Games Like Onikira - Demon Killer

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 29.6%, Action 22%, Platformer 19.4%, Adventure 16.9%, 2D 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features a similar stunning hand-drawn aesthetic and fluid, combo-focused combat against supernatural entities in a feudal setting.

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: Hack and Slash 30.9%, Action 21.8%, Adventure 18.2%, Indie 16.3%, 2D 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the exact atmosphere of fighting through a demon-infested feudal Japan with a focus on tactical 2D swordplay.

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: Beat 'em up 58.2%, Action 34.2%, 2D 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired 2D action game that perfectly mirrors the fast-paced ninja combat and side-scrolling platforming of the seed.

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: Hack and Slash 45.1%, Action 29%, Adventure 25.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a cinematic, atmospheric take on the feudal samurai genre with a heavy focus on side-scrolling sword combat.

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: Action 32.1%, Platformer 23.7%, Hack and Slash 20.1%, Adventure 10.1%, Indie 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers intense, high-speed 2D action that emphasizes precision and aggressive swordplay against waves of enemies.

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: Beat 'em up 40.5%, Hack and Slash 18.3%, Platformer 14.8%, Action 11.3%, Adventure 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A martial-arts-focused beat-em-up that captures the arcade-style intensity and side-scrolling action of the seed game.

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: Platformer 34.6%, Action 23.4%, Adventure 17.2%, Indie 13.9%, 2D 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers highly polished 2D action with a deep parry-based combat system that feels like a modern evolution of the genre.

Experience the most exciting and immersive beat-em-up combat system ever – become a kickass ninja and slice some demons in style!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 54.7%, Hack and Slash 30.4%, Action 14.9%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic and stylish beat-em-up that shares the same focus on fluid, multi-directional combat and spectacle.

Samurai Riot is a 2D Arcade-style Beat ‘Em Up game with a unique co-op system. Make deep moral choices throughout the branching storyline with high replay value.

Why similar: Action 28%, Beat 'em up 27.9%, Adventure 24.6%, Indie 19.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style beat-em-up set in a fantasy Japan that emphasizes cooperative combat and branching paths.

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: Platformer 40.9%, Action 35.6%, Indie 23.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the fluid movement and lethal precision of a ninja in a 2D side-scrolling environment.

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 35.4%, Action 19.8%, Adventure 17.6%, Indie 16.6%, 2D 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled platformer that captures the Japanese mythology themes and side-scrolling action of the seed.

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: Action 37.8%, Beat 'em up 30.6%, Indie 25.1%, 2D 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a similar 2D side-scrolling structure with a heavy emphasis on weapon-based combat and combo chains.

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: Beat 'em up 42.3%, Hack and Slash 28.6%, Action 15%, Adventure 14.2%

Why You'll Like It: Blends a futuristic setting with traditional samurai combat, offering a unique take on the hack-and-slash genre.

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 39.4%, Action 20.7%, Indie 14.4%, Adventure 13.2%, 2D 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in 2D ninja action that captures the tight, responsive movement and platforming challenges found in Onikira.

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: Hack and Slash 39.8%, Platformer 30.8%, Action 17.2%, 2D 8%, Indie 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A direct homage to classic 2D ninja games, focusing on platforming and sword-based combat against various foes.

After witnessing her village being destroyed and slaughtered by the Oni demon, Hiroko has only one goal: revenge. Join this young samurai in this 2D side-scrolling platformer.

Why similar: Action 74.5%, 2D 25.5%

Why You'll Like It: A linear 2D side-scroller that focuses on action-adventure elements and martial arts combat.

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 42.8%, Action 20.4%, Indie 16.8%, 2D 12.3%, Adventure 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines precise ninja platforming with fast-paced combat and a distinct retro aesthetic that fans of 2D action will appreciate.

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 29.7%, Adventure 23.7%, Platformer 21.6%, Indie 19.6%, 2D 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A violent, action-packed 2D game that leans heavily into the samurai aesthetic and hack-and-slash gameplay.

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: Platformer 30.2%, Hack and Slash 26.7%, Action 24.1%, Indie 12.3%, 2D 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: While more focused on one-hit-kill mechanics, it shares the same high-speed, stylish approach to 2D sword combat.

Musashi vs Cthulhu (or MxC) is a fast paced action game where you take control of Musashi - the most famous warrior from feudal Japan -,as he’s fighting for his life. The ronin is a victim of a terrible curse that makes him a target for unspeakable monsters.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.7%, Action 21.1%, Hack and Slash 17.3%, Platformer 10.4%, Indie 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced 2D action game where you fight off endless waves of enemies, matching the arcade intensity of Onikira.

Blade of the Netherworld is a fast-paced 2D Roguelite platformer. Don divine masks as a Yin-Yang Enforcer, slashing through the underworld to defeat gods, demons, and spirits. Combine a variety of items, master combat skills, and create limitless, high-speed carnage with a free-form action system.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 23.8%, Hack and Slash 22.7%, Platformer 16.2%, Action 13.2%, Adventure 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D hack-and-slash that mirrors the supernatural themes and fast-paced combat of the seed game.

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: Platformer 30.9%, Action 22%, Indie 17.6%, Adventure 15.6%, 2D 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric 2D action-platformer that shares the supernatural, combat-heavy focus of the seed game.

Viktor is an action-packed sidescrolling adventure with gameplay inspired by classics such as Castlevania and Megaman. As Viktor, you will fight your way through hordes of relentless enemies, lurking traps, and fearsome bosses who will try to keep you from your mission.

Why similar: Action 30%, Platformer 25.9%, Adventure 23.7%, Indie 20.3%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D platformer that incorporates hack-and-slash combat mechanics in a stylized world.

Brutal Hack&Slash game with a challenging combat system plunges you into the harsh dark fantasy world to test your will and your skills. Only those who dare to get into the Demon Skin can survive!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.4%, Hack and Slash 24%, Platformer 18.4%, Action 14.2%, Adventure 11%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, gritty hack-and-slash that emphasizes tactical combat and brutal encounters in a 2D space.

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: Action 24.5%, Hack and Slash 24.1%, Indie 16.6%, Platformer 15.5%, Adventure 13.6%

Why You'll Like It: A heavy-metal-inspired action game that focuses on intense, aggressive combat against demonic forces.

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: Platformer 46.9%, Action 29.1%, 2D 14%, Indie 10%

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: Indie 45.4%, Action 42.8%, 2D 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D game that focuses on the mechanics of swordplay and timing in a retro aesthetic.

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: Platformer 40.8%, Action 21.7%, Adventure 15.9%, 2D 11.4%, Indie 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style platformer that emphasizes speed and precise combat maneuvers in a 2D environment.

“style of a picture scroll Rogue Survival.” Follow the wind and destroy all the cursed torii gates. Deploy your fellows and form a formation to fight off the onslaught of enemies. Control many fierce warriors and challenge the "Hyakki Yako".

Why similar: Action 69.2%, 2D 15.8%, Indie 15%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D action game that focuses on surviving waves of supernatural enemies, echoing the combat intensity of the seed.

Defeat malevolent forces in this stunning Japanese-inspired roguelite world! Become a master of the Demon Blades and combat swarms of demons in a fantasy realm set in the Edo period. Through every journey, you will unveil the hidden truths concealed within troubled times.

Why similar: Adventure 100%

In Demon Peak, you play as the nameless warrior, trapped inside the depths of an unholy Mountain. Explore the mysterious and perilous enviroments, fight against a multitude of different enemies and gather magical abilities to overcome the Mountain's evil inhabitants.

Why similar: Action 30.3%, Adventure 27.1%, Indie 20.2%, Platformer 16.8%, 2D 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D action-adventure game that features exploration and combat against supernatural threats.

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: Hack and Slash 40.6%, Action 34.6%, Adventure 14.6%, Indie 10.2%

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

Why similar: Beat 'em up 54.5%, Action 31.1%, 2D 7.9%, Indie 6.4%

Join Kim Rip, a Royal Guard whose humanity is gradually slipping away, on a thrilling 2.5D action-adventure platforming journey in 'The Devil Within: Satgat'. Uncover the mysteries of a desolate realm as you engage in stylish battles against formidable foes.

Why similar: Platformer 45%, Action 30.4%, Adventure 24.6%

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 37.7%, Adventure 35.1%, Indie 27.2%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure title that features samurai-themed combat and platforming elements.

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 35.9%, Action 27.1%, Adventure 16.1%, Indie 11.7%, 2D 9.3%

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

Why similar: Platformer 33.9%, Action 33.9%, Adventure 13.7%, Indie 12%, 2D 6.5%

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 38.3%, Adventure 34.1%, Indie 27.6%

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 46.9%, Action 27.8%, Indie 19.6%, 2D 5.7%

A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.

Why similar: Platformer 30.4%, Action 21.5%, Hack and Slash 14.7%, Adventure 13.6%, Indie 11.8%

Defeat the mage Kalinur and bring peace back to the kingdom in this mini metroidvania with a lot of action.

Why similar: Platformer 35.9%, Action 26.8%, Adventure 23.2%, 2D 9.3%, Indie 4.8%

In the Edo period, in a world where demons, humans, and gods exist together, Rasetsu Raki, a princess of the demon tribe who possesses great sealing powers, helps people and defeats the enemies by skillfully using various 'sword techniques' and 'barrier techniques'.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 51.4%, Action 33.7%, 2D 14.9%

Reclaim your destiny. Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny returns with higher resolution graphics and modernised controls to perform issen critical counter attacks and intense swordplay. Experience this dramatic revenge story set in Feudal Japan.

Why similar: Action 59.6%, Hack and Slash 40.4%

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 33.9%, Hack and Slash 22.9%, Platformer 14.1%, Action 14%, Adventure 9%

Dive into a world that mixes Sci-Fi and ancient tradition. Slash through robots with a trusty katana, use hi-tech implants to navigate the surroundings, dodge enemy attacks, and land devastating finishers. Reclaim the past following the way of the Japanese samurai in the fantastic period of New Edo.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 47.9%, Hack and Slash 33.2%, Action 10.7%, Adventure 8.2%

"DEADDAYLIGHT" is a side-scrolling platform action-adventure game.Developed independently by a single person. It tells the dark story of a protagonist who wakes up from a nightmare about the plague during a plague after the gods abandoned the earth, and then return to the Cathedral of Holy Light.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 33.7%, Hack and Slash 18.9%, Platformer 17.5%, Action 13.1%, Adventure 12.4%

Embody a hard-boiled detective seeking bloody justice. in an old-school, Korean-style beat-’em-up. Plow through the criminal underworld to find and punish those responsible for his sister's death...before his mind unravels and his vengeance completely destroys him.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 48.1%, Action 16.6%, Hack and Slash 15.5%, Adventure 13%, 2D 6.8%

The Legend of Tianding is a sidescrolling action game about Liao Tianding, the legendary Taiwanese Folk Hero. Explore the dazzling streets of Colonial Japanese Taiwan in the early 20th century.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 33.4%, Hack and Slash 19.5%, Platformer 16.6%, Adventure 15.5%, Action 10%

Take the role of an elite knight and battle your way through action-packed levels with intense sword fighting gameplay in this neo-classic side scrolling action platformer. Save the city from a deadly terrorist organisation hell-bent on exposing the truth you were sworn to protect.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 39.4%, Platformer 32.4%, Action 18.8%, 2D 9.4%

Magenta Horizon is a fast-paced 2D action platformer with challenging spectacle fighter inspired combat. Playing as a Reaper of the twisted purgatorial afterlife, push your skills to the limit to destroy the hordes of demons and epic bosses to reach your destination.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.7%, Hack and Slash 24.5%, Platformer 19.9%, Action 12.7%, Adventure 10.3%

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: Hack and Slash 31.9%, Action 23.9%, Adventure 17.6%, Indie 16.8%, 2D 9.8%

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

Why similar: Platformer 26.1%, Action 19.5%, Hack and Slash 18%, Adventure 17.2%, Indie 13%

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 39.7%, Hack and Slash 27.3%, Action 16%, Adventure 10.1%, Indie 6.9%

Samurai Bringer is a roguelite action game with levels which change with every playthrough, where you cut down hordes of Samurai and Demons to collect combat techniques and polish your fighting style in order to defeat Yamata-no-Orochi, the eight-headed dragon of Japanese mythology.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 61.9%, Action 38.1%

The barbarian warrior Beholgar returns — and this time, his enemies are otherworldly! Deep beneath the earth, the mighty Djinn King stirs. To prevent his rise and save the world from eternal darkness, Beholgar embarks on a quest for a legendary, ancient sword.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 37.1%, Platformer 28.5%, Action 16.1%, Adventure 10.2%, 2D 8.1%

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: Beat 'em up 32.5%, Hack and Slash 31.6%, Action 18.7%, Adventure 17.2%

Break your enemies' souls to reclaim your pride. On Kisejima, demon warrior Kuuta and his partner Kazemaru challenge these souls to a trial. All in order to defeat Momotaro, who is both human and evil monster… A tale of sky and wind as they embark upon an island quest.

Why similar: Action 42%, Platformer 20.8%, Adventure 20.6%, Indie 16.6%

Battle your way through a biopunk and Japanese mythology-inspired landscape filled with over-the-top, hip hop-infused 2D action. A single hit means death, but use your time-bending skills to take down your oppressors and you might yet save your dying nation.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 52.1%, Action 33.1%, 2D 14.8%

Earn the respect of a guild full of monsters and demons as a lone human by taking part in dangerous dungeon adventures and uncover secrets behind the mysterious demon kingdom of Tarborea.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 46.3%, Adventure 33.4%, 2D 11.3%, Action 5.2%, Indie 3.7%

Enter the world ripe with magic and monsters. Become the Black Swordsman and slay thousands of enemies in an epic action RPG!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 30.9%, Hack and Slash 18.7%, Platformer 16.8%, Action 12.4%, Indie 8.4%