Games Like Valfaris

Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell!

Why similar: Gore 25%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.1%, Gothic 9.9% ★, Difficult 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: This direct sequel shifts the gameplay to a high-octane shoot-em-up while maintaining the series' signature metal-infused intensity.

Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.

Why similar: Gore 21.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Platformer 12.8%, Gothic 11.7% ★, Pixel Graphics 9%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this game shares the exact same heavy metal aesthetic and brutal 2D combat style.

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: Gore 21.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Metroidvania 10.2%, Violent 9.3%, Platformer 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features the same dark, oppressive atmosphere and challenging, gore-filled pixel art combat found in Valfaris.

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: Gore 17.3%, Gothic 14.6% ★, Violent 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%, Platformer 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A gothic, gore-filled souls-like that matches the dark fantasy tone and punishing combat of Valfaris.

BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.

Why similar: Gore 28.6%, Action 10.4%, Platformer 10.3%, Violent 10%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: An ultra-violent, fast-paced 2D shooter that prioritizes raw, bloody action just like Valfaris.

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Side Scroller 17.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.7%, Platformer 11.7%, Retro 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style run-and-gun that captures the same intense, fast-paced action and retro difficulty.

Iron Meat is a run-and-gun arcade shooter that immerses players in an apocalyptic future overrun by "The Meat," an iron-ravenous mass mutating everything in its path. Blast your way through retro-inspired stages and bosses to uncover the shocking horrors behind secret experiments on the Moon.

Why similar: Side Scroller 23%, Platformer 22.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Action 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers visceral gore and a heavy-metal-inspired run-and-gun experience that feels like a spiritual cousin to Valfaris.

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 18.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%, Platformer 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Violent 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A perfect match for Valfaris fans, offering high-octane 2D run-and-gun action with a gritty, retro-future aesthetic.

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: Platformer 14.5%, Gothic 13.5% ★, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Side Scroller 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a polished, retro-style action platforming experience with tight controls and challenging boss fights.

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 22.2%, Platformer 14.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Gore 12.2%, Action 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Offers fast-paced, stylish, one-hit-kill action with an incredible soundtrack and a dark, compelling narrative.

Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.

Why similar: Platformer 29.1%, Difficult 17.4%, Action 11.8%, Retro 9.9%, Side Scroller 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A notoriously difficult, retro-style platformer that demands the same level of precision and mastery as Valfaris.

Infernax is the adventures of a great knight who returns to his homeland only to find it plagued with unholy magic. Uncover the mysteries of the curse and face the consequences of your actions.

Why similar: Violent 13.5%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Gore 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Action 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, gore-focused retro action game that captures the same sense of challenge and dark, pixelated aesthetic.

Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!

Why similar: Gore 19.6%, Action 13.5%, Platformer 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Retro 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A hardcore run-and-gun action game that feels like a direct homage to the classic, punishing shooters of the 80s.

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: Pixel Graphics 17.6%, Platformer 14.7%, Metroidvania 14.4%, Action 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines challenging 2D action with dark fantasy themes and deep, rewarding combat mechanics.

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: Platformer 25.8%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Difficult 15.9%, Metroidvania 13.1%, Action 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, surreal, souls-like platformer that emphasizes challenging combat and unique, grotesque enemy designs.

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: Great Soundtrack 19.9%, Platformer 16.8%, Metroidvania 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Action 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in retro-inspired action platforming that offers deep exploration and challenging combat encounters.

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: Pixel Graphics 28.3%, Metroidvania 23.2%, Difficult 18.3%, Action 18.1%, Platformer 6%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D action-adventure game that features tight combat and a sprawling, interconnected world.

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: Great Soundtrack 25%, Gore 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 12%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Difficult 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish, violent, and tactical 2D action game that rewards precision and careful planning in a dark world.

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: Gore 29.7%, Gothic 15.4% ★, Side Scroller 14%, Platformer 10.6%, Violent 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, action-focused 2D RPG that emphasizes visceral combat and exploration in a grim, atmospheric setting.

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: Gore 18%, Platformer 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, Action 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A unique, action-oriented puzzle-platformer that features a dark, unsettling atmosphere and fluid movement.

Black Future ’88 is a Synth-Punk roguelike 2D action Shooter. Vertically climb an always evolving procedural tower to reach the top and kill its insane owner…before your heart explodes. Shoot, slash, dash and upgrade yourself to survive the endless waves of Homicidal AI, Traps & Colossal Wardens.

Why similar: Action 49.5%, Pixel Graphics 18.8%, Platformer 15.8%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Indie 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A high-speed, synth-heavy action roguelike that matches the aggressive pace and aesthetic intensity of Valfaris.

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: Platformer 18.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, Retro 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Side Scroller 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers fast-paced, retro-inspired ninja action with high-difficulty platforming and intense boss encounters.

Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware.

Why similar: Gore 32.8%, Retro 18.6%, Violent 13.3%, Action 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 10%

Why You'll Like It: A visceral, retro-styled shooter that captures the same heavy gore and aggressive combat feel in a 3D space.

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: Platformer 21.7%, Side Scroller 20.2%, Action 12.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%, Difficult 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features fluid, fast-paced 2D action with a focus on high-quality pixel art and responsive combat mechanics.

Rising Hell is a vertical platformer rogue-lite filled with adrenaline-pumping action and tons of heavy gothic metal shreds. Climb out from the ever-changing hell while you fight hordes of blood-lusting demons.

Why similar: Gore 31.2%, Platformer 19.3%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Difficult 11.7%, Action 11%

Why You'll Like It: A vertical, gore-filled action roguelite that captures the same chaotic energy and metal-inspired vibe.

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: Gore 19.1%, Platformer 16.2%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%, Action 8.9%

You're outnumbered, low on ammunition and the paranoia sets in. This is an action horror-world where enemies get power-ups and you don’t.

Why similar: Platformer 26.5%, Action 17.5%, Indie 9.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: An intense, difficult, and minimalist action game where the enemies grow stronger as you defeat them.

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: Gore 24%, Platformer 14.6%, Action 10.7%, Violent 9.9%, Metroidvania 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, cyberpunk-themed metroidvania that features challenging combat and a dark, oppressive world.

Atomik: RunGunJumpGun is a tough as nails game that puts a gravity-defying weapon in your hands. One button lets you fly, the other blasts obstacles out of the way. With a cast of crazed characters, challenging gameplay, and a pulsing musical score, it delivers twitchy platforming goodness.

Why similar: Action 21.7%, Platformer 16.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 12%, Indie 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, extremely difficult platforming action game that requires constant movement and precision.

Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 29%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Action 8.6%, Difficult 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, heavy-metal-infused side-scrolling shooter that matches the over-the-top energy of Valfaris.

A crazy action-adventure platformer... In Hell.

Why similar: Platformer 37%, Gore 16%, Action 15.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%, 2D 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: An action-packed, quirky 2D platformer with a dark sense of humor and fast-paced combat.

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: Platformer 17.7%, Difficult 16.2%, Gore 14.6%, Metroidvania 14.2%, Action 9.9%

Dynamic, hardcore and explosive action on the passage with a bunch of weapons, enemies and bosses.

Why similar: Gore 14.9%, Action 14.2%, Platformer 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Side Scroller 9.3%

After Death is a platform / exploration game in a dark and hostile world. With the help from lost souls, you will have to find a way to open a gate which seems to be the only exit from this mysterious world infected by monsters.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 26.6%, Action 12.9%, Platformer 11.7%, Metroidvania 10.1%, Side Scroller 9.8%

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

Why similar: Platformer 32.6%, Metroidvania 16.6%, Action 16.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Retro 10.4%

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.8%, Great Soundtrack 20.1%, Action 19.9%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Indie 9.9%

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: Platformer 19.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Retro 11.1%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 30.1%, Gore 20.2%, Violent 15%, Action 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is the brutal conclusion to the Hotline Miami saga, set against a backdrop of escalating violence and retribution over spilled blood in the original game.

Why similar: Gore 26.9%, Great Soundtrack 26.7%, Violent 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Difficult 7.7%

Wallachia Reign of Dracula is a retro-styled action platformer/shooter game.

Why similar: Action 34.8%, Indie 18%, Platformer 15.4%, Violent 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.8%

Blast, slice and shred through your enemies in this hardcore FPS inspired by the icons of the '90s, powered by the legendary Quake-1 Tech. Taking place in a realm left to rot, take up arms, unearth long-forgotten secrets and hunt down the Guardians of the Old World.

Why similar: Gore 28%, Action 18.7%, Violent 16%, Retro 15.4%, Great Soundtrack 9%

Cybarian The Time Travelling Warrior is a classically inspired arcade action game, with a mixture of modern and retro gaming tropes.

Why similar: Platformer 16.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Action 10.3%, Retro 9.7%

Project Warlock is a first-person shooter that fans of Doom, Hexen, and Wolfenstein cannot miss. It serves you an exploding cocktail of bullets, spells, and monsters. Battle through 60 levels of non-stop action, packed with bloodthirsty enemies and challenging bosses.

Why similar: Gore 36.8%, Retro 14.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.8%, Action 9.9%

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 22.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%, Action 12.4%, Side Scroller 11.8%

Slay grim cultists, infernal minions, and nightmarish creatures in this dark and bloody retro-inspired action platformer. Uncover secrets, acquire powerful artifacts, and face challenging bosses in the Haunted Lands.

Why similar: Gore 19.4%, Platformer 13.3%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.9%, Difficult 9.1%

Gutwhale is a roguelite about managing the space between you and your ammo, while fighting your way through a digestive system!

Why similar: Action 27.6%, Gore 18.1%, Indie 14.8%, Platformer 10.8%, Violent 9.9%

A 8-bit retro action platformer that goes beyond just pixels and chiptunes

Why similar: Action 26.6%, Platformer 24.8%, Pixel Graphics 15.7%, Retro 14.2%, Indie 13%

Distant future… Brutal gladiatorial battles is a top-rated show, extremely popular all over the Universe. You’ve been sent to the abandoned planet as one of the participants of the show. Your goal is to survive as long as possible, fighting back deadly creatures in the focus of billions of viewers.

Why similar: Gore 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Platformer 11.7%, Action 10.9%, Side Scroller 10.6%

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: Great Soundtrack 20.7%, Action 19.8%, Metroidvania 16.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.2%, Platformer 12.7%

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: Action 18.3%, Platformer 18%, Pixel Graphics 17.1%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Metroidvania 14.2%

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 16.7%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Metroidvania 10.6%, Action 10.2%

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: Platformer 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%, Gore 13.8%, Retro 13%, Action 12.4%

Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.

Why similar: Platformer 24.7%, Metroidvania 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Action 13.7%, Difficult 7.5%

"This is some of the most fun I've had with a game so far this year, and it will go down as one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time." - 9/10, Destructoid

Why similar: Platformer 27.3%, Action 20.4%, Indie 10.4%, Side Scroller 10%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%

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: Platformer 19.7%, Gore 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%, Action 13.4%, Violent 9.8%

Skelethrone is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.

Why similar: Gore 16.1%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Gothic 13.1% ★, Platformer 11%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 25.6%, Platformer 24.1%, Metroidvania 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Action 7.9%

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 46.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%, Difficult 12.5%, Action 10.3%, Sci-fi 6.6%

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

Why similar: Platformer 19.1%, Pixel Graphics 17.4%, Metroidvania 15.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Action 8.8%

Bannerman is a gritty and atmospheric medieval action/adventure with a bleak narrative and focus on historically accurate, challenging skill-based swordfighting!

Why similar: Gore 29.9%, Great Soundtrack 23.4%, Violent 17.1%, Action 10.8%, Difficult 7.7%