- #1 Once Glorious Artahk
97% matchPositive93% of 40 reviews2025
Dev: Bismuth Tales
Windows · Linux
Explore the ruins of an ancient city. Solve puzzles to unlock new paths, abilities, and forgotten lore. Read the lost stories you uncover to gain insight into a tangled web of mysteries. Using only your wits and your trusty torch to guide you, you must find a way to return light to a starless sky.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.1%, Lore-Rich 14.6%, Nonlinear 12.4%, Mystery 9.7%, Puzzle 7.9%
- #2 Our Metal Bowl
96% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: Intrugli Games
Windows · Linux
Explore a broken world. Fight with a silent machine. Solve puzzles that break the rules. The game has already begun, even on this page.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.9%, Nonlinear 13.2%, Top-Down 9.7%, Exploration 8.2%, Puzzle 8%
- #3 INK MAZE
96% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Finn Schuuring
Windows
Chart your own path through a fog-shrouded dungeon in INK MAZE! Design cryptic treasure maps to solve puzzles, outsmart traps, and collect loot hidden within the mist. But when you reach the depths of the maze, will you still be able to decipher the symbols you charted long ago?
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.6%, Exploration 9.6%, Puzzle 8.3%, Mystery 8.3%, Nonlinear 6.8%
- #4 ANIMAL WELL
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 24,507 reviews2024
Dev: Billy BassoPub: Bigmode
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 33.1%, Surreal 10.1%, Exploration 8.7%, Nonlinear 8.6%, Puzzle 8%
- #5 EMUUROM
94% matchVery Positive91% of 301 reviews2026
Dev: borbwarePub: Coyote Time Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
A creature-scanning metroidvania. Explore an ancient paradise before it's lost forever. Study the EMUUROM creatures, document your findings in the EMUUDEX, and use what you learn to unlock new paths.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.6%, Surreal 12.8%, Nonlinear 11.2%, Mystery 8.4%, Retro 8.4%
- #6 Limos' Lair
94% matchPositive91% of 11 reviews2023
Dev: Oleg Fedotov
Windows · Mac · Linux
In this Action-Puzzle Metroidvania, you will explore the lair of a long-gone mythical creature and unravel its mysteries. Consume enemies to gain their abilities, use your frog-like tongue to grapple and fight, explore the land, solve puzzles, find secrets, and complete challenges.
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.9%, Top-Down 12.7%, Puzzle 10.2%, Exploration 9.4%, Action-Adventure 7.7%
- #7 Horn of Balance
93% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Martijn den Hollander
Windows
Explore an intricate new world of secrets and adventure. Features solid 2D Zelda-like gameplay, 12 vast non-linear dungeons and a wholesome story about the young golem Linden.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.6%, Nonlinear 13%, Top-Down 9.9%, Exploration 8.9%, Puzzle 8.3%
- #8 MONOMOON
92% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Gentle Giant
Windows
In MONOMOON, the way forward is reserved for the knowing and the daring. Guided by moonlight, you’ll uncover hidden truths and wander through a tiny and mysterious open world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.4%, Nonlinear 12.6%, Surreal 10.1%, Exploration 7.8%, Puzzle 7.7%
- #9 Mold
91% matchNo user reviews
Dev: soraslove
Windows · Mac · Linux
Evolve your body further to survive this vast, yet dense, system of caves. You must use your wits to outsmart predators lurking in the dark and to solve puzzling challenges in order to further advance in this strange world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.4%, Surreal 13.6%, Nonlinear 11.4%, Mystery 8.7%, Exploration 7.8%
- #10 3-Bit Explorer
91% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Fiddleling
Windows
The world doesn't need saving. You do. Explore a strange 3-bit world, wield mysterious powers, uncover forbidden secrets, and find your way home across realities.
Why similar: Top-Down 13.1%, Lore-Rich 12.9%, Exploration 10%, Mystery 10%, Surreal 9.4%
- #11 Lila’s Sky Ark
90% matchVery Positive88% of 166 reviews2022
Dev: Monolith of MindsPub: Graffiti Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 39%
Protect a psychedelic world from bizarre beasts and punishing bosses in this poetic mystery filled with secrets, puzzles and music.
Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Surreal 12.2%, Nonlinear 10.3%, Top-Down 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%
- #12 Lelu
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: jamierowanPub: Super Rare Originals
Windows
Get your gears in motion for a captivating monochromatic adventure where you play as Lelu, a small but determined clockwork toy who has gained consciousness and found a taste for freedom!
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.7%, Top-Down 10.6%, Action-Adventure 10%, Exploration 9.4%, Puzzle 8.8%
- #13 Tribe of the Accord
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: SMKS Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Tribe of the Accord is a pixel-art action game where you play as Adira, a young huntress on a quest to rescue her father. Throughout your journey, you'll gain new abilities, form alliances, and discover your place in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.5%, Lore-Rich 14.8%, Top-Down 11%, Exploration 8%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%
- #14 Anodyne
89% matchVery Positive85% of 1,602 reviews2013
Dev: Melos Han-TaniPub: Analgesic Productions
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A 2D action-adventure through a surreal, subconscious world. Explore moody dungeons, buildings, and atmospheric lands, evoked by dreamy music and visuals. Help the human Young awaken from their dream!
Why similar: Surreal 18.1%, Nonlinear 16.5%, Top-Down 10.8%, Retro 9.6%, Action-Adventure 8.6%
- #15 SOMNAMBULO
87% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Eterna Software
Windows
Enter a psychological horror experience where a young psychologist must navigate a surreal world shaped by forgotten memories and fears – both her own and those she once tried to heal. Face what was buried. Reclaim what was lost. Escape – before it’s too late.
Why similar: Metroidvania 19.9%, Surreal 19.8%, Action-Adventure 9.3%, Exploration 9.1%, Mystery 8.7%
- #16 SUPER ANT
86% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Andrygast
Windows
Embark on a manic search to locate a ontological superweapon lost on a rogue planet. Bash vicious monsters in close-quarters combat and master hidden movement and fighting techniques to overpower and outspeed your problems.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.6%, Surreal 19.3%, Retro 12.1%, Nonlinear 9.9%, Exploration 8.1%
- #17 Isle of Reveries
85% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: desertcucco
Windows · Linux
Make a pilgrimage skybound to the Isle of Reveries, where any wish can be granted. Conquer mysterious dungeons, solve puzzles, and explore a vast overworld in this retro-inspired adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 34.8%, Retro 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Action-Adventure 9.3%, Puzzle 8.8%
- #18 Hap Hazard
84% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nicraftin
Windows · Linux
In this "Arcade Metroidbrainia", the only thing that stops you from progressing are holes in your understanding. Use mechanics in clever unique ways to uncover secrets, or dodge randomly generated hazards to get highscores.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.5%, Nonlinear 13.2%, Surreal 12.3%, Exploration 10%, Puzzle 9.2%
- #19 You Have to Play This Game
86% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: TipzPub: Tipz Jar Studios Ltd
Windows
Explore the world of Celestia in this retro-inspired, top-down action adventure!
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.6%, Action-Adventure 9.4%, Exploration 9.2%, Puzzle 9%, Top-Down 8.5%
- #20 Latitude 76: Land of the Onkilons
84% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Anisimov Games
Windows · Linux
Switch between characters, use your grappling hook to explore a phantom island, home to mammoths. Face threats from hunters and choose to play stealthily or confront the dangers head-on. Inspired by real events. Wishlist today!
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.5%, Nonlinear 11.8%, Lore-Rich 9.3%, Top-Down 9%, Exploration 8.3%
- #21 Nulphia
83% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Keyreal
Windows
Explore a vibrant island full of magic and mystery in Nulphia, a top-down story-driven singleplayer adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.2%, Top-Down 12.3%, Exploration 10.5%, Puzzle 10.1%, Action-Adventure 9.7%
- #22 Sliding Hero
82% matchVery Positive91% of 53 reviews2025
Dev: Silent Chicken
Windows
Sliding Hero is a top-down puzzle Metroidvania where movement is key—think carefully, as once you start sliding you won’t stop until you hit something! Imprisoned in a sinister 1700s Venetian villa, explore a world of Carnival mystery, solve devious puzzles, uncover secrets, and unmask your fate.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.8%, Nonlinear 15%, Mystery 10.7%, Top-Down 8.6%, Puzzle 8%
- #23 Coma Control
82% matchNo user reviews
Dev: James Brill
Windows
Escape your subconscious in this psychological puzzle adventure. Explore a surreal, non-linear dreamworld filled with deadly traps and mind-bending puzzles. Navigate your way back to consciousness to reclaim your life... before it slips away forever.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.5%, Surreal 12.3%, Top-Down 10.3%, Nonlinear 9.6%, Exploration 9%
- #24 Weapon Devourer
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Bogdan
Windows · Mac
Weapon Devourer is a psychological horror game with souls-like and 1930's cartoon vibes, blending subtle puzzles. Battle sentient weapons, dodge their attacks, metamorphose into a fearsome entity to overcome powerful challenges, and synthesize mighty combinations by diving into the Shield's belly.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.8%, Nonlinear 12.5%, Top-Down 9.3%, Exploration 8.6%, Puzzle 8.3%
- #25 The Forbidden Forest
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Stone Studios
Windows
Jump, dash, and climb through a vibrant wilderness as three playable characters in this action-adventure metroidvania. Explore a sprawling interconnected map, master unique abilities, and face powerful foes, all while uncovering the mysteries of this war-stricken world and one special cub.
Why similar: Metroidvania 41.9%, Nonlinear 12.9%, Lore-Rich 12.2%, Action-Adventure 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%
- #26 Memories Not Found
80% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Handy Shark Games
Windows
Travel through surreal worlds and make new friends while trying to unravel the secrets of your past…
Why similar: Surreal 21%, Top-Down 14.9%, Exploration 13.5%, Action-Adventure 12.5%, Female Protagonist 11.3%
- #27 An Automaton's Journey
78% matchVery Positive90% of 65 reviews2026
Dev: Xyros GamesPub: holo Indie
Windows
Play as the ancient automaton Cecilia Immergreen as you explore the world for secrets, solve puzzles, delve into dungeons, fight other Hololive members as powerful bosses, help other members with side quests, and find powerful items to explore previously unavailable locations.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.4%, Top-Down 15.5%, Action-Adventure 13.2%, Exploration 11.7%, Female Protagonist 6.9%
- #28 Nonolith
79% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: JustcamhPub: Inner Pocket
Windows · Mac · Linux
The NONOLITH consumes you. Copy and paste the world around you to discover the secrets of this ancient, enigmatic structure. You are very powerful, you just don't know it yet.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.4%, Surreal 14.9%, Nonlinear 14.4%, Exploration 9.4%, Puzzle 8%
- #29 Rolled: A Pinball Nightmare
79% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: No Agenda Studios
Windows · Linux
A pinball horror adventure game. You will bounce and ping your way through a nonlinear world in hopes to get back to the life you were living before.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.9%, Lore-Rich 13.5%, Nonlinear 12.6%, Exploration 9.5%, Mystery 8.2%
- #30 Amo
78% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Ryoshitsude
Windows
Amo is a top-down metroidvania, where a lost dog, Amo, gets stranded on an island. Explore the vast environments, fight through the enemies of the past, and solve the many mysteries that the island holds.
Why similar: Metroidvania 50.8%, Top-Down 15.2%, Action-Adventure 12.6%, Retro 9.3%, 2D 5.9%
- #31 Key Fairy
75% matchVery Positive100% of 67 reviews2026
Dev: Owl Machine
Windows
Deep in an ancient forest bound by a bitter spell, a tiny fairy wanders. Wielding a spool of thread and a bladeless sword, weave through twisting paths to unearth enchanted trinkets, evading monsters and collecting stars to free their hearts from hatred in this ink-illustrated pacifist bullet-hell.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24%, Surreal 15.9%, Nonlinear 13.1%, Mystery 10.9%, Exploration 8.6%
- #32 The Book of Buja
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: I.J. WhitePub: I.J. White Games
Windows
Embark on a thrilling 2D top-down adventure! Explore dark dungeons, solve unique puzzles, translate ancient documents, and follow clues given to you by a maggot in your brain! Experience the journey solo or team up in 2-player co-op for a different experience!
Why similar: Nonlinear 15.6%, Metroidvania 15%, Lore-Rich 14.8%, Top-Down 12.3%, Action-Adventure 9.2%
- #33 Futanatural
76% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: opalcatstudio
Windows
"Futanatural" is a side-scrolling puzzle escape game set in an abandoned hotel. Rookie reporter Mia Kirimura gets trapped in an abandoned hotel she's covering and must solve riddles to escape. By exploring the abandoned hotel and solving riddles, you can advance to new areas.
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.5%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, Exploration 9.8%, Puzzle 9%
- #34 Polly's Puzzle Box
76% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Box Penguin Games
Windows · Mac
As a small flea, explore a mysterious puzzle box filled with shapes and secrets. Gather strange items with hidden abilities, and unravel a trail of clues as you attempt to escape.
Why similar: Metroidvania 38%, Exploration 9.9%, Puzzle 9.6%, Mystery 9.6%, Surreal 9.4%
- #35 Microvania
75% matchMostly Positive79% of 32 reviews2025
Dev: Dreampunk
Windows · Mac
Explore a tiny world, find upgrades, discover hidden paths, and battle bosses in this retro-style metroidvania action platformer.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.4%, Nonlinear 10.3%, Exploration 9.4%, Retro 9.1%, Action-Adventure 8.8%
- #36 Night Reverie: Prologue
77% matchVery Positive92% of 281 reviews2020
Dev: Somber Pixel
Windows
Night Reverie: Prologue is the first act of a Puzzle/Adventure game in which a child must solve the mystery behind the distortion of his house. Explore puzzle-filled environments and discover strange creatures as you reach the truth behind of what looks like a bizarre nightmare.
Why similar: Surreal 21.8%, Top-Down 14.5%, Exploration 11.8%, Puzzle 11.6%, Cute 9.1%
- #37 Master Key
74% matchVery Positive91% of 288 reviews2024
Dev: Achromi
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 30.3%, Retro 12%, Nonlinear 11.6%, Top-Down 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 9%
- #38 故障与漏洞世界
73% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Stellar Reverie
Windows
《故障与漏洞世界》是一款平台解密游戏。你将探索这个未知且充满危险的世界,获取各种奇妙能力并发掘出意想不到的用法,最终解开这个世界的秘密。
Why similar: Metroidvania 46.4%, Nonlinear 17.6%, Puzzle 10.6%, Surreal 9%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #39 Haiku, the Robot
73% matchVery Positive90% of 3,547 reviews2022
Dev: Mister Morris Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 33.1%, Lore-Rich 11.4%, Nonlinear 10.6%, Exploration 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 8%
- #40 Spirit Quest
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Avalon Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Embark on a quest to unlock the secrets of the Spirit World. Challenge mysterious ruins and face intimidating bosses to gain new powers that will aid your exploration in this retro top-down action/adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.6%, Nonlinear 16.6%, Top-Down 13.1%, Puzzle 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%
- #41 Babushka's Glitch Dungeon
71% matchVery Positive99% of 269 reviews2025
Dev: pets club 2
Windows · Mac
Oh hello dearie.. Babushka needs to clean up her big magical cellar. Use hag magic, or just hit stuff with your broom.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.9%, Nonlinear 16.6%, Surreal 12.4%, Exploration 9.2%, Female Protagonist 8.3%
- #42 Voice of Flowers
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Tomasz Chabora
Windows · Linux
Embark on an epic adventure full of perils and secrets. Explore distinct forsaken lands of Devetlam and fight your way by jumping on your enemies or showering them with a plethora of magic spells. An open-world platforming action inspired by the classics.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, Lore-Rich 15.2%, Nonlinear 14.5%, Exploration 8%, Action-Adventure 7.9%
- #43 Little Ghost
72% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Alan AbbadessaPub: Sync Book Games
Windows
Chill metroidvania maximizes non-linear exploration & puzzle-platforming. Frequent checkpoints, no currency, no combat. Gain friends & abilities. Collectables-as-media; tarot cards, weird podcasts, and songs from over 20 bands; all found within a surreal papercraft world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.6%, Nonlinear 13.7%, Surreal 13.2%, Retro 11.1%, Atmospheric 7.9%
- #44 Quarion
70% matchVery Positive95% of 172 reviews2025
Dev: ZejoantPub: Bootleg Bytes
Windows · Linux
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 40.6%, Nonlinear 20%, Retro 11.6%, Exploration 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%
- #45 PATHFINDER 08
74% match6 user reviews67% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: THIAGO COSTA MENDES
Windows
Pathfinder 08 is a fun and challenging adventure. It is a platform game with a focus on exploration and retro inspiration with some RPG elements.
Why similar: Metroidvania 42%, Action-Adventure 13%, Exploration 11.3%, Nonlinear 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%
- #46 Impetuous
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lucid Daydreams
Windows
After her home was suddenly erased, Ember the Imp must traverse the corrupted and decaying Painted Realms to uncover the truth. Explore surreal and interconnected worlds, collect upgrades to expand your movement abilities, and fight strange and warped enemies in this Metroidvania 3D Platformer!
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.9%, Surreal 16.3%, Nonlinear 14.9%, Exploration 8.9%, Action-Adventure 8.4%
- #47 Find Eden
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: CozyCoupleCoding
Windows
Play as Timmy, whisked into a mysterious cat realm invaded by monsters. Journey through enchanting realms, solve puzzles, and harness new abilities to save this world—and maybe your own—in a cozy, dark, and hand-drawn 2D adventure full of secrets and quirky cats.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.8%, Surreal 13.3%, Dark 11%, Puzzle 10%, Mystery 8.5%
- #48 ProtoDungeon: Episode I
70% matchPositive100% of 13 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Spacefarer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Use the moonlight spell to trade places with objects and escape from the mysterious nightmare in this short puzzle adventure!
Why similar: Exploration 13.6%, Top-Down 13%, Puzzle 12.9%, Action-Adventure 11.4%, Atmospheric 10.6%
- #49 Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 2,157 reviews2025
Dev: Pocket TrapPub: PM Studios, Inc.
Windows
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.8%, Top-Down 17.6%, Retro 12.9%, Action-Adventure 12.1%, Exploration 10.7%
- #50 Agnition: Ignis
69% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: UnderLight
Windows
Conjure the 🔥fire🔥 to solve puzzles of the mountain that holds the salvation of your people in this top-down puzzle game.
Why similar: Mystery 15.5%, Retro 14.6%, Top-Down 14%, Puzzle 11.7%, Atmospheric 8.7%
- #51 The Legend of the Bard: The Power Accordions
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Paulo Vieira
Windows
Use an accordion to explore an open world inspired by Brazil!! 🪗🎶
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.3%, Nonlinear 10%, Exploration 9.6%, Top-Down 9.3%, Puzzle 9.1%
- #52 MONOCHROME ANGEL
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: dwindling intellect
Windows
Explore the derelict ruins of abandoned megastructures in this slow-paced first-person platformer. Discover movement upgrades to facilitate platforming and exploration. Find data logs of those who have gone before to uncover the lore of this dark world. //RETURN TO HEMRON, O FALLEN//
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.3%, Retro 14.9%, Dark 14.6%, Atmospheric 11.9%, Lore-Rich 9.5%
- #53 Surface Tension: Eclipse
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Redo Games
Windows
Move lights. Walk on shadows. Surface Tension: Eclipse is a surreal 2D puzzlevania where cast shadows become solid platforms, every room is a spatial riddle, and the darkness hides more than it reveals.
Why similar: Metroidvania 39.7%, Surreal 19.4%, Puzzle 10.7%, Retro 8.8%, Atmospheric 8.4%
- #54 Them
67% matchVery Positive91% of 70 reviews2025
Dev: Lexip Games
Windows
You just want to play a video game in an old game club, but time passes quickly, and strange noises draw you into a dark nightmare! A nightmare that begins with an old video game... Are you ready to experience a 2D platformer game within the heart of a 3D first person psychological horror game?
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.3%, Retro 11.3%, Mystery 9.7%, Dark 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%
- #55 Tower Of Tears
68% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: xena-spectrale
Windows · Mac · Linux
Peek into a foreboding world populated by disturbing beings and ambiguously cute residents. Tower Of Tears is a non-linear Survival-Horror blended with 3D Metroidvania elements. Explore a vast interconnected tower, ruled by cryptic systems and esoteric mysteries where every decision matters.
Why similar: Metroidvania 32.7%, Surreal 17.6%, Nonlinear 15.8%, Exploration 8.8%, Action-Adventure 8.4%
- #56 Elementallis
65% matchVery Positive91% of 290 reviews2026
Dev: AnKae GamesPub: Top Hat Studios, Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 32.4%, Top-Down 14.9%, Retro 11.1%, Action-Adventure 10.5%, Exploration 10.1%
- #57 Hero's Spirit
70% matchVery Positive91% of 82 reviews2020
Dev: mod.kitchen
Windows
Explore a vast, open world - evade or defeat its monsters, arm yourself with knowledge and equipment, unravel layer upon layer of secrets, and ultimately confront the very magic threatening to destroy everything.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.6%, Nonlinear 12.5%, Top-Down 9.3%, Retro 8.8%, Exploration 8.7%
- #58 Iron Diamond
67% matchVery Positive89% of 57 reviews2024
Dev: North Folk Studios
Windows
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 38.9%, Nonlinear 16.7%, Exploration 10.1%, Action-Adventure 7.8%, Puzzle 6.5%
- #59 Tater Spud
69% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2022
Dev: Nate DeHart
Windows
Explore, fight, and platform through a world of deadly plants as a lone potato, Tater Spud, in search of powerups and the answers behind the flora that was once safe.
Why similar: Metroidvania 37.1%, Nonlinear 15.2%, Exploration 10.1%, Action-Adventure 9.1%, Cute 7%
- #60 ProtoDungeon: Episode II
66% match7 user reviews86% of 7 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Spacefarer
Windows
A short, top-down puzzle adventure game set in a strange graveyard. Use the starlight ring to forge magical blocks to escape from the Second Nightmare. Explore, solve puzzles, and find your way out!
Why similar: Top-Down 13.2%, Action-Adventure 12.8%, Puzzle 12.2%, Exploration 11.8%, Surreal 11.1%