Games Like Residue: Final Cut

Slice of Sea is a peaceful adventure and puzzle game. You play as Seaweed, a sea creature clearly out of their element. Explore desolate world of dust, all hand-drawn on paper in unique art style. Collect items, solve puzzles and lead Seaweed back home to the sea.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 30.5%, Exploration 14%, Adventure 9%, 2D 8.6%, Story Rich 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares a distinct hand-drawn 2D aesthetic and focuses on atmospheric exploration in a desolate, post-human world.

Traverse a dried-out seabed littered with the remains of a decaying civilization. Keep your unique vessel going, overcome numerous obstacles and withstand the hazardous weather conditions. How far can you make it? What will you find?

Why similar: Platformer 22.9%, Exploration 16.6%, Story Rich 16.5%, Atmospheric 14.5%, Adventure 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same sense of lonely, atmospheric travel through a ruined landscape, focusing on environmental storytelling over complex combat.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 21.8%, Platformer 17.7%, Atmospheric 15.5%, Story Rich 9.9%, Walking Simulator 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Like Residue, this title uses stunning hand-drawn art and platforming mechanics to convey a deeply emotional and personal narrative.

Explore the corners of a surrealistic post-human world to give life on Earth a second chance in this touching story about sacrifice and hope.

Why similar: Platformer 42.2%, Adventure 21.9%, Exploration 21.2%, Atmospheric 10.1%, Singleplayer 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game explores themes of environmental decay and loss through platforming, echoing the ecological focus found in Residue.

Travel by train through a dying world. Look after your passengers, keep your train operational, and make sure you can always reach the next station. Make your way through swarms of infected at each station. Explore mysterious and abandoned stations looking for supplies and survivors.

Why similar: Story Rich 19.5%, 2D 15.7%, Adventure 13.8%, Atmospheric 12.9%, Indie 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a 2D post-apocalyptic narrative experience that emphasizes the journey and the personal stories of survivors.

Hoa is a beautiful puzzle-platforming game that features breathtaking hand-painted art, lovely music, and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 25.8%, Hand-drawn 24.1%, Platformer 14.4%, Exploration 10.4%, Atmospheric 9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features beautiful hand-painted art and a gentle, exploration-focused platforming experience that mirrors the contemplative tone of Residue.

Hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project. INSIDE is a dark, narrative-driven platformer combining intense action with challenging puzzles. It has been critically acclaimed for its moody art style, ambient soundtrack and unsettling atmosphere.

Why similar: Soundtrack 32.8% ★, 2D Platformer 16.5%, Platformer 15.5%, Story Rich 11.1%, Atmospheric 7%

Why You'll Like It: It is a masterclass in environmental storytelling through 2D platforming, focusing on a wordless narrative set in a bleak, mysterious world.

In a world torn between nature’s grace and cold machine invasion, one girl and her companion must rely on their bond to survive and protect what they hold dear. Their story of hope, loss, and love will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Why similar: Soundtrack 28.9% ★, 2D Platformer 15.8%, Platformer 14.3%, Hand-drawn 13.5%, Atmospheric 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: It combines hand-drawn visuals with cinematic 2D platforming and environmental puzzles to tell a story of survival in a beautiful yet dangerous world.

In the wake of catastrophe find the means to make your family whole again.

Why similar: Story Rich 28.5%, Atmospheric 20%, Adventure 14.6%, Walking Simulator 14.2%, Indie 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A cinematic, atmospheric adventure that focuses on personal stakes and environmental discovery in a world transformed by disaster.

In 2097, life is discovered on Mars. When your mission of first contact becomes trapped by a cave-in, you must master the alien ecosystem to survive. Soon you stumble upon more than anyone expected, and with time running out, you will make a decision that determines the fate of a lost planet.

Why similar: Platformer 22.9%, Metroidvania 22.7%, Exploration 14.7%, Adventure 10.2%, Story Rich 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on exploration and narrative discovery in an alien environment, prioritizing discovery over traditional action mechanics.

What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 32.4%, Story Rich 23.6%, Mystery 13.2%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Exploration 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: While first-person, it is the gold standard for environmental storytelling and uncovering personal history through exploration.

Old Man’s Journey, a soul-searching puzzle adventure, tells a story of life, loss, and hope. Interacting with the world around you, you'll shape the landscape to create the old man's path forward. Experience heartache and hope as you embark on a heartfelt journey through a sunkissed world.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 25.7%, Walking Simulator 18.6%, Story Rich 15.8%, Exploration 9.3%, Atmospheric 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game uses a hand-drawn art style to tell a touching, personal story through exploration and environmental interaction.

Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO

Why similar: Platformer 43.7%, Atmospheric 15.5%, Indie 12.8%, 2D 10.7%, Adventure 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational 2D atmospheric platformer that relies on environmental puzzles and a haunting, minimalist narrative.

Take on the role of Six, a lone child lost in a massive metal vessel known as the Maw, surrounded by dangerous, distorted versions of adults. You’ll need to do your best to escape in one piece or your fate will be worse than you ever dared dream.

Why similar: Platformer 25.1%, Atmospheric 20.9%, Story Rich 18.9%, Adventure 15.8%, Singleplayer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game excels at building a sense of place and story through its 2D platforming and eerie, detailed environments.

Spiritfarer® is a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and release them into the afterlife. The Spiritfarer Farewell Edition includes the heartwarming base game and three major content updates.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 25.2%, Story Rich 19.8%, Platformer 19.8%, Exploration 12.7%, Atmospheric 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: While more management-focused, it shares the hand-drawn beauty and emotional depth of a story centered on loss and transition.

Explore the ruins of the human race and discover the thriving wildlife that blossomed after our extinction in this underwater action/adventure. Encounter monstrous creatures and let curiosity guide you through an inevitable voyage of extinction.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.2%, Adventure 11.9%, Action 10%, Indie 8.8%, 2D 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game explores the remnants of a lost civilization through underwater exploration and 2D platforming.

A story rich narrative puzzle game in which an artist comes to terms with their grief. Explore an infinitely recursive world of strange fractal beauty and solve mind-bending puzzles. Confront the ineffable and chat with your cat in a search for meaning and hope.

Why similar: Exploration 20.1%, Story Rich 16%, Mystery 14.7%, Linear 14.4%, Adventure 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal puzzle-platformer that emphasizes exploration and a dreamlike narrative, similar to the more abstract moments in Residue.

An atmospheric vehicle adventure that follows the emotional journey of a boy and his ship as he embarks on a voyage to find a new home.

Why similar: Platformer 25.6%, Hand-drawn 23.9%, Atmospheric 12%, Soundtrack 10.5% ★, Adventure 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: The sequel to Lone Sails, it continues the theme of atmospheric, vehicle-based exploration in a post-apocalyptic setting.

A Void Hope takes you on an atmospheric narrative adventure to find a cure for a collapsed city. Follow the story of a tormented couple as they try to decipher reality from nightmares and evade the shadowy threats lurking in the dark.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 27.4%, Platformer 16.6%, Atmospheric 14.5%, Exploration 13%, Adventure 11%

Why You'll Like It: This title captures a dystopian atmosphere through 2D exploration and narrative-driven gameplay.

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 29.8%, Hand-drawn 22.4%, Story Rich 14.6%, Adventure 9.5%, Atmospheric 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique, hand-painted aesthetic and a poetic narrative that elevates the standard 2D platforming experience.

You are his last hope. The only one who can rescue him. Delve deep into the dreams of Luke Williams, a man diagnosed with depression, unfold the heartbreaking story of his life and prevent him from... fading away.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.5%, Story Rich 16.2%, Exploration 11.5%, Atmospheric 9.1%, Adventure 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich exploration game that delves into the psyche of its characters, matching the personal drama of Residue.

What if someone knew your mind better than you did? The Swapper is an award-winning, narrative driven puzzle game set in the furthest reaches of space.

Why similar: Platformer 26.1%, Metroidvania 19.2%, Atmospheric 15.2%, Indie 8.3%, Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: This game pairs atmospheric, hand-crafted visuals with deep, philosophical storytelling and puzzle-platforming mechanics.

Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.

Why similar: Story Rich 41.8%, Atmospheric 19.4%, Indie 14.6%, 2D 12.4%, Singleplayer 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: It tells a profound life story entirely through the environmental details of the objects you interact with.

What are the most important moments in your life? Lost At Sea is a game about life and death, about coming to terms with your past and about family. Set on a beautiful island, this game will force you to face your fears and take stock of your life through imaginative puzzles and a relatable story.

Why similar: Adventure 21.3%, Mystery 16.8%, Indie 16.1%, Exploration 15%, Story Rich 14.8%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the emotional journey of its protagonist through exploration, mirroring the personal narrative style of Residue.

This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 39.8%, Platformer 35.6%, Indie 8.9%, 2D 6.9%, Singleplayer 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic 2D puzzle-platformer that uses its mechanics to tell a complex, emotional story about regret and time.

Machinarium is the award-winning independent adventure game developed by the makers of Samorost series, Botanicula and CHUCHEL. Help Josef the robot save his girlfriend Berta kidnapped by the Black Cap Brotherhood gang!

Why similar: Hand-drawn 33.1%, Story Rich 16.5%, Linear 14.9%, Atmospheric 10.4%, 2D 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a rich, hand-drawn world filled with environmental storytelling and charm, perfect for fans of Residue's artistic focus.

An atmospheric first-person narrative adventure set in a surreal seascape locked between ice and rock. Following an incident, you and a friend must find power, defeat strange and deadly creatures, and decipher what mysterious forces are attempting to prevent your escape. Escape together or die alone.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 28.7%, Investigation 28.7%, Story Rich 13.7%, Choices Matter 8.1%, Atmospheric 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: An underwater adventure that focuses on survival and narrative, sharing the environmental themes of Residue.

A story-driven, first-person adventure game offering a cinematic experience. Embark on a journey to HaustVille, an abandoned settlement in a post-apocalyptic world. Explore your surroundings and uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the last survivors.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 24.3%, Investigation 22.8%, Mystery 14.3%, Story Rich 11.8%, Exploration 9.5%

You are a girl called Maya who ends stranded in island with a lighthouse during a storm. What is this strange place? How did she get here? What to do next? Explore this small island and lighthouse to understand what happened to Maya.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 24.7%, Mystery 15.5%, Historical 13.9%, Adventure 10.4%, Story Rich 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn 2D adventure that emphasizes a singular, atmospheric location and a mysterious narrative.

As a young soldier returning to an eerily deserted home, you'll explore enigmatic rooms and uncover a haunting, tragic story. Experience an atmospheric journey filled with suspense, mysterious encounters, and a deep narrative.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 25.5%, Investigation 18.2%, Story Rich 13.3%, Mystery 12.8%, Exploration 10.2%

An exploration game about emotional ties that transcend even death. Riley is faced with a headstrong ghost, urging her on an adventure across atmospheric shores, uncovering the island's tragic secret. Choices in dialogue shape the bond between the two, ultimately deciding Riley's fate.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 25.6%, Story Rich 13.6%, Exploration 12.2%, Mystery 11.8%, Atmospheric 8.8%

It’s the new game of Through Abandoned series, classical point and click game. You try to find your twin-brother who disappeared in a huge and mysterious place called Abandoned.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 25%, Exploration 13.3%, Mystery 13.2%, Story Rich 10.7%, Adventure 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a distinct 2D art style and a focus on puzzle-solving within a mysterious, abandoned world.

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 31%, Platformer 14.9%, Hand-drawn 12.2%, 2D Platformer 9.7%, Exploration 9.2%

You are on a bleak, cold, windy island. And you seem to be alone... but fires and candles still burn. As you explore, a story of guilt, loneliness, and faith begins to take shape. And it becomes obvious that something is hunting you...

Why similar: Walking Simulator 33.5%, Investigation 18.4%, Story Rich 12.7%, Exploration 12.2%, Adventure 7.6%

Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.

Why similar: Mystery 29.9%, Historical 18.6%, Story Rich 18.5%, Atmospheric 10.7%, Walking Simulator 8.1%

After their mother's suicide, Lazarus returns home to his sister Lyudmila. But unexplained events make the world and even reality collapse around him. Looming death, a spreading malediction and the supernatural threaten his sanity, yet Lazarus pushes forward to find the truth about his family.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.5%, Mystery 16.9%, Story Rich 14%, Exploration 12.6%, Linear 11.3%

During an expedition to the Moon, two astronauts find themselves in a familiar town back on Earth. They soon discover the town is the beginning of a strange and mysterious journey...

Why similar: Walking Simulator 36.5%, Story Rich 19%, Exploration 16.6%, Atmospheric 11.1%, Adventure 8.9%

A story-rich 2D platformer where you'll delve into dangerous power plants and massive creatures, while uncovering the truth of your world. Explore towns and cities, and help a world thrown out of balance!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 23.8%, Hand-drawn 18.9%, Story Rich 14.2%, Platformer 13.4%, Atmospheric 8.1%

Empathy: Path of Whispers is an atmospheric and story-driven adventure game where you explore a seemingly abandoned world through the emotions and memories of the people who once inhabited it, trying to restore the world’s lost balance by journeying through its past.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 36.1%, Story Rich 20.7%, Adventure 17.4%, Atmospheric 11.4%, Indie 8.5%

A 3D-2D adventure where you travel a 3D world and explore 2D dungeons inside of its characters' bodies and minds! In an unforgettable, surreal story, travel the world, meet whimsical denizens, and save the world from the dangerous Nano Dust.

Why similar: Soundtrack 44.1% ★, Story Rich 14%, Exploration 11.8%, Atmospheric 8.2%, Adventure 7%

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 41.9%, 2D Platformer 17.6%, Platformer 15.3%, Exploration 10.5%, Action 6.5%

Explore an interconnected world full of platforming challenges in this short metroidvania. Reach new areas by swinging from ceilings, throwing bombs, bouncing off spikes, and more. Examine dozens of artifacts, commune with forgotten gods, and piece together what happened to Auridia.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.8%, Platformer 13.5%, Investigation 11.7%, Story Rich 11.5%, Exploration 10.1%

The Old City: Leviathan is an experiment in first person exploration that focuses entirely on story. All that exists is you and the world. Set in a decaying city from a civilization long past, The Old City: Leviathan puts the player in the shoes of a sewer dwelling isolationist.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 45.1%, Exploration 16.2%, Atmospheric 12.1%, Story Rich 10.5%, Adventure 10.4%

One apartment, many stories: Witness turning points in the lives of the inhabitants of an apartment in Berlin over the course of a whole century.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 23.4%, Historical 16.1%, Mystery 12%, Story Rich 11.9%, Exploration 8.9%

A minimal point and click adventure, designed to take the player on a short but memorable journey.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 51.1%, Adventure 17.9%, Indie 13.2%, Exploration 9.6%, 2D 5.6%

After Death is a platform / exploration game in a dark and hostile world. With the help from lost souls, you will have to find a way to open a gate which seems to be the only exit from this mysterious world infected by monsters.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.5%, Platformer 12.2%, 2D Platformer 10.3%, Adventure 8.6%, Action 7.6%

Atmospheric first person adventure game focusing on immersion and exploration. Meet strange characters, discover secrets and try to unfold the mystery of the Fragmentation.

Why similar: Investigation 22.2%, Mystery 17.2%, Exploration 15.5%, Choices Matter 10.7%, Atmospheric 9.8%

The Uncertain is an story-driven adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Experience the mysterious vibe of each of carefully explored locations, solve diverse puzzles, make fateful decisions and discuss intriguing matters to find out the whole truth being kept from you.

Why similar: Story Rich 22.6%, Adventure 21.9%, Atmospheric 17.5%, Walking Simulator 14.2%, Indie 11.7%

Embark on a surrealistic afterlife journey to discover the secrets of the broken and mysterious Plane of Memory in this cinematic adventure with a hint of stealth. Dive into a wonderful voxel world with an intense atmosphere and save the day!

Why similar: Platformer 21.6%, Mystery 14.3%, Linear 14.1%, Story Rich 13.5%, Exploration 12.7%

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 55.4%, Platformer 17.5%, Adventure 6.2%, Indie 4.7%, Action 4.6%

Can you save Silence, the grim, but also serene world between life and death? Can you help Noah find his little sister Renie in this suffering world? Can you bring her home? Explore Silence and join the siblings on their adventurous journey.

Why similar: Adventure 47.5%, Story Rich 34.8%, Exploration 8.3%, Indie 6.2%, Singleplayer 3.3%

BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION is an isometric, point & click adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic future. Explore an unscene landscape, solve puzzles, meet new friends and make powerful enemies, mediate conflicts and fight for your life as you unravel the secrets of the desolate world around you.

Why similar: Investigation 27.3%, Story Rich 18.1%, Mystery 16.9%, Choices Matter 10.6%, Atmospheric 10%

Journey to another planet and discover its secrets in order to bring your loved one back to life. Experience an adventure, inspired by old school classics like Another World, Heart of Darkness and Flashback.

Why similar: Platformer 32%, Adventure 18.4%, Action 12.7%, Indie 11%, 2D 8.6%

Discover a once-thriving ocean, now tainted by enigmatic dark entities. Your quest: decipher the mystery and rekindle the ocean's radiant light.

Why similar: Story Rich 22.2%, Exploration 14.6%, Atmospheric 14.5%, Adventure 12.4%, Linear 11.7%

Go on a voyage of discovery following the traces of a mysterious culture. Discover diverse landscapes, investigate abandoned artifacts, and wake strange machines from their slumber.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 32.3%, Mystery 14.5%, Exploration 13.5%, Story Rich 12%, Atmospheric 8.4%

Years after a tragic expedition, investigator Aleksei Morozov returns to the frozen mountains to uncover the truth. But some trails should never be followed...

Why similar: Walking Simulator 30.9%, Investigation 25.3%, Exploration 12.5%, Mystery 11.6%, Adventure 7.9%

A deep, interactive adventure about love and loss, beautifully depicted and offering an intense cinematic experience. What would you do to save the one you love?

Why similar: Story Rich 23.7%, Walking Simulator 19.6%, Choices Matter 15.7%, Atmospheric 15.1%, Adventure 12.9%

Embark on a journey across vast landscapes in Caravan SandWitch, a captivating narrative-driven exploration adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.3%, Mystery 21.2%, Exploration 17.9%, Adventure 10%, Singleplayer 5.6%

Red Matter is a story-driven VR puzzle adventure game set during a dystopian sci-fi Cold War. Take on the role of Agent Epsilon, an astronaut of the Atlantic Union dispatched to an abandoned Volgravian moon base on a faraway planet. Your mission: to investigate a shady top secret research project.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 26.2%, Mystery 17.9%, Story Rich 15.2%, Exploration 13.9%, Atmospheric 9.4%

INFRA puts you into the boots of a structural analyst on a routine mission. Quickly though, your task turns into a fight for survival, all caused by deep-rooted schemes of the past. Your tools are simple: your camera and the wits to navigate a labyrinth of debris.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 31.6%, Exploration 16.2%, Mystery 14.5%, Story Rich 11.9%, Atmospheric 10.9%