Games Like Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope

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: Platformer 19.4%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Retro 16.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Action 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the retro-platforming spirit while evolving into a brilliant metroidvania with a sharp sense of humor.

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: Platformer 17.7%, Retro 15%, Action 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a direct love letter to classic 8-bit action games, featuring tight combat and multiple playable characters.

Experience the ultimate celebration of past and future in Sonic Mania, an all-new 2D Sonic adventure running at a crisp 60FPS with stunning HD retro-style graphics.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 25.7%, Platformer 21.2%, Retro 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, Adventure 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is the gold standard for modern games that successfully recreate the feel and energy of classic 16-bit platformers.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.

Why similar: Platformer 19.3%, Retro 17.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, Action 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the classic ninja action genre that delivers intense, challenging platforming and a stellar soundtrack.

Mega Man is back! The newest entry in this iconic series blends classic, challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh new visual style. The new Double Gear system boosts Mega Man's speed and power for a new twist to the satisfying gameplay the series is known for.

Why similar: Platformer 28.9%, Action 23.2%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Difficult 11.1%, Retro 9%

Why You'll Like It: As a pillar of the action-platformer genre, this title offers the same level of polish and satisfying boss-fight mechanics that define Shovel Knight.

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: Platformer 28.6%, Great Soundtrack 22.4%, Action 11.4%, Adventure 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a perfect blend of humor, charm, and tight platforming mechanics that feel right at home alongside Shovel Knight.

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: Platformer 22.4%, Adventure 22.1%, Action 20.2%, Indie 13.7%, Great Soundtrack 13%

Why You'll Like It: A polished action-adventure game that excels in world-building, exploration, and satisfying character-based platforming.

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

Why similar: Platformer 19.7%, Retro 14.6%, Action 13%, Adventure 13%, Difficult 13%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie classic that pioneered the retro-modern movement with its deep world-building and precise action.

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: Platformer 24.2%, Adventure 15.6%, Action 14.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Retro 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully hand-drawn remake that maintains the core spirit of classic adventure-platformers with modern quality-of-life improvements.

DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.

Why similar: Platformer 30.3%, Adventure 17.9%, Retro 15.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Action 14.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game served as a primary inspiration for Shovel Knight, offering classic platforming mechanics and a nostalgic adventure.

The ultra-refined 2D side-scrolling action you remember from "Azure Striker Gunvolt" is recharged and better than ever! In Gunvolt 2, series anti-hero Copen joins the fray as a playable character! Copy abilities from defeated boss characters and use them as your own!

Why similar: Action 25.8%, Platformer 23.6%, Indie 18.2%, Retro 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, stylish action platformer that rewards precision and offers a distinct, high-quality retro feel.

Take control of Specter Knight, servant to the Enchantress, in a quest to recruit a cadre of knights and create the Order of No Quarter. Experience perfect platforming, world-class visuals, impeccable stage design, incredible music, and even meet a friend or two in Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment!

Why similar: Action 20.9%, Adventure 20.1%, Platformer 16.9%, Indie 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: An essential expansion that introduces unique movement mechanics and a darker, compelling narrative perspective.

Step into the gilded boots of King Knight in the biggest and most regal Shovel Knight game of them all! Leap, Shoulder Bash, gather new subjects, and strategize your way through this prequel in your quest to become King of Cards!

Why similar: Action 18.5%, Platformer 18.3%, Adventure 18.1%, Indie 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished expansion that adds a unique card-game mechanic to the classic platforming formula.

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: Adventure 17.2%, Action 17.1%, Platformer 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.8%, Indie 14.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines tight action-platforming with a surprisingly deep, heartfelt narrative and unique boss encounters.

Meet new friends and foes, visit strange lands, and outfit yourself on a quest to keep the entire land from collapsing underfoot! Jump, slash, and dig your way down an ever-changing chasm of mystery in this standalone Shovel Knight adventure.

Why similar: Action 45.1%, Pixel Graphics 34.1%, 2D 20.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-quality roguelite spin-off that maintains the series' signature art style and tight controls.

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 23.9%, Great Soundtrack 20%, Action 12.3%, Retro 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers high-speed, momentum-based platforming with a vibrant aesthetic and a memorable, high-energy soundtrack.

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 24.1%, Platformer 18.7%, Difficult 14%, Pixel Graphics 12.7%, Indie 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: While more focused on precision, it shares Shovel Knight's commitment to tight controls, emotional storytelling, and rewarding difficulty.

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Platformer 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 18.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.3%, Action 11.5%, Indie 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-heavy platformer that captures the mysterious, retro-sci-fi atmosphere of classic 8-bit adventures.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 22.8%, Platformer 17.9%, Pixel Graphics 15.7%, Action 15.5%, Indie 8%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish, fast-paced action game that captures the retro aesthetic while introducing unique time-manipulation mechanics.

Steel yourself for a relentless display of might and muscle…brawn and bravery…magic and mayhem! Inspired by heroic fantasy fiction, Tiny Barbarian DX combines engaging 2D platform action and combo-based hack-and-slash combat with retro-style pixel art and a loincloth-stirring chiptune soundtrack.

Why similar: Action 32.2%, Adventure 30.1%, Platformer 19.8%, Retro 11%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action game that focuses on visceral combat and challenging platforming segments.

Starring a cast of beloved Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel.

Why similar: Platformer 24.8%, Retro 23.7%, Action 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This collection provides an essential look at the classic platforming history that heavily influenced the design of Shovel Knight.

Mago is a retro 2D platformer that puts us in the boots of a sorcerer, who was unfortunate enough to eat evil overlords' food. Now he has to rescue his beloved princess from the dinner menu of the evil Gourmet! Nostalgia awaits!

Why similar: Platformer 19.1%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Adventure 13.6%, Indie 11.8%, Retro 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, retro-inspired platformer that balances exploration with creative magic-based mechanics.

Jump, shoot, and slash your way through 30XX, the roguelike action platformer you can play with a friend! Explore lush, ever-changing worlds that mix precise platforming with fevered combat. Destroy fearsome Guardians. Master unique Powers. Rediscover the thousand years we've lost.

Why similar: Platformer 28.9%, Action 17.2%, Co-op 15.3%, Adventure 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%

Why You'll Like It: A modern roguelite platformer that features incredibly tight controls and a high level of replayability for fans of classic action.

Join Pixel as he quests through gaming history, teleporting across the most iconic video game systems of generations past. He’ll have to jump, dodge and play smart if he wants to survive all the traps, puzzles and enemies waiting to take him down at every turn.

Why similar: Platformer 25.1%, Retro 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 16.1%, Indie 12.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A creative love letter to gaming history that lets you experience various retro art styles through platforming challenges.

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: Adventure 26%, Indie 18.4%, Action 16.6%, Platformer 14.2%, Retro 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming action-adventure game that feels like a lost classic from the 16-bit era with its interconnected world and combat.

Swords & Bones inherits the spirit of the great 16-bit classics from the 80s and 90s, enriching the game experience with modern mechanics! Undead hordes and demons await you in this epic adventure!

Why similar: Action 24.4%, Adventure 24.2%, Platformer 14%, Retro 12.5%, Indie 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic action-platformer that delivers a straightforward, nostalgic experience with a retro aesthetic.

Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.

Why similar: Platformer 26.7%, Difficult 16.2%, Action 14.8%, Retro 13.2%, Indie 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, arcade-style action platformer that demands mastery and rewards players with a true sense of accomplishment.

Play Skelattack and save the Underworld in this fun action platformer! Together with your best bat friend Imber, you jump, slash, and flap your way though the Underworld and stop the human threat!

Why similar: Platformer 23.3%, Action 22.5%, Adventure 22.2%, Indie 16%, Great Soundtrack 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: An action-platformer with a unique, humorous aesthetic that focuses on fluid movement and character-driven gameplay.

Experience the apeX of 2D action! A new era of 2D action begins now! Get ready for high-speed, stylish 2D side-scrolling action like never before. Inti Creates presents the ultimate in classic 2D action with "Luminous Avenger iX"!

Why similar: Action 39.8%, Platformer 24.7%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Pixel Graphics 12%, 2D 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane action platformer that emphasizes speed and precision in its combat and movement systems.

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: Adventure 17.7%, Action 17.3%, Platformer 14.7%, Retro 13.9%, Indie 13.8%

Why You'll Like It: An authentic retro experience that captures the limitations and charm of early 8-bit gaming with a quirky personality.

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 22.6%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Retro 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Adventure 7.9%

Delve with Shovel Knight into the depths of the Pocket Dungeon in an action-packed puzzle adventure mashup like none other!

Why similar: Adventure 32.3%, Action 28.7%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Indie 10.6%, Difficult 6.9%

Spark the electric jester is an action/platformer video game heavily based on best classics from the 16-bit era from both sides of the aisle.

Why similar: Platformer 24.1%, Great Soundtrack 19.9%, Action 17.5%, Retro 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%

Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 28.5%, Platformer 17%, Indie 11.1%, Action 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%

A 8-bit retro action platformer that goes beyond just pixels and chiptunes

Why similar: Action 28.3%, Platformer 19.9%, Indie 18.4%, Retro 16.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%

Enter a world of never-ending battle! Duel with up to 4 local challengers and scramble after gems, or take control of your favorite characters, many playable for the first time ever, in Story Mode. Master every move, explore a vast array of items and locales, and discover new revelations.

Why similar: Action 34.3%, Adventure 33.2%, Indie 24.5%, Pixel Graphics 8%

In this pixel-perfect homage to the classic action platformers, you play as Sydney Hunter - an explorer who gets trapped inside a Mayan pyramid while he's out exploring!

Why similar: Action 21.2%, Adventure 19.8%, Indie 14.3%, Platformer 12.6%, Retro 9.4%

A metroidvania that combines the visual style of classic retro games with the fluid gameplay of modern titles. Explore different worlds, face challenging enemies and bosses, and absorb their powers to destroy the Core of Infinitevania.

Why similar: Platformer 22.8%, Action 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Difficult 11%, Indie 11%

Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 27.5%, Action 25.4%, Difficult 19%, Adventure 15.9%, Platformer 6.1%

Play as the ultimate digital underdog in the Adventures of Pip,an action-platformer with a fresh gameplay twist inside a retro 32-bit world. Alas, Pip is an unlikely 1-pixel hero yet has the unique ability to absorb the pixels of his defeated enemies to evolve into three different forms.

Why similar: Platformer 25.3%, Action 18.6%, Adventure 17%, Retro 16.1%, Indie 12.5%

Rediscover the beloved 2D arcade-style beat 'em up inspired by the iconic comic and movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World!

Why similar: Action 26.4%, Adventure 22.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.5%, Co-op 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%

Now FREE and worth every penny! A love letter to classic platforming action and 90s animation oddness. Eat magical candies to change the art of the world around you as you fight through 40 levels unlocking new Chesters, battling strange baddies, finding secret secrets, and reclaiming your cupcakes!

Why similar: Adventure 26.4%, Platformer 20.3%, Indie 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Retro 11.5%

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 24.9%, Platformer 22.4%, Difficult 14.4%, Indie 11.2%, Adventure 11.1%

Jet Gunner is a 2D platform action indie game that's full of Nestalgia. Full of action, gunfights, bosses and explosions so if you're into the whole 8-Bit vibe you should love this. From the sound, to the graphics to the flicker, this should pay tribute to those classic hard as nails, run 'n' gun games.

Why similar: Action 30.7%, Platformer 18.5%, Adventure 13.5%, Retro 12.3%, Indie 11.8%

Jump, burrow, and tail swipe your way to victory in this love letter to classic 3D platformers!

Why similar: Platformer 41.6%, Adventure 32.6%, Action 22.9%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Abathor is a challenging 2D action platformer for solo play or up to 4 players. Embark on an epic 16-bit quest inspired by Golden Axe, Rastan, and Castlevania IV. Traverse Atlantis, battle demons, and defeat vicious bosses to save your progress! Enjoy an amazing OST from classic-era musicians!

Why similar: Platformer 19.9%, Retro 13%, Action 12.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Difficult 9.8%

Dispersio is a retro-style action platformer. As you progress through the game, you will have to use and combine special abilities, such as dashing, wall-jumping and more. There's even a hard mode for hardcore players.

Why similar: Adventure 26.1%, Indie 19%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Platformer 16.9%, Difficult 11.7%

Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 25.3%, Pixel Graphics 18.2%, Adventure 15.4%, Difficult 13.3%, Action 12.3%

Inspired by the retro glory days of 8-bit games, Rex Rocket is a traditional 2D platformer brought into the 21st century. Paying tribute to classic NES games like Mario, Mega Man, and Metroid, old-school platformer fans will find Rex Rocket a breath of fresh air.

Why similar: Platformer 18.3%, Action 17.5%, Adventure 15%, Retro 11.9%, Indie 10.6%

Love pixels? Fond of platformers? Is there a special place in your heart for the 8-bit and 16-bit era? Want to have fun? Yes!? Well, you’ve come to the right place, my friend. Mutant Mudds Deluxe is a “12-bit” action platformer full of pixels and platforming fun!

Why similar: Platformer 22.9%, Pixel Graphics 15%, Indie 13.8%, Retro 12.7%, Action 11.8%

Super Blasting Boy is a logical platform platformer made in the best traditions of retro games of the late 80's and 90's.

Why similar: Adventure 19.3%, Action 18.8%, Indie 14.1%, Platformer 12.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%

Evolve through the history of video games in this fun-filled blast from the past.

Why similar: Adventure 25.5%, Action 23.9%, Platformer 22.4%, Indie 17.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%

A great 2D retro-action-platformer! To the lovers of big pixels and screeching synthetic sounds we dedicate this masterpiece to you.

Why similar: Platformer 24.3%, Retro 21.1%, Action 18.8%, Adventure 11.8%, Indie 9.9%

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: Platformer 21.5%, Adventure 20.9%, Action 19.6%, Indie 14%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%

Gravity Circuit is a flashy action packed 2D platformer in the spirit of console classics. Follow Kai, a lone operative war hero who harnesses the mysterious powers of the Gravity Circuit, on an adventure in a futuristic world inhabited by sentient robots.

Why similar: Platformer 23.2%, Action 17.9%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.5%, Retro 12.3%

Radical Rabbit Stew is a hare-raising action-arcade game, featuring fast-paced whack-a-rabbit gameplay, scintillating puzzles, super-sized boss fights, juicy pixel graphics and a sizzling soundtrack, perfect for new players and 16-bit retro fans alike!

Why similar: Action 18.5%, Adventure 18.1%, Indie 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.9%, Retro 11.5%

"The best platformer of 2019."Horace is a huge platforming adventure which pushes the boundaries of the genre with a profound story of a small robot learning of life, the universe and Douglas Adams. Made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers!

Why similar: Platformer 18.5%, Adventure 14.3%, Action 14%, Indie 11%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%

The classic rhythm platformer is back as BIT.TRIP RERUNNER + RUNNER MAKER! The fun of the original now sports fresh mechanics, art, and soundtrack – plus RUNNER MAKER, which allows you to create custom levels. A must-play for rhythm newbies, experts, and everyone in between.

Why similar: Platformer 29.5%, Action 19.3%, Retro 15.8%, Difficult 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%

-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: Action 26.7%, Adventure 18.2%, Platformer 17.4%, Indie 15%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%

Embark on a heartfelt Mushroomvania adventure through a vast and dense interconnected world! It's like a mix of retro and modern classics!

Why similar: Adventure 33.2%, Platformer 25.8%, Action 12%, Indie 9.1%, Retro 7.3%