Games like Hoist (Development Paused)

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!.

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.

58%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

75% User Score Based on 28 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.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability

95% User Score Based on 110 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.

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.

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 60%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.

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.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

74% User Score Based on 1,572 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.

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.

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.

43%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization

50% User Score Based on 36 reviews

Fantasy metroidvania with a moral choice and hunting the bosses who are not going to patiently wait for you in their lair. Study the monsters. Track'em. Kill'em. Exploration of the vast interconnected fairytale world, an acrobatic combat system and weird locals are what awaits you. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Slavania.

91%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, character development

98% User Score Based on 84 reviews

Critic Score 82%Based on 8 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.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

71% User Score Based on 103 reviews

Join Kimo and Wispy on their adventure in search of the missing shattered light, Lucentia. Fight or control enemies and turn them into your advantage. Explore hidden/secret areas, solve puzzles, and gain new abilities, all in the vast and beautiful world of Lumina. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Faerie Afterlight.

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 70%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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

64%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

71% User Score Based on 78 reviews

Critic Score 51%Based on 4 reviews

A story-driven platformer metroidvania with a touch of RPG and tons of humor! Made in 2.5D, with beautiful hand-drawn-looking backgrounds crowded with funny creatures. Join Rufus, the clunky hero with broom and bucket, on a journey full of surprises through a bizarre realm. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Clunky Hero.

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.

77%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

77% User Score Based on 52 reviews

Explore the mysterious land of Zagora in this action-packed platformer. Wander through lush forests, crumbling castles, battle corrupted creatures, and escape intricate traps. Jump, slash and shoot your way through challenging foes and mighty bosses inspired by Slavic myths. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Marko: Beyond Brave.

68%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

68% User Score Based on 123 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.

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 76%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.

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.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

93% User Score Based on 708 reviews

In this exploration-heavy 2D action game, use your demon sword to interfere with the past, create platforms, and shield yourself from danger to explore a dystopian cyberpunk world depicted in gorgeously animated pixel art. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BLADECHIMERA.

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 63%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.

68%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, stability

68% User Score Based on 943 reviews

Critic Score 65%Based on 1 reviews

Big classic platformer with tons of power-ups and 12+ hours of main story & 300+ hidden locations just begging for exploration. 8BitBoy is a tribute to all the greatest platformers of the 80s and 90s and a symbol of my endless love and passion for gaming. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 8BitBoy.

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.

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.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

95% User Score Based on 84 reviews

Critic Score 83%Based on 2 reviews

A 2D, art driven, puzzle-platformer inspired by Celtic mythology. The game contains rapid, on-the-fly character swapping, flashy attack combos and complex platforming challenges, packaged in gorgeous artwork inspired by mysterious Celtic folklore. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Clan O'Conall.

49%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

56% User Score Based on 25 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 2 reviews

Umihara Kawase is an action game series where the player controls protagonist Umihara Kawase to reach the end of each level. The game is highlighted by its rubber ring action in which the player uses an elastic rope to progress. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Umihara Kawase Fresh!.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

95% User Score Based on 110 reviews

Nuinui quest is a Mega Man style platformer featuring Shiranui Flare and various other Hololive characters. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Flare Nuinui Quest.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

95% User Score Based on 594 reviews

Hook into a Metroidvania adventure of epic proportions. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to HAAK.

58%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics

82% User Score Based on 22 reviews

Help Medusa find a foregone creature called the Ancient Sludge. In this classic-style Metroidvania you will explore eight unique regions, find items with unique abilities and learn to cast various spells. Each location contains a unique set of enemies. Completing the game at 100% should take at least 5hours. Example of a map system: Example of gameplay: If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Medusa.

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.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

82% User Score Based on 199 reviews

Critic Score 65%Based on 1 reviews

Treasure Adventure World is a metroidvania platform game set in a fantasy world of islands, magic, pirates and secrets. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Treasure Adventure World.

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.

58%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

58% User Score Based on 86 reviews

A puzzle platformer with comic RPG elements, where you play as a goblin trying to escape from a team of greedy adventurers. Handcrafted levels with delightful pixel art and carefully programmed interactions: climb walls, hang from chains, push barrels onto the heads of your enemies, lure them into traps with the promise of gold coins. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Goblins & Grottos.