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 44.7%, Precision Platformer 11%, Platformer 10.5%, Difficult 8.9%, Retro 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: This is the direct spiritual successor to the seed game, offering expanded exploration and the same charming retro aesthetic.

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

Why similar: Platformer 20.3%, Precision Platformer 19.4%, Retro 13.4%, Difficult 12.1%, Metroidvania 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the minimalist, difficult precision-platforming focus and retro visual style that defines the seed game.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 53.5%, Platformer 16.5%, Retro 8%, Pixel Graphics 4.4%, Difficult 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential metroidvania that balances exploration, retro pixel art, and challenging combat.

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 29.3%, Precision Platformer 28.9%, Difficult 20.6%, Indie 5.5%, Great Soundtrack 4%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in difficult, screen-by-screen precision platforming that will feel immediately familiar to fans of the seed game.

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 59.8%, Platformer 9.8%, Retro 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%, Indie 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: This metroidvania features a distinct retro-monochrome aesthetic and tight, challenging platforming mechanics.

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 9.8%, Retro 7%, Pixel Graphics 4.4%, Indie 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, exploration-heavy metroidvania that leans heavily into retro sci-fi aesthetics and secrets.

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

Why similar: Metroidvania 64.1%, Platformer 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%, Retro 6%, Difficult 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging metroidvania with a retro pixel-art style that emphasizes exploration and boss encounters.

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 60.3%, Platformer 12.5%, Difficult 10.6%, Retro 5%, Indie 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A notoriously difficult metroidvania that rewards players for their patience and exploration in a retro-styled world.

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 58.5%, Platformer 12.6%, Difficult 8.7%, Retro 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 4.1%

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

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

Why similar: Precision Platformer 31.7%, Platformer 25%, Difficult 17%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%, Retro 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for high-difficulty, precision-based platforming that rewards persistence and mastery.

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 31.5%, Retro 25.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.7%, Difficult 8.4%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the feel of 8-bit platforming classics while introducing modern, polished mechanics.

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 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful metroidvania that combines tight controls with a challenging, retro-inspired 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 41%, Retro 15.2%, Platformer 13.9%, Difficult 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A deliberate homage to classic 8-bit action platformers with branching paths and retro difficulty.

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 46.8%, Retro 12.9%, Platformer 12.4%, Difficult 6.6%, Pixel Graphics 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A focused, short-form metroidvania that captures the essence of classic exploration-based 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 27.2%, Platformer 21.1%, Difficult 14.5%, Retro 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A unique, difficult, and fast-paced precision platformer that uses a limited color palette to great effect.

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 35.7%, Retro 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Difficult 12.3%, Indie 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style platformer that emphasizes difficult, single-screen combat challenges.

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%, Retro 13.7%, Platformer 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.1%, Exploration 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A nonlinear metroidvania that focuses on exploration and platforming in a singleplayer-only experience.

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

Why similar: Precision Platformer 45.8%, Platformer 21.4%, Difficult 14.4%, Indie 5.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A short, intense precision platformer that shares the same arcade-like difficulty and retro feel.

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 14.2%, Retro 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.3%, Exploration 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and platforming in a retro-inspired world.

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 25.3%, Difficult 22.3%, Retro 18.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%, Indie 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A high-energy, difficult precision platformer that focuses on rhythm and tight movement.

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 62.3%, Retro 10.3%, Platformer 9.1%, Difficult 5.3%, Pixel Graphics 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled metroidvania that focuses on exploration and challenging platforming segments.

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 13.9%, Retro 11.7%, Difficult 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, retro-inspired platformer that rewards players for navigating tight, dangerous environments.

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 35.4%, Retro 22.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Difficult 7.3%, 2D 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers high-speed, retro-styled platforming action with a focus on momentum and exploration.

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 65.2%, Platformer 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, Indie 4.3%, 2D 3%

Why You'll Like It: A polished metroidvania that blends strong platforming mechanics with a distinct visual style.

Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Why similar: Metroidvania 54.5%, Platformer 13.2%, Difficult 12%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%, 2D 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish metroidvania that incorporates unique time-manipulation mechanics into its platforming and combat.

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 60.9%, Retro 10.8%, Platformer 10.1%, Indie 5.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A non-linear, action-oriented metroidvania that feels like a lost classic from the 16-bit era.

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

Why similar: Retro 31.6%, Pixel Graphics 25.2%, Indie 13.5%, 2D 8.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique retro aesthetic and a focus on exploration, albeit with a clever time-loop mechanic.

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 43.9%, Retro 20.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Indie 7.6%, 2D 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A platformer explicitly designed to evoke the feel and challenge of 8-bit era gaming.

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 48.8%, Platformer 16.2%, Retro 10.6%, Precision Platformer 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%

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 47.6%, Pixel Graphics 19.8%, 2D 11.1%, Indie 10%, Adventure 4.5%

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 17.3%, Platformer 15.3%, Indie 4.3%, 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 34.5%, Retro 26%, Pixel Graphics 17.2%, 2D 9.5%, Indie 8.1%

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 74.4%, Difficult 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%, Platformer 2.5%, Action 1.6%

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 65.4%, Platformer 15.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, 2D 3.9%, Indie 2.9%

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

Why similar: Indie 43.3%, Adventure 27.8%, Singleplayer 17.2%, Action 6.4%, Open World 5.3%

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 47.7%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Difficult 14.2%, Indie 8.9%, 2D 7.2%

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 62.5%, Singleplayer 24.6%, Adventure 9.3%, Action 3.7%

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 58.6%, Platformer 12.2%, Retro 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%, Indie 3.3%

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

Why similar: Retro 52.8%, Pixel Graphics 18.2%, Indie 8.8%, Arcade 8.1%, 2D 7.4%

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 53.2%, Precision Platformer 12.9%, Retro 12.1%, Platformer 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 5%

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

Why similar: Retro 55.3%, Indie 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Singleplayer 8.1%, 2D 4.2%

Join Pixel as he quests through gaming history, teleporting across the most iconic video game systems of generations past. He’ll have to jump, dodge and play smart if he wants to survive all the traps, puzzles and enemies waiting to take him down at every turn.

Why similar: Platformer 35.1%, Retro 32.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Indie 7.4%, 2D 6.1%

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 21.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, 2D 9.1%, Adventure 8%

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%, Retro 10.4%, Platformer 9.1%, Indie 4.2%, Pixel Graphics 3.7%

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

Why similar: Indie 54.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.9%, Exploration 10.7%, Singleplayer 9.1%, 2D 6.5%

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

Why similar: Retro 21.4%, Precision Platformer 19.3%, Platformer 19.2%, Difficult 16.3%, Old School 6%

Electronic Super Joy is a brutally hard platformer set in a world of pulse-pounding electronic music. Run, jump, smash & fly your way through 45+ weird & different levels, with low-gravity, world rotation, giant monsters & swarming missiles.

Why similar: Platformer 37.2%, Difficult 21.1%, Precision Platformer 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%, Indie 6.1%

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 15%, Difficult 11.6%, Retro 9.8%, Indie 7.4%

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%, Retro 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%, Indie 5.4%, 2D 3.7%

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 45.9%, Platformer 25.4%, Pixel Graphics 18.6%, 2D 6.1%, Action 1.5%

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 11.7%, Difficult 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.8%, Retro 4.2%

With your final build missing, and only till the end of the night to publish his game, Warren must take up the difficult adventure to make a new build before the end of the night through whatever means necessary. Join Warren's quest to publish his title before the end of the night and become an indie dev.

Why similar: Indie 64.6%, Adventure 23.9%, Singleplayer 11.5%

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

Why similar: Platformer 33.2%, Precision Platformer 22.1%, Difficult 15.7%, 2D 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%

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

Why similar: Retro 32.5%, Platformer 30.4%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Indie 11.9%, Action 6.7%

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 31.1%, Retro 19.5%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Platformer 9.1%, 2D 6.4%

Blink the Bulb is a 16-bit platformer composed of massive, holiday-themed realms. Explore six unique worlds, mix and match varied power ups, and stave off the nefarious Holidaemon in this throwback to games of yore.

Why similar: Platformer 50.1%, Indie 23.2%, Adventure 13.8%, Action 12.8%

A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Why similar: Metroidvania 52%, Platformer 12%, Precision Platformer 10.3%, Retro 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%

Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives.

Why similar: Platformer 48.6%, Pixel Graphics 12.7%, Indie 9.8%, Metroidvania 7.6%, Exploration 5.7%

Melt your brain with this twisted take on the platform genre!

Why similar: Platformer 27.1%, Difficult 23.5%, Retro 20.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Side Scroller 6.8%