Games Like Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

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 31%, Platformer 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Side Scroller 7.5%, Adventure 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: This is the spiritual successor to the series, featuring the same transformation-based exploration and vibrant, hand-drawn art style.

Shantae is back in an all-new tropical adventure! In her fifth outing, the Half-Genie hero gains new Fusion Magic abilities to explore a vast sunken city, makes new Half-Genie friends, and battles the Seven Sirens in her biggest, most thrilling quest yet!

Why similar: Metroidvania 46%, Platformer 24.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Adventure 5.7%, Cute 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features a charming, colorful aesthetic and transformation-based metroidvania gameplay that mirrors the core loop of the seed game.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.2%, Great Soundtrack 22.4%, Platformer 20.2%, Difficult 4.5%, Adventure 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a breathtaking hand-drawn art style paired with deep, rewarding exploration and platforming mechanics.

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: Platformer 30.5%, Great Soundtrack 24.4%, Retro 11.7%, Side Scroller 6.3%, 2D 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive retro-inspired action-platformer that captures the same nostalgic feel and polished gameplay of 8-bit classics.

The adventures of Asha, the little warrior, begin! Together with her blue sidekick Pepelogoo, she will run through numerous stages and save the Monster World from the darkness.

Why similar: Metroidvania 26.4%, Platformer 22.1%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Action-Adventure 6.1%, Adventure 6%

Why You'll Like It: As a direct entry in the same series, it maintains the classic side-scrolling action and charming fantasy world design.

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

Why You'll Like It: It successfully blends retro-inspired action with a clever metroidvania structure that evolves as you play.

DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.

Why similar: Platformer 40.2%, Great Soundtrack 19.6%, Retro 12.6%, Adventure 9.2%, Action 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A faithful modernization of a classic platformer that shares the same retro roots and charm as the seed game.

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 38.7%, Platformer 16.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Adventure 6.7%, Action 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title features beautiful pixel art and a focus on character-driven exploration within a metroidvania framework.

Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.6%, Platformer 20.4%, Retro 9.1%, Action-Adventure 6%, Fantasy 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern metroidvania that pays homage to retro classics with a heavy focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut brings hair-whipping, belly-dancing to your PC! Play one of the most critically acclaimed handheld series of all time, now with brand new features!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Platformer 27.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Action 3.9%, Retro 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This entry provides a tight, classic platforming experience with the series' signature charm and exploration elements.

SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.6%, Platformer 22.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%, Adventure 7.9%, Action 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a highly satisfying loop of exploration, upgrades, and uncovering secrets in a beautifully crafted world.

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 44.4%, Platformer 16.5%, Adventure 12.4%, Retro 7.9%, Action 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A non-linear action-adventure game that feels like a direct love letter to the 16-bit era of platformers.

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 42.5%, Platformer 15.8%, Retro 7.5%, Action 6.2%, Side Scroller 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A compact and charming metroidvania that features unique transformation mechanics and a distinct retro aesthetic.

Head back to the Mexiverse in this long-awaited sequel to the smash hit Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across stunning new hand-crafted levels. Featuring a dense and colorful world, new luchador moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.4%, Platformer 20.9%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Difficult 8.8%, Action 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: The game offers fluid, fast-paced action and platforming set in a vibrant, stylized world full of secrets.

Mickey Mouse returns to star in Castle of Illusion, a fantastical reimagining of the Sega Genesis classic.

Why similar: Platformer 55.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Adventure 10%, Retro 8.2%, Family Friendly 4%

Why You'll Like It: A polished remake of a classic platformer that captures the whimsical and adventurous spirit of the original.

Mutant scum never learn! Blaster Master Zero makes its Steam debut! Blaster Master Zero is a 8-bit style top-down & sideview 2D action-adventure game that hearkens back to the golden age of the NES. The game features new gameplay elements such as improved gameplay, and a more robust scenario.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.7%, Platformer 23.6%, Action 13.6%, Retro 12.9%, 2D 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: It combines side-scrolling platforming with top-down exploration, mirroring the genre-blending nature of the seed game.

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 40%, Platformer 18.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Difficult 8.8%, Adventure 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania that emphasizes exploration, secrets, and retro-inspired difficulty.

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 34.7%, Platformer 22.5%, Adventure 6.5%, Fantasy 6.5%, Action-Adventure 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Renowned for its stunning hand-drawn art, this game offers a unique movement-based adventure that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Experience the ultimate celebration of past and future in Sonic Mania, an all-new 2D Sonic adventure running at a crisp 60FPS with stunning HD retro-style graphics.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 30%, Platformer 25.9%, Retro 12.3%, Side Scroller 9.1%, 2D 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the essence of classic 2D platforming with a phenomenal soundtrack and tight, responsive controls.

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 53.2%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Platformer 11.2%, Side Scroller 9.2%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a deep, expansive metroidvania experience with extensive character progression and exploration.

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.1%, Platformer 23.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Action 6.6%, Adventure 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features beautiful hand-drawn animations and an action-heavy combat system that rewards exploration.

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 42.4%, Platformer 20.4%, Difficult 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%, Retro 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, challenging platformer that pays homage to the difficulty and exploration of early 90s games.

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 34%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Platformer 16.3%, Difficult 7.2%, Hand-drawn 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: While darker in tone, it is the gold standard for metroidvania exploration and atmospheric world-building.

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 33.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Action 10.1%, Difficult 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on a classic series that maintains the high-precision platforming and action of the original titles.

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 46.1%, Platformer 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Retro 5.1%, Action 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, retro-styled metroidvania that focuses on unique weapon mechanics and uncovering a mysterious world.

A journey begins... A treacherous tower... Unravel its mysteries!Discover the secrets kept in the long abandoned Tesla Tower!Magnetism and other electromagnetic powers will help you explore a non-linear world of beautiful hand-drawn environments, in a steampunk-inspired vision of old Europe.

Why similar: Platformer 31.8%, Metroidvania 30.7%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%, Side Scroller 5.5%, Difficult 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A unique puzzle-platformer that uses physics-based mechanics to create a distinct and rewarding gameplay experience.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a brand-new 2.5D platformer from some of the key creative talent behind 'Donkey Kong Country'. As the colourful buddy duo you must tackle a series of stunning, 2.5D levels and explore a puzzling 3D Overworld rich with secrets and surprises!

Why similar: Platformer 38.1%, Great Soundtrack 21.5%, Adventure 18.8%, Indie 10.7%, Cute 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A creative 2D platformer that offers a great variety of levels and a charming, adventurous atmosphere.

A legend returns in stunning new detail with Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX! Fire up your power bracelet and relive a platforming classic alongside new modes, levels and features!

Why similar: Platformer 35.7%, Difficult 16.7%, Retro 16.1%, Adventure 9%, 2D 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A faithful remake of a classic platformer that retains the retro charm and unique mechanics of the original.

Explore a vast, interconnected dream world full of secrets and collectibles in this metroidvania adventure inspired by classic 2D platformers. Reclaim your lost memories to save Slumberland from the mysterious Oblivion.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.4%, Platformer 14.2%, Hand-drawn 13.1%, Retro 8.4%, Cute 4.8%

Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.3%, Platformer 19.2%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Difficult 8.8%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric metroidvania with tight, responsive combat and a beautiful, somber pixel-art style.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.2%, Platformer 17.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Adventure 5.3%, Retro 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist metroidvania that excels at rewarding players for curiosity and exploration.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 27.7%, Metroidvania 26.1%, Platformer 18.3%, Adventure 4.7%, Difficult 4.2%

Guide Timmy the little treasure hunter through traps and puzzles to reach the legendary treasure! Experience the classic mini metroidvania remade with new visuals, music, and content!

Why similar: Metroidvania 30.7%, Platformer 21%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Adventure 6.7%, Action-Adventure 6.5%

An ancient evil has been set loose, and Jonathan cursed in the process. Jonathan must now collect seven holy grails from around all of Egypt to cleanse himself of the curse of Sehur the First. Be delighted by the quirky humor, charming characters, and the beautifully designed world, in Pharaoh Rebirth+!

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.4%, Platformer 20.7%, Action 15.6%, Adventure 15.3%, Indie 8.8%

Meet Yoku, the pint-sized postman protagonist of Yoku's Island Express! Use a unique blend of pinball mechanics, platforming and open world exploration to unlock the secrets of Mokumana Island, help the locals, awaken ancient deities and much more in this amazing new tropical adventure!

Why similar: Metroidvania 40.8%, Platformer 22.4%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Adventure 6.4%, Hand-drawn 5.7%

Starring a cast of beloved Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel.

Why similar: Platformer 36.6%, Great Soundtrack 22%, Retro 21.1%, Action 9.1%, 2D 7.4%

Inspired by the retro glory days of 8-bit games, Rex Rocket is a traditional 2D platformer brought into the 21st century. Paying tribute to classic NES games like Mario, Mega Man, and Metroid, old-school platformer fans will find Rex Rocket a breath of fresh air.

Why similar: Metroidvania 34.3%, Platformer 21.1%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Retro 8.3%, Action 7.7%

Embark on a global adventure in this ‘90s-inspired adventure platformer. Help a chubby underdog kid with wacky superpowers battle bizarre villains, unlock and customize special moves and spells, and save the world!

Why similar: Platformer 22.5%, Metroidvania 21.4%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Adventure 9.4%, Action 9.1%

Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!

Why similar: Metroidvania 33%, Platformer 32.5%, Action 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Cute 6.1%

Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action-adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, lovable bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you!

Why similar: Platformer 24.1%, Adventure 15.6%, Action 14.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Retro 10.7%

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 35.4%, Platformer 21.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Difficult 7.2%, Action 5.6%

Use your magic staff and progress through a large interconnected world where you'll solve puzzles, fight enemies and defeat bosses in order to help free the land of Alwa. Explore and uncover the secrets by using your platforming skills in this challenging and charming 8-bit adventure game.

Why similar: Metroidvania 41.6%, Platformer 19.6%, Retro 8.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%, Adventure 6.3%

Embark on a heartfelt Mushroomvania adventure through a vast and dense interconnected world! It's like a mix of retro and modern classics!

Why similar: Metroidvania 45.4%, Platformer 19.6%, Adventure 9.9%, Action-Adventure 6.4%, Exploration 3.5%

The Blue Bomber is back in this second collection of classic Capcom titles! Featuring faithful reproductions of Mega Man 7, 8, 9, & 10, this collection is bursting with additional content, from time trials and remix challenges to a music player and an extensive gallery of rare illustrations.

Why similar: Platformer 30.3%, Great Soundtrack 24.6%, Retro 12.1%, Side Scroller 10%, Action 9.6%

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: Platformer 32%, Great Soundtrack 22.1%, Retro 14.6%, Side Scroller 10.1%, Difficult 8%

Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! When a mysterious crime wave sweeps Sequin Land, it’s up to Half-Genie Hero Shantae to save the day! Use Shantae’s devastating Hair-Whip Attack to send monsters flying, or Belly Dance to transform her into more powerful forms!

Why similar: Metroidvania 24.7%, Platformer 16.4%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Hand-drawn 9.7%

Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.5%, Great Soundtrack 18.4%, Platformer 17.9%, Hand-drawn 8.7%, Difficult 6%

Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.9%, Platformer 20.6%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Adventure 6%, Fantasy 5.5%

Mago is a retro 2D platformer that puts us in the boots of a sorcerer, who was unfortunate enough to eat evil overlords' food. Now he has to rescue his beloved princess from the dinner menu of the evil Gourmet! Nostalgia awaits!

Why similar: Platformer 28.4%, Great Soundtrack 20.1%, Retro 9.6%, Adventure 8.1%, Difficult 7.1%

A new, remade version of the Panzer Dragoon game – true to the original, with improved graphics and controls, that suit modern gaming standards!

Why similar: Action 32.4%, Adventure 29.3%, Great Soundtrack 26%, Fantasy 9.6%, Singleplayer 2.7%

8Doors is a story-driven Metroidvania-style action platformer heavily influenced by Korean folktales. Play as ‘Arum’, a brave girl that has entered the realm of the afterlife in search of her father’s soul and guide her through the '8 Doors of Purgatory' to solve the mysteries that lie deep within.

Why similar: Metroidvania 36.5%, Platformer 16.1%, Adventure 7.4%, Action 7.2%, Side Scroller 6.2%

Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.

Why similar: Platformer 33.3%, Great Soundtrack 26.6%, Retro 10%, Action 6.5%, 2D 5.2%

Super Blasting Boy is a logical platform platformer made in the best traditions of retro games of the late 80's and 90's.

Why similar: Platformer 20.4%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Adventure 12%, Action 11.4%, Side Scroller 10%

A classic platform with a twist: A dynamic soundtrack and funny lyrics that sings the player's actions and responds to what is happening during the adventure.

Why similar: Platformer 34.7%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Adventure 10.8%, Action 8.3%, Fantasy 7.8%

Fight your way through the dungeons of the Alchemist's Castle, collect power ups and take back what is rightfully yours from the Alchemist himself in this old-school metroidvania!

Why similar: Metroidvania 35.1%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Side Scroller 13%, Retro 10.1%, Action 7.2%

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: Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Action 18.8%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Hand-drawn 9.7%, Retro 9.6%

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 23.2%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Metroidvania 12.7%, Adventure 7.3%, Action 6.6%

Wonder Boy Returns Remix is remaked by remix with original Wonder Boy and Wonder Boy Returns Released 13 Oct, 2016 in steam.

Why similar: Platformer 52%, Side Scroller 21.2%, Action 18.1%, 2D 5.8%, Arcade 2.9%

Yooka-Laylee is an all-new open-world platformer from genre veterans Playtonic! Explore huge, beautiful worlds, meet an unforgettable cast of characters and horde a vault-load of collectibles as buddy-duo Yooka and Laylee embark on an epic adventure to thwart corporate creep Capital B!

Why similar: Platformer 30.3%, Great Soundtrack 22.6%, Adventure 11.8%, Retro 7.9%, Action 6%