Games Like Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment

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 25.5%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Retro 10.5%, Action 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features tight, fast-paced ninja platforming and a dynamic soundtrack that perfectly mirrors the retro-action feel of Specter of Torment.

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 22.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.9%, Action 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Retro 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic 8-bit action games that shares the same polished, retro-pixel aesthetic and challenging stage design.

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: Platformer 28.4%, Action 23.5%, Indie 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 16.6%, Retro 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features fast, stylish 2D action with a heavy emphasis on mobility and unique character-specific movement mechanics.

Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action-adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, lovable bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you!

Why similar: Action 20.9%, Adventure 19.7%, Platformer 17.1%, Indie 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: The core Shovel Knight experience that shares the same engine, art style, and high-quality level design philosophy.

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 25%, Pixel Graphics 16.5%, Retro 11.2%, Action 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers incredibly precise, high-speed ninja combat and platforming that feels like a spiritual successor to the best 8-bit action titles.

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: Platformer 24%, Pixel Graphics 22.2%, Great Soundtrack 19.2%, Action 15.5%, Indie 8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-speed, one-hit-kill dash combat that rewards the same kind of rhythmic, aggressive playstyle found in Specter of Torment.

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: Platformer 23%, Action 17.6%, Adventure 15.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Indie 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: Another campaign within the Treasure Trove collection that offers unique movement mechanics and polished platforming challenges.

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 27.1%, Pixel Graphics 16.8%, Action 15.6%, Indie 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern action-platformer that captures the essence of classic 8-bit heroes with fluid movement and satisfying combat abilities.

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: Action 40%, Platformer 22.7%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: The dash-and-slash movement mechanics in this series served as a primary inspiration for Specter Knight's agile gameplay style.

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: Platformer 31.8%, Great Soundtrack 22.3%, Indie 12%, Adventure 10.9%, 2D 9%

Why You'll Like It: While more expansive, it shares the same high-quality animation, atmospheric world-building, and tight, demanding platforming controls.

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 28.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 15.3%, Retro 8.9%, Indie 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: The complete collection that provides the best value for experiencing all the varied gameplay styles within the Shovel Knight universe.

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

Why similar: Platformer 30.2%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Indie 10.4%, Action 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie classic that blends exploration, platforming, and combat with a memorable soundtrack and pixel-art charm.

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 26.9%, Adventure 18.8%, Action 18.7%, Indie 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, polished adventure that excels in 2D platforming mechanics and creative level design.

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 30.2%, Action 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 15.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.7%, 2D 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced platformer that prioritizes momentum and speed, capturing the kinetic energy of Specter Knight's movement.

Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 22.4%, Platformer 18.6%, Action 16.4%, Adventure 12.6%, Indie 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action-platformer that emphasizes combat precision and atmospheric world-building.

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: Pixel Graphics 19.6%, Platformer 19.5%, Action 15%, Adventure 13.8%, Indie 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines intricate platforming and boss battles with a deep, narrative-driven experience and beautiful pixel art.

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 41%, Action 27.1%, Adventure 15.4%, Platformer 8.7%, 2D 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging action-adventure game with beautiful pixel art and deep combat systems that reward careful timing.

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.

Why similar: Platformer 44.6%, Action 14.4%, Indie 14.2%, Side Scroller 13%, 2D 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focused heavily on high-difficulty precision platforming that will satisfy players who enjoyed the more challenging segments of Specter of Torment.

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

Why similar: Action 27.1%, Platformer 24.3%, Indie 17.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, Retro 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action game that feels like a lost classic from the 8-bit era with its straightforward, fun platforming.

A precise 2D platformer with a twist. NO JUMPING. Master your magnetic powers to beat each level with speed and skill. Enjoy classic 16-bit gaming vibes, tackle challenging achievements and compete for global leaderboard supremacy along the way.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 18.5%, Indie 17.4%, Platformer 16.8%, Action 15%, Adventure 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: A precision-platformer that replaces traditional jumping with magnetic mechanics, offering a fresh challenge for platforming fans.

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

Why similar: Action 28%, Adventure 25.1%, Platformer 19%, Indie 18.8%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: An action-adventure game with a focus on exploration and combat that feels reminiscent of classic 2D platformers.

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 31.4%, Adventure 26.8%, Platformer 25.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Retro 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features brutal, retro-inspired side-scrolling action with a distinct visual style and challenging combat encounters.

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: Platformer 29.3%, Great Soundtrack 23.9%, Indie 13.6%, Adventure 12%, Action 9.7%

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 23.8%, Adventure 21.6%, Platformer 18%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Indie 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, retro-inspired action game that captures the simple joy of side-scrolling combat and platforming.

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 31.7%, Action 17.7%, Adventure 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 14%, Indie 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A unique platformer where the protagonist evolves through different pixel resolutions, offering clever gameplay mechanics.

A full-blown adventure played with only two buttons. Become the recently deceased agent Terry Cooper and escape the underworld while facing the toughest, meanest and most difficult obstacles ever devised.

Why similar: Action 29.2%, Platformer 24%, Indie 20%, Pixel Graphics 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, difficult precision-platformer that strips away combat to focus entirely on movement mastery.

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 21.9%, Adventure 18.7%, Platformer 17.2%, Indie 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-style platformer that emphasizes exploration and classic 8-bit gameplay mechanics.

Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.

Why similar: Action 23.2%, Pixel Graphics 22.8%, Indie 17.7%, Platformer 15.5%, 2D 8%

Sir Lovelot is on a quest to find the love of his life. Join him in this wacky tight platformer, where impressing cheeky damsels is harder than a heart of stone!

Why similar: Platformer 31.3%, Pixel Graphics 20%, Indie 11.6%, Retro 10.7%, Action 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, difficult precision-platformer that rewards players for learning level layouts and timing jumps perfectly.

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 32.9%, Platformer 27%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Side Scroller 7.5%

Embark on your journey, travel through rifts and restore the balance as the Rift Keeper in this handcrafted 2D roguelite platformer with challenging, fast-paced action gameplay.

Why similar: Action 24.9%, Indie 18.1%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Platformer 16.5%, Pixel Graphics 16.2%

Why You'll Like It: An action-roguelite that features snappy, 2D combat and platforming in bite-sized, challenging levels.

Play as a fearsome knight on a journey filled with challenges. Use a variety of abilities and powerups to take down enemies in an abandoned, torn by war castle.

Why similar: Adventure 26.8%, Indie 21.4%, Platformer 20.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric 2D platformer that focuses on navigating dangerous environments with precise timing.

Be a ninja and go on an action platforming adventure to save the world. Climb walls, slice up bad guys, master tricky platforming sequences and face ruthless bosses.

Why similar: Platformer 26.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, Side Scroller 12%, Action 11.5%, Adventure 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling, arcade-style platformer that focuses on difficult, fast-paced movement and combat challenges.

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 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 16.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Action 11%, Indie 10.2%

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

Why similar: Action 28.4%, Pixel Graphics 27.5%, 2D 17.5%, Adventure 16.2%, Retro 6.4%

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: Platformer 26%, Great Soundtrack 21.1%, Pixel Graphics 18.8%, Indie 11.2%, Adventure 6.5%

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

Why similar: Adventure 30.1%, Action 29.6%, Pixel Graphics 20.8%, Indie 11%, 2D 6.5%

Castle In The Darkness is a fun and challenging shout out to the early days of video games! It's an action exploration platformer with some RPG elements, much like games from the Castlevania or Metroid series. It's super fast-paced, challenging, and full of secrets!

Why similar: Platformer 29.2%, Pixel Graphics 14.9%, Action 13.9%, Indie 11.7%, Adventure 11.1%

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

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 28.6%, Great Soundtrack 23.7%, Adventure 15.7%, Action 13.8%, Indie 12.3%

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: Platformer 25.6%, Pixel Graphics 14%, Action 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Side Scroller 10.9%

Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 26.6%, Platformer 20.4%, Action 11.4%, Indie 9.4%, Great Soundtrack 9%

A powerful ancient evil has arisen, and the war to save humanity has begun! As an elite agent in the monster-hunting Prodigium organization, you must use a variety of weapons, upgrades, and mysterious artifacts to defend mankind against the supernatural hordes of Princess Ahmanet.

Why similar: Action 23.3%, Pixel Graphics 18.5%, Adventure 18.3%, Platformer 14.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%

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%, Adventure 30.2%, Indie 24.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%

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 25.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%, Adventure 13.3%, Indie 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%

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 31.8%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Indie 12.4%, Retro 11.2%

Arise from the dead as the 'Cursed King' in an enthralling action platformer. Wield the chains that once imprisoned you to vanquish foes and traverse your fallen kingdom. Uncover hidden areas, strategically level up, and reclaim your throne by banishing colossal bosses!

Why similar: Platformer 30.7%, Pixel Graphics 20%, Adventure 17.3%, Action 17.2%, 2D 8.8%

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 30.4%, Action 22.2%, Adventure 20.1%, Indie 15.9%, Great Soundtrack 5.6%

A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.

Why similar: Platformer 25.9%, Pixel Graphics 15.7%, Action 14.8%, Adventure 9.4%, Side Scroller 9.1%

The End Is Nigh is a sprawling adventure platformer where you die a lot, but thats ok because you are probably already dead anyway.

Why similar: Platformer 36.8%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Indie 12.7%, Adventure 10.6%, Action 9%

Inhabit Krog, a mysterious blue creature in a red loincloth, as he traverses a labyrinth of ladders, levers, traps, and monsters. Explore the nooks and crannies of a bizarre and evocative world as you hack and slash your way to victory, leaving a graveyard of grotesque bosses in your wake.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 18.5%, Platformer 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Action 11.4%, Side Scroller 10.9%

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania action game featuring exploration, intense combat and challenging platforming.

Why similar: Platformer 37.1%, Action 19.6%, Adventure 17.4%, Retro 8.4%, Indie 7.6%

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 27.3%, Pixel Graphics 16.6%, Action 12.9%, Adventure 9.3%, Indie 9%

DYE is a challenging precision platformer where you help Hue rescue Pigments and defeat the nefarious Necrolights in order to restore color to the world! Jump, wall jump and float your way through 4 unique worlds with hundreds of challenges ranging from beginner to advanced level.

Why similar: Platformer 21.7%, Action 17.2%, Adventure 15.7%, Indie 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%

MO: Astray is a pixel art, side-scrolling, action-platformer. Lead MO through mind-bending puzzles using special abilities. Bizarre enemies, threatening traps and ingenious level designs await.

Why similar: Platformer 19.5%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, Action 15.8%, Adventure 14.7%, Indie 12.5%

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: Platformer 34.1%, Pixel Graphics 23.1%, Action 17.8%, Side Scroller 14.9%, 2D 10.1%

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: Platformer 31.8%, Adventure 19.6%, Action 17.4%, Indie 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%

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 31.2%, Action 14.5%, Adventure 14%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Indie 9%

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 27.3%, Action 24.4%, Indie 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%

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%, Platformer 24.3%, Indie 20.8%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%

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: Platformer 27%, Pixel Graphics 18.7%, Action 17.2%, Retro 12.6%, 2D 8.3%