Games Like The friends of Ringo Ishikawa

Seiji Maruyama is a middle-aged yakuza recently released from prison. Known as "Gozuki" (one of the demon generals from Buddhist mythology) he is the power that his oyabun counts on. But there is one thing his aniki is not taking into account: Maruyama is getting old.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 23.4%, Martial Arts 18.9% ★, Side Scroller 9.4%, Open World 7.3%, Sandbox 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same creator, this game perfectly captures the same melancholic, slow-paced atmosphere of a delinquent's life.

Hitman is searching for an answer in France 70-s.

Why similar: Retro 24.9%, Pixel Graphics 21.3%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Atmospheric 12.6%, Action 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Another title from the same developer that shares the distinct pixel-art style and existential, action-heavy narrative focus.

A magical adventure about two high school sweethearts set at the end of their school days - and the end of the world. Explore a crumbling town and help friends face their inner demons, which could be the key to stopping reality itself disintegrating. And don’t forget to pet the cats.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 23.1%, Story Rich 19.3%, Anime 14.5%, Atmospheric 10.4%, Action-Adventure 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional, pixel-art narrative experience that captures the bittersweet feeling of growing up and facing the end of an era.

Bully tells the story of mischievous 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins as he goes through the hilarity and awkwardness of adolescence. Beat the jocks at dodge ball, play pranks on the preppies, save the nerds, kiss the girl and navigate the social hierarchy in the worst school around.

Why similar: Open World 43.1%, Action 11.3%, Sandbox 9.4%, Adventure 8.8%, Story Rich 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the high school social hierarchy and brawling mechanics in an open-world setting remarkably well.

NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.

Why similar: Story Rich 31.6%, Atmospheric 20.3%, Exploration 16.7%, Adventure 14.9%, 2D 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in existential slice-of-life storytelling that focuses on the bonds between friends in a small town.

A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders.

Why similar: Anime 32.6%, Story Rich 30.2%, RPG 27.8%, Adventure 5.4%, Singleplayer 4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines high school life, social simulation, and combat, mirroring the focus on personal relationships and daily routine.

SEGA®’s most requested re-release of all time finally comes to a new generation. Shenmue delivers an epic story of revenge within a unique open world that is still unrivalled in depth and detail. Return to the epic saga that defined modern gaming. The saga begins…again.

Why similar: Martial Arts 32.4% ★, Open World 17.7%, Story Rich 9.2%, Beat 'em up 8.8%, RPG 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: The foundational open-world life simulator that emphasizes daily routine, martial arts, and atmospheric urban exploration.

Unwind a 10 billion yen conspiracy in Tokyo's red-light district, fueled by your fists and unyielding resolve that will make you a legend.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 29.2%, Martial Arts 13.8% ★, RPG 11.3%, Open World 10.7%, Action RPG 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Continues the delinquent drama themes with a focus on personal growth and intense street brawling.

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: Beat 'em up 54.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Anime 9.8%, Retro 7.2%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, high-energy beat-em-up that keeps the genre spirit alive with vibrant pixel art.

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: Pixel Graphics 36.4%, Story Rich 21.8%, Retro 14.7%, Action 14.5%, 2D 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features a moody, narrative-driven action style with a strong sense of atmosphere and retro aesthetic.

Part 1 of arcade epic 198X. A coming-of-age story told through multiple games and genres. Experience the thrill of shooting, driving, jumping, fighting and role-playing in 5 full-blown arcade stages – combined with cinematic pixel-art storytelling.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 33.4%, 1980s 24.7%, Retro 20.9%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Indie 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A nostalgic, retro-inspired journey that uses arcade mechanics to tell a coming-of-age story.

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being.

Why similar: RPG 31.1%, Story Rich 26.4%, Open World 15.2%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Exploration 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an unparalleled existential narrative experience that rewards deep exploration and character introspection.

The Legend of Tianding is a sidescrolling action game about Liao Tianding, the legendary Taiwanese Folk Hero. Explore the dazzling streets of Colonial Japanese Taiwan in the early 20th century.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 28.1%, Martial Arts 25.1% ★, Side Scroller 11.3%, RPG 10.1%, Anime 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines martial arts combat with a historical, narrative-rich setting that feels grounded and atmospheric.

California, 1986: A group of friends discover a mysterious pink stone that allows travel between two realms. This gang will live the summer of their lives in an adventure that will get them involved in a government conspiracy. Control five kids with special skills while fighting and solving puzzles.

Why similar: 1980s 33.1%, Pixel Graphics 26.7%, Retro 13.5%, Adventure 8.6%, Action 8%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven adventure that leans into 80s nostalgia and the importance of childhood friendships.

Welcome to the charming world of Eastward - population declining! Journey through a society on the brink of collapse. Discover delightful towns, strange creatures and even stranger people! Wield a trusty frying pan and mystic powers on an adventure into the unknown…

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 21%, Action RPG 19.2%, Story Rich 14.1%, RPG 13.8%, Atmospheric 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, atmospheric pixel-art adventure that emphasizes character relationships and world-building.

Grab a backpack, boxing tape, and focus on what high school is all about: Beating the ever loving crap out of one another! Troublemaker blends favorite action-adventure-beat-'em-up elements from the strongest traditions in the genre.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 36.3%, Martial Arts 27.8% ★, Action RPG 12.3%, Sandbox 7.6%, Action-Adventure 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high school brawling and social dynamics, directly echoing the setting of Ringo Ishikawa.

Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future.

Why similar: RPG 29.6%, Story Rich 25.4%, Atmospheric 16.6%, Exploration 14%, Adventure 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A character-driven, existential RPG that captures the feeling of navigating urban life and social bonds.

Step into Japan's criminal underworld in this explosive action brawler starring legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu, who is hellbent on unraveling the truth around his daughter's tragic accident.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 38.2%, Open World 16.3%, Action RPG 10.5%, RPG 9.7%, Action 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on personal narrative and the quiet moments of life within an open-world urban environment.

I Am The Hero is a pixel art, beat 'em up, fighting game that tells the story of a "Hero" with a glorious but mysterious past. Is he the hero he thinks he is or is there a another side to this legendary figure?

Why similar: Beat 'em up 45.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, RPG 12%, Action 8.7%, Side Scroller 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, stylish beat-em-up that focuses on fluid combat and retro pixel aesthetics.

Explore a strange world full of colorful friends and foes. When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate... and perhaps the fate of others as well.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 26.4%, Story Rich 25.2%, RPG 18.9%, Atmospheric 7.8%, Anime 7%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional, character-driven pixel-art game that explores themes of friendship and psychological growth.

An action/adventure game taking ques from both film-noir and samurai-drama's of old, "samurai_jazz" takes players on an adventure through an enigmatic city, engaging in sword-fights, encounters with mythological beings, and quirky dialog with the local inhabitants presented with a pseudo 8-bit style.

Why similar: Retro 27.1%, Pixel Graphics 19.4%, Action 18.6%, Adventure 14.9%, Anime 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish, retro-aesthetic action game that prioritizes atmosphere and fluid combat.

Dusk Diver is an anime style beat-em-up action game. You will be playing as Yumo, an ordinary high school girl, to fight with the Guardians against those Phantoms who dare to enter the realm of men.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.3%, RPG 26.1%, Action 15.6%, Anime 14.7%, Adventure 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features urban exploration and action-oriented combat in a modern city setting.

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: Action RPG 25.5%, Pixel Graphics 19%, RPG 12.8%, Retro 8.1%, Story Rich 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: An action-RPG with a strong sense of place and character-driven narrative that keeps players engaged.

Hotline Miami is a high-octane action game overflowing with raw brutality, hard-boiled gunplay and skull crushing close combat.

Why similar: 1980s 34.5%, Pixel Graphics 21.1%, Retro 19%, Action 12.5%, Atmospheric 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a visceral, atmospheric action experience with a distinct retro style and dark undertones.

Meifumado is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic, immersive world inspired by Japan.

Why similar: Martial Arts 31% ★, Open World 14.1%, Action RPG 13.6%, RPG 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, post-apocalyptic martial arts game that emphasizes world-building and combat.

Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 67.8%, Action 9.2%, Side Scroller 8.8%, Retro 6.5%, 2D 4%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for modern beat-em-up mechanics, offering refined combat for fans of the genre.

Discover the decadence and danger of 1980's Japan as you fight like hell through its neon-lit entertainment districts in the definitive edition of the action-adventure crime drama that created yakuza legends.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 28.5%, Martial Arts 12.2% ★, RPG 10.2%, Open World 9.5%, Action RPG 7.7%

Beat everyone in the school and save your beloved girlfriend in this anime-inspired Beat Em Up game!, as Sakura high calls for a new Hero. Will you answer the call and save her?

Why similar: Beat 'em up 38.6%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Retro 9.5%, Anime 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%

Take on the role of the martial arts master Hiro, Meilin, or Shin as they face off in a desperate fight for their lives against the Black Mantis clan. DOUBLE THE MAYHEM: Bring a friend and battle against ninjas, demons, and more in the 2-player local co-op mode of this action-adventure platformer.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.1%, Martial Arts 26.4% ★, Side Scroller 12.6%, RPG 7.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A martial arts-focused side-scroller that captures the intensity of classic retro brawlers.

The River City Girls are back! Misako, Kyoko, Kunio, and Riki - joined by newcomers Marian and Provie - hit the streets for an all-new beat-'em-up adventure! Team up for local or online co-op and explore a massive world packed with new abilities, enemies, locations, and more!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 31.5%, Martial Arts 15.9% ★, Action RPG 9.9%, RPG 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%

Face off against the most powerful yakuza in the Kansai region of Japan in an explosive conflict between rival clans, loaded with brutal brawling action, immersive exploration, and unforgettable experiences.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 29.3%, Martial Arts 15.1% ★, RPG 11.3%, Open World 10.2%, Action RPG 8.2%

Get ready for a Yakuza experience of unprecedented scale! Follow five characters across five Japanese cities, each trying to achieve their dream. The connections between them bring them together, but the conflict that unfolds is nothing any of them could have predicted.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 39.7%, Open World 15.9%, Action RPG 10.1%, Action 8.6%, RPG 8.1%

An epic 12 hour RPG. Thirteen years after incredibly powerful spirit beasts were sealed in the souls of children, they threaten to break free and cause havoc across the land. It's up to four friends from the elite warrior training academy to find the key to stopping these evil spirits once and for all.

Why similar: Anime 38.3%, RPG 31.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, Adventure 11%, Indie 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an anime-inspired RPG experience that complements the social and combat themes of the genre.

Virtua Unlimited Project is a 2D pixel-art style ACT game featuring VTuber characters. With classical platformer gameplay, challenging combat, and retro game feelings, VUP presents you a surreal, virtual world in which you will play as Aizawa Kana to venture and seek the truth beneath.

Why similar: Action RPG 20.8%, Pixel Graphics 16.9%, Anime 14.6%, Action-Adventure 11.7%, RPG 11.6%

A nostalgic metroidvania from the good old days back in 19XX. Take on the role of Sean, a young boy who ventures into the fictional city of Arostia to repay his father's debt. Rescue your 3 friends from imprisonment, defeat strong enemies, all while getting your debt paid in time!

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 18.2%, 1980s 15.5%, Retro 13.3%, Action-Adventure 12.6%, Story Rich 12.1%

Spend a summer with an old high school classmate making games! Play and debug a 2D action RPG to make the best game ever.

Why similar: Action RPG 22.8%, Side Scroller 21%, Pixel Graphics 12.9%, Action 10.6%, Exploration 8.6%

Bus Modification ARPG

Why similar: Beat 'em up 23.1%, RPG 16.8%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, Open World 14.9%, Action RPG 10.9%

Hikikomori No Chuunibyou is a pseudo 8-bit platform-adventure game with beat-em-up, puzzle, and stealth elements. With its storytelling directing the player through open-ended levels, progression through each stage requires usage of parkour-like abilities and martial-arts techniques.

Why similar: Retro 30.3%, Pixel Graphics 23.3%, Action 22.3%, Adventure 17.7%, Indie 6.4%

Join Kunio, Riki, Misako, and Kyoko for bone-crunching, 16-bit, co-op beat-'em-up action - newly translated and released outside of Japan after 28 years! The original 1994 graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay are augmented with new motion-comic cutscenes, a new animated intro, and new music!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 47.1%, Retro 15.9%, Anime 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Action-Adventure 5.7%

Himari was ambushed! Help her hold out as long as possible, attack enemies, use magic to slay them, maintain Himari’s health level, so she could fight on, and also do not miss!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 26.3%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Anime 12.7%, Retro 7.9%

As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward.

Why similar: Martial Arts 34.2% ★, Side Scroller 20.5%, Action-Adventure 10.1%, Story Rich 10.1%, Atmospheric 8.5%

In a world gone wild, there's only one animal man enough to put his foot down!Join Frebb's small clique of reluctant "friends" as they rumble, tumble, and action-platform their way through the craziest journey of the year!

Why similar: Side Scroller 29.1%, Story Rich 14.8%, Anime 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 13.7%, Action 9%

MAKE FRIENDS WITH GHOSTS

Why similar: RPG 22.8%, Pixel Graphics 18.6%, Retro 16.3%, Story Rich 11.4%, Exploration 10.3%

Relive your school days in 3D, where old school graphics bring back timeless fun! Create your own star student and attend a schedule full of classes in time to gather the knowledge you need to thrive, while an equally important popularity contest challenges you survive...

Why similar: Open World 53.1%, RPG 19.9%, Adventure 14.2%, Action 12.8%

When a dark secret brings a loan shark, a death-row inmate, a corrupt cop and the legendary yakuza Kazuma Kiryu together the resulting war in Kamurocho might level the district to the ground.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 39.3%, Open World 14.9%, Action RPG 11%, Action 9.1%, RPG 8.9%

A modern-day JRPG that imagines a world of war. Overcome language barriers, forge unlikely friendships, and find hope amidst conflict.

Why similar: Anime 23%, Story Rich 22.3%, RPG 21.5%, Pixel Graphics 20.8%, 2D 9.4%

Relive your High School days in the town of Agefield. It’s the early 2000s, and graduation is on the horizon. REBEL with your friends, win over your dream girl and ROCK the school! A coming-of-age adventure about friendship, love, and rebellion inspired by the raunchy teen comedies of the era.

Why similar: Open World 30%, Sandbox 12.2%, Story Rich 11.7%, Atmospheric 11.1%, Action 9.7%

A game in which you really look like the main character!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 63.3%, Adventure 12.5%, Anime 11.2%, Story Rich 6.7%, 2D 5.2%

Explore a decaying futuristic city in this action adventure experience. Search for items, unlock superpowers, recruit companions, and free every turf from ruthless gangs to unite the people once again.

Why similar: RPG 34.4%, Action 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 19.9%, Adventure 16.3%, Indie 6.1%

A 2D side-scrolling pixel art action RPG featuring advanced AI companions that fight and move on their own. A heartfelt story about children’s daily lives and small adventures in a world of swords and magic.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.8%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Action RPG 13.2%, RPG 10%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%

Embody a hard-boiled detective seeking bloody justice. in an old-school, Korean-style beat-’em-up. Plow through the criminal underworld to find and punish those responsible for his sister's death...before his mind unravels and his vengeance completely destroys him.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 34.9%, Martial Arts 19.5% ★, Side Scroller 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Action RPG 9%

Ringlorn Saga is an adventure RPG inspired by the Japanese PC classics. Prince Gerhard the Brave embarks on a journey to the neighboring land to investigate the appearance of a magic barrier and his father's disappearance.

Why similar: Action RPG 18.9%, Open World 16.5%, RPG 12.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Action-Adventure 10%

Get wrecked in this immature grown-up RPG about a trio of troublemakers stumbling their way through a giant mecha tournament. Repair and upgrade the team’s hand-me-down rig, pick up odd jobs to pay the bills, and battle the best-of-the-best all while running from the regrettable choices of the past.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 28.2%, Story Rich 19.2%, RPG 18.2%, Anime 17.6%, Action 8.7%

A short game about an average white-collar worker who struggles to find meaning in a life full of constant overtime and isolation. After an accident lands him in the hospital, Mr. Saitou is spirited away to a strange fantasy world where an unexpected friend takes him on a life-changing adventure.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 20.6%, RPG 19.1%, Story Rich 17.7%, Anime 15.9%, Retro 11.9%

Shenmue III sees the eagerly anticipated continuation of the epic story-driven saga. Take control of Ryo Hazuki, a teenage martial artist, determined to unravel the mystery behind his father's murder and to exact revenge on the killer.

Why similar: Martial Arts 38.6% ★, Open World 19%, Action 12.9%, Adventure 10.9%, Story Rich 8.1%

Dodgeball Academia is a sports RPG game featuring rookie dodgeball student, Otto. Join Otto and an eclectic cast of characters as they train to dominate on and off the courts of the academia.

Why similar: RPG 34.2%, Anime 23.9%, Action 18.4%, Adventure 14.7%, Story Rich 7%

Explore a cursed Japanese town! Recruit mascot friends and come to the rescue when disaster strikes! Solve the mystery of your exile! Help a living finger work through her many anger issues! Turn Promise Mascot Agency into the best agency in Japan in this open-world narrative adventure!

Why similar: Open World 23.6%, RPG 16.9%, Story Rich 15.1%, Action RPG 13.8%, Anime 13.1%

Familia follows four protagonists through a journey to retake their homeland. The game’s style is highly influenced by 90s-style Japanese role-playing games like Final Fantasy 1-6.

Why similar: Martial Arts 36.3% ★, RPG 13%, Retro 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Story Rich 7.4%