- #1 Freedom Planet
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 4,884 reviews2014
Dev: GalaxyTrail
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.
Why similar: Platformer 26%, Great Soundtrack 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Action 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: It offers fast-paced platforming with a heavy emphasis on momentum and combat-heavy encounters.
- #2 Berserk Boy
96% matchVery Positive85% of 421 reviews2024
Dev: BerserkBoy Games
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 52%
BERSERK BOY is a high speed action packed Platformer, with Metroidvania elements. Packed with vibrant and stylish pixel art. Go Berserk! as you change into different forms and use the power of Lightning, Fire, Ice, Air, and Earth to save the planet!
Why similar: Platformer 23.9%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.6%, Action 13.7%, Female Protagonist 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game features high-speed, transformation-based combat that perfectly mirrors the frantic energy of Noitu Love 2.
- #3 Azure Striker Gunvolt
96% matchVery Positive85% of 1,749 reviews2015
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
A 2D action game featuring a young man with the power of lightning who stands for freedom against the evil ambitions of a massive organization. When lightning strikes, a new legend is born.
Why similar: Platformer 24.4%, Action 23%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%
Why You'll Like It: This title delivers stylish, high-speed 2D action with a focus on unique combat mechanics and challenging bosses.
- #4 Gravity Circuit
95% matchVery Positive92% of 5,574 reviews2023
Dev: Domesticated Ant GamesPub: PID Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Gravity Circuit is a flashy action packed 2D platformer in the spirit of console classics. Follow Kai, a lone operative war hero who harnesses the mysterious powers of the Gravity Circuit, on an adventure in a futuristic world inhabited by sentient robots.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 21.7%, Platformer 19%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%, Action 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic action-platformers that features fluid, punchy combat and tight controls.
- #5 Bleed 2
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 904 reviews2017
Dev: Ian Campbell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!
Why similar: Action 24.7%, Platformer 19.1%, Indie 13.9%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Great Soundtrack 11%
Why You'll Like It: An intense, arcade-style boss-rush game that captures the same relentless pacing and focus on dodging.
- #6 Rosenkreuzstilette
94% matchMostly Positive79% of 438 reviews2017
Dev: [erka:es]Pub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Rosenkreuzstilette is a mega-action-platformer game in which you step into the shoes of Spiritia Rosenberg, a virtuous young woman caught on the wrong side of a revolution instigated by her closest friends.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 24.8%, Platformer 16.3%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Action 10.1%, Female Protagonist 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging action-platformer that captures the same retro boss-rush spirit and aesthetic charm.
- #7 River City Girls
93% matchVery Positive84% of 3,781 reviews2019
Dev: WayForwardPub: WayForward
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
There's trouble once again in River City, and this time only the girls can save the day! Using a variety of attacks, weapons, and items, these hot-blooded heroines are ready to teach the city’s lowlifes a lesson - either solo or in 2-player co-op! It’s an old-school rumble for a new generation!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 49.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Action 10.4%, Female Protagonist 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A vibrant beat-em-up that shares the same energetic, female-led action and pixel-art aesthetic.
- #8 Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition
92% matchVery Positive92% of 249 reviews2015
Dev: WayForward
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Enter the mechanical shape-shifting, dimension switching world of the award winning, high octane action-puzzle-platformer Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition, and blow crime away.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31.8%, Platformer 21.4%, Female Protagonist 17.7%, Action 17%, Indie 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced puzzle-platformer that requires quick thinking and precise execution in its action sequences.
- #9 Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection
91% matchMostly Positive76% of 2,727 reviews2020
Dev: CAPCOM CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection brings together six classic titles in one game: Mega Man Zero 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as Mega Man ZX and ZX Advent. The collection also features Z-Chaser, an exclusive new mode created just for this set of games.
Why similar: Action 38.1%, Platformer 20.5%, Great Soundtrack 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Side Scroller 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for challenging, fast-paced 2D action-platforming with deep combat systems.
- #10 Grapple Force Rena
91% matchVery Positive94% of 145 reviews2018
Dev: Friend & FairyPub: GalaxyTrail
Windows · Linux
Swing, climb, grab, and throw in this action platformer where you can grapple anywhere! Using Rena's magic bracelets, hook onto any surface to swing wherever you like, or grab your foes to send them hurtling into each other!
Why similar: Action 32.2%, Platformer 22.3%, Indie 19.6%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Pixel Graphics 11%
Why You'll Like It: Combines unique movement mechanics with fast-paced combat to create a distinct and rewarding gameplay loop.
- #11 Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2
90% matchMostly Positive71% of 476 reviews2022
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Break into the new apeX of 2D action! INTI CREATES is proud to present new apeX of cutting-edge 2D action with Luminous Avenger iX 2!
Why similar: Action 43.5%, Pixel Graphics 25.2%, Side Scroller 24.4%, 2D 4.7%, Singleplayer 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: Extremely fast, movement-focused combat that rewards precision and aggressive playstyles.
- #12 Katana ZERO
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 75,452 reviews2019
Dev: AskiisoftPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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: Great Soundtrack 25.8%, Pixel Graphics 23.4%, Platformer 21.6%, Action 15%, Indie 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: Features incredibly fast, one-hit-kill combat that rewards the same kind of twitch-reflex mastery found in Noitu Love 2.
- #13 Freedom Planet 2
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,723 reviews2022
Dev: GalaxyTrail
Windows
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
The fast paced platforming of Freedom Planet returns! Become a full-time cartoon heroine and use abilities and items suited to your play style to explore the world of Avalice and defend its animal citizens!
Why similar: Platformer 23.4%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Action 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: Expands on the original's high-speed platforming with even more robust combat and character-specific abilities.
- #14 Rosenkreuzstilette Freudenstachel
89% matchVery Positive89% of 148 reviews2017
Dev: [erka:es]Pub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Step into the shoes of Freudia Neuwahl, a cool and collected young woman on a mission to save her best friend from an Imperial witch hunt. "Rosenkreuzstilette Freudenstachel" is the sequel to "Rosenkreuzstilette", a level-based 2D side scrolling action game for PC.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 17.5%, Platformer 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Action 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A direct follow-up that maintains the challenging, anime-inspired action-platforming of its predecessor.
- #15 Ultionus: A Tale of Petty Revenge
89% matchMixed69% of 353 reviews2014
Dev: Last Dimension
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Ultionus is a love-letter to the home computer arcade games of the late 80s and early 90s, with colorful 2D visuals, catchy chiptune music by the legendary Jake 'Virt' Kaufman, and 7 stages of hard-as-nails gameplay.
Why similar: Platformer 22.3%, Female Protagonist 16.2%, Action 15%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Retro 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action game that focuses on challenging patterns and arcade-style difficulty.
- #16 Cyber Shadow
86% matchVery Positive84% of 1,533 reviews2021
Dev: Aarne "MekaSkull" HunzikerPub: Yacht Club Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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: Platformer 23.6%, Pixel Graphics 18.1%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Action 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A modern take on classic ninja action games that emphasizes speed, precision, and difficult boss battles.
- #17 Momodora III
86% matchVery Positive94% of 1,479 reviews2014
Dev: rdein
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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: Platformer 28.3%, Pixel Graphics 19.5%, Action 16.1%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Indie 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A tight, action-focused platformer that emphasizes quick combat and challenging level design.
- #18 The Messenger
84% matchVery Positive93% of 13,060 reviews2018
Dev: SabotagePub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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: Platformer 22.7%, Great Soundtrack 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.6%, Action 9.2%, Retro 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features incredibly fluid movement and fast-paced combat that evolves as you progress through its challenging levels.
- #19 The Legend of Dark Witch
85% matchMostly Positive73% of 262 reviews2015
Dev: INSIDE SYSTEM
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
-A magical world beautifully depicted through in-game graphics. -Diverse levels that provide a fair challenge. -Additional bonuses that reward those who replay the game. -3 difficulty modes.
Why similar: Action 25.9%, Platformer 21%, Pixel Graphics 15.6%, Female Protagonist 13%, Indie 12.6%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a similar blend of action, platforming, and boss-focused gameplay with a distinct anime aesthetic.
- #20 Fight'N Rage
82% matchVery Positive91% of 3,189 reviews2017
Dev: sebagamesdev
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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: Beat 'em up 41.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Side Scroller 9.1%, Action 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A high-quality beat-em-up that shares the same intensity and focus on tight, responsive combat controls.
- #21 Bleed
83% matchVery Positive93% of 1,912 reviews2013
Dev: Ian Campbell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Wryn is a girl with a big arsenal and big dreams -- she wants to be the ultimate videogame hero! Help her take down the Greatest Heroes of All Time in an action-packed bid to claim the title for herself and show the world what a true hero looks like!
Why similar: Platformer 29.6%, Action 21%, Female Protagonist 13%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Indie 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: The original game that established the series' focus on frantic, arcade-style action and aerial combat.
- #22 Sonic Mania
81% matchVery Positive94% of 28,354 reviews2017
Dev: Christian WhiteheadPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Sonic Mania is an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 27.3%, Platformer 23.8%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Retro 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: While platform-focused, its emphasis on high-speed traversal and momentum is a core component of the Noitu Love 2 experience.
- #23 METAGAL
82% matchMostly Positive70% of 152 reviews2016
Dev: RetroRevolution
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Help the young cyborg-girl Meta , in her battle against the evil "General Creeper" who kidnap her creator and her sisters! Collect new powers in order to face the advanced levels, in this fun and furious , platformer-shooter
Why similar: Action 22.4%, Platformer 22.2%, Female Protagonist 15%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Indie 13%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action-platformer that feels like a spiritual successor to classic 8-bit run-and-gun games.
- #24 Battle Princess Madelyn
81% matchMostly Positive73% of 156 reviews2018
Dev: Causal Bit Games Inc.Pub: Monster Bath Studios Inc.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Battle Princess Madelyn is a game that follows the journey of a young knight in training, Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog, Fritzy. Join them as they set out on a journey to save her kingdom and her family from the clutches of an evil wizard!
Why similar: Platformer 19%, Action 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 14.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Female Protagonist 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a retro-inspired action-platforming experience with a strong female protagonist and varied combat.
- #25 Mighty Gunvolt
80% matchMostly Positive74% of 429 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: Platformer 27.3%, Action 22.3%, Pixel Graphics 16.7%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Indie 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action game that focuses on quick, satisfying combat and classic platforming challenges.
- #26 Chrono Gear: Warden of Time
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 960 reviews2025
Dev: Team Chrono GearPub: holo Indie
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Turn back the clock and fight to repair Time itself in this cinematic action platformer with fast sword combat and time-based powers. You are the Warden of Time, Ouro Kronii - be proud and fight hard!
Why similar: Platformer 19.7%, Pixel Graphics 19.3%, Female Protagonist 18.5%, Action 17.7%, Side Scroller 14.3%
- #27 Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams - Rise of the Owlverlord
79% matchVery Positive82% of 430 reviews2013
Dev: Black Forest GamesPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a fast-paced platformer that will plunge you into the heart of two opposing worlds.
Why similar: Platformer 37.7%, Action 22.6%, Indie 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Female Protagonist 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: Features fluid platforming and fast-paced action with a unique world-shifting mechanic.
- #28 Cally's Caves 3
79% matchVery Positive81% of 554 reviews2016
Dev: VDO Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Cally's parents have been abducted, as her arch-enemy Herbert has taken control of the Caves to perform his evil experiments. Join Cally and her friends in this action-packed run and gun platformer, conquering insane bosses, exploring to find secrets, and levelling up EVERYTHING.
Why similar: Platformer 20.2%, Female Protagonist 18.6%, Action 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Indie 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, action-heavy platformer with a focus on weapon variety and arcade-style progression.
- #29 GIGA WRECKER
78% matchMostly Positive76% of 782 reviews2017
Dev: GAME FREAK inc.Pub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Become more than human and save mankind from total annihilation! From legendary developer Game Freak comes an action adventure like no other - manipulate the world around you and smash the evil Ajeet to smithereens!
Why similar: Platformer 40.7%, Action 28.9%, Female Protagonist 25.2%, 2D 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: Combines action-platforming with physics-based puzzles for a unique, high-energy experience.
- #30 Khimera: Destroy All Monster Girls
77% 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: Beat 'em up 23.5%, Platformer 19.8%, Pixel Graphics 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Female Protagonist 10.3%
- #31 Princess Remedy 2: In A Heap of Trouble
77% matchVery Positive91% of 650 reviews2016
Dev: Ludosity
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 60%
An enormous Boss Tower has sprung from the ground, lifting entire towns up with it. Now, the people living on the tower are starting to contract all sorts of mysterious illnesses. Princess Remedy, still in Saturnian healing school, must use her powers to heal everyone and defeat the Boss Tower!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 20.1%, Female Protagonist 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 18.2%, Action 16.5%, Indie 12.8%
- #32 Taimumari: Definitive Edition
78% matchMostly Positive78% of 308 reviews2015
Dev: TERNOX
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Retro-style platform game in keeping with the best traditions of games of our childhood! Take control of the Himari, the young female wizard travelling across various ages to settle the balance in time across the whole world!
Why similar: Platformer 21.9%, Pixel Graphics 17.7%, Action 14.9%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Side Scroller 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art action-platformer that emphasizes fast movement and varied combat abilities.
- #33 Iconoclasts
75% matchVery Positive86% of 4,973 reviews2018
Dev: Joakim SandbergPub: Bifrost Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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: Pixel Graphics 20.1%, Platformer 17.2%, Female Protagonist 15.1%, Action 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.3%
- #34 Pink Heaven
76% matchVery Positive90% of 748 reviews2015
Dev: Studio PixelPub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac
Median: 18 minMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 18%
A certain office lady is back!!
Why similar: Platformer 20.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.8%, Action 15%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Indie 10.4%
- #35 The Mummy Demastered
76% matchMostly Positive75% of 921 reviews2017
Dev: WayForward
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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: Action 28.2%, Pixel Graphics 23.8%, Great Soundtrack 20.4%, Platformer 16.1%, Retro 6.6%
- #36 ZeroRanger
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,191 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 80%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 33.5%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, Action 16.5%, Indie 12.3%, Arcade 5.8%
- #37 YesterMorrow
75% matchMixed67% of 66 reviews2020
Dev: Bitmap GalaxyPub: Blowfish Studios
Windows
YesterMorrow is a single-player time travelling 2D platformer, mixing action sequences with puzzle elements. Follow the engaging story of Yui, who travels back into the past to save her family and the remnants of a world now trapped in Never-ending Night.
Why similar: Action 22.1%, Platformer 20.7%, Indie 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 16.5%, Beautiful 9.9% ★
- #38 LOVE 2: kuso
74% matchVery Positive96% of 216 reviews2017
Dev: Fred Wood
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 91%
kuso is the sequel to LOVE, and is a challenging yet fair platformer with a simple aesthetic. You have the ability to run, jump, and leave your own checkpoint. Make your way through acid, long jumps, disappearing platforms, bouncers, giant saws, and much more in this dreadful mechanical world.
Why similar: Action 30.3%, Great Soundtrack 26.7%, Platformer 21.9%, Indie 21.2%
- #39 The TakeOver
72% matchVery Positive84% of 1,179 reviews2019
Dev: Pelikan13
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 61%
The Takeover is a side-scrolling beat'em up inspired by 90's classics such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight. Battle solo or alongside a friend in local co-op while listening to awesome tunes from Little V Mills, Richie Branson, James Ronald and industry legend Yuzo Koshiro!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 69%, Action 9.7%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Indie 6%, Arcade 3.7%
- #40 They Bleed Pixels
73% matchVery Positive83% of 2,548 reviews2012
Dev: Spooky Squid Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
They Bleed Pixels is a fiendishly difficult action platformer inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and classic horror.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 33.7%, Platformer 18.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Action 8.8%
- #41 School Hero
69% matchVery Positive89% of 66 reviews2025
Dev: Gkoros PolychronisPub: GPoly Games
Windows · Linux
Beat everyone in the school and save your beloved girlfriend in this anime-inspired Beat Em Up game!, as Sakura high calls for a new Hero. Will you answer the call and save her?
Why similar: Beat 'em up 46.1%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Action 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%, Indie 5%
- #42 20XX
71% matchVery Positive91% of 4,559 reviews2017
Dev: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
20XX is a roguelike action platformer that you can play with a friend. Jump and shoot your way through ever-changing levels, collect awesome new powers, and battle mighty bosses in the name of saving the human race maybe!
Why similar: Platformer 36.1%, Action 15%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Female Protagonist 10%
- #43 Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
69% matchVery Positive93% of 7,368 reviews2021
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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: Beat 'em up 39.1%, Platformer 17%, Pixel Graphics 12.3%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Action 8.8%
- #44 Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
70% matchVery Positive93% of 593 reviews2020
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The ultra-refined 2D side-scrolling action you remember from "Azure Striker Gunvolt" is recharged and better than ever! In Gunvolt 2, series anti-hero Copen joins the fray as a playable character! Copy abilities from defeated boss characters and use them as your own!
Why similar: Platformer 28.9%, Action 25.4%, Pixel Graphics 19.6%, Indie 15.5%, Retro 6.3%
- #45 Blazing Chrome
69% matchVery Positive87% of 1,954 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Why similar: Side Scroller 18.8%, Pixel Graphics 16.9%, Platformer 14.1%, Action 13.4%, Retro 8%
- #46 Angry Video Game Nerd II: ASSimilation
70% matchVery Positive89% of 793 reviews2016
Dev: FreakZone GamesPub: Retroware
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
When a mysterious beam from space transforms the world into a game, the Angry Video Game Nerd must return to put the "ASS" in ASSimilation. Utilize new mechanics, power-ups, abilities, and collectible armor pieces to defeat your most powerful foe yet, and save the world!
Why similar: Action 27.7%, Platformer 22.2%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Indie 16.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%
- #47 Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
70% matchVery Positive81% of 1,265 reviews2018
Dev: Long Hat HousePub: Raw Fury
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 46%
In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.
Why similar: Action 23.9%, Platformer 20.5%, Indie 17%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 11%
- #48 Final Vendetta
67% matchVery Positive80% of 536 reviews2022
Dev: Bitmap BureauPub: Numskull Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 46%
A hard-hitting action packed beat ‘em up in the vein of classic arcade titles. Featuring stunning pixel art and a thumping soundtrack with exclusive tracks from Utah Saints! Brawl with bad dudes and tough girls as you fight through dangerous environments.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 55%, Action 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, Side Scroller 7.6%, Female Protagonist 5.9%
- #49 CrossCode
66% matchVery Positive93% of 18,217 reviews2018
Dev: Radical Fish GamesPub: Deck13
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 42.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 29.8%, Great Soundtrack 24.4%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Indie 8.5%, Action 8.4%
- #50 iaidoka_interlude
71% matchMostly Positive70% of 93 reviews2015
Dev: Blaze Epic
Windows
A pseudo 8-bit action platformer taking a bit of inspiration from film-noir and samurai dramas, iaidoka_interlude applies a few parkour and fighting game influences to mix up familiarity with a little uniquity.
Why similar: Action 26.8%, Platformer 24.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.8%, Indie 16.8%, Female Protagonist 9.9%
- #51 Chronicles of 2 Heroes: Amaterasu's Wrath
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 63 reviews2023
Dev: Infinity Experience
Windows
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: Platformer 22.9%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Pixel Graphics 16.9%, Action 10.9%, Female Protagonist 9.5%
- #52 Legend of Himari
68% matchVery Positive89% of 427 reviews2018
Dev: TERNOX
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Himari was ambushed! Help her hold out as long as possible, attack enemies, use magic to slay them, maintain Himari’s health level, so she could fight on, and also do not miss!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 28.1%, Pixel Graphics 14.9%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Action 9.8%
- #53 FLARE NUINUI QUEST
63% matchVery Positive94% of 252 reviews2024
Dev: sulpxPub: holo Indie
Windows · Linux
Play as Shiranui Flare in this retro action platformer, wielding her dual pistols, as you explore the world on a quest to save your friends!
Why similar: Platformer 25.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.9%, Action 16.4%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Indie 8.9%
- #54 Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
65% matchVery Positive94% of 4,491 reviews2018
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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: Platformer 19.3%, Pixel Graphics 15.7%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Action 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.3%
- #55 Wings of Vi
68% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,260 reviews2014
Dev: Grynsoft
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Wings of Vi is a challenging 2D platformer in which the player controls the angel Vi, tasked with defeating the Demon Lord Jeh’oul after he is freed from captivity. While inspired by masochistic retro platformers, Wings of Vi aims to cut out arbitrary difficulty in favor of skill based gameplay.
Why similar: Platformer 32.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Female Protagonist 15.7%, Action 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%
- #56 Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 2,920 reviews2016
Dev: Ludosity
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Remedy, a recent graduate from the Saturnian healing school, must descend to Hurtland and use her powers to heal everyone from stray ducks to dark lords, and finally cure the ailing Prince Hingst. It's a short, whimsical adventure with plenty of heart(s).
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 22.8%, Great Soundtrack 20%, Female Protagonist 19%, Indie 13.9%, Action 11.2%