Games Like NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound

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: Ninja 38.5% ★, Platformer 11.3%, Retro 9.7%, Metroidvania 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the retro-ninja aesthetic with tight platforming and a brilliant transition from 8-bit to 16-bit gameplay.

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: Ninja 40% ★, Platformer 9.6%, Retro 9%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Difficult 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a love letter to classic ninja action games, featuring challenging level design and intense boss encounters.

After 34 years in the shadows, prepare to see this legendary action adventure in a new light! Looking and playing better than ever before, Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is Tengo Project’s remake of a cult classic, that the fans have been waiting for.

Why similar: Ninja 39.3% ★, Side Scroller 14.1%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Platformer 10.5%, Retro 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern revival of a classic ninja title that emphasizes fast-paced, side-scrolling action.

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: Ninja 22.4% ★, Platformer 12.3%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Difficult 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers incredibly stylish, one-hit-kill combat that mirrors the high-stakes intensity of a master ninja.

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: Gore 18.3%, Metroidvania 17.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Difficult 12%, Platformer 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team as Ragebound, it offers a similarly dark, atmospheric world with punishing combat and deep lore.

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 53.3% ★, 2D Platformer 13%, Retro 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Martial Arts 6.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A pure, retro-styled ninja action game that focuses on precise swordplay and classic arcade-style difficulty.

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 46.9% ★, Side Scroller 9.2%, Retro 7.7%, Platformer 7.5%, 2D Platformer 7%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a high-octane, cyberpunk take on the ninja genre with fast, fluid combat mechanics.

Strider returns in a brand new adventure, complete with incredible side-scrolling action, and lightning fast combat all in a massive interconnected world! Download the full game February 19th and become the original assassin!

Why similar: Ninja 44.2% ★, Platformer 17.8%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Metroidvania 9.9%, Hack and Slash 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game features incredibly fast, acrobatic combat that makes you feel like a futuristic ninja master.

In Mark of the Ninja, you'll know what it is to truly be a ninja. You must be silent, agile and clever to outwit your opponents in a world of gorgeous scenery and flowing animation.

Why similar: Ninja 53.4% ★, Platformer 11.5%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Gore 7.9%, Violent 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: While more stealth-oriented, it provides the most polished and satisfying ninja experience in 2D.

When a global war nearly decimated humankind, an evil military organization called Oniken takes advantage of the situation to dominate and oppress the few remaining survivors. Even though any resistance to this organization seemed hopeless, a small rebel movement organizes strikes against Oniken.

Why similar: Platformer 25.1%, Retro 22.7%, Ninja 12% ★, Difficult 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A brutally difficult, retro-inspired action game that captures the spirit of 8-bit ninja classics.

Alluring audio! Pixel art perfection! Beat-em up beauty! Discover how hard a 32,000kg ninja hits with The Ninja Saviours!

Why similar: Ninja 57.2% ★, Side Scroller 17.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Action 5.5%, 2D 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade beat-'em-up that delivers visceral, side-scrolling ninja combat.

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: Platformer 15.3%, Retro 14.7%, Difficult 13.9%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action platformer that excels in tight controls and challenging boss fights.

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 18.1%, Metroidvania 16.2%, Platformer 15.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Gore 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It combines exploration and combat in a way that feels like a classic 8-bit action-adventure 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 25.5%, Difficult 25.2%, Retro 12.8%, Side Scroller 7.5%, Action 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: Though not a ninja game, its brutal difficulty and retro-platforming mechanics will appeal to any fan of challenging action games.

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

Why similar: Ninja 37.6% ★, Platformer 9.5%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Gore 8.1%, Difficult 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A ninja-themed action platformer that focuses on crafting and fast, lethal combat.

Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.3%, Pixel Graphics 17.1%, Difficult 14.5%, Platformer 14%, Side Scroller 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers deep, souls-like combat mechanics within a 2D side-scrolling framework.

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 70.6% ★, Platformer 17.7%, Action 7.7%, Indie 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes fast-paced, acrobatic platforming and satisfying ninja combat mechanics.

Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.

Why similar: Difficult 20.4%, Platformer 18.7%, Metroidvania 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 13%, Hack and Slash 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its fast-paced, combat-heavy gameplay loop provides the same adrenaline rush found in high-tier ninja games.

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: Side Scroller 21.8%, Platformer 17.8%, Difficult 14.5%, Metroidvania 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced 2D action game that features fluid movement and satisfying melee combat.

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 28% ★, Side Scroller 14%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Difficult 11.1%, Platformer 10%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult, fast-paced platformer that focuses on quick reactions and precise movement.

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: Gore 18.8%, Platformer 16.2%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Action 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A heavy-metal infused action platformer that delivers intense, high-difficulty combat and stunning pixel art.

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 26.9% ★, Side Scroller 14.2%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Martial Arts 10.9% ★, Platformer 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling action game that features unique martial-arts combat and exploration elements.

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

Why similar: Ninja 33.9% ★, Platformer 17.5%, 2D Platformer 15.9%, Action 8.7%, Martial Arts 8.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: An indie ninja platformer that captures the simple, addictive nature of retro action games.

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: Difficult 24.8%, Metroidvania 19.2%, Platformer 16.4%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Gore 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action-RPG that captures the dark, punishing combat style often found in the Ninja Gaiden series.

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 28.7% ★, Side Scroller 9.7%, Soundtrack 9.7% ★, Difficult 8.5%, Platformer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired platformer that utilizes unique character-switching mechanics for its combat and traversal.

Abathor is a challenging 2D action platformer for solo play or up to 4 players. Embark on an epic 16-bit quest inspired by Golden Axe, Rastan, and Castlevania IV. Traverse Atlantis, battle demons, and defeat vicious bosses to save your progress! Enjoy an amazing OST from classic-era musicians!

Why similar: Platformer 17%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Difficult 13.7%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Retro 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-style action game that focuses on intense, arcade-like combat and platforming.

The definitive ninja action-adventure franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in a high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.

Why similar: Ninja 49.8% ★, Gore 13.3%, Hack and Slash 10.9%, Difficult 8.2%, Action 7.3%

The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.

Why similar: Ninja 38.5% ★, 2D Platformer 15.7%, Platformer 13.3%, Metroidvania 8%, Action 7.9%

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.

Why similar: Soundtrack 19.8% ★, Difficult 19.4%, Platformer 17.8%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Metroidvania 13.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers incredibly challenging precision platforming and combat that will test your reflexes.

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: Ninja 41.9% ★, Platformer 14.3%, Difficult 10.6%, Side Scroller 8.9%, 2D Platformer 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, action-packed ninja platformer that focuses on classic side-scrolling gameplay.

The Ninja of the Nth Dimension is back! Explore vibrant retro landscapes, discover hidden secrets and take down menacing bosses in a modern reimagining of the classic action platforming adventure Zool.

Why similar: Ninja 50.1% ★, Retro 12.4%, Platformer 10.4%, 2D Platformer 9.6%, Difficult 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-inspired platformer that emphasizes speed and precision.

Using Unreal Engine 5 to significantly enhance graphic expression, this is the definitive version of "NINJA GAIDEN 2," featuring additional playable characters and enhanced battle support functions.

Why similar: Ninja 43.2% ★, Gore 13.3%, Martial Arts 12.4% ★, Difficult 8.8%, Hack and Slash 8.2%

3 high speed ninja action titles are now available in one package!

Why similar: Ninja 45.6% ★, Gore 15.9%, Difficult 12.7%, Hack and Slash 8.6%, Violent 7.9%

In this 2d precision platformer with a teleportation twist, play as Ninja Ming and embark on the Path of Trials. Dash through 241 levels using dynamic teleportation and diverse ninjutsu skills. Conquer challenges with style—growing stronger at every turn.

Why similar: Ninja 23% ★, 2D Platformer 19.5%, Platformer 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Side Scroller 5.9%

3 high speed ninja action titles are now available in one package!

Why similar: Ninja 45.8% ★, Gore 17%, Hack and Slash 9.8%, Violent 8.3%, Difficult 7.9%

3 high speed ninja action titles are now available in one package!

Why similar: Ninja 42% ★, Gore 22.7%, Violent 10.8%, Difficult 7%, Action 6.5%

The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.

Why similar: Side Scroller 17.6%, 2D Platformer 16%, Difficult 15.2%, Platformer 12.8%, Metroidvania 11.7%

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reunites Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they kick shell in a beautifully realized beat ’em up.

Why similar: Ninja 40.2% ★, Side Scroller 23.2%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Martial Arts 11.4% ★, 2D 5%

Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.

Why similar: Difficult 20.5%, Platformer 17.9%, Gore 14.9%, Metroidvania 14.6%, Martial Arts 11.9% ★

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 35% ★, Side Scroller 12.8%, 2D Platformer 11%, Martial Arts 10.8% ★, Platformer 7.5%

The Double Dragon brothers return in this fresh addition to the iconic franchise. With roguelite elements, every playthrough is a chance at new action. Tag in with 2 of 4 starter characters or unlock 20 additional characters, each with their own special moves and playstyles. Online & Local Co-op.

Why similar: Side Scroller 30.4%, Martial Arts 19.8% ★, Retro 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%, 2D 7%

Dynamic, hardcore and explosive action on the passage with a bunch of weapons, enemies and bosses.

Why similar: Platformer 13.8%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Gore 12.2%, Difficult 10.5%, Action 10%

Step into a living comic book in this new take on the Ninja Gaiden series. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyber arm, Yaiba slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Will you slice enemies to pieces, crush them with Yaiba's cyborg arm or just rip off a zombie’s arms to use as nunchucks?

Why similar: Ninja 61.2% ★, Hack and Slash 15.3%, Gore 9.6%, Action 9.6%, Adventure 4.3%

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: 2D Platformer 20.7%, Platformer 18.5%, Gore 16.1%, Retro 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%

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: Side Scroller 21.4%, 2D Platformer 19.8%, Platformer 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%, Action 7.6%

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: Side Scroller 17.3%, Platformer 16.7%, Retro 14.3%, Difficult 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%

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: Gore 25.4%, Violent 12.2%, Platformer 12.1%, Difficult 10.7%, Retro 10.1%

Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.

Why similar: Gore 17.8%, Metroidvania 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Difficult 12.3%, Platformer 11.7%

Kinuhime was killed by a ninja demon. Now, Hayate has become obsessed with revenge! But can revenge bring her back?

Why similar: Ninja 45.4% ★, Retro 11.9%, 2D Platformer 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Action 8.9%

Three incredible action adventure games from the Castlevania series have finally returned, for the first time! But wait, there's more! Haunted Castle Revisited, a redesigned version of the very first Castlevania arcade game, makes its debut!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 23.6%, Metroidvania 18.7%, Platformer 14.1%, Retro 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%

Fight’N Rage is a brand new old-school side-scroller beat’em up. Inspired by the classics from the “golden age”, and with an art style that mimics the aesthetic from the 90's arcade gems, this game pays homage to all classic gameplay features that makes this genre one of the best from its time!

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.7%, Difficult 18.9%, Retro 17.4%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%, Action 9.2%

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: Gore 21.2%, Platformer 17.1%, Difficult 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Side Scroller 6.9%

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer that channels the golden age of classic 16-bit action games in a full-throttle quest for revenge. Created to defend a totalitarian state, the Moonrider rejects its programming and now seeks vengeance on its creators.

Why similar: Platformer 17%, Retro 14.6%, Side Scroller 14.4%, 2D Platformer 13.8%, Hack and Slash 11.3%

In this challenging, fast-paced roguelite, every death is a unique chance to rewrite fate, save Persia or die trying. Master fluid, acrobatic combat and parkour as you explore your kingdom to right your wrongs!

Why similar: Side Scroller 36.2%, Platformer 35.3%, Action 13.2%, Hack and Slash 10.6%, Singleplayer 4.6%

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: Ninja 27.9% ★, Action 14%, Platformer 11.2%, Metroidvania 9%, Adventure 8.9%

Save the Ninja Clan is a platformer for casual players as well as speed runners. There are two ways to play this game: play through the normal story mode or find secrets/"bugs" in the game to annoy the Game Manager watching.

Why similar: Ninja 42.5% ★, Gore 18.2%, Violent 11.1%, Action 6.9%, Platformer 5.9%

You are Hidalgo Bladewing, a bird with a beef. Hack, slash, platform, and soar through a beautifully chaotic pixel-art neonscape in your quest to save your feathered friends. Challenging retro-inspired platforming gameplay, transforming weapons, and fowl Ninja action await.

Why similar: Ninja 33% ★, Side Scroller 15%, 2D Platformer 12.2%, Platformer 11%, Hack and Slash 7.6%

Watch as this nostalgic yet completely reimagined storybook world unravels before your very eyes. Taking cues from both Ghosts 'n Goblins and Ghouls 'n Ghosts and giving birth to something entirely new, Resurrection is a title worthy of its name.

Why similar: Side Scroller 28.9%, 2D Platformer 25.4%, Retro 12.5%, Difficult 8.8%, Action 8.3%

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: Side Scroller 15.8%, Difficult 13.7%, Platformer 13.4%, Gore 13.1%, 2D Platformer 10.3%

Leap, slash, splash! You are the overpowered ninja hero Shadow Bug! Save your home forest from the evil factory by slicing monsters to pieces.

Why similar: Ninja 61.7% ★, Platformer 18.4%, Action 7.8%, 2D 5.4%, Indie 4.6%