innovative fight system where you practice your Katana on the path for endless improvement; again and again.

Why similar: Swordplay 43%, Hack and Slash 20.4%, Action 15.1%, Souls-like 12.7%, Indie 6%

The Japanese pirates have terrorized the Ming Dynasty for generations. You've devoted your life as a soldier to fighting them.And now you are in their turf, alone with your sword; the last soldier in pirate's land in this 3D-action game inspired by traditional Chinese ink painting landscapes.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 30.8%, Swordplay 25.9%, Hack and Slash 20.9%, Action 9.1%, RPG 4.1%

Boss Rush: Mythology - This is an action game in which you have to fight various creatures and gods from Greek, Scandinavian, Slavic and Egyptian mythologies.

Why similar: Souls-like 39.8%, Action 26.2%, Arcade 12.6%, Indie 9.9%, 2D 9.8%

Your arms may be taken from you, but not your honour. Your legs have become your sword and shield. Run on walls, dive kick & dash into your enemies, parry bullets with your shins. Become a warrior of legend, Armless Samurai!

Why similar: Fast-Paced 64.8%, Action 18%, Platformer 11.3%, Indie 3.6%, Singleplayer 2.3%

This is an action game in which players attempt to survive by defeating a number of enemies which appear from the left and right sides of the screen. Use a unique keyboard-banging control scheme for maximum dopamine! Go Berserk, or Die!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 42.5%, Hack and Slash 30%, Action 14.6%, 2D 8.4%, Indie 2.9%

Earth’s Dawn is looming and the fate of the planet hangs in the balance! Dive into frantic side-scrolling combat and take the fight to the alien horde before destroying hulking bosses!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 38.3%, Action 37%, Indie 14.3%, 2D 10.4%

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories is an action roguelite with RPG elements. Explore randomly generated levels based in Lovecraft's stories, fight cultists and all kinds of monsters from the Mythos, improve your gear, solve puzzles, and find clues and knowledge to defeat the Great Old Ones.

Why similar: Lovecraftian 70.4%, Action 12.6%, RPG 6%, Indie 4.8%, 2D 2.8%

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: Action 33.1%, RPG 17.9%, Indie 14%, Platformer 13.7%, 2D 11.2%

In the abyss where the mortal realm and netherworld intertwine, become a warrior wielding the power of the Nether Lantern to fight along with the fallen souls. With hardcore, soulslike action and intriguing roguelike builds, shatter the cursed barriers and unveil the truth woven from blood and soul.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 56.8%, Action 25.1%, RPG 13.2%, Singleplayer 5%

KUNAI is a quirky, fast-paced action platformer. You play as Tabby, a tablet who joins the fight against a robot uprising. Use your kunai and ninja parkour skills to stop Lemonkus, the A.I.-gone-evil that almost wiped out all human life.

Why similar: Action 26%, Ninja 23.2% ★, Metroidvania 13.2%, Indie 11.1%, Hack and Slash 8.4%

A challenging 2D action platformer with brutal one-hit-kill combat, consequential choices, and a lore-rich story set in the dark fantasy world of Kurogawa, Japan. Inspired by Sekiro and Blasphemous, Jomaku is a free preview of One-Thousand Cuts, "raising the curtain" for the full game coming soon!

Why similar: Ninja 35.9% ★, Hack and Slash 20.4%, Beat 'em up 20%, Souls-like 12.9%, Action 9%

Through victory and defeat, traverse the merciless trials of hell.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 57.8%, Action 30.9%, RPG 9%, Singleplayer 2.3%

Blood Poem: Eclipse of the Moon is a 2D Rogue Lite hyper-speed action-adventure game. In the game, you play as the heroine code-named Ishtar, also known as "Moon" exploring a post-apocalyptic world. Your mission is to defeat beautiful bosses and bring them back to your lab.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 46.5%, Platformer 20%, Anime 19.6%, Action 13.9%