Games like Hoist (Development Paused)

Welcome to Slime Buster Naru Adventuring is tough,  but who would have thought you’d get lost on your way to your very first quest? While taking a shortcut through a dark forest, novice adventurer Naru has a chance encounter that flings her into a one-hundred-year-old mystery filled with strange creatures, mysterious individuals, a haunted chateau, and a cursed… duck? Help Naru fight,… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Slime Buster Naru.

60%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

70% User Score Based on 37 reviews

A New Adventure in Classic Metroidvania Style Beholgar II is a pixel-art Metroidvania platformer inspired by the spirit of the '90s. Explore a vast interconnected world — from shadowy dungeons and cursed forests to forgotten temples and the very edge of hell. Key Features: Ancient Powers & Magic: Unlock powerful abilities and spells to grow stronger. Mysterious, Layered Levels: Every corne… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beholgar 2.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

94% User Score Based on 122 reviews

Deep in the Nevada desert, in a secret underground government facility, a young robot boy is awakened by an unknown force. He finds the building infected with alien creatures and hostile robots… With his memory wiped, he sets out to uncover secrets of his - and the facility’s - past. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Roboy.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

93% User Score Based on 101 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 2 reviews

Go on an adventure in a world packed with secrets helped by your friend, a poulp with many abilities. Explore, solve puzzles, wander across dungeons, blast through races and much more in this game inspired by the best 3D platformers If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Promenade.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

72% User Score Based on 324 reviews

A new chapter of charming 3D platformer about the little rusty robot C4N who unwittingly finds himself in the midst of momentous events in Robo Land. In order to solve the new riddle, Canny will once again need to run and jump a lot, solve puzzles, and fight against enemies who are much bigger and stronger than he is. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Scrap Garden: The Day Before.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 116 reviews

Alice Escaped is a 2D action and exploration game. Follow the advenctures of the two girls Usada and Kotora who wander into a strange world of grimoires, chasing after "Alice". What awaits them there are mysterious characters based off of Alice in Wonderland: the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and Humpty Dumpty — but are they really the enemy? And why does the White Rabbit guiding them have a zipp… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Alice Escaped!.

65%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding

64% User Score Based on 67 reviews

Critic Score 66%Based on 3 reviews

Exile's End is an homage to early 90's action-adventure PC games like Flashback and Another World, but with a Japanese flair. The core of the game is from Australian game maker Magnetic Realms with art, cutscenes, and music provided by legends of the 8 and 16-bit eras from Japan. It draws its thematic influence from the science-fiction films and anime of the 80's and its gameplay from classic Amig… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Exile's End.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

100% User Score Based on 12 reviews

Platformer action game, mixing gothic and mythological atmospheres. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Argol: Kronoss' Castle.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

78% User Score Based on 248 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 2 reviews

In Kunai, you take control of Tabby the tablet. An elite kunai wielding robot fused with ancient warrior souls. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to KUNAI.

62%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

62% User Score Based on 120 reviews

GhoulBoy is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the action-RPG genre with hack 'n' slash gameplay. Slay monsters, collect loot, avoid dangerous traps and defeat menacing bosses. GhoulBoy brings back the look and feel of the very best classic retro platformers from the '90s, introducing refreshed and engaging gameplay mechanics. If you miss platformers from the 16-bit era, GhoulBoy is … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ghoulboy.

41%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability

41% User Score Based on 68 reviews

Crystal Catacombs is a challenging, retro inspired “Megavanian” love letter that utilizes Rogue-like procedurally generated levels/enemies/items with a heavy emphasis on classic 2D platforming. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Crystal Catacombs.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

74% User Score Based on 1,572 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 5 reviews

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! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle In The Darkness.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

95% User Score Based on 356 reviews

Traverse the perilous lands of a dying world in this bullet-hell inspired metroidvania! Strong enemies emerge from distant lands as the iron inventions of men succumb to the decay of rust and time. Use a trusty grappling hook and uncover new powers to battle monstrous machines, powerful witches, and explore a new emerging world. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rusted Moss.

Description Prototype for a metroidvania-style game developed using the Odin language (https://odin-lang.org). I'm using a 2D framework developed in the Odin language to create a game for GameDev.TV JAM 2025 (https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2025) and for the 2025 Annual Jam (https://itch.io/jam/2025-jam) This is a 2D platformer inspired by Metro-Vania. Story You are Alice, a young girl who … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Alice in Inner World.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

98% User Score Based on 100 reviews

Enhanced port of the 3DS game "Sayonara Umihara Kawase". It also includes a mode where you can play the first game of the series, Umihara Kawase (Super Famicom). If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sayonara Umihara Kawase.

67%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

66% User Score Based on 141 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

A 2D stealth Metroidvania with parkour platforming. Explore the majestic palace and ancient prisons of a kingdom under siege. Don the mantle of the legendary Sandfox as you venture into the ruins below, and discover the true threat from a sand-borne evil. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Siege and the Sandfox.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

80% User Score Based on 495 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 6 reviews

Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Voidwrought.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

95% User Score Based on 524 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Become Your Enemy in Biomorph, a 2D Dark Metroidvania! When you defeat a monster, the BIOMORPH mechanic allows you to take its shape and power. But beware - biomorphing has a cost as these creatures will now unlock new skills and will use them on the player upon encountering them again! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Biomorph.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

89% User Score Based on 35 reviews

Kalevania is a retro action platformer loosely based on Finnish mythology. Fight with bare hands, sword, axe, bow, and 11 runic weapons. With 50+ enemy types and collectibles, enjoy a full retro gaming experience! Play as Väinämöinen and relive classic console gaming! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Kalevania.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, replayability

68% User Score Based on 485 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 15 reviews

In Stealth Inc 2, you play the role of a clone escaping a sinister and high-tech testing facility. Stealth Inc 2 tests both your brain and your reflexes over 60 varied levels linked together in a sprawling overworld. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

70% User Score Based on 488 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 22 reviews

TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT is a larger than life, 2D side-scrolling action adventure from Game Freak. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT.

41%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music

70% User Score Based on 10 reviews

Dark Sales is a 2D action RPG that takes place in a modern office setting. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dark Sales.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

78% User Score Based on 850 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 12 reviews

In Alwa's Awakening you play as Zoe, a heroine sent from another world to bring peace to the land of Alwa. Equipped only with a magic staff she awakens in a distant land and must set out to help the people. Traverse dangerous dungeons, meet interesting and fun characters and explore the world in this 8-bit adventure game. Just like the old classics you won't have a flashing arrow telling you exact… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Alwa's Awakening.

63%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics

76% User Score Based on 34 reviews

Experience an action packed adventure as Bugsy, a cockroach with a hammer who loves exploring. A lizardman kidnaps Bugsy's friend Mayo while mumbling about needing a new sacrifice, and an earthquake triggers, causing Bugsy to tumble into an further into uncharted depths.Searching for Mayo and the mysterious lizardman, Bugsy discovers a maze-like labyrinth full of crumbling ruins, mysterious relics… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Insect Adventure.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability

81% User Score Based on 32 reviews

Traverse through a fantastical island and utilize the local fauna to destroy obstacles. In this 2D platform, the player controls a character that has crash landed on a tropical island. Complete puzzles utilizing the creatures' unique abilities in order to fix their ship and return to the Skyway! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Return to the Skyway.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 81 reviews

GunGirl2 is a freeware action platformer in the style of games like Metroid, Castlevania or Cave Story. But with blood… LOTS of blood. The undead start rising from their graves, humanity is lost and all hope has gone to hell – and that’s exactly the place, where you have to fix everything… Go on an epic adventure and explore a huge world with the nameless blonde chick GunGirl or her best friend … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GunGirl 2.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

77% User Score Based on 586 reviews

Critic Score 57%Based on 2 reviews

Greak: Memories of Azur is a beautiful single-player puzzle platformer adventure. You will take the role of three siblings: Greak, Adara and Raydel to guide them through the lands of Azur. Alternate control between them and use their unique abilities to escape from the Urlag invasion. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Greak: Memories of Azur.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

82% User Score Based on 122 reviews

Luckily for Versimos, he has three students who will stop at nothing to get a passing grade, and if that means rescuing their teacher from the treacherous Morg Mountains, then so be it. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Magicians & Looters.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

75% User Score Based on 351 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 4 reviews

AGGELOS is a mesmerizing new action-RPG inspired by the likes of Wonder Boy that looks like it was plucked straight out of the 16-bit era... but plays like a modern-day marvel! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AGGELOS.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

78% User Score Based on 359 reviews

Critic Score 69%Based on 4 reviews

A first person grappling hook exploration game. Return to the world of Windlands, alone or with friends. Armed with grappling hooks and a bow, soar through the ruins of a fallen world. Embark on a journey to destroy the gigantic titans and save the world from an ancient danger. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Windlands 2.

Zoria and the Cursed Land is a metroidvania. Inspired in Momodora 4, CHASM and many other games. Become a Patron! https://store.steampowered.com/widget/1622110/Demo will always feature the same amount of gameplay. (From start to Town.)Current Ver. 4.1The actual demo features the tutorial area.You play as Zoria Dunne,  half orc adventurer (human/orc), eager to explore the world. Story: You h… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zoria and the Cursed Land.

Welcome to Sunken Sky Our kingdom was once engulfed in a neverending conflict. We shook the very foundations of the world to end it, unaware of the consequences it would cause. Yet we had to move on. We had to rebuild. We had to forget. Join our unlikely protagonists in their adventure. Nameless girl seeking to traverse across the kingdoms. A survivor driven by guilt. A noble with too much to prov… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sunken Sky.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

88% User Score Based on 232 reviews

Solateria is an action Metroidvania featuring beautiful hand-drawn art and a focus on parry-based combat. StoryA small fire warrior with no memories goes on a journey to find the King—the only hope to save the world. Solateria, the land of the Sun, once prospered under the Primordial Flame’s blessings. But everything changed when the Shadow Plague—the most deadly catastrophe it ever faced—descen… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Solateria.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

84% User Score Based on 37 reviews

Critic Score 79%Based on 5 reviews

The Perfect Pencil is a surreal action platformer which tells the tale of personal development and the psychology of fear. Join protagonist John as he awakens in a bizarre hand-drawn kingdom and comes face-to-face with the terrors that dwell in the last place he'd have thought to look... Embark on an emotional odyssey exploring the depths of an unfamiliar environment using protagonist John's … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Perfect Pencil.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics

94% User Score Based on 68 reviews

Maid of Salvation is an action RPG that features fast-paced and versatile combat. Master your own fighting style with a variety of swords and firearms, and explore a dark world full of secrets. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Maid of Salvation.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

87% User Score Based on 917 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 22 reviews

Bo is a hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania based in a colorful world of Japanese folklore. You play as a tiny fox spirit that grows from lotus blossom after being blessed by the moon god. Use your legendary bō staff to bounce and move fluidly through a delightfully-demonic east asian fever dream. Use the tight movement and reset system to reach areas efficiently and gracefully or recover chaotically while… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bo.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

93% User Score Based on 27 reviews

On a distant planet, rifts in space are opening — threatening to release planet-devouring monsters into the galaxy. Close the rifts and save the galaxy in this modern Metroidvanian quest with tight platforming, fast-paced combat, and deep RPG progression. COMBAT: Engage in fast, fluid battles against a wide variety of enemies and bosses across multiple distinct biomes. Use precision platfo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Rift Saga.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

73% User Score Based on 882 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 16 reviews

Xeodrifter is an action-packed exploration game with a retro graphical style. Blast your way through alien landscapes, seek out valuable secrets, and defeat ancient guardians to unlock powers from a legendary supreme culture in this exciting journey of mystery and adventure. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xeodrifter.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

88% User Score Based on 68 reviews

Anima Flux is a co-op metroidvania with two genetically enhanced soldiers, special agents of a theocratic dictatorial regime. Fight your way through swarms of mutants through a desolate, dystopian space city and save humanity's last stronghold, if, of course, anyone is still alive... The only human city located on the space ark is subjected to an organized mutant invasion. For the sake of surviva… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Anima Flux.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

93% User Score Based on 278 reviews

Add full game to your wishlist About the Game[/url] [imgvid poster.avif="" mp4="" webm="" width="720" height="280"][/imgvid] Akatori: Сhapter One is an intense metroidvania with action platformer elements and a compelling introduction to the grand adventure awaiting you in Akatori. Take on the role of the young monk, Mako, as you learn where the game’s story begins and encounter the inhabitant… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Akatori: Сhapter One.

69%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

84% User Score Based on 76 reviews

Critic Score 50%Based on 8 reviews

Embark on a story-rich 2D Metroidvania adventure with breathtaking hand-drawn art, playing as miser-turned-hero Ebenezer Scrooge in a reimagined Victorian-fantasy based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, A Christmas Carol. Enlist the help of ghosts to save the people of London before it’s too late. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ebenezer and the Invisible World.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

68% User Score Based on 1,843 reviews

Critic Score 64%Based on 15 reviews

Ronin (stylized as RONIN) is a 2015 turn-based action platformer video game developed by Polish indie developer Tomasz Wacławek, designer at polish indie studio Flying Wild Hog, and published by Devolver Digital. It was released for Microsoft Windows on May 27, 2015 into Early Access and left it on June 30, 2015. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to RONIN.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

95% User Score Based on 117 reviews

Explore a huge dungeon and collect items in this retro pixel art metroidvania! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tiny Dangerous Dungeons.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics

97% User Score Based on 122 reviews

Take control of Captain Grisham as you investigate the uncharted Planet 4-514. Collect items to help you progress deeper into the planet's depths, and power up your weapons to fight off powerful enemies and bosses! Explore multiple biomes, each with its own hazards to navigate, and uncover the mysteries that lie underneath the surface! Features: Over 70 items to discover Each item has its o… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xanthiom Zero.

55%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music

75% User Score Based on 24 reviews

Bound to the soul of an assassinated emperor and equipped with only one bullet, traverse and fight through the stylized world of Soul in the Chamber as you try to uncover the mysteries of a fallen empire and survive the collision of two dying worlds. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Soul In the Chamber.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development

84% User Score Based on 819 reviews

A Metroidvania inspired by new & old classics like Hollow Knight, Super Metroid, Super Castlevania IV & Megaman X. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Lone Fungus.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

82% User Score Based on 2,300 reviews

Critic Score 61%Based on 8 reviews

"Praey for the Gods" is a brutal journey set on a desolate frozen island, where your only chance of survival is to destroy the very gods you believe in. In Praey for the Gods, you play a lone hero sent to the edge of a dying world to discover the mystery behind a never-ending winter. Arriving with only the clothes on your back, you must survive the colossal dangers that you encounter. To restore … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Praey for the Gods.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

82% User Score Based on 110 reviews

A 2D action/platforming adventure with a healthy dose of RPG elements set in the hostile world of Lor, a pre-history fantasy setting. The slave-hungry Argeshii empire dominates the known world, old and false gods conspire; brutal combat is the only means of survival! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SAVAGE: The Shard of Gosen.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics

91% User Score Based on 44 reviews

A fast paced platformer that has you swinging through the air at the speed of sound! Run, jump and fling your way through the ruins of an abandoned laboratory as you master the physics of the Silver Grappling Hook. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Silver Grapple.

50%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding

50% User Score Based on 66 reviews

Up-tempo adventuring and family drama ensue when the survivors of a disastrous charity project return to the dead ships in the former Aral Sea in Uzbekistan. Residue tells a personal story by letting you explore a larger-than-life, ridiculously detailed rendition of one of our world's most fascinating (and horrifying) locations. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Residue: Final Cut.