Games Like You Have to Win the Game

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 44.8%, Precision Platformer 11%, Platformer 10.6%, Difficult 8.9%, Retro 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This direct follow-up expands on the exploration and retro aesthetic of the original with more depth and polish.

VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?

Why similar: Platformer 20.4%, Precision Platformer 19.4%, Retro 13.4%, Difficult 12.1%, Metroidvania 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same high-difficulty precision platforming and minimalist, retro-inspired visual identity.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.4%, Platformer 16.6%, Retro 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.4%, Difficult 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential indie Metroidvania that defines the retro-styled exploration genre.

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 60%, Platformer 9.9%, Retro 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%, Indie 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the retro 8-bit aesthetic while delivering a tight, exploration-focused Metroidvania experience.

The End Is Nigh is a sprawling adventure platformer where you die a lot, but thats ok because you are probably already dead anyway.

Why similar: Platformer 28.9%, Precision Platformer 28.5%, Difficult 20.3%, Indie 5.3%, Great Soundtrack 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers the same brutal, screen-by-screen precision platforming challenge found in the seed game.

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 67.1%, Platformer 10%, Retro 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.4%, Indie 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game leans heavily into retro sci-fi aesthetics and complex, non-linear world design.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.3%, Platformer 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%, Retro 5.9%, Difficult 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a minimalist pixel-art style and a heavy emphasis on exploration and discovery.

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 58.6%, Platformer 12.7%, Difficult 8.7%, Retro 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, fast-paced platformer that pays homage to the difficulty of classic 8-bit games.

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 41.1%, Retro 15.1%, Platformer 14%, Difficult 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: It features an authentic 8-bit aesthetic and challenging action-platforming gameplay reminiscent of classic titles.

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 23%, Platformer 21.6%, Difficult 20.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Retro 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: While more modern, it is the gold standard for precision platforming and tight, responsive movement.

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 60.2%, Platformer 12.6%, Difficult 10.6%, Retro 5%, Indie 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a deep, challenging exploration experience that rewards patience and careful observation.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.9%, Platformer 13.2%, Retro 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%, Exploration 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: It combines a charming retro pixel-art style with deep, interconnected Metroidvania exploration.

The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 31.3%, Platformer 24.9%, Difficult 17.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Retro 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title is essential for any fan of difficult, fast-paced precision platforming.

Xeodrifter is the story of an interstellar drifter traveling the stars on a simple mission of exploration. We join our nomad as he embarks on the investigation of a small cluster of four planets in the omega sector, after a collision with a rogue asteroid damaged his warp core.

Why similar: Metroidvania 46.9%, Retro 12.9%, Platformer 12.4%, Difficult 6.6%, Pixel Graphics 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A short, focused Metroidvania that captures the retro feel of classic space-exploration platformers.

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

Why similar: Precision Platformer 27.3%, Platformer 21.2%, Difficult 14.5%, Retro 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It utilizes a strict, limited color palette and fast-paced, precision-based action mechanics.

Make your way through more than 600 rooms, and unravel the secrets of your past by finding the five elemental orbs. Cathedral features a vast world, meant for exploring!

Why similar: Metroidvania 62.2%, Retro 10.2%, Platformer 9.1%, Difficult 5.7%, Pixel Graphics 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game delivers a classic 8-bit experience with a massive, interconnected world to explore.

You Have 10 Seconds is a fast paced arcade style platformer game with over 40 levels.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 45.8%, Platformer 21.5%, Difficult 14.4%, Indie 5.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the same high-pressure, fast-paced precision platforming found in the seed game.

Vlambeer's SUPER CRATE BOX is coming to bring back the glory of the golden arcade age, when all that really mattered was getting on that high score list. Grab your baseball cap and loosen your pants, it's time to fight endless hordes of enemies and collect every weapon crate you can.

Why similar: Platformer 36%, Retro 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, Difficult 12.3%, Indie 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style platformer that captures the addictive, high-difficulty nature of retro gaming.

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 58.7%, Platformer 12.3%, Retro 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is a deliberate love letter to NES-era Metroidvanias with a focus on puzzle-solving and exploration.

Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat.

Why similar: Metroidvania 74.5%, Difficult 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Platformer 2.6%, Action 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging Metroidvania that features beautiful pixel art and demanding combat encounters.

N++ is a fast-paced, momentum-based platformer about darting around obstacles, narrowly evading enemies and collecting gold in a beautiful minimalist landscape.

Why similar: Precision Platformer 33%, Difficult 27.1%, Platformer 23.5%, Indie 5.9%, Arcade 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, minimalist precision platformer that focuses entirely on movement and level design mastery.

A short 2D pixel-style metroidvania where you explore, fight bosses, aquire items and abilities and find secrets. Inspired by games such as You Have to Win the Game and VVVVVV.

Why similar: Metroidvania 57.1%, Retro 13.6%, Platformer 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 5%, Exploration 2.8%

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 61.7%, Retro 10.5%, Platformer 10%, Indie 5.7%, Pixel Graphics 5%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends classic action-adventure mechanics with a distinct retro visual style.

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 57.6%, Platformer 14%, Difficult 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 6%, 2D 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers tight, responsive controls and a beautiful pixel-art style within a Metroidvania framework.

Electronic Super Joy 2 is a brutally hard platformer, set in a world of brain-smashing electronic music. Run, jump, smash, & slice your way through 55+ weird & different levels, with giant monsters, swarming missiles & secret areas.

Why similar: Platformer 25.5%, Difficult 22.4%, Retro 18.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Indie 8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a high-difficulty, rhythm-infused precision platforming experience.

Crashed on a desolate but mysterious planet you find yourself eye to eye with an ancient civilisation. Explore the planet, find powerful upgrades, and fulfill your destiny.

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.4%, Platformer 14.3%, Retro 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.3%, Exploration 3.1%

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 53.5%, Platformer 14%, Retro 11.6%, Difficult 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: It features a charming retro aesthetic and platforming gameplay that emphasizes exploration and secrets.

Minit is a peculiar little adventure played sixty seconds at a time.

Why similar: Retro 31.6%, Pixel Graphics 25.1%, Indie 13.3%, 2D 8.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It uses a unique time-loop mechanic and a minimalist retro aesthetic to drive exploration.

Explore Mandagon, a world inspired by Tibetan theology and philosophy. With a focus on life and death, discover what it means to make a true sacrifice . . .

Why similar: Platformer 47.9%, Pixel Graphics 19.6%, 2D 10.9%, Indie 9.8%, Adventure 4.5%

Love pixels? Fond of platformers? Is there a special place in your heart for the 8-bit and 16-bit era? Want to have fun? Yes!? Well, you’ve come to the right place, my friend. Mutant Mudds Deluxe is a “12-bit” action platformer full of pixels and platforming fun!

Why similar: Platformer 24.4%, Precision Platformer 23.4%, Retro 17.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, Indie 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A precision platformer that emphasizes retro-styled graphics and tight, single-screen challenges.

Challenging retro pixel graphics action-platformer. Become a legendary rogue Janosik and explore the big mountain castle level full of secrets. Available for FREE!

Why similar: Metroidvania 48.9%, Platformer 16.3%, Retro 10.5%, Precision Platformer 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%

Huge classic platformer with several power-ups and 8-12 hours of main story & 300+ hidden locations just begging for exploration · 56 big Levels · 5 huge worlds

Why similar: Platformer 44.2%, Retro 20.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Indie 7.5%, 2D 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A platformer that explicitly aims to replicate the feel and difficulty of classic 8-bit console games.

The legendary Knytt series continues with Nifflas’ latest creation; Knytt Underground. In this Knytteration; humans have long since abandoned the planet after practically destroying it in a war, five hundred years ago.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.5%, Precision Platformer 20.9%, Platformer 19.3%, Indie 4.6%, Exploration 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: An exploration-heavy platformer that prioritizes atmosphere and movement over combat.

Hargrave finds himself inside the walls of a mysterious labyrinth filled with strange robots. Find the way out, or find what's hidden deep inside.

Why similar: Metroidvania 60.1%, Retro 17.2%, Platformer 15.4%, Indie 4.2%, Adventure 3%

SBBP is a 2D platformer with pixel graphics. Blue boy’s girlfriend is kidnapped by aliens so he goes through 21 levels to save her and he also fight bosses along the way.

Why similar: Platformer 34.8%, Retro 25.9%, Pixel Graphics 17.1%, 2D 9.4%, Indie 8%

Astronite Landing on Neplea is the prologue to this fantastic 1bit metroidvania that combines action, exploration, puzzles and platforms. Take on Astronite's first major challenge and defeat the deadly Kronch.

Why similar: Metroidvania 65.5%, Platformer 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, 2D 3.8%, Indie 2.9%

Against explosive firepower, bitter cold, and dizzying heights, Fork Parker must outwit a group of no-talent game developers in a deadly holiday promotional game. Also, it's free.

Why similar: Platformer 48%, Pixel Graphics 14.5%, Difficult 14.2%, Indie 8.8%, 2D 7.1%

Only If is a surreal first person adventure-puzzle game. It takes idiom into reality.

Why similar: Indie 43%, Adventure 28.1%, Singleplayer 17%, Action 6.5%, Open World 5.3%

A fly ascends to the skies, pondering the pointlessness of its brief existence.

Why similar: Indie 54.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Exploration 10.8%, Singleplayer 9%, 2D 6.5%

Lost in a weird city in the middle of the desert and surrounded by strange creatures that keep staring at you. This is a game about exploring the unknown and solving puzzles... lots of them! Don't be fooled by the looks, this isn't a point & click adventure.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 47.6%, Indie 21%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, 2D 9%, Adventure 8.1%

A 15 minute heist game by Crows Crows Crows & Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable). Slip into the soft-soled shoes of the mastermind responsible for the greatest heist- oh god I can’t do this any more, i’m joining the strike. good luck writing the steam description. -tina

Why similar: Indie 62.4%, Singleplayer 24.5%, Adventure 9.4%, Action 3.8%

Hollow Floor is an exploration-based single-sitting Metroidvania inspired by VVVVVV and REDDER. Hollow Floor is a relaxed game that is full of secrets and hard challenges that can be tackled at any moment in the game or completely ignored.

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.3%, Precision Platformer 13%, Retro 12%, Platformer 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 5%

1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.

Why similar: Retro 52.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.2%, Indie 8.8%, Arcade 8.1%, 2D 7.4%

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: Metroidvania 60.1%, Retro 10.3%, Platformer 9.2%, Indie 4.2%, Pixel Graphics 3.7%

Spelunky is a unique platformer with randomized levels that offer a challenging new experience each time you play. Journey deep underground and explore fantastic places filled with all manner of monsters, traps, and treasure.

Why similar: Platformer 52.3%, Difficult 25.2%, Indie 8.1%, 2D 6.5%, Arcade 2.6%

Beat your best scores in Neon Beats, a 2D platformer game with rhythm based levels!

Why similar: Platformer 33.3%, Precision Platformer 22.1%, Difficult 15.9%, 2D 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%

Fell is a 2d Precision Platformer with a retro semi-1-bit aesthetic. Play through multiple unique areas, unlock new color palettes, and use fun movement abilities to conquer levels and make difficult jumps!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 42.6%, Platformer 23.6%, Pixel Graphics 17%, 2D 5.6%, Indie 4%

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 29.4%, Retro 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Difficult 7.8%, Metroidvania 7.4%

8BitMMO is a retro-style 2D massively multiplayer game! It's a giant construction sandbox -- you can build a home or a castle in a persistent streaming world. Found and manage your own city. Fight evil LawyerCats and engage in Player vs Player battle.

Why similar: Retro 44.5%, Pixel Graphics 23.2%, 2D 11%, Indie 8.5%, Action 4.6%

Challenging 2D platformer with simple graphics and a great chiptune soundtrack.

Why similar: Retro 21.3%, Precision Platformer 19.3%, Platformer 19.3%, Difficult 16.3%, Old School 5.9%

Love is a reductive platforming game with a retro aesthetic and a focus on a challenging difficulty. It has an custom respawn system, 16 levels, 12 track soundtrack, competitive scoring, and a simple-to-use level creation feature.

Why similar: Platformer 39.1%, Retro 21.8%, Precision Platformer 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Indie 7.5%

Emily is Away is an interactive story. Create a screenname and choose your path through the branching narrative.

Why similar: Retro 55.5%, Indie 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Singleplayer 8%, 2D 4.2%

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 31.3%, Difficult 23.6%, Retro 19.7%, Indie 4.6%, 2D 4.4%

Floating Point is a peaceful, free game about using a grappling hook to swing yourself gracefully through randomly generated spaces. The only objective is to collect points, and the only thing that increases your points is swinging swiftly, smoothly and elegantly without hitting anything.

Why similar: Indie 35.6%, 2D 25.5%, Platformer 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Singleplayer 10.3%

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 59.2%, Retro 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%, Indie 5.3%, 2D 3.7%

Play as Chelshia the chimera in this platforming beat-em-up adventure into the wonderful world of monster girls!

Why similar: Platformer 37.6%, Pixel Graphics 14.8%, Difficult 11.6%, Retro 10.2%, Indie 7.3%

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: Metroidvania 56.5%, Platformer 11.8%, Difficult 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%, Retro 4.1%

Play as Captain Grisham, and uncover the secrets of Planet 4-514 in this thrilling prequel to Side Scape!

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.9%, Retro 13.4%, Platformer 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%, Difficult 3.5%

Hunt for Junk is a retro Platformer that follows the graphical limitations of the classic Gameboy (e.g. 4 colors and a 160x144px resolution). Journey the world in your unending pursuit of delicious Junkfood! Avoid traps, fight enemies, collect coins and discover all of the hidden Junkfood items!

Why similar: Precision Platformer 31.2%, Retro 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Platformer 9.2%, 2D 6.3%