Games Like The Messenger

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: Ninja 35% ★, Metroidvania 16.9%, Retro 9.8%, Platformer 9.1%, Great Soundtrack 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the punishing, high-speed ninja action of the classic games that inspired The Messenger.

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 24.7%, Ninja 21.8% ★, Platformer 13%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%, 2D Platformer 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similar fast-paced, one-hit-kill combat loop paired with a compelling, narrative-driven experience.

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: Great Soundtrack 27.2%, Platformer 21.6%, Retro 16%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, 2D 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for modern retro-platformers, featuring tight controls, charming humor, and an incredible soundtrack.

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 21.6%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.7%, Retro 13.4%, 2D Platformer 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A modern action-platformer that feels like a lost classic, emphasizing fluid movement and satisfying melee combat.

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: Metroidvania 26%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Platformer 14%, Retro 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by Inti Creates, this title provides an authentic 8-bit action experience with multiple characters and branching paths.

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.

Why similar: Metroidvania 59.3%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Side Scroller 6.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%, Action-Adventure 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: This modern Metroidvania features some of the most fluid movement and challenging platforming sequences in the genre.

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: Metroidvania 46.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Platformer 11%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, Retro 7%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic exploration games that focuses on unique weapon mechanics and mysterious world-building.

SANABI is an exhilarating stylish dystopian action-platformer. Play as a legendary retired veteran and use your signature prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs and skyscrapers, zip through bullets and traps and defeat powerful enemies.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 19.2%, Platformer 14.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, 2D Platformer 11.2%, Retro 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a high-speed grappling hook mechanic that makes movement feel as exhilarating as The Messenger's cloud-step.

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: Metroidvania 41.8%, Great Soundtrack 23.5%, Platformer 14.1%, Difficult 8.2%, 2D 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a deep, atmospheric world filled with challenging bosses and rewarding exploration that defines the modern Metroidvania.

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: Metroidvania 41.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 12.9%, Platformer 12.5%, 2D 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich platformer that balances creative boss fights with a unique, colorful world.

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: Metroidvania 34.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, Platformer 13.5%, Difficult 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: The time-manipulation mechanics and incredibly tight movement make this a standout action-platformer.

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 51%, Pixel Graphics 12%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Platformer 9.2%, Difficult 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric Metroidvania that emphasizes challenging combat and intricate world design.

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 42.7%, Platformer 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Funny 6.6%, 2D 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It combines fast-paced, twitch-reflex combat with a constant sense of progression and exploration.

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 31%, Platformer 12.4%, 2D Platformer 10.4%, Epic 10% ★, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the high-energy, fast-paced platforming and quirky humor that makes The Messenger so memorable.

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 32.7%, Platformer 16.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Difficult 11.4%, 2D Platformer 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: While more focused on precision platforming, it shares the same high-quality control feel and emotional depth as The Messenger.

A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant. Use a variety of weapons and spirit powers to unravel the mystery of the labyrinth.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.6%, Platformer 18.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, 2D 6.4%, Great Soundtrack 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a polished Metroidvania experience with beautiful pixel art and fluid, responsive combat.

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: Metroidvania 47.8%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Platformer 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Difficult 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends souls-like combat with Metroidvania exploration, offering a deep and rewarding experience.

Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.8%, Platformer 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Retro 10.9%, 2D 5%

Why You'll Like It: A short, punchy, and highly polished Metroidvania that uses a limited color palette to great effect.

Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 37%, Platformer 14.3%, Time Travel 13.5% ★, 2D Platformer 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features time-manipulation mechanics and a non-linear world that will feel very familiar to fans of The Messenger.

Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.8%, Platformer 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Retro 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, retro-styled Metroidvania that rewards players for exploring every corner of its mysterious map.

Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Why similar: Metroidvania 39.8%, Platformer 14.4%, Retro 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, 2D Platformer 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and well-crafted Metroidvania that feels like a modern take on the classic Game Boy aesthetic.

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: Metroidvania 42.1%, Platformer 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Action 4.9%, Side Scroller 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant and polished adventure that uses transformation mechanics to keep exploration fresh and engaging.

KUNAI is a quirky, fast-paced action platformer. You play as Tabby, a tablet who joins the fight against a robot uprising. Use your kunai and ninja parkour skills to stop Lemonkus, the A.I.-gone-evil that almost wiped out all human life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 25.7%, Ninja 22.5% ★, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Platformer 9.8%, Action 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: The grappling hook mechanics provide a unique sense of speed and verticality in a post-apocalyptic setting.

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: Great Soundtrack 21.7%, Metroidvania 20.5%, Platformer 16.2%, Action 11.7%, Difficult 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: These games are the definitive retro action-platformers that set the standard for the challenging combat found in The Messenger.

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: Ninja 38.3% ★, Platformer 11.6%, Retro 9.6%, Metroidvania 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%

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: Metroidvania 27.8%, Pixel Graphics 19.6%, Platformer 13%, Action 8%, 2D 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: An action-roguelike with satisfying combat and a unique head-swapping mechanic that changes your playstyle.

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.3%, Pixel Graphics 19%, Metroidvania 19%, Difficult 11.5%, Indie 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: It excels at atmospheric storytelling and fast-paced, skill-based combat in a beautiful pixel-art world.

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: Great Soundtrack 31.2%, Platformer 28.9%, Difficult 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%, 2D 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult precision platformer that tests your reflexes and patience in a dark, atmospheric world.

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: Platformer 23.2%, Pixel Graphics 17%, 2D Platformer 16%, Retro 15.1%, Metroidvania 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A movement-focused Metroidvania that offers deep customization and challenging platforming puzzles.

In a bizarre universe where the oppressed are on the brink of oblivion, Dandara has awoken to reshape the world.

Why similar: Metroidvania 44.1%, Platformer 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, Action 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It reinvents platforming movement by allowing you to jump between surfaces, creating a unique and challenging experience.

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 57.4%, Pixel Graphics 14.9%, Difficult 8.3%, Action-Adventure 5.6%, Action 3.9%

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.4%, Platformer 16.3%, Retro 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Difficult 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational indie classic that perfectly blends platforming, shooting, and a heartfelt story.

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: Great Soundtrack 25%, Platformer 21.2%, Pixel Graphics 19.5%, Action 7.1%, Indie 6.5%

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: Metroidvania 35.8%, Platformer 15.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, 2D Platformer 7.5%

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: Metroidvania 47.1%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%, Retro 9.4%, Platformer 7.7%

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: Ninja 32.3% ★, Platformer 12.5%, Retro 8.5%, 2D Platformer 8.2%, Difficult 7.6%

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: Metroidvania 17.7%, Platformer 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Retro 12%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%

Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world!

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.2%, Platformer 16%, Retro 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, 2D Platformer 9.2%

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: Metroidvania 29.8%, Platformer 19.4%, Great Soundtrack 17.8%, Retro 10%, 2D 4.1%

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: Metroidvania 43.5%, Platformer 14.7%, Retro 8.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

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: Metroidvania 28.2%, Retro 17.2%, Platformer 15.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%, Difficult 7.7%

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

Why similar: Metroidvania 43.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Platformer 14.5%, Difficult 8.8%, Retro 5.4%

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 29.3%, Great Soundtrack 25.2%, Retro 10.4%, Difficult 10.1%, Side Scroller 8.6%

In this 2d precision platformer with a teleportation twist, play as Ninja Ming and embark on the Path of Trials. Dash through 241 levels using dynamic teleportation and diverse ninjutsu skills. Conquer challenges with style—growing stronger at every turn.

Why similar: Ninja 26.2% ★, Platformer 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, 2D Platformer 13.9%, Retro 8%

Explore the depths below a remote mountain town in this procedurally-generated Adventure Platformer. Taking inspiration from hack 'n slash dungeon crawlers and Metroidvania-style platformers, Chasm will immerse you in a fantasy world full of exciting treasure, deadly enemies, and abundant secrets.

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.9%, Platformer 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, 2D 3.8%, Indie 3.6%

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: Great Soundtrack 35.2%, Pixel Graphics 23.8%, Retro 12.7%, 2D 7%, Difficult 6.7%

Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!

Why similar: Metroidvania 37%, Platformer 16.2%, Retro 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, 2D Platformer 7.3%

The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.

Why similar: Ninja 36.6% ★, Metroidvania 28%, Platformer 14.1%, 2D Platformer 9.6%, Action 5.4%

Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.

Why similar: Platformer 23.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, 2D Platformer 12.9%, Retro 11.7%, Difficult 11.6%

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 26.2%, Great Soundtrack 25.1%, Retro 22.2%, Pixel Graphics 13.5%, 2D 6.1%

Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.6%, Retro 16.1%, Platformer 14.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%, 2D Platformer 9%

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: Metroidvania 47.7%, Platformer 12.5%, Retro 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Indie 6.2%

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 62.1%, Great Soundtrack 15%, Platformer 9.2%, Side Scroller 4.6%, Action 3.6%

Between our world and the world beyond lie the Titan Souls, the spiritual source of all living things. Scattered amongst the ruins and guarded by the idle titans charged with their care, a solitary hero armed with a single arrow is assembling shards of the Titan Soul in a quest for truth and power.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 28%, Pixel Graphics 24.9%, Difficult 19.7%, Retro 6.8%, 2D 5.3%

Amaterasu and her yokai army rule over feudal Japan. Switch in real time between Kensei and Ayame to defeat the goddess in this intense, 16-bit action platformer with Metroidvania elements and gorgeous pixel art.

Why similar: Ninja 30% ★, Metroidvania 20.7%, Platformer 9.4%, Retro 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%

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: Platformer 25.5%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 14.9%, Retro 10.6%, Action 9.9%

Our valiant hero Flynn possesses the ability to influence a mysterious energy and modify his style of combat, transforming him into a force to be reckoned with. Inspired by the golden age of the SNES, Flynn: Son of Crimson is the 2D action adventure that’ll take you right back to the 90s!

Why similar: Platformer 20.7%, Metroidvania 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%, Great Soundtrack 9%, Side Scroller 7.7%

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: Metroidvania 40.3%, Platformer 14.6%, 2D Platformer 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Retro 5.9%

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.9%, Platformer 16.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, 2D Platformer 9%, Funny 5.7%

The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all.

Why similar: Metroidvania 38.6%, Difficult 14.8%, Platformer 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, 2D Platformer 9%