Games Like Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo

Fly into a charming handcrafted world and go on an adventure that mixes up open exploration with crispy twin-stick shooter action. Fight your way from the shiny overworld to the deepest caves, improve your ship and overcome the dungeons' bosses to rescue your friends!

Why similar: Metroidvania 41%, Top-Down 20.9%, Exploration 14%, Retro 10.4%, 2D 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It masterfully combines top-down twin-stick combat with metroidvania-style exploration and ability progression.

Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurtled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Whip foes, burrow through the ground, and explore a pixel-perfect world in Mina the Hollower, a brand new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight!

Why similar: Top-Down 22.8%, Action-Adventure 18.9%, 2D Platformer 17.8%, Platformer 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: This top-down action-adventure captures the same retro-pixel aesthetic and focus on unique, ability-gated exploration as the seed game.

Top-down action-adventure with elemental magic gameplay. Guided by guilt, you embark on a journey to restore the elements in a dying world. Harness and master elemental powers to fight enemies, solve puzzles, and explore a vast world filled with ancient temples.

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.8%, Top-Down 16.7%, Action-Adventure 13.6%, Retro 11.3%, Exploration 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This top-down action-adventure shares the game's focus on environmental puzzles and exploration within a vibrant, retro-styled world.

Uncover the dark secrets of a gritty, tangled metropolis and battle diabolic villains with your trusty Gunbrella, a bulletproof brolly that doubles as a firearm.

Why similar: Platformer 30.6%, Exploration 25%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, 2D 10.4%, Action 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a central, multi-purpose tool that defines both movement and combat, much like the yoyo in Pipistrello.

Jump, Swing and Zip your way through colourful worlds and exciting challenges in this unique 2D action-platformer! Master the power of the Grapple on your adventure to save the world!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 27.3%, Platformer 20%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Retro 10.3%, Family Friendly 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on momentum-based movement and swinging mechanics mirrors the satisfying physics-based feel of the yoyo.

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 29.2%, 2D Platformer 11.5%, Platformer 10.4%, Retro 9.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A polished metroidvania that captures the same sense of discovery and tight, retro-inspired platforming.

Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.6%, Platformer 20.2%, Family Friendly 11.5%, Adventure 6%, 2D 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: Like the yoyo mechanic, this game uses a unique physics-based traversal system to redefine how you navigate a metroidvania world.

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 32.8%, Platformer 13%, 2D Platformer 8.9%, Story Rich 8.8%, Action-Adventure 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This charming metroidvania features fluid movement and a strong emphasis on exploration across interconnected areas.

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 29.9%, 2D Platformer 14%, Retro 11.2%, Action-Adventure 10.2%, Exploration 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a high-quality 2D platforming experience with a focus on exploration and whimsical, hand-drawn visuals.

Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.3%, Exploration 13.4%, Platformer 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Retro 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, non-linear exploration experience with a heavy emphasis on using items to interact with the environment.

Master Key is a top-down adventure game with a strong focus on item-based exploration and secrets. Embark on a journey to discover what that key could be used for and meet colorful characters!

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.1%, Retro 15%, Top-Down 13.2%, Action-Adventure 10.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, top-down adventure that prioritizes exploration and secrets in a beautifully realized retro world.

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 21.4%, Platformer 17%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%, Retro 12.9%, Exploration 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: The game offers extensive movement options that allow for creative traversal, appealing to fans of ability-gated exploration.

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.9%, 2D Platformer 13%, Action-Adventure 11.6%, Retro 10.8%, Platformer 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game excels at puzzle-platforming and exploration, capturing the classic feel of 8-bit adventures.

Bounce, vault, and fight your way through a whimsical world with the help of your loyal companion. Eat snacks, collect artifacts, and travel the world to stop Bonnie and her boney band of troublemakers!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 15.8%, Retro 14.6%, Platformer 14.4%, Action-Adventure 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: This fast-paced 2D platformer features tight controls and a vibrant, cartoony style that matches the energy of the seed game.

Bounce and stomp through an enormous interconnected world, doing some intense acrobatics and getting huge combos! A superfast precision platformer that mixes up a Metroidvania world with classic Arcade mechanics.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Action-Adventure 13.3%, 2D Platformer 12.2%, Platformer 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A precision-platformer that rewards speed and fluid movement, perfect for players who enjoy the action side of Pipistrello.

Explore a strange planet, collect the creatures you find, and then shape-shift into them to expand your world. Build your own path, chat with the locals, and discover the planets sprawling secrets in this quirky metroidvania platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.4%, 2D Platformer 17.5%, Platformer 16.4%, Exploration 11.3%, Adventure 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A unique metroidvania that replaces traditional combat with traversal-based challenges, emphasizing movement mastery.

A NEW interactive animated adventure! In this action-adventure game, Arzette must explore the Kingdom of Faramore, slay fearsome foes, acquire powerful items, discover secrets, assist colorful characters, and defeat the evil Daimur!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.6%, 2D Platformer 14.2%, Action-Adventure 13%, Platformer 12%, Exploration 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a quirky, retro-inspired action-adventure experience with a strong focus on exploration.

Hop into a Game Boy inspired metroidvania adventure! Explore a huge and open dungeon and find ability upgrades to help you in your quest! Can you survive the tiny dangerous dungeons and find the presumably huge treasure?

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.1%, Retro 14%, Platformer 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Action-Adventure 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic, bite-sized metroidvania that focuses on tight platforming and exploration in a retro pixel-art style.

Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world!

Why similar: Metroidvania 20%, Retro 12.1%, 2D Platformer 10.9%, Action-Adventure 10.6%, Platformer 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: It features a distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic and action-adventure gameplay that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, Retro 11.5%, Platformer 11.1%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A compact, retro-styled metroidvania that focuses on tight mechanics and satisfying exploration.

Deep within the realm of sleep, Sybil finds herself pulled to a distorted castle. Grow strong, and unlock new abilities to build up a deep movement system, fight enemies, find secrets, and free the weary soul of Castle Sansa, in this retro-inspired 3D Platformer Metroidvania.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.9%, Platformer 17.1%, Exploration 14.3%, Retro 9.7%, Adventure 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: While 3D, its core appeal is the incredible movement-based exploration that rewards mastery of its unique traversal mechanics.

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: Metroidvania 31.3%, Retro 16.2%, Platformer 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 11%, 2D Platformer 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: An action-platformer that evolves into a full-fledged metroidvania, offering excellent combat and movement upgrades.

Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38%, Platformer 14.6%, Action-Adventure 14.2%, Exploration 12.2%, 2D Platformer 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric metroidvania that emphasizes fluid, high-speed movement through complex, interconnected environments.

Make your way through more than 600 rooms, and unravel the secrets of your past by finding the five elemental orbs. Cathedral features a vast world, meant for exploring!

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.4%, Retro 13.2%, Platformer 11%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging and rewarding metroidvania that stays true to the classic exploration-heavy roots of the genre.

Explore a kingdom overrun by evil magic as you fight foes with your own magical bow in this retro inspired action-adventure platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.2%, 2D Platformer 12.1%, Retro 11.4%, Platformer 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure metroidvania that rounds out the list with its focus on combat and exploration in a 2D space.

A short 2D pixel-style metroidvania where you explore, fight bosses, aquire items and abilities and find secrets. Inspired by games such as You Have to Win the Game and VVVVVV.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Retro 14%, Exploration 11.1%, Platformer 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A nonlinear metroidvania that encourages exploration and discovery through its expansive, interconnected world.

GARBANZO QUEST! The crazy bullet-heck platformer where your main weapon is your own spit! Bring a friend! Hand-crafted challenges, secrets, and branching paths galore!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 23.8%, Platformer 19.8%, Retro 19.5%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Action-Adventure 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging precision-platformer that tests your movement skills in a charming, pixelated world.

Embark on a heartfelt Mushroomvania adventure through a vast and dense interconnected world! It's like a mix of retro and modern classics!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.7%, Action-Adventure 12.9%, Platformer 10.6%, Exploration 10.6%, 2D Platformer 10.6%

Challenging retro pixel graphics action-platformer. Become a legendary rogue Janosik and explore the big mountain castle level full of secrets. Available for FREE!

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.8%, 2D Platformer 15.1%, Platformer 14.4%, Retro 10%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action-platformer that provides a fun, arcade-like experience with simple but effective mechanics.

A 2D adventure platformer game where a little man named Poppe explores different locations, finds various items and uses them along his way, fights against dangerous insects and survives in this gigantic world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.1%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Retro 13.4%, Action-Adventure 11.6%, Platformer 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, pixel-art metroidvania that focuses on the core pillars of exploration and platforming.

A nostalgic metroidvania from the good old days back in 19XX. Take on the role of Sean, a young boy who ventures into the fictional city of Arostia to repay his father's debt. Rescue your 3 friends from imprisonment, defeat strong enemies, all while getting your debt paid in time!

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.9%, Action-Adventure 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Retro 8.4%, Exploration 7.6%

In this pixel-perfect homage to the classic action platformers, you play as Sydney Hunter - an explorer who gets trapped inside a Mayan pyramid while he's out exploring!

Why similar: Metroidvania 16.9%, Retro 13.1%, Platformer 12.9%, 2D Platformer 10%, Action 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game leans into the retro exploration-adventure style, offering plenty of secrets and platforming challenges.

Five animal friends with unique abillities unite in this metroidvania adventure! You'll need to master each animal's skill to complete your quest! Play as the dog, duck, cat, frog and raccoon at the same time!

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.9%, 2D Platformer 14.9%, Exploration 10.1%, Family Friendly 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%

Action adventure meets pinball in this one-of-a-kind pinballvania adventure. When a mysterious spire appears from thin air, it's up to an intrepid pinball to bump, spin, shoot, and flip its way to the top and solve the tower’s mysteries!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.9%, Top-Down 16.6%, Platformer 12.9%, Exploration 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

Simona's Requiem is a retro-styled platformer Inspired by old action-adventure games but with a modern touch. Pick up the scythe as Simona and slash your way to the Fisher King who has hidden behind the moon.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22%, 2D Platformer 13.4%, Action-Adventure 12.3%, Platformer 11%, Exploration 9.6%

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 25.4%, 2D Platformer 11.5%, Action-Adventure 11.5%, Platformer 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%

Tres-Bashers is a 2D monster-bashing adventure featuring a big interconnected map full of cryptids, secrets, and more! Find 40 different monster types and whack 'em with your baseball bat!

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Action-Adventure 13.5%, 2D Platformer 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Platformer 10.4%

Fight for your life in this state-of-the-art 8-bit platformer!

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.3%, Retro 13.7%, Action-Adventure 12.2%, Platformer 11.6%, 2D Platformer 10.9%

An adventure game with focus on acrobatics and discovering secrets. Classic platformer gameplay in the spirit of the 8-bit era games.

Why similar: Retro 21.8%, 2D Platformer 19.2%, Platformer 15.3%, Action-Adventure 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 14%

A Simple and Bite-sized retro 2D Platformer about a frog on another side-scrolling adventure

Why similar: 2D Platformer 22.5%, Retro 19.7%, Platformer 15.3%, Action-Adventure 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%

Go on an adventure in a world packed with secrets helped by your friend, a poulp with many abilities. Explore, solve puzzles, wander across dungeons, blast through races and much more in this cute game inspired by the best 3D platformers

Why similar: Metroidvania 21.4%, Platformer 13.6%, Action-Adventure 12.2%, Retro 10.9%, 2D Platformer 10.5%

Batbarian: Testament of the Primordials is a snarky action-adventure puzzle game with a good dose of humor. Explore hundreds of secret-filled rooms, fight big bosses, gather companions for your party and use the powers of Pip—your bat buddy—to solve puzzles and escape the eldritch abyss!

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.1%, Retro 13.1%, Platformer 12.5%, Action-Adventure 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%

Berry is a short orthogonal 3D platformer about a tiny, blue spider. Gain new abilities, weave through projectiles, collect and purchase a variety of items, and combat various bosses in this tiny metroidvania adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 19.5%, Action-Adventure 15.7%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Platformer 13.4%, Top-Down 11%

Explore branching levels, fight quirky bosses, and save the day in this retro platformer inspired by the classics!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 20.3%, Retro 18.9%, Platformer 14.8%, Exploration 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%

Delve into the world of Super Roboy, a hand-drawn Metroidvania in a post-apocalyptic setting! Learn enemy skills, explore an interconnected world, battle mutants and robots, and uncover the emotional story of a young robot searching for his father.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.6%, 2D Platformer 12%, Action-Adventure 12%, Platformer 11.2%, Retro 10%

Dive into the strange town of Rainybrook, taken over by the “Vile” in this 2.5D metroidvania! Fight your way through treacherous terrains and defeat formidable bosses to absorb their powers! Will you save the town and find your missing friend Ella — or will you give in to the monster you've become?

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, 2D Platformer 14.9%, Action-Adventure 14.5%, Platformer 13.1%, Exploration 10.4%

Hollow Floor is an exploration-based single-sitting Metroidvania inspired by VVVVVV and REDDER. Hollow Floor is a relaxed game that is full of secrets and hard challenges that can be tackled at any moment in the game or completely ignored.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32%, Retro 12%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Platformer 8.2%

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: Metroidvania 35.5%, Platformer 17%, Action-Adventure 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Adventure 6%

Guide Timmy the little treasure hunter through traps and puzzles to reach the legendary treasure! Experience the classic mini metroidvania remade with new visuals, music, and content!

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.2%, Action-Adventure 14%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Platformer 12.4%, Exploration 9.1%

Explore the mysterious island of Kindara in this vibrant 2D action-adventure. Fight and platform your way through jungles, icy peaks, castles, and crystal caverns in a non-linear interconnected world. Adventure awaits!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.6%, 2D Platformer 16.1%, Action-Adventure 12.5%, Exploration 11.3%, Platformer 10%

Journey through a vibrant world fighting vicious monsters, exploring puzzling dungeons, and collecting magical artifacts. Unravel the mysteries of Vann's Point and bond with all of its curious townsfolk!

Why similar: Top-Down 22.2%, Action-Adventure 19.1%, Exploration 13.5%, Story Rich 12.1%, Retro 11.7%

A punishing yet friendly get-to-the-top adventure across a haunted, retro-inspired world.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 31.4%, Retro 22.9%, Platformer 17.2%, Action 14.2%, 2D 12.9%

Marko: Beyond Brave is an action-packed Metroidvania adventure. Wander through lush forests and crumbling castles, battle corrupted creatures, and escape intricate traps. Jump, slash, and shoot your way through challenging foes and mighty bosses inspired by Slavic myths and legends.

Why similar: Metroidvania 30%, Action-Adventure 12.9%, Platformer 11.8%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Exploration 9.9%

Sneak away from your boring family vacation and delve into ANCIENT RUINS! Borrow equipment from dead explorers and uncover the secrets of a lost civilization as you leave your parents worried sick. WARNING: The Ruby Chest may contain traces of an ancient curse (and gluten).

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.1%, 2D Platformer 13.4%, Platformer 11%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%, Exploration 10.2%

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 21.5%, Action-Adventure 20.9%, Retro 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.6%, Story Rich 7.3%

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.7%, 2D Platformer 15.9%, Exploration 13.2%, Action-Adventure 11.5%, Action 4%

Throw on your nostalgia goggles and travel back in time with Super Win the Game, a retro-core explosion of exploration and platforming action!!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Platformer 12.9%, Exploration 10.9%, Retro 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 9%

A 2D stealth Metroidvania with parkour platforming. Explore the majestic palace and ancient prisons of a kingdom under siege. Don the mantle of the legendary Sandfox as you venture into the ruins below, and discover the true threat from a sand-borne evil.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.9%, 2D Platformer 13.9%, Action-Adventure 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Platformer 8.3%

A Bomb Caterpillar's Big Adventure! "Öoo" is a charming yet mysterious exploration puzzle platformer where you discover creative ways to use bombs!

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.4%, 2D Platformer 16.6%, Platformer 12.9%, Exploration 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

Unveil a heartfelt story of family, dinosaurs, and UFOs! Craft, upgrade, and survive in a realm of primeval predators, savage tribes and... ancient aliens. Rise from a humble cave dweller to the planet’s last hope — alone or in local co-op. Welcome to the dinovania!

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.2%, 2D Platformer 12.4%, Action-Adventure 12.2%, Platformer 10.9%, Exploration 9%