- #1 Lizard
97% matchPositive94% of 32 reviews2018
Dev: Brad Smith
Windows · Mac · Linux
Put on a lizard and go for an adventure! Six different ones are scattered across the land, each with a special ability. Carefully hop your way to the top of an active volcano. Surf down a surging river. Swim an underwater lake. Ascend a snowy mountaintop. Can you unravel the mysteries of Lizard?
Why similar: Classic 23.1% ★, 1980s 13.3%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Retro 10.4%, Old School 9.9%
- #2 Hack, Slash & Backstab
96% match8 user reviews11% of 9 reviews2016
Dev: MAGIC Spell Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Hack, Slash & Backstab is a 1 - 4 player arcade dungeon crawler with a twist! Work together as warrior, rogue, wizard and archer to survive a dangerous world. But only one player will be crowned the winner: it becomes a fight to the death, as betrayal and backstab become the tools of choice.
Why similar: Adventure 28%, Action 27.3%, Casual 24.6%, Indie 20.1%
- #3 Cluckles' Adventure
96% matchPositive91% of 33 reviews2017
Dev: @lukasinspacePub: Funbit Pty Ltd
Windows
Cluckles may be small, but she is feisty and brave. Guide her through 100+ challenging levels to rescue the chicks and defeat the evil minions!
Why similar: Casual 27%, Adventure 26.8%, Action 26.1%, Indie 20.1%
- #4 ARCADE GAME SERIES: PAC-MAN
94% matchVery Positive89% of 1,107 reviews2016
Dev: BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc.Pub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 23%
First released in arcades in 1980, the masterpiece PAC-MAN comes to Steam! Move PAC-MAN up, down, left, and right to avoid the ghosts and gobble up all the Pac-Dots!
Why similar: Classic 60.2% ★, Retro 14.2%, 1980s 14%, Action 11.6%
- #5 Litil Divil
95% matchMixed46% of 439 reviews2014
Dev: Gremlin InteractivePub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 9%
Welcome to the Underworld, where you guide Mutt, the bad luck Litil Divil, through the Labyrinth of Chaos to retrieve the Mystical Pizza of Plenty. Our “hero” takes a fateful step through the Mortal Portal to prowl five hellish levels of treacherous tunnels with more than 50 raucous rooms of gameplay.
Why similar: Classic 29.5% ★, Retro 20.1%, Adventure 19.3%, Old School 18%, Action 13.1%
- #6 ARCADE GAME SERIES: DIG DUG
93% matchVery Positive89% of 624 reviews2016
Dev: BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc.Pub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 23%
First appearing in arcades in 1982, Dig Dug finally comes to Steam! Control Dig Dug to make underground tunnels and inflate or crush the enemies!
Why similar: Classic 59.9% ★, 1980s 18.2%, Retro 11.6%, Action 10.3%
- #7 Stardash
86% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: OrangepixelPub: HandyGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
A "punishing" 90's inspired platformer with retro looks, retro gameplay, and VERY challenging run and jump action. Can you manage to survive the normal levels, and unlock the 10 secret temple levels ?
Why similar: 1980s 29.7%, Old School 26.7%, Retro 16%, Side Scroller 13%, Action 10.3%
- #8 Tiger Striker
91% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2018
Dev: TigerQiuQiu
Windows
This is a shoot em up game , In this game the player combats a large number of enemies by shooting at them in the space . player will destroy the core of the battleship of enemy to win the game.
Why similar: 1980s 22.5%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Old School 16.8%, Retro 12.4%, Action 11.2%
- #9 Prehistorik
90% matchPositive84% of 31 reviews2017
Dev: Titus InteractivePub: Interplay Entertainment Corp.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Eat and beat your way through 150 scenes of awesome nourishing fun and relive the "Prehistorik" epic in this incredible platform game. Armed with your Diner Club Anticus, an ancestor of the baseball bat, you start in pursuit of the hilarious Maxidocus and take on armies of hairy spiders...
Why similar: Classic 51.3% ★, Adventure 19.6%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Action 10.2%
- #10 Contra Anniversary Collection
89% matchMostly Positive76% of 1,420 reviews2019
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 37%
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.
Why similar: Classic 42.8% ★, Side Scroller 22.8%, Retro 14.6%, Action 12.7%, 1980s 7.1%
- #11 Extreme Real Reality HD Remix
89% matchPositive83% of 23 reviews2017
Dev: Step Dad Productions
Windows · Mac
ERRHDR is a heartfelt journey all gamers can relate to.
Why similar: Adventure 19%, Action 18.5%, Casual 18.2%, Side Scroller 18%, Indie 14.2%
- #12 Indiana Jones® and the Infernal Machine™
88% matchVery Positive81% of 488 reviews2018
Dev: LucasArtsPub: Lucasfilm
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 30%
The year is 1947. The Nazis have been crushed, the Cold War has begun and Soviet agents are sniffing around the ruins of the fabled Tower of Babel. What are they up to? The CIA recruits renowned archeologist and adventurer, Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, to find out.
Why similar: Classic 64% ★, Adventure 19.4%, Action 16.6%
- #13 Army Men
85% matchMostly Positive76% of 146 reviews2017
Dev: The 3DO CompanyPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.2 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Every conquering army needs a great leader. Even the plastic ones! Take control as the sergeant in the field, leading your men into the heat of battle in this tactical action game.
Why similar: Classic 57.7% ★, Action 21.3%, Adventure 21%
- #14 Rolling Bird
82% matchVery Positive93% of 196 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Rolling Bird is a retro arcade shooter, heavily inspired by Namco's 1986 classic 'Rolling Thunder'.
Why similar: Classic 25% ★, 1980s 17.5%, Old School 14.8%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Action 11.3%
- #15 40 Winks
84% matchMixed61% of 62 reviews2018
Dev: EurocomPub: Piko Interactive LLC
Windows
40 Winks is an action platformer where you control brother and sister, Ruff and Tumble. Your goal is to collect 40 Winks scattered around the world to stop an evil man called Nitekap. Nitekap wants to turn the winks into hood-winks who are responsible for giving children nightmares.
Why similar: Classic 57.4% ★, Action 23.3%, Adventure 19.3%
- #16 Downbreak
84% matchMostly Positive79% of 43 reviews2018
Dev: earrgamesPub: Flying Interactive
Windows
People swept mines for long years but now the game has changed! Welcome to Downbreak; the gravity based minesweeper. Experience a true classic reimagined with more features than ever!
Why similar: Classic 46.9% ★, Casual 19.3%, Adventure 18.8%, Indie 15%
- #17 Laser Z
83% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2019
Dev: ZA Games Studio Pty Ltd
Windows
Fire up your laser, destroy the cubes, duck, weave, and stay alive. Step in to an 80's inspired Vaporwave world and prepare to do battle. Part rhythm game, part strategy, part arcade, totally awesome.
Why similar: Classic 26.6% ★, Action 23.3%, Casual 22.9%, Indie 17.9%, Retro 9.3%
- #18 Space Foes
81% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Alexandre Yoshinaga
Windows · Linux
A space shooter inspired by old school games. You set the order of the levels, get new weapons and upgrades. Each stage has a boss and a sub-boss with unique skills and challenges.
Why similar: Side Scroller 17.6%, Action 15.1%, Adventure 15%, Casual 14.8%, Old School 14.6%
- #19 Legend of the Sword
81% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2019
Dev: Silicon SoftwarePub: MIRROR Soft
Windows · Linux
Destroy Suzar before he is able to amass an army large enough to enslave Anar, and the rest of the world and so you come to team up with motley band of hardened adventurers on your quest to seek out the sword and shield, as the chronicles have foretold.
Why similar: Classic 42.3% ★, 1980s 29.2%, Adventure 28.5%
- #20 Puss in Boots: Fear Not Hooman
80% match5 user reviews40% of 5 reviews2019
Dev: Adana Softworks
Windows
The legendary Puss in Boots have to go through the worst to save his hooman. Anansi tricks Puss into retrieving Mjolnir, the most fearsome and powerful weapon in existence from Land of the Dead. Now, you too can be part of the fairy world!
Why similar: Classic 30.9% ★, Side Scroller 15.9%, Old School 15.8%, Retro 11.6%, Adventure 9.5%
- #21 Percy the Potty Pigeon (C64/Spectrum)
76% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Gremlin GraphicsPub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this side-scrolling egg-em-up, released in 1984, take on the role of Percy as he struggles to build a nest and feed his needy offspring. Contains both the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum versions of the game.
Why similar: Side Scroller 30%, Retro 23%, 1980s 21.4%, Old School 14.5%, Action 11.1%
- #22 Mega Man Legacy Collection
78% matchVery Positive86% of 5,200 reviews2015
Dev: Capcom
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games.
Why similar: Classic 49.1% ★, Retro 16.5%, Side Scroller 12.8%, 1980s 11%, Action 7%
- #23 Dead eat dead
75% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2023
Dev: Five star apps
Windows
This is a retro style 2D pixel art survival adventure shooter. You control a character armed with a shotgun and grenades. You need to search level for supplies and keys to open locked doors. You can push and move boxes and fuel barrels located on game levels.
Why similar: Side Scroller 23%, 1980s 22.2%, Old School 15.4%, Action 13.7%, Adventure 12.9%
- #24 Solstice
76% match5 user reviews60% of 5 reviews2021
Dev: JimJams Games
Windows
Solstice is a turn-based, menu driven war-game, set in a large, open fantasy world, inspired by the retro classics of the past.
Why similar: Classic 35.2% ★, 1980s 22.1%, Adventure 17.5%, Indie 13.1%, Retro 12.2%
- #25 Super BOO Quest
77% matchPositive83% of 29 reviews2018
Dev: SEEP
Windows
Super BOO Quest is a lighthearted game suitale for every kind of player, from casual to hardcore. It is a mix of arcade, puzzle, and stealth, to be played alone or with a friend. The game is presented with 16 bit-style graphics, as a tribute to Super Nintendo.
Why similar: Classic 28.6% ★, 1980s 17.9%, Adventure 14.2%, Casual 14.1%, Retro 13.6%
- #26 Intersolar Overdrive
77% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2018
Dev: SunMaster
Windows
Intersolar Overdrive was built on a gravity algorithm that lets you experience relative travel in deep space. Follow the story line or play in arcade mode for good old fashioned points.
Why similar: 1980s 22.7%, Action 17.5%, Adventure 17.4%, Casual 17.3%, Indie 13.5%
- #27 Anivenge
70% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Fiery Aspen Studios, LLC
Windows
An arcade style game where you play as an animal hopping around a road trying to crash cars. Work your way through different levels or play in survival mode - how many can you crash before you're run over?
Why similar: 1980s 35.2%, Old School 23.7%, Retro 16.7%, Action 10.5%, Casual 9.8%
- #28 Bestial Reception
69% matchPositive89% of 19 reviews2023
Dev: HugePixel
Windows
In the game "Bestial Reception" the strongest survives, grab a weapon and start running towards the enemy. Shoot and destroy everyone who happens to be near you. Get new more powerful weapons with the help of earned gold.
Why similar: 1980s 27.7%, Action 20.1%, Adventure 19.3%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Retro 14%
- #29 XECUTER
74% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Blue Rain Games
Windows
Select any of the 12 targeted foes in any order you like and hunt them down in large castle-like stages. Craft over 400 weapons, different armor sets to mix and match to help aid you in intense combat and expand your move set.
Why similar: Classic 27% ★, Action 22.3%, Adventure 22.1%, Indie 10.9%, Retro 10.1%
- #30 Earthworm Jim 2
78% matchMostly Positive71% of 111 reviews2009
Dev: Shiny EntertainmentPub: Interplay Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Earthworm Jim is back with more side-scrolling platform action. Whip, run, jump, fly, and Snott swing your way to victory!
Why similar: Classic 63.6% ★, Side Scroller 14.1%, Adventure 11.5%, Action 10.9%
- #31 Indiana Jones® and the Emperor's Tomb™
71% matchVery Positive92% of 1,155 reviews2018
Dev: LucasArtsPub: Lucasfilm
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 51%
As Indiana Jones, you’ll travel to 1935 China to prevent a powerful artifact from falling into evil hands. This globe-spanning adventure pits you against evil Nazis and the Asian underworld. It’ll take more than just a trusty whip and pistol to avoid the perils of the Emperor’s Tomb.
Why similar: Classic 66% ★, Action 17.2%, Adventure 16.8%
- #32 LeftWay
75% matchMostly Positive71% of 38 reviews2017
Dev: Tongsun
Windows · Mac · Linux
Nampung found herself in a strange place. What is really happening?...
Why similar: Adventure 57.2%, Indie 42.8%
- #33 Swords & Bones 2
69% matchPositive94% of 35 reviews2022
Dev: SEEP
Windows
Swords and Bones 2 is an action-platform game with RPG features, inspired by 80s and 90s classics! Fight through levels filled with monsters, avoid traps and collect power-ups & trophies in this new epic second chapter!
Why similar: 1980s 20.5%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Old School 15.3%, Adventure 15.2%, Action 14.8%
- #34 Tiger Tank 59 Ⅰ Volcano
74% matchMixed53% of 15 reviews2019
Dev: TigerQiuQiu
Windows
In this game , Players need to control their tanks, through the enemy lines, break the enemy base, or defeat the enemy tanks
Why similar: 1980s 25.8%, Action 19.9%, Casual 19.6%, Old School 19.3%, Indie 15.3%
- #35 Tiger Tank 59 Ⅰ Black Hill Fortress
73% matchMostly Positive70% of 10 reviews2019
Dev: TigerQiuQiu
Windows
In this game , Players need to control their tanks, through the enemy lines, break the enemy base, and defeat all the enemy tanks
Why similar: 1980s 25.8%, Action 19.9%, Casual 19.6%, Old School 19.3%, Indie 15.3%
- #36 Fast Food Never More
73% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: Liitle Uncle StudioPub: Little Uncle Studio
Windows
Ollie doesn't play sports and has bad eating habits, after visiting the doctor, Ollie found he was not in good health. Your goal is to help Ollie lose 10kg collecting all the natural and healthy foods and destroying the fast foods that come on Ollie's way. This journey will not be easy, but you will make it!
Why similar: Classic 34.6% ★, Action 16.7%, Adventure 16.6%, Casual 16.5%, Retro 10.9%
- #37 OUMUAMUA
66% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Use quick reflexes and sharp aim to simultaneously blow up enemies and block alike in this satisfying retro style action brick breaker! The third installment in the Game Buddy series that faithfully recreates the look, sounds, and feel of classic late 80's handheld games!
Why similar: 1980s 31.3%, Old School 28.2%, Action 16%, Casual 12.9%, Retro 11.6%
- #38 Solar Wind
72% match8 user reviews88% of 8 reviews2018
Dev: JimJams Games
Windows
Blast your way through a galaxy of planets in this fast paced, side scrolling shoot 'em up. Fight in deep space, fly through asteroid belts, and battle across moons as you take on the alien menace.
Why similar: Classic 37.7% ★, Side Scroller 19.4%, Action 16.6%, Indie 13.2%, Retro 13%
- #39 Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection
72% matchMixed64% of 393 reviews2019
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 34%
8 KONAMI arcade classics of the 80s, from Nemesis to TwinBee. Including bonus eBook packed with new information never before revealed to the public.
Why similar: Classic 39% ★, Action 22.5%, Casual 20.5%, 1980s 9.4%, Retro 8.5%
- #40 Commander Keen
71% matchVery Positive94% of 1,554 reviews2007
Dev: id Software
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 22%
Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons: Episode 1: Marooned on Mars (Dec. 14th 1990) Episode 2: The Earth Explodes (1991) Episode 3: Keen Must Die! (1991) Commander Keen's very first adventure, and the debut of id's groundbreaking side-scrolling technology.
Why similar: Classic 59.6% ★, Old School 13.9%, Retro 12.3%, Side Scroller 6.6%, Action 6.1%
- #41 When It Hits the Fan
71% matchPositive91% of 11 reviews2017
Dev: Heartfelt Games LLC
Windows
When It Hits the Fan is a 2d action arcade top-down shooter for PC and arcade involving four apocalyptic events at once: zombie outbreak, robot AI takeover, demon incursion, and alien invasion!
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #42 Tomb Raider I (1996)
70% matchVery Positive85% of 4,601 reviews2012
Dev: Core DesignPub: Crystal Dynamics
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 29%
Adventurer Lara Croft has been hired to recover the pieces of an ancient artifact known as the Scion. With her fearless acrobatic style she runs, jumps, swims and climbs her way towards the truth of its origin and powers - leaving only a trail of empty tombs and gun-cartridges in her wake.
Why similar: Classic 55.8% ★, Adventure 13.7%, Action 10.7%, Old School 10.7%, Retro 9.2%
- #43 BeatBox Runner
63% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lumogy, LLC
Windows
BeatBox Runner is a retro platformer with a twist: switch states to survive its unique series of traps and challenges.
Why similar: 1980s 29.8%, Old School 21.2%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Retro 14.7%, Action 6.7%
- #44 Mini Rollers
70% match9 user reviews67% of 9 reviews2017
Dev: Gawkfish StudiosPub: Alex Gimson
Windows
Mini Rollers is a rolling-ball platformer game, where players must race against the clock to get their balls to the goal. Roll, jump, and swing through a variety of obstacles, enemies, and challenges with 18 unique balls.
Why similar: Casual 37.5%, Action 34.6%, Indie 27.9%
- #45 Rainbow Hills
62% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Octo Mini
Windows · Mac
An old school platformer inspired by the greats of the 80s. Rainbow Hills focuses on a tight controls, smart level design, good game feel, and bubbles!
Why similar: Classic 32% ★, Side Scroller 15.1%, Casual 14.8%, Adventure 10.3%, Retro 10.1%
- #46 Pentasma
66% matchPositive100% of 24 reviews2020
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Pentasma is a side-scrolling arcade shooter inspired by Williams Electronics' 1981 classic 'Defender'. Protect The terraforming Humanoids from the deadly Aliens and raid the Alien planets to keep the galaxy peaceful!
Why similar: Classic 27.6% ★, 1980s 15.8%, Old School 12.9%, Action 12.5%, Side Scroller 12.4%
- #47 Star Boy
69% match5 user reviews20% of 5 reviews2018
Dev: Redeyevisuals
Windows
Star Boy is a Beat Em up Journey across spacetime to Fight the Ultimate Boss The Robot Dragon Eagle traditional hand drawn Paintings, Hard Core Beat em' up flying adventure. (4 player local co op)
Why similar: Classic 33% ★, Side Scroller 15.6%, Action 15%, Adventure 14.9%, Indie 11.2%
- #48 Anime Dream Match: Predators
57% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: Blender Games
Windows
A charming and relaxing memory game where you match pairs of cool anime predators.
Why similar: Side Scroller 39.5%, Casual 20.3%, Classic 18.6% ★, Old School 8.7%, Indie 6.9%
- #49 Ninja Smasher!
68% matchPositive86% of 22 reviews2016
Dev: Q-Cumber Factory
Windows
Ninja dash! Ninja jump! Ninja slash! 8-bit style Ninja platform action game!
Why similar: Action 37.7%, Adventure 35.6%, Indie 26.7%
- #50 Awakened Evil
60% matchPositive98% of 42 reviews2023
Dev: Deprecated Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Awakened Evil is an action platformer inspired by the classics. Jump and slash your way through intense linear stages that will put your skills to the test. Do you have what it takes to slay all the bosses, and take on evil itself?
Why similar: 1980s 19%, Retro 18.7%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Action 16.4%, Adventure 10.6%
- #51 L'Angolo Di Farenz - Avventure Vampiresche
61% match4 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2023
Dev: Vincenzo TalaricoPub: Birbone Games
Windows · Mac
"In "Avventure Vampiresche" Farenz faces morning obstacles in an epic race through Cremona at 5 o'clock in the morning! Dodge ducks, spitballs, runners, and more to close the rings in time! Get ready for a frantic and enjoyable experience!"
Why similar: Side Scroller 25.9%, 1980s 24.4%, Action 17.7%, Adventure 16.9%, Retro 11.3%