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 32.6%, Platformer 19.3%, Female Protagonist 15.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the peak of the series, this title refines the exploration and platforming mechanics found in Risky's Revenge.

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 41.2%, Female Protagonist 19.7%, Platformer 18.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%, Anime 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern entry that expands on the series' signature transformation mechanics and colorful world-building.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, Female Protagonist 18.5%, Platformer 12.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%, Anime 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired entry that captures the original handheld feel of the series with clever multi-plane level design.

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 34.9%, Platformer 20%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Great Soundtrack 9%, Anime 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features high-fidelity art and a level-based structure that retains the series' classic humor and charm.

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 30.9%, Great Soundtrack 20.9%, Female Protagonist 18.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Retro 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers high-speed platforming and an incredible soundtrack that mirrors the energy of the Shantae series.

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 17.5%, Platformer 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines deep, character-driven storytelling with intricate platforming and creative boss encounters.

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 12.3%, Action 4.3%, 2D 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a beautiful hand-drawn aesthetic paired with fluid, fast-paced action and a strong central protagonist.

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 32.3%, Female Protagonist 14.8%, Platformer 14.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: An expansive metroidvania that features a unique bullet-hell combat system and a charming, anime-inspired aesthetic.

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%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Side Scroller 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A tight, challenging metroidvania with gorgeous pixel art and a focus on precise 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 53.5%, Female Protagonist 15.9%, Platformer 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Anime 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to the classic Igavania style, offering deep character customization and exploration.

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 34.7%, Platformer 28%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Action 3.9%, Retro 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming remake of a classic that heavily influenced the transformation-based exploration 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 43.3%, Platformer 21.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Action 4.5%, Anime 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features colorful, vibrant visuals and transformation-based gameplay that feels very similar to Shantae's mechanics.

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 36.7%, Platformer 17.8%, Female Protagonist 16%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, Anime 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides fluid, satisfying combat and exploration within a beautifully realized metroidvania framework.

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 35.8%, Great Soundtrack 24.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Retro 7.2%, Metroidvania 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for modern retro-platformers, offering impeccable controls and a memorable, charming world.

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%, Platformer 16.9%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish metroidvania that utilizes a unique time-stop mechanic to create satisfying combat and traversal puzzles.

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 60.4%, Platformer 33.1%, 2D 5.2%, Action 0.3%, Funny 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features tight platforming and a combat-heavy focus that rewards players for mastering movement abilities.

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 17.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Side Scroller 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features a compelling time-manipulation mechanic and a beautiful pixel-art style reminiscent of 90s classics.

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 40.1%, Platformer 19.1%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Retro 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on 8-bit exploration games that focuses on clever puzzle-solving and interconnected level design.

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 32.7%, Female Protagonist 30.5%, Platformer 25.5%, Action 5.7%, Indie 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team as Shantae, this game features similar art styles and high-energy puzzle-platforming.

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 50.9%, Female Protagonist 23.3%, Platformer 7.8%, Anime 6.5%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the developers of Momodora, this game offers a more polished and atmospheric action-platforming experience.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.1%, Female Protagonist 22.6%, Platformer 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%, Action 3.3%

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

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 32.6%, Platformer 20.3%, Female Protagonist 18.4%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, Action 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Blends platforming with a unique party-based combat system, all wrapped in a beautiful, hand-drawn aesthetic.

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 31.1%, Great Soundtrack 21.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%, Anime 9.8%, Action 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant beat-em-up that shares the same sense of humor and expressive character design found in Shantae.

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 21.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, colorful action-platformer that emphasizes fluid movement and combat.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.2%, Platformer 22.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Anime 6.4%, Retro 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie platformer that balances exploration, combat, and a heartfelt story perfectly.

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 25.5%, Female Protagonist 25.5%, Platformer 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 5%

Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy platformer with a focus on weapon upgrades and fast-paced combat encounters.

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 53.9%, Platformer 17.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%, Adventure 5.1%, Action 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A non-linear action-adventure game that captures the spirit of classic 16-bit exploration titles.

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 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Anime 4.6%

A certain office lady is back!!

Why similar: Platformer 29.5%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Action 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A short, sweet, and free-to-play platformer that captures the simple joy of classic pixel-art gaming.

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 17.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Anime 5.2%

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

Why similar: Platformer 31.4%, Female Protagonist 25.4%, Metroidvania 24.8%, Anime 5.3%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted action-platformer that features a female lead and a focus on fast, arcade-style combat.

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 30%, Female Protagonist 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.7%, Side Scroller 7.2%, Anime 7%

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 35.6%, Platformer 17.9%, Female Protagonist 15%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Anime 4.4%

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%, Female Protagonist 15.4%, Platformer 14%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Anime 6.5%

I swear it's a nice action metroidvania game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.5%, Female Protagonist 15.6%, Platformer 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%, Anime 6.2%

-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 26.4%, Female Protagonist 23.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Action 9.1%

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 46.2%, Platformer 21.8%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, 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 41.1%, Platformer 21.4%, Female Protagonist 17.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%, Funny 5%

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 28.3%, Platformer 27.2%, Female Protagonist 24.2%, Anime 8.3%, Action 5.4%

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

Why similar: Platformer 51.2%, Female Protagonist 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.7%, Action 8.6%, Indie 5%

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 21.9%, Female Protagonist 20.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.7%, Anime 7.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%

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 44.3%, Female Protagonist 18.2%, Platformer 16%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%, Funny 5.1%

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 3.3%, 2D 2.2%

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 9%, Cute 7.8%, Action 6%

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 6.3%

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 28.4%, Platformer 18.8%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 8%

Mighty No. 9 is a 2D Side-scrolling Action game that takes the best elements from 8 and 16-bit classics that you know and love and transforms them with modern tech, fresh mechanics, and fan input into something fresh and amazing!

Why similar: Platformer 54.8%, Anime 12.6%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Action 8.7%, Retro 5.8%

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 46.5%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Adventure 9.4%, Cute 8.9%, Indie 6.7%

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 26.9%, Platformer 22.9%, Female Protagonist 22.4%, Cute 11.3%, Funny 7.1%

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 46.8%, Platformer 24.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Female Protagonist 4.4%, Action 3.9%

A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 31.1%, Great Soundtrack 25.5%, Pixel Graphics 18.9%, Anime 5.4%, Retro 4.6%

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 25.8%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Anime 8.6%, Funny 8.5%

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 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%, Female Protagonist 9.6%, Retro 8.1%

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 32.1%, Platformer 20.7%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Retro 6.3%

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%

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

Why similar: Platformer 29.8%, Female Protagonist 22.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Side Scroller 7.8%, Anime 7.3%

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 50.8%, Platformer 16.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Retro 3.9%, Action 3.7%

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 53.4%, Platformer 21.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 2.8%, Retro 2.1%