Games Like Shantae and the Pirate's Curse

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut brings hair-whipping, belly-dancing to your PC! Play one of the most critically acclaimed handheld series of all time, now with brand new features!

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.2%, Platformer 19.8%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: This direct predecessor offers the same iconic hair-whipping action and charm that defined the series.

Shantae is back in an all-new tropical adventure! In her fifth outing, the Half-Genie hero gains new Fusion Magic abilities to explore a vast sunken city, makes new Half-Genie friends, and battles the Seven Sirens in her biggest, most thrilling quest yet!

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.4%, Female Protagonist 18.2%, Platformer 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%, Anime 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This entry continues the series' signature blend of exploration and character-focused storytelling with a modern polish.

The ultimate edition of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero comes with all of the previously released DLC, Modes, and Costumes in one epic collection! Includes an exclusive Blue Bathing Suit for use in Beach Mode!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.2%, Platformer 15.5%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Pirates 12.4% ★, Great Soundtrack 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides the quintessential Shantae experience with high-definition art and classic transformation-based gameplay.

Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.

Why similar: Platformer 27.1%, Great Soundtrack 26.8%, Female Protagonist 17.9%, Pixel Graphics 7%, 2D 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: This high-speed platformer captures the same energetic, anime-inspired aesthetic and satisfying combat found in the Shantae series.

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 42.1%, Platformer 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Anime 5%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Like Shantae, this game features a brilliant transformation mechanic that is essential for solving puzzles and exploring the world.

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 38.2%, Female Protagonist 16.3%, Platformer 12%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Pixel Graphics 8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a strong female protagonist and a beautiful pixel-art world that balances challenging platforming with a heartfelt narrative.

Dodge bullets, missiles and lasers in battle as you wrap your head around that bunny girl costume! Combo away with your mighty Piko Hammer or spam various spells from afar with your fiery fairy friend. Explore and explode through Rabi-Rabi Island as you collect power-ups and uncover secrets...

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.8%, Female Protagonist 15%, Platformer 13.9%, Anime 8%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines a cute anime aesthetic with deep metroidvania exploration and challenging bullet-hell combat.

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 51.2%, Female Protagonist 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Platformer 8.1%, Anime 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to the classics of the genre, offering deep customization and expansive world-building.

A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant. Use a variety of weapons and spirit powers to unravel the mystery of the labyrinth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.5%, Platformer 15.5%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Anime 6.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a polished metroidvania experience with stunning pixel art and fluid combat mechanics.

Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.8%, Platformer 13.8%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Anime 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is a fast-paced metroidvania that emphasizes unique time-stopping mechanics and stylish combat.

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 37.9%, Platformer 15.5%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Side Scroller 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers a tight, atmospheric 2D action experience with responsive controls and beautiful pixel art.

Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.1%, Female Protagonist 16.9%, Platformer 16.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Side Scroller 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming metroidvania featuring a female protagonist and a time-manipulation mechanic that adds depth to the exploration.

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 52.3%, Platformer 14.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, 2D 4.4%, Action 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A compact and charming metroidvania where you control a cat in a mech suit, capturing the fun of ability-based exploration.

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: Metroidvania 42.6%, Platformer 22.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Action 4%, 2D 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its gorgeous hand-drawn art and fluid combat, this game shares the adventurous spirit of the Shantae series.

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.2%, Platformer 15.9%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to 8-bit classics, this metroidvania focuses on clever puzzle-solving and interconnected world design.

Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.9%, Platformer 15.3%, Anime 10%, Female Protagonist 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This anime-styled survival metroidvania features strategic combat and a variety of elemental interactions.

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 30%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Pirates 14.4% ★, Platformer 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game excels in its artistic presentation and unique flight-based movement that makes exploration feel fresh.

Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.3%, Platformer 15.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%, Female Protagonist 3%, Action 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A highly regarded action-platformer with deep combat systems and rewarding exploration.

Ink and blood stain the streets of Ramezia. Witches must burn and sins must be judged. Venture forth as Sister Semilla to burn down the pillars of heresy in Minoria, an action-platformer by Bombservice, creators of Momodora.

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.2%, Female Protagonist 21%, Anime 8.2%, Platformer 6.6%, Action 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the creators of Momodora, this game offers a somber yet satisfying 2D action-platforming experience.

Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, Platformer 16.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action game that focuses on tight level design and character-swapping mechanics.

"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series. Join Momo, High Priestess of the village of Koho, as she embarks on a divine mission to save her people from imminent destruction at the hands of the demon hordes summoned by a malevolent bellringer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37%, Platformer 14.9%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Anime 8%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: The latest entry in the series, refining the pixel-art action and exploration that fans of the genre love.

Indivisible is a hand drawn action RPG platformer from Lab Zero, creators of the critically acclaimed Skullgirls! Set in a huge fantasy world, Indivisible tells the story of Ajna, a fearless girl with a rebellious streak who sets out on a quest to save everything she knows from being destroyed.

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.1%, Platformer 17.1%, Female Protagonist 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Anime 7%

Why You'll Like It: This game blends platforming with unique turn-based combat and a vibrant, hand-drawn art style.

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.7%, Great Soundtrack 21.5%, Platformer 20.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%, 2D 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie classic that features excellent platforming, memorable characters, and a charming pixel-art style.

Shantae's adventure comes full circle in this long-lost sequel!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.4%, Pirates 15.4% ★, Female Protagonist 15.4%, Platformer 10%, Anime 6.6%

Cally's parents have been abducted, as her arch-enemy Herbert has taken control of the Caves to perform his evil experiments. Join Cally and her friends in this action-packed run and gun platformer, conquering insane bosses, exploring to find secrets, and levelling up EVERYTHING.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.8%, Female Protagonist 23.2%, Platformer 16.3%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action-platformer with a focus on weapon upgrades and exploration in a retro-inspired world.

-A magical world beautifully depicted through in-game graphics. -Diverse levels that provide a fair challenge. -Additional bonuses that reward those who replay the game. -3 difficulty modes.

Why similar: Platformer 22.4%, Female Protagonist 21.5%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Anime 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a charming anime aesthetic paired with challenging boss-focused action gameplay.

An ancient evil has been set loose, and Jonathan cursed in the process. Jonathan must now collect seven holy grails from around all of Egypt to cleanse himself of the curse of Sehur the First. Be delighted by the quirky humor, charming characters, and the beautifully designed world, in Pharaoh Rebirth+!

Why similar: Metroidvania 48%, Platformer 20.3%, Action 9.7%, Adventure 8.7%, Indie 6%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky and fun action-platformer that features a unique protagonist and satisfying exploration.

Critically-acclaimed action-RPG that takes the template laid down by classics like Wonder Boy, nails the 16-Bit aesthetics for nostalgia fans, but updates the mechanics to feel fresh and modern. Explore a beautiful open world and plunder dungeons, caves and forests to help take down epic bosses!

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.4%, Platformer 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, Adventure 6.8%, Indie 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: This retro-inspired adventure perfectly captures the feel of classic non-linear platformers with modern quality-of-life features.

Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.2%, Platformer 24.7%, Great Soundtrack 17.8%, Side Scroller 4.2%, 2D 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful remake of a classic that pioneered the transformation-based metroidvania gameplay found in Shantae.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.3%, Platformer 15.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, Adventure 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania that rewards curiosity and exploration with a deep, mysterious world.

Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! When a mysterious crime wave sweeps Sequin Land, it’s up to Half-Genie Hero Shantae to save the day! Use Shantae’s devastating Hair-Whip Attack to send monsters flying, or Belly Dance to transform her into more powerful forms!

Why similar: Metroidvania 29.2%, Platformer 14.5%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Anime 6%

A succubus issues threats against humanity once every 100 years. While men die and young women disappear one by one, a succubus hunter visits a cursed city under the moonlight. Let's rescue abducted girls and defeat the succubus!

Why similar: Metroidvania 40%, Platformer 17.1%, Female Protagonist 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Side Scroller 5.8%

Guide Vivian the Vagrant, through vibrant and dynamic landscapes while hacking and slashing a path from a quiet coastal village through mysterious forests, haunted castles, and wrecked battlegrounds. When the endless barrage of enemies have been vanquished, what solace will be left for our hero?

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.4%, Female Protagonist 25.5%, Side Scroller 6.5%, Great Soundtrack 5.5%, Anime 5.3%

A colorful pixel-art metroidvania/point-and-click adventure hybrid about magic, cute witches and joys of vandalism.

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.3%, Female Protagonist 21.3%, Platformer 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%, Adventure 4.1%

Wings of Vi is a challenging 2D platformer in which the player controls the angel Vi, tasked with defeating the Demon Lord Jeh’oul after he is freed from captivity. While inspired by masochistic retro platformers, Wings of Vi aims to cut out arbitrary difficulty in favor of skill based gameplay.

Why similar: Platformer 23.4%, Female Protagonist 17.5%, Metroidvania 17.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Anime 5.6%

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 43.8%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Platformer 14.5%, Anime 8.7%, Cute 5.8%

Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.7%, Platformer 20.4%, Female Protagonist 16.3%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Anime 6.8%

A great unknown danger is approaching Roah's home planet. Follow Roah as she explores the world and encountering all of its different factions, uncovering the mystery of what is draining the planets lifeforce.

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.4%, Female Protagonist 18.4%, Platformer 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Anime 6.1%

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 38%, Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Platformer 18.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%, 2D 4.2%

Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.5%, Platformer 19.2%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Anime 6.9%

A massive gameworld to explore with nearly a dozen dungeons to delve into.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.8%, Female Protagonist 17.9%, Anime 13.9%, Platformer 13%, Side Scroller 5.4%

I swear it's a nice action metroidvania game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.3%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Platformer 9.6%, Anime 8%

Adventuress Ittle Dew and her sidekick Tippsie crash onto a strange island, filled with loot and mysterious inhabitants. It quickly dawns on the duo that this might become their biggest adventure yet.Ittle Dew boils down the classic adventure formula until there is only fun left.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 41.8%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Adventure 11.4%, Cute 10.1%, Indie 7.3%

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 27.2%, Female Protagonist 23.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Anime 9.7%, Side Scroller 9.4%

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44%, Platformer 15%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%

Experience the tale of a cheerful girl and a grouchy talking hat in this charming Metroidvania, where every ability is hat-based! Throw the hat to attack enemies, teleport to him to make perilous leaps, and fly him through narrow tunnels of spikes as you escape a dangerous magic forest.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.2%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Platformer 14.5%, Cute 6.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.2%

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 43.9%, Platformer 22.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Female Protagonist 6.6%, 2D 4.8%

Ittle and Tippsie crash onto yet another island filled with loot, puzzles and mysterious inhabitants! With the help of a magical map, they set out to steal eight pieces of a raft from increasingly improbable locations including beaches, prairies, an art exhibit and some dude's basement.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31.4%, Female Protagonist 31.1%, Adventure 8.8%, Cute 8.5%, Action 8%

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 43.7%, Platformer 18.1%, Female Protagonist 15.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Cute 4.8%

Take control of Piko, our hammer wielding heroine, as you bash things up with a big hammer in this cute Anime-styled 2D metroidvania-inspired adventure! Uncover mysteries! Beat the bad guys who do naughty things! Explore the Piko Piko world with her floof fox friend!

Why similar: Metroidvania 37.6%, Platformer 16.5%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Anime 6.1%

Step into the shoes of Freudia Neuwahl, a cool and collected young woman on a mission to save her best friend from an Imperial witch hunt. "Rosenkreuzstilette Freudenstachel" is the sequel to "Rosenkreuzstilette", a level-based 2D side scrolling action game for PC.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 21.9%, Platformer 18.6%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Anime 9.4%, Side Scroller 6%

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.

Why similar: Platformer 33.6%, Great Soundtrack 33.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, 2D 5.5%, Side Scroller 3.8%

Embark on an epic action-adventure as you slash, dash, and combo your way through a vast, vibrant world. Explore and uncover hidden secrets. Customize your build to triumph in spectacular boss battles. Experience a tale of mystery, magic, and mayhem in TEVI, a bullet hell metroidvania!

Why similar: Metroidvania 42%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Platformer 12.6%, Anime 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%

Use your newly-acquired genderbending abilities as a 'FlipWitch' to conquer evil monsters, giant bosses, and Monster Girls across the land! You'll have to use your wits in this quirky adventure to seduce everyone around you!

Why similar: Metroidvania 51.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.2%, Platformer 14.1%, Female Protagonist 6.2%, Side Scroller 5.2%

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.3%, Platformer 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Pixel Graphics 2.6%, Difficult 2.5%

There's trouble once again in River City, and this time only the girls can save the day! Using a variety of attacks, weapons, and items, these hot-blooded heroines are ready to teach the city’s lowlifes a lesson - either solo or in 2-player co-op! It’s an old-school rumble for a new generation!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 28.1%, Great Soundtrack 26.4%, Pixel Graphics 12.7%, Anime 12.5%, Action 6.1%

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 46.1%, Platformer 18.8%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, 2D 3.9%

Go on a journey as Kaze in this 90’s classics inspired platformer. When the Crystal Islands get cursed, Kaze needs to save her friend Hogo while facing enraged living vegetables. Find the Wild Masks to unleash the powers of the legendary guardians and master land, sky and sea.

Why similar: Platformer 26.8%, Female Protagonist 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, 2D 9.6%, Cute 7.6%

Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?

Why similar: Metroidvania 52.7%, Female Protagonist 14.4%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Platformer 4.2%, 2D 4.1%