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 18.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Adventure 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: As the spiritual successor to the Wonder Boy series, this game perfectly captures the transformation mechanics and exploration-heavy gameplay of the original.

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 43%, Platformer 16.2%, Adventure 12.8%, Retro 8.4%, Action 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title is heavily inspired by the Wonder Boy series, featuring similar non-linear exploration and action-RPG platforming mechanics.

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 40.1%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Retro 12.9%, Adventure 9.3%, Action 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a faithful, high-quality remake of a classic platformer that captures the same spirit of retro-revival as The Dragon's Trap.

“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 32.1%, Great Soundtrack 22.1%, Platformer 20.2%, Difficult 4.6%, Adventure 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: Like Wonder Boy, this game features breathtaking art and a moving soundtrack paired with fluid, exploration-driven platforming.

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 45.7%, Platformer 24.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Adventure 5.7%, Cute 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a vibrant, charming aesthetic combined with polished metroidvania exploration that feels very much in line with the Wonder Boy experience.

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 54.6%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Action 18.6%, 2D 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a modern reimagining of the original Wonder Boy game, offering a direct look at the roots of the series with updated visuals.

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 31.4%, Great Soundtrack 24.8%, Retro 12.4%, Side Scroller 6.5%, 2D 5%

Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for retro-inspired action-platformers, offering tight controls and a fantastic soundtrack that honors the 8-bit era.

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 35.1%, Difficult 16.7%, Retro 16.3%, Adventure 9%, 2D 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: This remake of a classic Sega platformer provides a similar retro-platforming feel with updated visuals and modern quality-of-life improvements.

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 33.7%, Platformer 23.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Action 6.6%, Adventure 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: Featuring stunning hand-drawn art and fluid combat, this game shares the visual polish and adventure-focused gameplay of Wonder Boy.

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 29.7%, Platformer 19.4%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Retro 10.3%, 2D 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic action games that features a brilliant soundtrack and a clever evolution of its gameplay mechanics.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 32.8%, Platformer 23.1%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, Retro 5.4%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: As a foundational indie metroidvania, it offers the same sense of discovery and retro charm that defined the genre.

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 38.8%, Platformer 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Adventure 6.6%, Action 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished metroidvania that balances narrative depth with satisfying platforming and action sequences.

Go on a journey as Kaze in this 90’s classics inspired platformer. When the Crystal Islands get cursed, Kaze needs to save her friend Hogo while facing enraged living vegetables. Find the Wild Masks to unleash the powers of the legendary guardians and master land, sky and sea.

Why similar: Platformer 25.7%, Retro 15.5%, Difficult 14.2%, 2D 8.9%, Adventure 7%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the energy and challenge of 90s-era platformers with its vibrant art and precise movement.

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 24.4%, Platformer 16.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Hand-drawn 9.9%, Side Scroller 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: This entry in the series focuses on vibrant, fun platforming stages and character-based abilities that feel very accessible.

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 46.3%, Platformer 23.5%, Action 13.6%, Retro 13.3%, 2D 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on a classic NES title that successfully blends top-down exploration with side-scrolling platforming.

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%, Platformer 20.2%, Retro 9.3%, Action-Adventure 6%, Fantasy 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on exploration and puzzle-platforming within a beautiful, retro-inspired world that feels rewarding to traverse.

Sonic Mania is an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 29.5%, Platformer 25.9%, Retro 12.7%, Side Scroller 9.2%, 2D 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: The ultimate tribute to 2D platforming, offering high-speed action and a legendary soundtrack that captures the best of the 16-bit era.

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

Why similar: Platformer 55%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Adventure 10.1%, Retro 8.3%, Family Friendly 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This charming remake of a classic platformer focuses on whimsical adventure and accessible gameplay mechanics.

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 12.4%, Difficult 8.9%, Adventure 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania that rewards deep exploration and puzzle-solving, perfect for players who want a more demanding 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 37.6%, Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Adventure 19.1%, Indie 11.3%, Cute 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fantastic 2D platformer that features a great soundtrack and a unique world-map mechanic that encourages exploration.

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 33.1%, Platformer 20.8%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Difficult 8.8%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, action-packed metroidvania that emphasizes fluid movement and satisfying combat in a colorful world.

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 23.8%, Platformer 18.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Side Scroller 10.1%, Retro 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers tight, retro-styled action that rewards players for mastering character abilities and stage layouts.

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 41.7%, Platformer 20.5%, Difficult 7.9%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, Retro 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced and difficult platformer that pays homage to the challenging nature of early action-adventure games.

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 33.2%, Great Soundtrack 26.1%, Retro 10.2%, Action 6.5%, 2D 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers fast-paced, retro-inspired platforming with high energy and distinct character abilities.

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 22.2%, Metroidvania 22%, Great Soundtrack 15.8%, Adventure 9.3%, Hand-drawn 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky, retro-inspired platformer that offers a fun and lighthearted adventure reminiscent of classic 90s titles.

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 36.1%, Platformer 20.6%, Adventure 15.4%, Action 15.3%, Indie 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fun, action-oriented metroidvania that features unique character movement and a charming pixel-art style.

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 15.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Retro 5.3%, Action 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential metroidvania that features a unique retro aesthetic and deep, rewarding exploration mechanics.

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 37.9%, Platformer 20.9%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Fantasy 6%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful metroidvania with a strong focus on exploration and a memorable, atmospheric soundtrack.

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 34.7%, Platformer 19.2%, Side Scroller 14%, Difficult 8.9%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric and tight 2D action game that emphasizes precise movement and challenging boss encounters.

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 30.3%, Platformer 20.9%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Adventure 6.7%, Action-Adventure 6.5%

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 32.8%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Action 10.1%, Difficult 8.7%

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 34.9%, Platformer 20.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Retro 8.4%, Action 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging platformer with a retro sci-fi vibe that focuses on tight level design and exploration.

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 34.8%, Platformer 28%, Great Soundtrack 13.7%, Retro 4%, Action 3.9%

“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 27.3%, Metroidvania 25.9%, Platformer 18.3%, Adventure 4.7%, Difficult 4.2%

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 27.4%, Platformer 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Retro 8%, Adventure 5.2%

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%, Great Soundtrack 22.2%, Retro 21.1%, Action 9.3%, 2D 7.6%

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%, Platformer 15.7%, Retro 7.5%, Action 6.1%, Side Scroller 5.9%

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 32.6%, Platformer 32.4%, Action 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, Cute 6.3%

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 41.2%, Platformer 19.5%, Retro 8.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%, Adventure 6.3%

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 37.8%, Platformer 22.1%, Adventure 6.5%, Fantasy 6.1%, Cute 4.9%

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 30.1%, Great Soundtrack 24.3%, Retro 12.3%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Action 9.6%

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 40.2%, Platformer 22.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Adventure 6.5%, Hand-drawn 6.1%

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 33.7%, Great Soundtrack 17%, Platformer 16.3%, Difficult 7.3%, Hand-drawn 6%

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 33.3%, Adventure 30.2%, Great Soundtrack 24.1%, Fantasy 9.5%, Singleplayer 2.9%

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 44.9%, Platformer 19.5%, Adventure 9.7%, Action-Adventure 6.5%, 2D 3.7%

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 28.2%, Great Soundtrack 17.9%, Platformer 17.8%, Hand-drawn 8.9%, Difficult 6.1%

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 28.1%, Great Soundtrack 19.5%, Retro 9.8%, Adventure 8.2%, Difficult 7.2%

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 20.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.8%, Adventure 11.9%, Action 11.3%, Side Scroller 10%

Throw on your nostalgia goggles and travel back in time with Super Win the Game, a retro-core explosion of exploration and platforming action!!

Why similar: Metroidvania 31.6%, Platformer 17%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Difficult 8%, Retro 6.1%

Experience the critically acclaimed masterpiece with its renowned Sumi-e ink art style in breathtaking high resolution.

Why similar: Cult Classic 50.2% ★, Great Soundtrack 27.1%, Adventure 8.5%, Action 4%, Fantasy 3.7%

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 31.9%, Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Retro 15%, Side Scroller 10.1%, Difficult 8.1%

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 34.4%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Adventure 10.8%, Action 8.2%, Fantasy 7.8%

Spark the electric jester is an action/platformer video game heavily based on best classics from the 16-bit era from both sides of the aisle.

Why similar: Platformer 36.4%, Great Soundtrack 28.1%, Action 10.1%, Retro 9.6%, 2D 6.3%

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 31.6%, Metroidvania 30.4%, Great Soundtrack 6.2%, Side Scroller 5.5%, Difficult 4.9%

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 19.2%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Hand-drawn 10.2%, Retro 10%

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 34.7%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Side Scroller 13%, Retro 10.4%, Action 7.2%

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 39.3%, Platformer 20.4%, Adventure 7.8%, Action 7.1%, Action-Adventure 6.4%

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 23.4%, Adventure 16.2%, Action 15.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Indie 10.1%

Same sick burns, same smoldering attitude, now all scaled up in stunning HD, Spyro is back in the Spyro™ Reignited Trilogy! Rekindle the fire with remastered versions of the original three games, Spyro™ the Dragon, Spyro™ 2: Ripto's Rage! and Spyro™: Year of the Dragon.

Why similar: Cult Classic 42.3% ★, Platformer 17.3%, Great Soundtrack 12.3%, Adventure 7.4%, Action 5.4%