Games Like Pankapu

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.8%, Platformer 27.7%, Adventure 8.9%, Story Rich 7.5%, Cute 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the atmospheric, narrative-heavy, and visually stunning platforming experience found in Pankapu.

Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27%, Platformer 23.9%, Adventure 10.6%, Cute 10%, Story Rich 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features a charming, colorful world with fluid metroidvania exploration and a heartwarming story.

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 24.2%, Adventure 20.3%, Indie 17.9%, Metroidvania 16.4%, Platformer 13.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers fast-paced, stylish action-platforming with a unique visual flair and tight movement controls.

Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.

Why similar: Platformer 40.6%, Adventure 17%, Story Rich 12.1%, 2D 9.4%, Cute 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: The game shares a strong dream-like, artistic aesthetic and a deeply emotional narrative focus.

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.1%, Platformer 20.3%, Action 15.6%, Adventure 14.2%, Indie 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: Explores a surreal afterlife setting that mirrors the dream-world traversal found in Pankapu.

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

Why similar: Platformer 29.3%, Metroidvania 27.5%, Action 14.2%, Adventure 9.2%, Indie 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful hand-drawn action-platformer that emphasizes fluid combat and a rich, story-driven world.

The best-selling Trine series returns to the magic of 2.5D! Join three iconic heroes as they set off on a quest through fantastical fairytale landscapes to save the world from the Nightmare Prince’s shadows.

Why similar: Platformer 44%, Adventure 18.9%, Action 17.7%, Indie 10.7%, Atmospheric 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Directly mirrors the dream and nightmare themes of Pankapu while offering excellent puzzle-platforming mechanics.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Platformer 24.3%, Indie 8%, Adventure 7.1%, 2D 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a deep, atmospheric metroidvania experience with a mysterious world and challenging combat.

Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague!

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.4%, Platformer 25.7%, Action 11.3%, Adventure 10.1%, Indie 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D platformer with a strong narrative focus and a beautiful, vibrant hand-drawn art style.

Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, Platformer 28.1%, Cute 13.1%, Action 12.1%, Story Rich 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and quirky platformer that emphasizes exploration and a unique, hand-drawn aesthetic.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.2%, Platformer 22.1%, Adventure 9.7%, Action 9.6%, Cute 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and pixel art that feels as whimsical and emotional as Pankapu.

Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.3%, Platformer 19%, Action 12.8%, Adventure 11.5%, Indie 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a strong, character-driven narrative with intricate 2D platforming and creative boss battles.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.4%, Platformer 30.1%, Action 13.6%, Adventure 11.5%, 2D 8%

Why You'll Like It: Features vibrant, high-energy action-platforming with a focus on exploration and combat variety.

Restore the Sun’s light and end the Eternal Eclipse in this 2D fast-paced action-platformer game inspired by Peruvian cultures. Explore hand-crafted environments, battle and improve your skills to defeat the Four Keepers that stole the power of the Sun.

Why similar: Metroidvania 20.7%, Platformer 20.4%, Indie 11%, Cute 9.6%, Action 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful, hand-drawn action-platformer that focuses on exploration and fast-paced combat.

The Weird Dream is a 2D Metroidvania game set in the ruins of Alpha City. Control a mysterious rabbit, confront mutated inhabitants, level up your skills, and unravel the truth behind Alpha City's destruction.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.3%, Action 23.8%, Adventure 23.1%, 2D 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania that leans heavily into surreal, dream-like imagery and tight action-adventure gameplay.

In Super Panda Adventures, you play as the brave panda-knight Fu, who is about to finish his training to become the new guardian of the Princess. At the same day of the big celebration party, some uninvited Robots show up to conquer the planet and take the Princess away in their Space Ships!

Why similar: Platformer 31.6%, Metroidvania 26.8%, Action 12%, Adventure 11.1%, Indie 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted, indie platformer that provides a straightforward and enjoyable adventure experience.

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a fast-paced platformer that will plunge you into the heart of two opposing worlds.

Why similar: Platformer 53.7%, Action 26.4%, Indie 19.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features a core mechanic of switching between two distinct worlds, much like Pankapu's Aegis-switching system.

When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear heads to the far side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia.

Why similar: Platformer 25.6%, Metroidvania 25.4%, Action 11.7%, Adventure 11.3%, Cute 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A dark-fantasy action-platformer that explores twisted versions of classic stories with a focus on combat.

Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game set in ancient India. A young girl named Raji has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion of the human realm. Her destiny? To rescue her younger brother and face the demon lord Mahabalasura.

Why similar: Action 24.5%, Cute 23.9%, Adventure 23%, Story Rich 16.6%, Atmospheric 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich action-adventure that relies on a unique, atmospheric art style and fluid movement.

This game is a Metroidvania game with intense battle. Explore the world and collection power-ups with your cute cat girl! When magic curse suddenly occurred in a small town and all the residents grew cat ears, the real cat girl Nyaruru started her way to uncover the truth...

Why similar: Metroidvania 36%, Platformer 24.5%, Cute 15.3%, Adventure 9.5%, Action 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, anime-inspired metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and fluid 2D combat.

Kingdom Shell is an atmospheric 2D platformer with a captivating storyline. Explore the local lands to stop the invasion of nightmarish creatures and unravel the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.4%, Platformer 16.8%, Adventure 13.8%, Action 12.4%, Story Rich 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A polished metroidvania with a focus on pixel-art detail and challenging, rewarding exploration.

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, Platformer 25.4%, Adventure 12.8%, Cute 10.5%, Story Rich 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, cute metroidvania that captures the sense of wonder and discovery found in Pankapu.

Aaru's Awakening is a hand drawn 2D action platformer set in the mythical world of Lumenox. Travel through the mysterious world while the story of the four gods unravels.

Why similar: Platformer 31%, Action 25.4%, Adventure 24%, Indie 19.6%

Why You'll Like It: A visually striking, hand-drawn platformer that emphasizes unique movement and puzzle-solving.

Experience the altered memories of a dying man, reliving his entire life as a little boy while lying on his deathbed. Explore the profound depths of his subconscious as you assist Griffin to shed the remains of his miserable life before his impending demise.

Why similar: Platformer 26.8%, Cute 17.5%, Adventure 15.6%, Story Rich 14.7%, Action 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on an emotional, story-rich journey through a dream-like world with puzzle-platforming elements.

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, Platformer 28%, Cute 13.7%, Action 12.7%, 2D 8%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully dark and cute metroidvania that emphasizes tight combat and atmospheric world-building.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.4%, Platformer 26.3%, Adventure 13.8%, Action 12.5%, Indie 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a highly polished exploration-based platforming experience with a distinct, charming art style.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.2%, Platformer 17.6%, Action 14.7%, Adventure 9.7%, 2D 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive metroidvania experience that offers deep customization and exploration.

Sundered is a chaotic hand­-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.6%, Platformer 27.9%, Action 9.9%, Indie 9.7%, Adventure 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn action game that features intense combat and a sprawling, atmospheric world.

Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game set in ancient India. A young girl named Raji has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion. She must use the powers granted to her by the gods to rescue her brother as she battles to face the demon lord Mahabalasura.

Why similar: Platformer 24.3%, Metroidvania 21.7%, Adventure 10.2%, Story Rich 9.3%, Cute 9%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.5%, Platformer 20.9%, Cute 14%, Action 9.3%, Adventure 9.3%

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: Platformer 22.7%, Adventure 21.8%, Action 19.9%, Indie 17.5%, Cute 9.9%

A 3d bug adventure game 🐜🐛🐞 Run, jump and shoot while you chase an elusive fairy . . . Can you turn back into a human?

Why similar: Platformer 29.5%, Metroidvania 28.1%, Action 15.5%, Adventure 14%, Cute 10.7%

Take control of Mace in this local co-op side scrolling platform shooter as you travel from assignment to assignment taking on enemy bots and dangerous bosses on different planets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, Platformer 24.8%, Action 16.4%, Adventure 12.6%, Indie 10.6%

A Meat-Like/Hedge-Like Mashup! Dr. Proventriculus is snatching up the Chickabirbs! Help Panic blast through over 50 stages of topsy-turvy, spike-laced, slime-drenched, buzzsaw-filled deathtraps to rescue them! And remember, there are no rings...

Why similar: Platformer 34.7%, Action 17.3%, Cute 13.4%, Adventure 13.1%, Indie 12.3%

Awita: Journey of Hope is a captivating side-scrolling metroidvania game that follows the remarkable journey of a courageous girl determined to rescue her village from the clutches of a devastating epidemic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, Platformer 22.1%, Cute 9.7%, Story Rich 8.7%, Action 8.3%

Through the Nightmares is a challenge-driven platformer for anyone who’s ever had a restless night. Run, jump, and change your size to overcome the nightmare’s traps. Face Morpheus. Rescue children from an endless dream.

Why similar: Action 34.4%, Indie 26.5%, 2D 22.1%, Atmospheric 17%

TetherGeist is a challenging precision platformer that rewards practice and perseverance. Guide Mae and her axolotl spirit, Bao, on a wholesome coming-of-age pilgrimage while mastering Astral Projection, a tether that links Mae to her spirit and is the source of her strength.

Why similar: Platformer 25.3%, Action 14.8%, Cute 14.1%, Adventure 13.1%, Story Rich 10.6%

Team up with your "other self", Honno-chan, as you parry, pummel and pulse your way out of your darkest nightmare in this one-of-a-kind "parry heaven" action game!

Why similar: Cute 25.6%, Story Rich 19.3%, Action 16%, Indie 15.9%, Adventure 12.2%

Begin your adventure in Shattered Divinities to reveal the truth! Traverse the land where deities have perished, explore abandoned divine realms, battle mutated monsters, gather divine power to awaken your strength, and unveil the truth behind the deities’ fall.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.1%, Platformer 24.2%, Adventure 13.8%, Indie 11.4%, Action 10.4%

A hand-drawn 2D metroidvania in a post-apocalyptic world. Forge your destiny in a non-linear story with multiple endings. Explore diverse biomes, conquer 20+ unique bosses, and master a magical Gauntlet with ever-evolving powers.

Why similar: Platformer 32.6%, Metroidvania 32.4%, Action 17%, 2D 7.9%, Atmospheric 5.9%

Muffin Knight is an arena based action-packed platformer with stunning visuals and a myriad of fairytale characters, each with their own unique abilities, which gain strength as you advance.

Why similar: Platformer 39.3%, Action 22.7%, Adventure 20.1%, Indie 17.8%

Visit a wonderfully peculiar dog's dream in a heroic attempt to save your owner in this beautiful pixel art puzzle platformer.

Why similar: Platformer 25.7%, Indie 17.5%, Adventure 17.2%, Action 15.9%, Cute 11.8%

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: Platformer 37.3%, Action 20.7%, Adventure 17.7%, Indie 9.6%, 2D 8.8%

Fearmonium is a psychedelic metroidvania where suspense intertwines with humour. Beginning the game as an unpleasant memory, you must progress and become a true phobia by breaking through all boundaries to uncover the most hidden corners of Max's mind.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.2%, Action 13.4%, Adventure 13.3%, Story Rich 12.1%, 2D 9%

Lamp Chronicle is a 2D platformer game that tells the story of a little hero who travels to save a kingdom in crisis. Defeat enemies against beautiful backgrounds and enjoy exciting battles with bosses.

Why similar: Platformer 25.7%, Metroidvania 24.3%, Cute 12.7%, Action 10.7%, Adventure 8.9%

Make impactful decisions in moral dilemma situations, which will change the course of your journey through this atmospheric, hand-drawn metroidvania. Explore the hazardous paths of the Realm of Aestik and fight its corrupted inhabitants as you unravel its deep-rooted mysteries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.3%, Platformer 22.3%, Cute 17.9%, Adventure 15.8%, Action 10.4%

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

Why similar: Platformer 27.1%, Metroidvania 25.7%, Action 14%, Adventure 13.8%, Cute 6.6%

In this Marioid styled game you can help little cat Bobo. Jump on enemies, run, scratch and spit furballs to fight your way back home. Bobo feels completely powerless and struggles to get in shape at first, but he constantly learns new mechanics and abilities.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.5%, Platformer 18.7%, Cute 15.3%, Action 11.4%, Atmospheric 8.4%

Help a small body save a head-like organism full of air, from a leak that threatens its life. Explore their Metroidvania-style world and overcome challenging environmental puzzles to find the key to the head's survival.

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.1%, Adventure 21%, Action 17.4%, Indie 16.8%, Platformer 13.4%

Hunter’s Legacy is an old-school 2D single-player Metroidvania platformer where you control Ikki, a fierce kitty skilled with twin swords and a bow, better known as the Great Huntress of Un'Amak.

Why similar: Platformer 27.6%, Metroidvania 26.7%, Action 17.7%, Adventure 15.6%, Indie 12.4%

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.7%, Platformer 23.8%, Action 14.4%, Adventure 14.1%, Indie 9.8%

Control the strings of fate and embark on a grand adventure with Drev and Nieve. A magical, story-driven 2.5D puzzle-platformer where puppeteering mechanics and a whimsical, theater-inspired world intertwine.

Why similar: Platformer 40.9%, Adventure 18.5%, Cute 16.7%, Indie 14%, Atmospheric 9.9%

Summon portals to overcome vicious beasts, devious puzzles and fiendish platforming challenges. Master the unique powers of each portal to stop the collapse of reality, while exploring lush, hand-drawn worlds and unraveling a deep narrative full of mysteries.

Why similar: Platformer 25.5%, Metroidvania 21.5%, Adventure 12.6%, Indie 10.5%, Cute 6.3%

Mask of Soul is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure where you play as Cheong-oh Chasa, gatekeeper of the Underworld, tracking spirits beneath the Red Moon. Use parry combat and mask abilities to explore an oriental dark fantasy world inspired by Korean mythology.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, Platformer 29.1%, Indie 9.3%, Story Rich 8.9%, 2D 7.9%

Storybook characters discover a three-dimensional world outside the pages of their book and must jump between 2D & 3D realms to save their friends in this charming action-adventure.

Why similar: Adventure 49.6%, Cute 27.8%, 2D 16.3%, Indie 6.3%

"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: Platformer 31.8%, Metroidvania 28.8%, Action 16.6%, Adventure 15.6%, 2D 7.2%

Chaotic Party Arr-cade Action for up to 12 players! Be the first to plunder all the treasure, sink the enemy ship, or defeat their captain. Featuring local & online play, crossplay, 18 stages, 30+ modify-arrs, and a single-player campaign!

Why similar: Platformer 69.8%, Indie 30.2%