- #1 Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona
97% matchMostly Positive79% of 296 reviews2024
Dev: 70`StrikePub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows · Linux
Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.
Why similar: Metroidvania 17.5%, Souls-like 15.7%, Gothic 11.3% ★, Dark Fantasy 9.4%, Side Scroller 8.8%
- #2 Blasphemous
96% matchVery Positive90% of 63,499 reviews2019
Dev: The Game KitchenPub: Team17
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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: Metroidvania 25.8%, Souls-like 19.6%, Dark Fantasy 10.2%, Gothic 7.1% ★, Violent 5.5%
- #3 The Last Faith
95% matchVery Positive84% of 5,369 reviews2023
Dev: Kumi Souls GamesPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 8.5 hrsMean: 14.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.
Why similar: Metroidvania 21.4%, Souls-like 19%, Gothic 13.7% ★, Dark Fantasy 10.1%, Violent 7%
- #4 WarriOrb: Prologue
96% matchVery Positive88% of 400 reviews2019
Dev: Not Yet
Windows · Linux
WarriOrb: Prologue is a free standalone demo for the action platformer WarriOrb, where you play as a mighty demon trapped in an unlikely body. The path ahead is not an easy one... Are you ready to do whatever it takes to regain your freedom?
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.8%, Souls-like 22.3%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Difficult 11.1%
- #5 Salt and Sanctuary
94% matchVery Positive89% of 21,605 reviews2016
Dev: Ska Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.
Why similar: Souls-like 40.3%, Metroidvania 21.5%, Dark Fantasy 11.1%, Difficult 8.6%, Side Scroller 3.8%
- #6 Bygone Dreams: Prophecy
92% matchVery Positive87% of 197 reviews2025
Dev: Prime Time
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Bygone Dreams: Prophecy is a free prologue for a high fantasy Action-Adventure game set inside a surreal dream world. Face fantastical adversaries, solve puzzles, and fight your way through challenging bosses in your quest to save the world's matron deity and stop the nightmare consuming the dream.
Why similar: Souls-like 45.9%, RPG 24.2%, Action 13.5%, Adventure 11%, Singleplayer 5.3%
- #7 Dark Frame
94% matchMixed54% of 70 reviews2021
Dev: Nimos Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Simple platformer in a dark setting
Why similar: Gothic 28.1% ★, Side Scroller 20.8%, Dark Fantasy 16.5%, Platformer 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%
- #8 Unworthy
93% matchVery Positive81% of 848 reviews2018
Dev: Aleksandar Kuzmanovic Games Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
UNWORTHY is a hardcore combat-focused metroidvania without jumping. Explore a grim universe, discover new weapons and abilities, and defeat the vile creatures that plague the land.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.6%, Souls-like 30.2%, Dark Fantasy 12.9%, Difficult 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%
- #9 Elderand
91% matchMostly Positive75% of 787 reviews2023
Dev: MantraPub: Graffiti Games
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Only the strong will conquer this gruesome action platformer with RPG elements. Dismember demonic creatures and terrifying bosses by wielding brutal weapons in intense skill-based combat. Slay or be slain as you collect glory and treasure in this nightmarish 2D world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 23.3%, Gothic 19.4% ★, Side Scroller 13.2%, Dark Fantasy 10.3%, Gore 8.7%
- #10 SAVAGE: The Shard of Gosen
91% matchMostly Positive78% of 79 reviews2019
Dev: Planet Tobor
Windows
A 2D action/platforming adventure with a healthy dose of RPG elements set in the hostile world of Lor, a classic sword and sorcery setting. The slave-hungry Argeshii empire dominates the known world, old and false gods conspire; brutal combat is the only means of survival!
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.6%, Souls-like 24.7%, Dark Fantasy 14.9%, Difficult 9.6%, Platformer 6.8%
- #11 Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
89% matchMostly Positive76% of 3,494 reviews2025
Dev: Primal Game StudioPub: Knights Peak
Windows
Median: 14.4 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 20.5%, Souls-like 19.7%, Dark Fantasy 12%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Difficult 9.3%
- #12 Death's Gambit: Afterlife
90% matchVery Positive81% of 5,518 reviews2018
Dev: White RabbitPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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: Souls-like 36.1%, Metroidvania 24.1%, Dark Fantasy 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%, Difficult 5.4%
- #13 The Tarnishing of Juxtia
89% matchMixed68% of 681 reviews2022
Dev: Actual NerdsPub: Mastiff
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 57%
As the final creation of the Goddess, Juxtia, journey through the ruins of two divine kingdoms, overrun by the Tarnishing. Challenging combat, a hauntingly beautiful score, and a sinister narrative work in unison to make The Tarnishing of Juxtia an unforgettable 2D dark fantasy action RPG.
Why similar: Souls-like 24.6%, Metroidvania 19.1%, Dark Fantasy 15.2%, Lore-Rich 7.6%, Platformer 6.4%
- #14 Hunt the Night
87% matchMostly Positive79% of 502 reviews2023
Dev: Moonlight GamesPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Hunt the Night is a retro-style action-RPG that blends fast, skillful combat with dark fantasy lore. Play as Vesper, a member of the Stalkers, and traverse the ruined world of Medhram on a mission to save humanity from a deadly cycle of annihilation.
Why similar: Souls-like 29.2%, Gothic 26.4% ★, Dark Fantasy 20.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Violent 5.9%
- #15 UROS: A Trip Through Shadows
88% matchMixed60% of 64 reviews2021
Dev: Oniric KittensPub: ESAT
Windows
Uros is a 2.5D metroidvania-style action platformer. Enter the nightmares, upgrade your skills, fight against creepy creatures and face the evil god of nightmares in your mission to restore stability to the dream world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.6%, Souls-like 25.9%, Dark Fantasy 16.7%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Platformer 8.6%
- #16 Legacy of Kain: Ascendance
86% matchMostly Negative30% of 437 reviews2026
Dev: Bit Bot MediaPub: Crystal Dynamics
Windows
Enter the dark world of Nosgoth – Ascendance is a fast paced, 2D action platformer built around fluid combat, vertical movement, vampiric powers, and skill-driven play.
Why similar: Metroidvania 22.7%, Gothic 17% ★, Side Scroller 12.6%, Dark Fantasy 12.2%, Platformer 9.3%
- #17 Void Memory
86% matchMixed67% of 231 reviews2017
Dev: Gustav
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
You, who was born in a world full of darkness, should wander this hollowed land to find the Relics for a person who created you. However, fallen and lost souls with trap-filled trials await in your course of doing so. Can you survive in this crumbling world and start a new era?
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.3%, Souls-like 23.1%, Difficult 9.5%, RPG 9.5%, Dark Fantasy 9.2%
- #18 Dark Devotion
85% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,457 reviews2019
Dev: Hibernian WorkshopPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Explore the secrets of a mysterious fallen temple and put your Templar faith to the test in Dark Devotion, where no sacrifice is too great in praise of your God.
Why similar: Souls-like 29.2%, Metroidvania 21.3%, Dark Fantasy 9.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Violent 6.4%
- #19 Watcher Chronicles
84% matchVery Positive86% of 170 reviews2022
Dev: Third Sphere Game Studios
Windows · Mac
Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.7%, Souls-like 26.6%, Dark Fantasy 13.9%, Side Scroller 9.2%, Difficult 8.9%
- #20 The Portal Trial
83% matchVery Positive80% of 230 reviews2024
Dev: Espale Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 29%
Ingression: The Portal Trial offers a sneak peek into the immersive world of precision platforming with portals. Experience the prologue of the full game for free, tackling not only the initial levels but also venturing into more challenging stages.
Why similar: Difficult 24.6%, Platformer 22.2%, Pixel Graphics 17.1%, Side Scroller 16.5%, 2D 5.7%
- #21 Dead Cells
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 180,167 reviews2018
Dev: Motion Twin
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.5 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.9%, Souls-like 25.4%, Dark Fantasy 14.6%, Platformer 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%
- #22 Darxanadon
82% matchMixed70% of 73 reviews2022
Dev: Scumhead
Windows
Explore a massive interconnected labyrinth of grottos, castles, and groves in this 2D retro-inspired Action RPG.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.5%, Souls-like 27.9%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Dark Fantasy 8.8%, RPG 5.3%
- #23 Gravethorn
79% matchVery Positive86% of 78 reviews2026
Dev: Volviir
Windows
Gravethorn is a 2D platformer that combines soulslike and metroidvania elements with deep storytelling. The story follows an Inquisitor who has lost his memory, searching for his forgotten past along with his regrets.
Why similar: Souls-like 29%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Difficult 14.1%, Dark Fantasy 9.8%, Lore-Rich 9.2%
- #24 GRIME
79% matchVery Positive85% of 6,541 reviews2021
Dev: Clover BitePub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue.
Why similar: Metroidvania 26.8%, Souls-like 24.7%, Dark Fantasy 14%, Difficult 11.4%, Side Scroller 10.8%
- #25 Souldiers
80% matchMixed69% of 3,012 reviews2022
Dev: Retro ForgePub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 63%
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: Metroidvania 47.9%, Difficult 13.2%, Souls-like 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Lore-Rich 5.8%
- #26 Hippocampus
82% matchMixed56% of 72 reviews2020
Dev: Bad Vices Games
Windows
Challenging gothic Hack & Slash with gore action and platform phases.
Why similar: Souls-like 31%, Gothic 17.7% ★, Violent 12.5%, Difficult 11.6%, Dark Fantasy 11.6%
- #27 Demoniaca: Everlasting Night
81% matchMostly Positive70% of 219 reviews2019
Dev: Demon Girl
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Demoniaca - is a dark, gothic, mature and sexy action RPG inspired by the Castlevania series. Explore, fight, meet new friends and avenge those who brought you unbearable pain and loss.
Why similar: Metroidvania 33.5%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Violent 10.8%, Difficult 10%, Gore 7%
- #28 Tearscape
76% matchVery Positive92% of 293 reviews2026
Dev: NERDS TAKE OVER
Windows · Mac · Linux
As a hunter, you explore a dark, interconnected world filled with dungeons, relying on precise combat to survive. Battle grotesque monsters, expand your arsenal, and uncover hidden paths in a non-linear, pixel art journey.
Why similar: Souls-like 27%, Metroidvania 23.9%, Gothic 21.2% ★, Dark Fantasy 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%
- #29 Emberbane
77% matchMixed60% of 129 reviews2026
Dev: Hamlet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Four elements. One destiny. Embark on an elemental journey inspired by tales of balance and power, reborn as a Metroidvania adventure.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.6%, Souls-like 19.3%, Side Scroller 15%, Dark Fantasy 13.4%, Difficult 8.4%
- #30 Nine Sols
74% matchVery Positive94% of 41,041 reviews2024
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 17.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.8%, Souls-like 25.6%, Difficult 12.9%, Dark Fantasy 10.5%, Platformer 7.5%
- #31 Foregone
78% matchVery Positive82% of 1,396 reviews2021
Dev: Big Blue Bubble
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Foregone is a fast and fluid 2D action-platformer packed with legendary loot and stunning pixel art. Collect an arsenal of powerful weapons and unravel a compelling story of regret and conspiracy as you slice your way through hordes of enemies to save Calagan.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27%, Souls-like 21.5%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Difficult 10.7%, Platformer 8.8%
- #32 Moonscars
76% matchVery Positive83% of 1,466 reviews2022
Dev: Black MermaidPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.3%, Souls-like 27.7%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.2%
- #33 Eldritchvania
75% matchVery Positive85% of 134 reviews2024
Dev: DeathCount Games
Windows
Explore unearthly ruins, solve arcane riddles and pick up your sword against the indescribable horrors that lurk amidst the forgotten depths of our world. Beware the creeping grip of madness as you uncover secrets not meant for the eyes of men!
Why similar: Metroidvania 40.1%, Difficult 18.9%, Lore-Rich 12.5%, Platformer 11.5%, Horror 4.3%
- #34 Dark Light
75% matchMostly Positive78% of 739 reviews2022
Dev: Mirari&Co.
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.5%, Souls-like 28.2%, Violent 8%, Platformer 7%, Gore 7%
- #35 DarkMaus
77% matchVery Positive81% of 437 reviews2016
Dev: Daniel Wright
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 48%
DarkMaus is an indie action RPG with challenging, skill-based combat that punishes careless play.
Why similar: Souls-like 80.1%, Dark Fantasy 7.9%, Difficult 6.7%, RPG 3.2%, Action 2%
- #36 VELASTER
72% matchVery Positive87% of 82 reviews2026
Dev: ODYSSEYER
Windows
VELASTER is a gruesome 3D side-scrolling action combat game set in the Middle-earth called Malum. You will find yourself growing in battles against various monsters and bosses. Take revenge that remains in your fading memories.
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.4%, Souls-like 22.1%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Gothic 12.6% ★, Dark Fantasy 9.5%
- #37 Vomitoreum
73% matchVery Positive91% of 989 reviews2021
Dev: Scumhead
Windows · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Vomitoreum is an FPS Metroidvania with a focus on atmosphere and horror, inspired by the paintings of Zdzisław Beksiński.
Why similar: Metroidvania 52.5%, Horror 11.8%, Violent 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Gore 6.3%
- #38 Custodian: Beginning of the End
74% matchMixed68% of 76 reviews2021
Dev: Red-Pixel
Windows
Custodian: Beginning of the End is a brutal and difficult platformer designed for caution and reaction. Explore, seek secrets and collect mechanisms to become even stronger and meet the impending End!
Why similar: Metroidvania 24.3%, Souls-like 21.3%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Dark Fantasy 10.1%, Difficult 9.9%
- #39 Kharon's Crypt - Even Death May Die
73% matchVery Positive95% of 108 reviews2022
Dev: Hebi LeePub: Andromeda Project
Windows
Metroidvania dungeon crawler about Death & Grief full of puzzles, secrets & challenges. Inspired by old GameBoy Color games with Retro Pixel Art Aesthetics but with challenging boss fights & Lore-Rich
Why similar: Metroidvania 36.6%, Souls-like 33.4%, Dark Fantasy 19.4%, 2D 3.6%, Action 3.1%
- #40 7th Domain:Tree of Chaos Prologue
72% matchVery Positive83% of 77 reviews2024
Dev: Lightimpact
Windows
"7th Domain" is a horizontal version action game derived from Roguelike Metroidvania combined with treasure grinding gameplay. You will play a child of destiny who repairs the world and finds the truth of the broken world. You will grow in battle and challenge the unknown and hidden forces.
Why similar: Metroidvania 48.7%, Dark Fantasy 21.1%, RPG 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Action 6.8%
- #41 DEVIATOR
71% matchMixed68% of 994 reviews2024
Dev: Gami Studio
Windows
Deviator is a Metroidvania game centered around deflect, featuring exquisite 2D hand-drawn visuals. Exploring unknown wilderness and mysterious cities, delving into enigmatic realms of consciousness and encountering peculiar creatures. Try to find the truth behind this chaotic world.
Why similar: Metroidvania 31.3%, Souls-like 27%, Dark Fantasy 12.4%, Side Scroller 8.2%, Platformer 8%
- #42 Solateria
68% matchVery Positive84% of 523 reviews2026
Dev: Studio DoodalPub: SHINSEGAE INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION Inc.
Windows
Solateria is a hand-drawn action Metroidvania with parry-focused combat. A small fire warrior journeys to find the Primordial Flame, the world’s last hope against the Shadow Plague. Defeat foes with stylish parries and explore mysterious realms to uncover the world’s secrets.
Why similar: Metroidvania 30.3%, Souls-like 26.8%, Difficult 13.4%, Dark Fantasy 12.3%, Platformer 6.2%
- #43 Eastern Exorcist
70% matchVery Positive84% of 6,739 reviews2021
Dev: Wildfire Game(无锡野火数字科技有限公司)
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fantasy eastern world with the vicious spirits and monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience different stories of joy and sorrow.
Why similar: Souls-like 31.2%, Side Scroller 21.3%, RPG 8.4%, Metroidvania 7.9%, Platformer 7.7%
- #44 Skautfold: Usurper
73% matchMixed69% of 342 reviews2018
Dev: Steve GalPub: Pugware
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Usurper is a Metroidvania Action-RPG. With Eldritch horrors having been unleashed by the outer-worldly Citadel, your job is to rid London of its terrors. Use the new "Guard" system that rewards skillful play and accuracy, to uncover the massive structure and defeat the nightmares lurking within.
Why similar: Metroidvania 63.4%, RPG 13.5%, Action 8%, Platformer 5.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.1%
- #45 Soulbind: Prologue
69% matchVery Positive93% of 162 reviews2024
Dev: Rubedo Games
Windows · Linux
Soulbind: Prologue is an action platformer in the Roguelike genre. The hero is a common skeleton and an outsider. But there is one special feature - you can replace your body parts with parts of your opponents' bodies. Learn the backstory and start your journey in the world of Allaar.
Why similar: Side Scroller 49.7%, Platformer 22.7%, Dark Fantasy 13.8%, 2D 7.8%, Action 5.9%
- #46 Minoria
71% matchVery Positive81% of 2,602 reviews2019
Dev: BombservicePub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 35.9%, Souls-like 21.8%, Difficult 9.3%, Dark Fantasy 8.9%, Gothic 7.7% ★
- #47 Odallus: The Dark Call
71% matchVery Positive88% of 1,350 reviews2015
Dev: JoyMasher
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
The old gods have forgotten this land. No one could save our people when darkness started spreading and collecting human souls for its army. Odallus is a classic exploration/action game, inspired by Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania.
Why similar: Metroidvania 48.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Platformer 9.6%, Dark Fantasy 7.9%, Action 5%
- #48 EMPTY SHELL: PROLOGUE
68% matchVery Positive94% of 1,391 reviews2023
Dev: CC ARTSPub: Hyperstrange
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 40%
EMPTY SHELL: PROLOGUE will throw you in a dark industrial environment, a secret facility on a japanese island. Each volunteer has signed a contract for a "recovery operation" without being privy to too many details. A tense roguelite survival horror with a top down perspective.
Why similar: Horror 52.1%, Action 19.6%, Adventure 14.2%, Gore 11.4%, Singleplayer 2.7%
- #49 Astronite - Landing on Neplea
70% matchVery Positive85% of 183 reviews2022
Dev: Dume Games StudioPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Astronite Landing on Neplea is the prologue to this fantastic 1bit metroidvania that combines action, exploration, puzzles and platforms. Take on Astronite's first major challenge and defeat the deadly Kronch.
Why similar: Metroidvania 54.2%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%, Platformer 13.4%, Action 5.6%, 2D 5.4%
- #50 Mortal Shell
69% matchMixed68% of 11,307 reviews2021
Dev: Cold SymmetryPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Their Flesh is Your Armor. Mortal Shell is a deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Survival demands superior awareness, precision, and instincts. Possess lost warriors, track down hidden sanctums of the devout, and face formidable foes.
Why similar: Souls-like 44.7%, Dark Fantasy 17.8%, Difficult 11.2%, Violent 9%, RPG 5.6%
- #51 Vigil: The Longest Night
67% matchVery Positive86% of 3,566 reviews2020
Dev: Glass Heart Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Embark on a journey through the longest night with Leila, a valiant member of the Vigilant Order. Delve into the hidden truths shrouded in eternal darkness, unravel the mystery surrounding Leila's enigmatic sister, and confront the eldritch horrors lurking in a world that has lost the light of day.
Why similar: Metroidvania 25.4%, Souls-like 22.6%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Difficult 10.5%, Dark Fantasy 9.3%
- #52 Mask of Soul
65% matchVery Positive84% of 56 reviews2026
Dev: XION ENTERTAINMENTPub: XIONPLUS
Windows
Mask of Soul is a 2D metroidvania action-adventure where you play as Cheong-oh Chasa, gatekeeper of the Underworld, tracking spirits beneath the Red Moon. Use parry combat and mask abilities to explore an oriental dark fantasy world inspired by Korean mythology.
Why similar: Metroidvania 29.7%, Souls-like 26.7%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Lore-Rich 9%, Platformer 8.2%
- #53 Tombwater
64% matchVery Positive93% of 225 reviews2026
Dev: Moth AtlasPub: Midwest Games
Windows
A Souls-Like Western full of Eldritch horrors. Explore the accursed Wild West town of Tombwater and lay bare the darkness that lies beneath. Survive blood-spilling combat in this gruesome 2D action-RPG that may just drive you to madness.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27.1%, Souls-like 26%, Dark Fantasy 13%, Lore-Rich 10.1%, Horror 6.6%
- #54 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
65% matchVery Positive93% of 41,070 reviews2019
Dev: ArtPlayPub: 505 Games
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 25.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 48.2%, Gothic 12.2% ★, Side Scroller 11.2%, Dark Fantasy 7.6%, RPG 6.3%
- #55 SiNiSistar Lite Version
66% matchVery Positive88% of 767 reviews2021
Dev: UuPub: DLsite
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 41.3 hrs≥1hr: 59%
A simple 2D action game centered on themes of masochistic tendencies, yearning for death, as well as despair at being attacked by terrifying beings.
Why similar: Metroidvania 27%, Souls-like 24.6%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Dark Fantasy 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%