Games Like Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse.

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

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the peak of the series, this entry offers the most refined exploration and platforming mechanics.

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 35%, Female Protagonist 17.4%, Platformer 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Anime 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This modern entry features a beautiful hand-drawn art style and a large, interconnected world that feels like a direct evolution of Half-Genie Hero.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.4%, Female Protagonist 14.9%, Anime 9.5%, Funny 9.2%, Side Scroller 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This latest addition to the series brings back the classic charm with new, clever level-shifting mechanics.

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 29.6%, Platformer 16.9%, Female Protagonist 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Anime 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational title in the series that established the core transformation and exploration loop.

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 30%, Female Protagonist 15.8%, Platformer 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Side Scroller 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive version of the seed game, including all DLC and additional content that expands the original experience.

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 25.7%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Anime 10%, Platformer 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A deep metroidvania that perfectly balances cute anime aesthetics with challenging bullet-hell combat and exploration.

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: Great Soundtrack 24.9%, Platformer 23.6%, Female Protagonist 18.3%, Side Scroller 6.3%, 2D 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers high-speed, momentum-based platforming with a strong female cast and a vibrant, retro-inspired aesthetic.

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: Side Scroller 22.4%, Female Protagonist 18.3%, Platformer 18.2%, Anime 11.4%, Action-Adventure 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Refines the high-octane platforming of its predecessor with improved visuals and more complex character abilities.

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 34.9%, Female Protagonist 16.7%, Platformer 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Side Scroller 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven action-platformer with a strong female lead and creative boss encounters that reward exploration.

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 31.6%, Platformer 13.1%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%, Anime 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: The transformation mechanics and colorful, interconnected world are highly reminiscent of the core gameplay loop found in Shantae.

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 40%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, 2.5D 10.1%, Side Scroller 9.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, modern metroidvania with deep RPG systems and a female protagonist that honors the classic genre roots.

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 36.3%, Platformer 18%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Side Scroller 5.6%, Fantasy 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features stunning hand-drawn animation and fluid action-platforming that mirrors the visual polish of the Shantae series.

"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 27.3%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Platformer 10.6%, Anime 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A refined follow-up that offers excellent pixel art and exploration, maintaining the series' high standard for combat.

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 23%, Female Protagonist 13.7%, Platformer 12.1%, Hand-drawn 10.8%, Anime 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Combines platforming with unique party-based combat and a vibrant, hand-drawn art style that feels very similar to Shantae.

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 30.6%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Platformer 12%, Cute 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features tight, responsive action-platforming and a distinct, dark-yet-charming anime art style.

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 31.6%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, Platformer 12.9%, Anime 9.7%, Cute 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully animated metroidvania that captures a classic anime feel with fluid, satisfying combat.

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 27.8%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Female Protagonist 11.6%, Platformer 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish metroidvania that focuses on time-stopping mechanics and features a charming anime aesthetic.

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 31.7%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Female Protagonist 12.6%, Anime 11.1%, Platformer 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced metroidvania that blends intense bullet-hell combat with a colorful, anime-inspired world.

A Hat in Time is a cute-as-heck 3D platformer featuring a little girl who stitches hats for wicked powers! Freely explore giant worlds and recover Time Pieces to travel to new heights!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 24.4%, Cute 18.7%, Female Protagonist 16.5%, Platformer 13.3%, Funny 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the cute, vibrant, and lighthearted spirit of Shantae within a polished 3D platforming environment.

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 33.9%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Female Protagonist 15.7%, Platformer 13.2%, Fantasy 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania with a female protagonist and unique time-manipulation mechanics that add depth to the platforming.

Enter the mechanical shape-shifting, dimension switching world of the award winning, high octane action-puzzle-platformer Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition, and blow crime away.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 37.3%, Female Protagonist 27.6%, Platformer 18.7%, Action 7.5%, Indie 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this game offers fast-paced puzzle-platforming with a similar aesthetic and charm.

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 48.3%, Platformer 12.8%, Side Scroller 9.2%, Cute 5.9%, Action 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, transformation-based metroidvania that shares the 'small hero, big world' feel of the Shantae games.

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 44.1%, Platformer 14.8%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%, Side Scroller 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-focused platformer with a charming retro aesthetic and clever environmental puzzles.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.6%, Female Protagonist 24.1%, Platformer 10.2%, Adventure 6.5%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: A metroidvania with a charming protagonist and lighthearted, magical themes that mirror the whimsical nature of Sequin Land.

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 42.5%, Female Protagonist 20.4%, Anime 11.9%, Action 5.8%, Platformer 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: An action-platformer featuring a nun protagonist with fluid, anime-inspired combat and a strong emphasis on atmosphere.

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 33%, Platformer 20.4%, Female Protagonist 17.5%, Side Scroller 7.2%, Cute 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: While more difficult, it features a strong female lead and tight, satisfying platforming mechanics that fans of the genre will appreciate.

The adventures of Asha, the little warrior, begin! Together with her blue sidekick Pepelogoo, she will run through numerous stages and save the Monster World from the darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 22.9%, Side Scroller 15%, Platformer 13.6%, Female Protagonist 9.1%, Anime 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic action-adventure platformer with a colorful, anime-inspired look that feels right at home alongside Shantae.

A 2D action game featuring a young man with the power of lightning who stands for freedom against the evil ambitions of a massive organization. When lightning strikes, a new legend is born.

Why similar: Platformer 22.8%, Anime 17.8%, Great Soundtrack 17.6%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Action 11%

Why You'll Like It: High-octane action-platformer with a distinct anime style and compelling female-led narrative arcs.

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 29.7%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Platformer 13%, Hand-drawn 9.4%, Funny 7.9%

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 55%, Platformer 14%, Great Soundtrack 9%, Action 4.3%, Side Scroller 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy metroidvania with multiple playable characters and fluid combat mechanics that reward skill.

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 29.2%, Female Protagonist 13%, Platformer 12.3%, Comedy 8%, Anime 8%

Why You'll Like It: An action-platformer with a cute aesthetic and satisfying combat mechanics that emphasize exploration.

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 24.6%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Platformer 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Female Protagonist 9.8%

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 25.6%, Platformer 18.1%, Female Protagonist 17%, Anime 10.6%, Cute 9%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 19.4%, Anime 17.5%, Female Protagonist 15.2%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Platformer 9.4%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 23.3%, Female Protagonist 11.6%, Hand-drawn 10.4%, 2.5D 10.3%, Platformer 10.2%

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 28.9%, Female Protagonist 22.2%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Anime 6.9%, 2D 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 27.1%, Great Soundtrack 23.2%, Anime 17.9%, Action 8.2%, Cute 6.4%

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 17.6%, Side Scroller 16%, Female Protagonist 15.8%, Platformer 14%, Anime 12.4%

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 35.8%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Platformer 10.7%, Cute 9.6%, Funny 8.9%

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 36.2%, Platformer 17.8%, Action-Adventure 7.8%, Fantasy 6.5%, Female Protagonist 6.2%

Become more than human and save mankind from total annihilation! From legendary developer Game Freak comes an action adventure like no other - manipulate the world around you and smash the evil Ajeet to smithereens!

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.7%, Female Protagonist 21.9%, Platformer 19.8%, Anime 15.6%, Action 7.1%

In Blade Kitten, join Kit Ballard as she explores the mysterious world of Hollow Wish to hunt down rogue mechs and soft targets.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 27.7%, Platformer 25.5%, Anime 20.4%, Action 7.3%, Adventure 5.9%

Play as Chelshia the chimera in this platforming beat-em-up adventure into the wonderful world of monster girls!

Why similar: Platformer 22.4%, Female Protagonist 21.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Cute 7.1%, Anime 6.5%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 42.3%, Platformer 13.8%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Action 8.2%

Explore the mysteries of an unknown land! ”Transiruby '' is a metroidvania game where you explore the world as a cyborg protagonist named Siruby. Slash and shoot your way to reveal its hidden secrets!

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.3%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Platformer 10.2%, Action-Adventure 8.5%, Female Protagonist 8.1%

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: Female Protagonist 25.9%, Platformer 24.8%, Cute 14.7%, 2D 11.4%, Action 6.9%

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 24.4%, Platformer 16.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Hand-drawn 9.9%, Side Scroller 9.8%

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 35.2%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Anime 11.7%, Platformer 11.2%, Cute 9.3%

Tokino Sora zaps into another world mid-live! Join her Hololive friends in a thrilling Metroidvania-style action-adventure, blending 2D and 3D. Explore a mysterious realm, recover scattered items, and guide Sora’s epic tale to a dazzling finale!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Anime 9.6%, Action-Adventure 9.2%, Fantasy 8.5%

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 24%, Female Protagonist 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Platformer 11%, Anime 9%

A 2D platforming adventure featuring fireworks

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.4%, Female Protagonist 16.4%, Anime 9.4%, Action-Adventure 9.1%, Cute 8.7%

Discover a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! Explore, fight and survive as you ascend to the peak of a land ruled by silk and song.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.4%, Great Soundtrack 18.5%, Platformer 11.3%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Hand-drawn 8%

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 35.8%, Anime 14.8%, Platformer 12.8%, Cute 9.1%, Female Protagonist 8.3%

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: Female Protagonist 23.7%, Metroidvania 22.4%, Platformer 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Side Scroller 10%

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 35.9%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Platformer 14.3%, Action-Adventure 8.2%, Cute 7.9%

A retro platform, side-scrolling game with gorgeous pixel art. Help Mia rescue Fernando, her husband, who has been kidnapped by a Dark Elf named Morganna and her pack of Monster Girls.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 16%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Platformer 13.9%, Anime 12.4%, Funny 10.6%

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a blistering hardcore platformer with contrasting worlds.

Why similar: 2.5D 18.7%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Platformer 13.8%, Female Protagonist 13.3%, Anime 9%

Witchcrafty is a metroidvania platformer with magical action gameplay, exploration of a weird world, and adorable pixel art graphics. Help the little witch solve the mystery of strange events in the Kingdom, and defeat enemies with fire, lightning, and ice magic.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.7%, Side Scroller 15%, Female Protagonist 11.5%, Platformer 11.2%, Funny 7.1%

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: Great Soundtrack 30.8%, Platformer 29%, Side Scroller 11.6%, 2D 6.2%, Indie 3.9%