Games Like Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut

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 33.2%, Platformer 19.8%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: This direct follow-up refines the exploration and platforming mechanics that made the original so enjoyable.

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 41.3%, Female Protagonist 19.6%, Platformer 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, Anime 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a larger, interconnected world with fluid movement and the signature charm of the series.

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 36.2%, Platformer 20.7%, Female Protagonist 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%, Anime 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This entry features stunning high-definition art while maintaining the classic hair-whipping action and transformation mechanics.

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 38.4%, Female Protagonist 17.6%, Platformer 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It combines intricate puzzle-platforming with a deep, emotional narrative and beautiful pixel art.

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 30.8%, Great Soundtrack 20.7%, Female Protagonist 19.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Retro 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This high-speed platformer captures the same energetic spirit and features a strong female protagonist in a colorful world.

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 38.1%, Platformer 17.9%, Female Protagonist 16.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Side Scroller 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A polished Metroidvania that features tight combat and a dark, atmospheric pixel-art aesthetic.

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 53.6%, Female Protagonist 15.9%, Platformer 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Anime 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the masters of the genre, this game offers deep exploration and a vast array of abilities to unlock.

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 35.2%, Female Protagonist 16.3%, Platformer 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%, Anime 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: It blends bullet-hell combat with non-linear exploration, offering a high level of challenge and depth.

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 36.6%, Platformer 17.9%, Female Protagonist 16%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%, Anime 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game features gorgeous pixel art and a unique elemental switching mechanic that feels both classic and fresh.

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 34.8%, Platformer 28%, Great Soundtrack 13.7%, Retro 4%, Action 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This remake captures the nostalgic feel of classic adventure platformers with beautiful hand-drawn visuals.

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 43.4%, Platformer 21.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Action 4.5%, Anime 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: The transformation mechanics and vibrant world design are direct spiritual successors to the classic adventure-platformer 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 40%, Platformer 24%, Great Soundtrack 16.9%, Pixel Graphics 6%, Retro 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential indie platformer that defined the genre with its tight controls and memorable, quirky characters.

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 36.1%, Platformer 16.9%, Female Protagonist 14.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish Metroidvania that focuses on time-stopping abilities and fast-paced, satisfying combat.

The definitive version of the smash-hit Metroidvania-style action-platformer, Guacamelee! STCE adds new levels, powers, challenges, and refinements to the sprawling, ridiculous, Mexican-inspired adventure of the original Guacamelee! Gold Edition.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.3%, Platformer 33.1%, 2D 5.3%, Action 0.3%, Funny 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: It features excellent combat-heavy platforming and a colorful, humorous world inspired by Mexican folklore.

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 40.5%, Platformer 19%, Female Protagonist 17.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Side Scroller 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A charming Metroidvania with a time-manipulation mechanic and a heartfelt story centered on a female lead.

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 32.6%, Female Protagonist 30.2%, Platformer 25.7%, Action 5.8%, Indie 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer from the same developers as Shantae, featuring similar art style and catchy music.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 48%, Female Protagonist 22.7%, Platformer 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Action 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted Metroidvania featuring a young witch protagonist and a focus on item-based exploration.

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 36.7%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Anime 10.8%, Action 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 9%

Why You'll Like It: This action-platformer provides fast-paced gameplay and a high-energy soundtrack that fans of the genre will appreciate.

-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 26.3%, Female Protagonist 23.6%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Action 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This action-platformer offers a fun, anime-inspired aesthetic and a unique boss-rush style progression.

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 60.8%, Platformer 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Female Protagonist 3.4%, Action 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A deep Metroidvania with complex combat systems and multiple playable characters to choose from.

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 35.5%, Platformer 17.9%, Female Protagonist 15.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Anime 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A charming 2D action-platformer that emphasizes exploration and combat with a distinct pixel-art style.

Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection brings together six classic titles in one game: Mega Man Zero 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as Mega Man ZX and ZX Advent. The collection also features Z-Chaser, an exclusive new mode created just for this set of games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.8%, Platformer 23.7%, Great Soundtrack 17.2%, Action 12.8%, Pixel Graphics 6%

Why You'll Like It: These games serve as the foundational inspiration for many modern action-platformers, offering precise controls and challenging bosses.

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 27.3%, Platformer 26.7%, Female Protagonist 18.2%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%, Cute 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: While more platforming-focused, it shares the same high-quality pixel art and emotional resonance found in the best indie adventures.

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

Why similar: Platformer 29.1%, Female Protagonist 22.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A free-to-play platformer that feels like a love letter to classic 16-bit action games.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 27.9%, Female Protagonist 20.9%, Platformer 16.2%, Anime 11.3%, Cute 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: An action-RPG that captures a classic, whimsical adventure feel with a party of charming characters.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 54%, Platformer 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Action 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on exploration and discovery within a mysterious, pixelated world filled with challenging bosses.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.1%, Female Protagonist 19.2%, Platformer 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%, Anime 5.8%

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 25.7%, Metroidvania 25.5%, Platformer 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 5%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward and addictive action-platformer with a focus on weapon upgrades and exploration.

Swing, climb, grab, and throw in this action platformer where you can grapple anywhere! Using Rena's magic bracelets, hook onto any surface to swing wherever you like, or grab your foes to send them hurtling into each other!

Why similar: Platformer 35.6%, Female Protagonist 28.7%, Action 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Indie 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique grappling hook mechanic that makes traversal and combat feel dynamic and rewarding.

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

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 23.4%, Female Protagonist 17.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%, Anime 5.2%

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 37.5%, Great Soundtrack 25.3%, Pixel Graphics 12%, Retro 7.7%, 2D 4%

Arcade platform game where every killed enemy can be picked up and thrown to kill more enemies!

Why similar: Platformer 31.3%, Female Protagonist 25.6%, Metroidvania 24.7%, Anime 5.2%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fun, arcade-style platformer that focuses on fast combat and simple, satisfying mechanics.

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 32.4%, Platformer 20.5%, Female Protagonist 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, Action 6%

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.9%, Platformer 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Retro 4.3%

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 40%, Platformer 19.1%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Retro 4.6%

I swear it's a nice action metroidvania game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.5%, Female Protagonist 15.8%, Platformer 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.8%, Anime 6.2%

The fast paced platforming of Freedom Planet returns! Become a full-time cartoon heroine and use abilities and items suited to your play style to explore the world of Avalice and defend its animal citizens!

Why similar: Platformer 29.9%, Female Protagonist 23.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.7%, Anime 7%, Side Scroller 7%

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 31.4%, Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Pixel Graphics 14%, Anime 9.8%, Action 6.7%

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 43.8%, Platformer 17.7%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.2%

A certain office lady is back!!

Why similar: Platformer 29.6%, Female Protagonist 17.9%, Pixel Graphics 14%, Great Soundtrack 13.5%, Action 6%

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 46.2%, Platformer 21.7%, Female Protagonist 12%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Action 3.5%

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 41%, Platformer 21.4%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%, Funny 5%

Guacamelee! is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.

Why similar: Metroidvania 56.1%, Platformer 27.1%, Great Soundtrack 4.1%, Action 3.4%, 2D 2.2%

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 28.4%, Platformer 27.3%, Female Protagonist 24%, Anime 8.1%, Action 5.5%

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 44.2%, Female Protagonist 18.3%, Platformer 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%, Funny 5%

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 28.5%, Platformer 18.8%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 8%

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a fast-paced platformer that will plunge you into the heart of two opposing worlds.

Why similar: Platformer 51.1%, Female Protagonist 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Action 8.6%, Indie 5.2%

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: Platformer 22.2%, Female Protagonist 19.9%, Great Soundtrack 17.7%, Anime 7.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%

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 50.7%, Platformer 16.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Retro 4%, Action 3.7%

Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure is a cute and clever action RPG featuring real-time combat, 3D graphics, 90+ items, mini-games, multiple endings, a rocking soundtrack, 35+ hours of playtime, tons of fully voiced characters by an all-star cast of voice actors, and more!

Why similar: Platformer 33%, Female Protagonist 23.3%, Anime 8.9%, Cute 7.8%, Action 6%

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 41.6%, Female Protagonist 15.8%, Platformer 14.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%, Anime 6.6%

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 46.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.5%, Adventure 9.4%, Cute 8.8%, Indie 6.8%

Every day is a wonderful day for invertebrates! Come join the Squidlits of Blipston for a squishy adventure of spoopy castles, muffins, and wiggles! Made with classic handheld technology in mind, Squidlit strives to be the closest modern recreation of GameBoy game-design methods on the market.

Why similar: Platformer 27.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%, Female Protagonist 9.7%, Retro 8.3%

Rediscover this great Metroidvania game in a brand new version with a lot of features and improvements! Run in a vast world full of mysteries and action in this Metroidvania-style game inspired by the classics of the 16-bit era.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.7%, Platformer 24.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Female Protagonist 4.4%, Action 3.9%

The ultimate version of the 3D Platformer with attitude! Join Beebz on three seperate adventures to ultimately claim the Demon Queen title! Jump, spin and punch your way across the turfs with this Expressive Platformer!

Why similar: Platformer 31%, Female Protagonist 26%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Anime 8.6%, Funny 8.4%

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 32.4%, Platformer 20.7%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Retro 6.4%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 49.3%, Platformer 21.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, Action 4.5%, Funny 3.9%

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 43.9%, Platformer 26.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Action 4.3%, 2D 3%