Games Like They Always Run

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: Side Scroller 29.1%, Platformer 21.9%, Sci-fi 18.7%, 2D Platformer 12.9%, 2D 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the space-western, bounty-hunting atmosphere with its intense, arcade-style side-scrolling action.

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: Ninja 27.4% ★, Fast-Paced 14.9%, Platformer 13.7%, Hack and Slash 11.8%, 2D Platformer 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Like the seed game, it features high-speed, one-hit-kill combat and a compelling, story-rich narrative set in a gritty world.

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: Platformer 16.9%, Story Rich 15.7%, 2D Platformer 15%, Action-Adventure 11.3%, Side Scroller 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similarly fast-paced, cyberpunk-themed experience with a heavy focus on fluid movement and grappling-hook mechanics.

With its cyberpunk city brought to life with retro graphics, Ninja Issen invites players into a world filled with "hyper ninja action" as they work alone to annihilate waves of enemy troops using a variety of ninja skills and fight bosses coming at you with relentless, diverse attack patterns.

Why similar: Ninja 52.1% ★, Platformer 7.6%, Side Scroller 6.9%, Hack and Slash 6.5%, Fast-Paced 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a high-octane, cyberpunk-infused ninja experience that prioritizes speed and aggressive combat.

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: Fast-Paced 24.4%, Platformer 22.7%, 2D Platformer 13.2%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Sci-fi 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action-platformer that emphasizes robot-themed combat and fluid movement, feeling very much in line with the seed game's mechanics.

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 57.1% ★, Platformer 12.6%, Side Scroller 7.2%, Sci-fi 6.2%, 2D Platformer 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in 2D ninja action that mirrors the tight, responsive platforming and combat found in the seed game.

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: Ninja 57.4% ★, Platformer 15.5%, 2D Platformer 6.7%, 2D 5.6%, Action-Adventure 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title provides a fantastic blend of ninja-themed platforming and fast-paced action that evolves into a deeper adventure.

ANOMALY AGENT is a cyberpunk action-adventure featuring fluid combat, a time-bending story, quirky characters and a catchy synthwave soundtrack! Punch or shoot through mobs of enemies, impact the story with your choices and stop the anomalies before the world plunges into chaos!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 22.2%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Platformer 18.7%, 2D Platformer 15.6%, Action-Adventure 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish, sci-fi action-adventure that emphasizes fluid combat and platforming in a unique, narrative-driven world.

In Mark of the Ninja, you'll know what it is to truly be a ninja. You must be silent, agile and clever to outwit your opponents in a world of gorgeous scenery and flowing animation. Marked with cursed tattoos giving you heightened senses, every situation presents you with options.

Why similar: Ninja 64.2% ★, Platformer 17.1%, Side Scroller 5.8%, 2D 4.6%, Action 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a polished, stealth-action experience that focuses on the precision and lethality of a ninja protagonist.

An intense, hardcore action side-scroller. Maneuver as a ninja killerbot through dynamic wastelands with 26+ specialized weapons. Dodge, dash, and dominate. A homage to Metroidvania and Roguelike: customize atomic evolution, breach intricate alert levels to decrypt the Oblivion Code...

Why similar: Ninja 51.4% ★, Hack and Slash 15.8%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Sci-fi 7.9%, 2D 4%

Why You'll Like It: This sci-fi side-scroller features fast, hack-and-slash combat that feels very similar to the seed game's action loops.

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: Ninja 35.8% ★, Platformer 13.2%, Action 12.2%, Adventure 9.7%, Indie 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its focus on high-speed traversal and fluid combat makes it a great match for fans of the seed game's platforming.

Hyperactive 2D action platformer with wicked fast attacks, omnidirectional dashing, and time-freezing! Play well enough to transform and unleash 100% power!

Why similar: Fast-Paced 30.6%, 2D Platformer 15.8%, Platformer 12.2%, Action-Adventure 11.3%, Combat 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a high-speed, action-packed experience that rewards players for mastering movement and combat mechanics.

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Platformer 32%, Side Scroller 19.9%, Sci-fi 17.5%, Action 13%, 2D 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: This heavy-metal-infused space action game offers the same intense, combat-heavy side-scrolling experience as the seed game.

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

Why similar: Platformer 28.1%, 2D Platformer 19.3%, Action-Adventure 15%, Story Rich 12.1%, Combat 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A dieselpunk-themed metroidvania that features a combat-heavy protagonist and a dense, atmospheric world.

Bring In Your Bounty, Dead or Alive

Why similar: Sci-fi 26.3%, Space 21.3%, Platformer 14.8%, Action-Adventure 13.8%, Combat 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: While in 3D, it is the quintessential bounty-hunting experience that matches the career-focused theme of the seed game.

Shadow Blade is an action-platformer set in a visually striking world where the ancient teachings of ninjas and samurai clash upon a modern landscape. Sprint through stages littered with traps, slaying enemies along your path without hesitation as Kuro, the blade of shadow!

Why similar: Ninja 60.4% ★, Fast-Paced 18.7%, Platformer 13.9%, Action 4.4%, Indie 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the core ninja fantasy with fast-paced, platforming-heavy levels and satisfying combat.

Explore alternate dimensions, fight interdimensional criminals, and solve crimes in this thrilling action platformer!

Why similar: Platformer 22.9%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Space 15.4%, Action 13.7%, Adventure 12%

Why You'll Like It: A fun, action-adventure platformer that features unique movement mechanics and a sci-fi setting.

DEADBOLT is an extremely challenging stealth-action hybrid that allows you to take control of the reaper to quell the recent undead uprising.

Why similar: Side Scroller 30.9%, 2D 20.3%, Action 12.6%, Platformer 11.1%, Atmospheric 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the gritty bounty-hunter fantasy through tactical, fast-paced combat against supernatural threats.

A scientist uses a unique teleportation instrument to escape an ancient biomechanical world filled with imaginative technology, deadly traps, and hidden secrets.

Why similar: Sci-fi 17.6%, Platformer 16.3%, Space 16.1%, Hand-drawn 11.3%, 2D Platformer 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, sci-fi platformer that emphasizes physics-based movement and a dark, mysterious world.

Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.

Why similar: Fast-Paced 27.7%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Sci-fi 15.2%, 2D Platformer 14.4%, Platformer 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, cyberpunk-themed action game that focuses on tight combat and challenging platforming sequences.

Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!

Why similar: Platformer 31.9%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Sci-fi 10.4%, Action 9.2%, 2D 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and combat in a hostile, alien environment.

10 SECOND NINJA X is a hardcore sidescroller. You're a ninja, there are robots, you've got ten seconds to destroy them all. Get three star ratings, climb leaderboards, discover secrets and stop Captain Greatbeard.

Why similar: Ninja 43.4% ★, Platformer 21.2%, Fast-Paced 15.2%, Action 7%, Side Scroller 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It distills the ninja platforming experience into intense, bite-sized challenges that require perfect execution.

Karma Knight is a fast paced 2D side-scrolling platform action game with stylish combat. Find hidden items in the stages, collect different spells, defeat the enemies as you gain more experience and enjoy the overall platform action game style.

Why similar: Action 21.6%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Platformer 14.3%, 2D Platformer 13.5%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action-platformer that focuses on combat variety and fast-paced gameplay.

From the dark streets of San Diego to the deepest depths of the criminal underworld, control the Street Cleaner as he takes down outlaw scum in search of justice.

Why similar: Ninja 55.8% ★, Platformer 21%, Action 8.9%, 2D 7.3%, Indie 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action game that captures the gritty, urban-combat feel of the seed game.

Fantasy metroidvania with a moral choice and hunting the bosses who are not going to patiently wait for you in their lair. Study the monsters. Track'em. Kill'em. Exploration of the vast interconnected fairytale world, an acrobatic combat system and weird locals are what awaits you.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 27.1%, Platformer 21.9%, 2D Platformer 18.4%, Hand-drawn 13.9%, Story Rich 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A combat-focused metroidvania that features hunting mechanics and fluid, martial-arts-inspired movement.

BERSERK BOY is a high speed action packed Platformer, with Metroidvania elements. Packed with vibrant and stylish pixel art. Go Berserk! as you change into different forms and use the power of Lightning, Fire, Ice, Air, and Earth to save the planet!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 15.1%, Platformer 14.9%, Sci-fi 14.9%, Side Scroller 13.1%, 2D Platformer 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, action-platformer that features transformation mechanics and highly responsive combat.

Ignite the galaxy. Aeon Must Die! Experience a unique beat ‘em-up introducing breakneck risk-reward gameplay, innovative AI and tactical fighting, all packaged in an incredible art style.

Why similar: Space 21%, Sci-fi 20.3%, 2D Platformer 18.8%, 2D 9.5%, Atmospheric 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This beat-em-up features a unique, high-energy combat system and a distinct, stylish visual presentation.

Cyberplug is a 2D platformer, where you control an electric being capable of moving at high speed and use electricity to advance through enemies and destroy a corporation that rules the cyberpunk themed city.

Why similar: Side Scroller 19.4%, Platformer 17.1%, Sci-fi 15.9%, 2D Platformer 15.2%, Action-Adventure 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A precision-platformer set in a cyberpunk world that requires quick reflexes and mastery of movement.

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: Platformer 17.7%, Hack and Slash 17.3%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Action-Adventure 10.2%, Combat 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A visually striking, retro-futuristic action game that focuses on sword-based combat and platforming.

BE FASTER. Take on the role of a corpo scav drone pilot, tasked with tearing through the decaying corpse of a world to salvage the remains of a powerful energy source. Master flight through hostile environments and deadly security measures in 100 precision platforming levels.

Why similar: Platformer 26.8%, Sci-fi 21.6%, 2D Platformer 18.8%, Action 9.4%, Adventure 7.7%

You are Hidalgo Bladewing, a bird with a beef. Hack, slash, platform, and soar through a beautifully chaotic pixel-art neonscape in your quest to save your feathered friends. Challenging retro-inspired platforming gameplay, transforming weapons, and fowl Ninja action await.

Why similar: Ninja 36% ★, Hack and Slash 13.2%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Platformer 10.9%, 2D Platformer 8.5%

Lead Eliosi, a wanna-be bounty hunter, into making his dream come true in this hardcore top-down shooter and platformer.

Why similar: Platformer 34.9%, Sci-fi 28.8%, Action 14.2%, Adventure 10.5%, Indie 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a bounty hunter protagonist in a sci-fi setting, blending top-down shooting with platforming elements.

A fast-paced platformer where you can slash, dash, and control time. Slow down the frenzy of combat and find the right moment to strike! Then, aim the 360-degree dash and zoom away at lightning speed! Master your abilities to maneuver around obstacles and vaporize foes before they can touch you.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 18.6%, Platformer 18.5%, Side Scroller 15.5%, 2D Platformer 14.1%, Combat 10.7%

Explore a dark and sinister Osaka as the Demon Hunter Shin. Battle demons, regain lost skills, and uncover the truth of your forgotten past in this exciting occult-inspired cyberpunk metroidvania.

Why similar: Ninja 39.1% ★, Side Scroller 14%, Platformer 13.2%, 2D Platformer 10.7%, Sci-fi 9.9%

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 39.6% ★, Side Scroller 13.5%, Platformer 12.9%, 2D Platformer 10.2%, Action-Adventure 7.6%

Ninja Hanrei is a 2D run and gun Platformer game inspired on Ancient Japan but with Super Powers.

Why similar: Ninja 45.4% ★, Platformer 21.4%, 2D Platformer 13.5%, Action 7.9%, 2D 5.2%

Blade Assault is a 2D action rogue-lite platformer with beautiful pixel art set in a desolate sci-fi world. Fight against the corrupt military of Esperanza as part of the resistance force of the Undercity. Bring the corrupt to justice by becoming stronger and fighting alongside your trusty comrades.

Why similar: Platformer 19.8%, Hack and Slash 14.3%, 2D Platformer 14.2%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Action-Adventure 11.6%

Wall jump and slash your way through the remains of Facility 32 as legendary Scrap Hunter Iggy Ikeda in this super-tight action platformer with collectibles.

Why similar: Platformer 29.6%, Sci-fi 25.2%, Hand-drawn 24%, Action 11.1%, Indie 6.9%

Ninjas are cool, this is an established fact of the universe. Nazi Robots from space are not cool, they are the complete opposite of cool, and Robot Hitler is out to get you, the world's first ninja. You have 10 seconds to destroy all Nazi Robots in your vicinity. IT. IS. ON.

Why similar: Ninja 55.7% ★, Fast-Paced 17.2%, Platformer 16.6%, Action 4.1%, 2D 3%

Your arms may be taken from you, but not your honour. Your legs have become your sword and shield. Run on walls, dive kick & dash into your enemies, parry bullets with your shins. Become a warrior of legend, Armless Samurai!

Why similar: Fast-Paced 48.1%, Platformer 22.7%, Combat 14.4%, Action 9.3%, Indie 2.8%

Platform game with a gloomy artistic style. Challenging levels with many traps and enemies. Use all your skills to avoid dangerous traps. Destroy all opponents on your way to revenge.

Why similar: Ninja 53.9% ★, Platformer 16.9%, Side Scroller 7.8%, 2D Platformer 6.6%, Action 3.7%

Dustless is a hand-drawn wuxia side-scrolling action game built around Yin-Yang switching, fast pressure, and endless combos. Play as a swordsman in white, link sword skills, launch enemies, and overwhelm bosses through aggressive rhythm. Defense is only a fallback while you learn.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 23%, 2D Platformer 20.7%, Action-Adventure 19.2%, 2D 9.3%, Action 7.8%

Magenta Horizon is a fast-paced 2D action platformer with challenging spectacle fighter inspired combat. Playing as a Reaper of the twisted purgatorial afterlife, push your skills to the limit to destroy the hordes of demons and epic bosses to reach your destination.

Why similar: Fast-Paced 28.2%, Hack and Slash 22.3%, Platformer 17.9%, 2D Platformer 14.9%, Atmospheric 6.2%

Agent in Depth is a daring action-platformer featuring fast-paced action and instant-death combat. You’ll run, jump, aim, and deflect bullets with your katana to blow up your enemies. No checkpoints, no upgrades: just pure skills. Deflect, die, learn, repeat. Be better, be faster.

Why similar: Ninja 60.4% ★, Hack and Slash 14.9%, 2D Platformer 10.2%, Story Rich 7.1%, Action 3.6%

ION Shift delivers fast, high-stakes gameplay with precision controls and a unique sandbox-style approach to combat arenas. The campaign progressively challenges the player through evolving level design, tight mechanics, and a focus on player-driven mastery.

Why similar: Fast-Paced 30%, Sci-fi 25.2%, 2D Platformer 14.8%, Platformer 10.7%, 2D 7.2%

A fast-paced action platformer based on the world of Ninja Slayer, a hit manga that sold 4.44 million copies! In the fictional cyberpunk city of Neo-Saitama, take control of Ninja Slayer as he does battle with numerous evil ninjas, all to avenge the death of his wife and child.

Why similar: Ninja 42.9% ★, Fast-Paced 14.9%, Hack and Slash 10.8%, 2D Platformer 9.7%, Side Scroller 8.7%

Stray Savior is a 2D action platformer packed full of lethal traps, precise jumps, and powerful bosses. Venture through the dystopian world with weapons and skills, to prove yourself and forge your own path.

Why similar: Platformer 22.7%, Side Scroller 18.5%, 2D Platformer 16.2%, Action-Adventure 15%, 2D 7.3%

Follow R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped in a human body, on a cinematic adventure through an alternate 1980s America. Explore an atmospheric cyberpunk world full of high-stakes action wrapped in a unique 2.5D pixel art style.

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.2%, Sci-fi 15.8%, Action-Adventure 13.4%, 2D Platformer 13.4%, Story Rich 9.8%

Mighty Goose is a fast paced run & gun shooter starring a bounty hunter Goose. Use epic weapons and devastating war machines to battle against screen filling bosses and hordes of enemies!

Why similar: Platformer 22.1%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Sci-fi 21.5%, 2D Platformer 16.7%, 2D 8.3%

PlatyGuard: Swarm Slayer is a 2D action roguelike platformer RPG set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, infused with biopunk and dark sci-fi flair. Survive the chaos, clash with mutant foes, and explore mysterious sites in this indie adventure!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 23.9%, Platformer 13.4%, Sci-fi 11.9%, 2D Platformer 10.4%, Action-Adventure 9.4%

A pixel-art sci-fi adventure set in the midst of a rebellion against a totalitarian regime, LUNARK is a modern take on the 2D cinematic platformer genre of the '90s. Run, jump, hang, climb, roll, and shoot your way through gorgeous and mysterious locations!

Why similar: Platformer 20.8%, Sci-fi 18.5%, Side Scroller 13%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Action-Adventure 9.7%

Lock, load, and get ready for a new kind of action adventure! Immerse yourself in a noir rain-soaked city inside a paperback comic. Uncover a cyberpunk conspiracy against human rights. THIS is the revolution.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 18.1%, Platformer 17.7%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Sci-fi 15.2%, Action-Adventure 11.8%

”BRIGHT TRACER" is a high-speed running game to. Dash through a cyberspace world being invaded by a viruse. You stylishly advance through the stages stylishly using various actions such as wall-run and wire-hook. Run, jump, dodge enemies and obstacles through the world to get to the viruses’ boss.

Why similar: Fast-Paced 46.4%, Sci-fi 21.6%, Platformer 19.4%, Action 10.6%, Singleplayer 2%

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 32.2%, Sci-fi 25.4%, 2D 10.3%, Side Scroller 7.7%, Action 6.8%

Prison City is a dystopian, action-packed side-scroller with tight mechanics and intricate level design. Battle Techno-Terrorists with your chakram and grenades, eat hot dogs for health, and locate contacts to help take down bosses.

Why similar: Platformer 19.9%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Sci-fi 17.7%, 2D Platformer 15.1%, Story Rich 9.3%

Possessor(s) is a fast-paced action side scroller with combat inspired by platform fighters, a story told through dangerous characters, set in a deep interconnected world ready for exploration.

Why similar: Platformer 27.6%, Side Scroller 22.4%, Action-Adventure 15.5%, Action 10.9%, Adventure 8.3%

Orbital Bullet is a fast paced 360° action-platformer with rogue-lite elements, where all actions take place in a circular pattern. Fight your way through a variety of procedural planets and use body modifications, crafting and heavy weaponry. Kill. Die. Modify.

Why similar: Platformer 45%, 2D Platformer 14.2%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Hack and Slash 12.9%, 2D 5%

PLANET ALPHA, a beautiful alien world filled with mystery and danger. Pursued by relentless enemies, you must harness the power of night and day as you struggle to survive.

Why similar: Platformer 18.9%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Space 16.5%, Sci-fi 16.3%, 2D Platformer 8.1%

Bloodthief is an ultra-fast melee dungeon-runner where you use momentum to parkour through hazardous dungeons and brutally slash through enemies. Speed-run through haunted crypts and castles and learn what dark secrets lie beneath.

Why similar: Fast-Paced 37.1%, Hack and Slash 27.2%, Platformer 19.6%, Action-Adventure 10.6%, Action 3.9%

Dex is a 2D, side-scrolling, open-world cyberpunk RPG with a focus on exploration and non-linear gameplay.

Why similar: Side Scroller 19.6%, Sci-fi 17%, Platformer 15.6%, Hand-drawn 12%, 2D 9%