Games like Return to Dark Castle
Looking for games like Return to Dark Castle? Here are top platformer recommendations with a fantasy focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Alwa's Awakening, Astalon: Tears of the Earth or Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee®.
- 76%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability78% User Score 850 reviewsCritic Score 75%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.
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- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability90% User Score 878 reviewsCritic Score 84%9 reviews
Three heroic explorers wander the post-apocalyptic desert on a mission to save their village’s resources from despair. They soon find a dark, twisted tower that has risen from the depths of the planet and seemingly holds the key to their survival. In order to ensure their victory, one of them has made a secret pact with the lord Epithemeus, allowing them to reincarnate until they have accomplished… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astalon: Tears of the Earth.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding90% User Score 2,456 reviews
Selected by the fickle finger of fate, Abe™, floor-waxer first class for RuptureFarms, was catapulted into a life of adventure when he overheard plans by his boss, Molluck the Glukkon™, to turn Abe and his fellow Mudokons into Tasty Treats as part of a last-ditch effort to rescue Molluck's failing meat-packing empire. During his escape from RuptureFarms, Abe received a v… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee®.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability89% User Score 6,106 reviewsCritic Score 95%29 reviews
Descend into a frightful world of action-adventure in Mina the Hollower. Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurtled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Burrow beneath hazards and monsters, whip foes into oblivion, and gear up with an arsenal of sidearms and trinkets. Explore a vast world filled with pixel-perfect graphics, masterful gameplay, beastly bosses, and infectious m… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mina the Hollower.
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- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability96% User Score 19,114 reviewsCritic Score 92%9 reviews
Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. It's a hot mashup of new and old! You play as the eponymous Shovel Knight, a small knight with a huge quest. Shovel Knight has come to this land with two goals: to defeat the evil Enchantress and quest for his lost beloved. He wields a Shovel Blade: a multipurpos… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shovel Knight.
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- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding88% User Score 566 reviewsCritic Score 55%2 reviews
The Special Edition Pack includes Shadowgate and The Special Edition Upgrade DLC If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shadowgate.
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- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding94% User Score 502 reviews
Sphinx and The Cursed Mummy is an original 3rd person action-adventure inspired by the mythology of ancient Egypt. Travelling the world via magical portals to foil the evil plans of Set. Sphinx's Journey will require all his wits, agility, and special powers. He will also rely on his reluctant hero friend, The Mummy, to help when being inconspicuous is the only solution. By finding the stolen magi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy.
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- 83%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability87% User Score 372 reviewsCritic Score 75%3 reviews
Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, magical items and ancient secrets. By upgrading your magic, any way forward is right in this non-linear adventure game full of exploration. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Alwa's Legacy.
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- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability88% User Score 1,568 reviewsCritic Score 72%3 reviews
A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom.
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- 79%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding79% User Score 1,578 reviewsCritic Score 79%6 reviews
Remember when games were tough? Return to the Golden Age of arcades with an all-NEW hardcore action experience that pulls no punches. Volgarr the Viking possesses all the hallmarks of the true classics - simple controls, high challenge, and meticulous design - combined with hand-made pixel If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Volgarr the Viking.
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- 78%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability74% User Score 1,572 reviewsCritic Score 85%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.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability93% User Score 6,120 reviewsCritic Score 80%2 reviews
"Captures everything that's fun about old-school RPGs." 4.5/5 – GameSpy "The balance between exciting combat, thought-provoking puzzle work, and open-ended exploration is stellar." 8.5/10 – IGN "I lost count as to how many times I threw my fist in the air and shouted, "YES!" after successfully completing a puzzle." 9.5/10 – Destructoid "Undoubtedly the best Indie Game I have played so far and at a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Legend of Grimrock.
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- 83%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability87% User Score 764 reviewsCritic Score 68%2 reviews
Odallus is a NES inspired exploration game with lots of action. It brings elements of classics such as Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania while subverting some modern twists. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Odallus: The Dark Call.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding96% User Score 951 reviewsCritic Score 89%11 reviews
A time magic platformer If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Braid, Anniversary Edition.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding92% User Score 3,558 reviews
You Have to Win the Game is an free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to You Have to Win the Game.
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- 80%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability86% User Score 222 reviewsCritic Score 62%2 reviews
Inhabit Krog, a mysterious blue creature in a red loincloth, as he traverses a labyrinth of ladders, levers, traps, and monsters. Explore the nooks and crannies of a bizarre and evocative world as you hack and slash your way to victory, leaving a graveyard of grotesque bosses in your wake. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Primal Light.
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- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability91% User Score 230 reviewsCritic Score 80%1 reviews
Fallen Leaf is a retro side-scrolling adventure focused on tight, action-packed level design set in a whimsical world where almost anything goes! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fallen Leaf.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding85% User Score 1,094 reviews
Thousands of years ago a meteor crashed into Antarctica and the shockwaves of its impact are being felt in the modern age. Lara Croft will follow clues leading to a deadly secret, boldly leaping chasms and blasting monsters that no one has leaped or blasted before. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tomb Raider III.
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- 82%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, stability95% User Score 3,970 reviewsCritic Score 69%35 reviews
N++ is a fast-paced, action-packed puzzle platformer set in the distant future. You play as a ninja -- darting through obstacles, narrowly evading a slew of inadvertently homicidal enemy robots, and collecting gold in a minimalist, sci-fi world. You know, traditional ninja stuff. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to N.
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- 91%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding96% User Score 4,778 reviewsCritic Score 77%3 reviews
Freedom Planet is a combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragon girl and her friends against an alien attack force. There's trouble around every turn, from insects to giant robots to sheer explosive destruction, but you'll have a variety of special fighting abilities to blast your way through each stage. As Lilac, you can use Dragon powers to whip enemies with your hair, spin like a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Freedom Planet.
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- 82%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding87% User Score 183 reviewsCritic Score 77%14 reviews
Take on the role of Demi, a young soldier who wakes up in the empty shell of a ruined building, in the center of a strange new world, disconnected from her old life and physical body. With each new challenge she overcomes Demi slowly pieces together the future now laid out before her. This remastered edition stays true to the original concept with an emphasis on player skill and creativity, but w… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Cloudbuilt.
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- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization84% User Score 443 reviewsCritic Score 65%1 reviews
The Eternal Castle: Remastered is a remake of the original "Eternal Castle" from 1987, with additional game mechanics, sophisticated sound design, polished 2-bit CGA animated graphics, and modernized game design. Numerous outlets have questioned the title's "lost game" backstory as almost no corroborating accounts have been found to verify the title's development backstory. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Eternal Castle: Remastered.
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- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability89% User Score 754 reviews
Throw on your nostalgia goggles and travel back in time with Super Win the Game, a retro-core explosion of exploration and platforming action!! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Win the Game.
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- 93%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization98% User Score 1,209 reviewsCritic Score 89%12 reviews
Explore a vast urban landscape in this narrative-driven, 2D top-down platforming adventure!In Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo, you're a budding yoyo master facing off against enemies using the weapon you know best: your prized yoyo! As Pippit, you'll be quite literally thrown into the shocking story of your auntie's business empire, a soul-stealing mega-laser, and four dastardly crime bosses!Each … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo.
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- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, stability94% User Score 297 reviews
Your hometown has grown quieter over the years. It's time to leave, and the only way out is up! But can you even make it to the end? A bat and your wits are all you need to surpass any obstacle! Climb to the heavens, and discover the secrets across the valley in this challenging puzzle - execution - momentum game! features Yes. There are checkpoints. That way I can make it harder! ( and … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bat to the Heavens.
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- 96%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability96% User Score 265 reviews
The original design of the never-before seen point and click adventure is being brought to life after 30+ years in the vault - Beyond Shadowgate! This new massive PC game is being created by the designers of the original 8-bit hit Shadowgate and a leading 8-bit adventure studio! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beyond Shadowgate.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, atmosphereMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability94% User Score 8,232 reviewsCritic Score 81%3 reviews
You killed the Demons once, they were all dead. Or so you thought... A single Demon Entity escaped detection. Systematically it altered decaying, dead carnage back into grotesque living tissue. The Demons have returned - stronger and more vicious than ever before. You mission is clear, there are no options: kill or be killed! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Doom 64.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability93% User Score 838 reviewsCritic Score 88%14 reviews
Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. It's a hot mashup of new and old! You play as the eponymous Shovel Knight, a small knight with a huge quest. Shovel Knight has come to this land with two goals: to defeat the evil Enchantress and quest for his lost beloved. He wields a Shovel Blade: a multipurpose we… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shovel Knight.
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- 79%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, optimization78% User Score 309 reviewsCritic Score 81%2 reviews
Cursed is an action platformer with a compendium of myths from medieval Spain and the spirit of a mid-to-late '80s arcade game. Run, jump and throw your weapons as you move through decadent medieval landscapes full of dangers and monsters. Learn about each situation and enemy pattern in order to progress. Open chests and hit hidden spots for bonuses, weapons and equippable objects. Find the five … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cursed Castilla.
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- 74%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability75% User Score 351 reviewsCritic Score 70%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.
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- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability84% User Score 3,031 reviews
Abe's back, and the original hero's about to face his oddest challenge yet! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty.
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- 71%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability75% User Score 476 reviewsCritic Score 50%1 reviews
Inspired by the demanding gameplay of 8-bit action/platformers, Oniken pits your agility and swordplay against a gauntlet of enemies, traps, and challenging bosses. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Oniken.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding91% User Score 306 reviewsCritic Score 67%3 reviews
Show off ninja skills in the remake of a legendary dark and futuristic classic and download the demo If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shadow of the Ninja Reborn.
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- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability92% User Score 3,614 reviewsCritic Score 79%11 reviews
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. Zangetsu will meet fellow travelers along the way, who can join your journey as playable characters. Switching to these charac… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon.
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- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding87% User Score 814 reviewsCritic Score 90%2 reviews
In La-Mulana 2, you will take on the role of Lumisa Kosugi on a mission to find the entrance to the ruins of Eg-Lana, which is rumored to be the source of recent monster appearances. The ruins themselves are compromised of a variety of areas as well as huge boss creatures known as Guardians. Who knows what lies in wait at the end of Eg-Lana? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to La-Mulana 2.
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- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability88% User Score 3,136 reviews
Ys I & II Chronicles+ is the most modernized and up-to-date remake of Falcom’s classic franchise-spawning action RPGs from 1987 and 1988. Come see how the story began, and witness the birth of a legend! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ys I & II Chronicles+.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:graphics, stability83% User Score 2,140 reviewsCritic Score 93%1 reviews
Adventurer Lara Croft has been hired to recover the pieces of an ancient artifact known as the Scion. With her fearless acrobatic style she runs, jumps, swims and climbs her way towards the truth of its origin and powers - leaving only a trail of empty tombs and gun-cartridges in her wake. On this trail are breath-taking 3D worlds where exploration, puzzle and platform elements blend in a seamless… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tomb Raider.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding90% User Score 9,804 reviewsCritic Score 79%48 reviews
Buy Crash Bandicoot N Sane Trilogy on PS4. Play as Crash or his sister Coco and bound, spin, and even motorcycle your way through three mad-cap adventures. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.
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- 83%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability83% User Score 1,263 reviews
Environmental Station Alpha is an action adventure platformer with a retro aesthetic and heavy emphasis on exploration. In the game the player controls a robot sent to investigate a mysterious, abandoned space station with the mission to find out what exactly took place there. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Environmental Station Alpha.
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- 91%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability97% User Score 8,302 reviewsCritic Score 80%4 reviews
Flip gravity and save the universe! From the creator of Super Hexagon. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to VVVVVV.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding92% User Score 1,360 reviews
Super Fancy Pants Adventure is a wild free-running adventure with buttery smooth platforming and a slick fountain pen! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Fancy Pants Adventure.
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- 91%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability94% User Score 1,112 reviewsCritic Score 80%1 reviews
Infernax is the adventures of a great knight who returns to his homeland only to find it plagued with unholy magic. Uncover the mysteries of the curse and face the consequences of your actions. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Infernax.
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- 96%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding96% User Score 1,608 reviews
Abe's peaceful retirement was shattered when visited by a vision from the Mudokon Spirit Guides. Abe™ learned the Magog Cartel was mining Necrum, the sacred Mudokon city of the dead, to collect bones to make super-addictive SoulStorm Brew. After freeing the Mudokon spirits imprisoned in the Mudanchee and Mudomo Vaults, Abe gained scary powers from the Spirit Guides, includ… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus®.
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- 82%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, replayability88% User Score 2,204 reviewsCritic Score 66%3 reviews
Behind a veil of secrecy the evil Empire is creating a doomsday army - one that, if finished, will become the final cog in the Empire's arsenal of terror and domination. Your Mission? Join the Rebel Alliance's covert operations division, infiltrate the Empire, then battle every man and machine the Imperial Forces can muster. Search a vast galaxy for clues, attack enemy bases-all in a desperate att… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Wars: Dark Forces.
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- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization94% User Score 1,163 reviewsCritic Score 85%54 reviews
A new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the Blasphemous team If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound.
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- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability88% User Score 857 reviews
Few are chosen. Fewer succeed. You stumble upon a battered old book and find yourself transported to the island of Myst. As you explore the surreal landscape, you quickly learn that something has gone wrong. Terribly wrong. An ancient betrayal must be unveiled. Secret books concealed on the island of Myst lead the way to incredible worlds born of a master storyteller’s imagination. Yet one… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Myst: Masterpiece Edition.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding85% User Score 103 reviewsCritic Score 80%1 reviews
Embark on a sparkling journey in this long-awaited sequel to SUNSOFT’s legendary 8-bit platformer Gimmick! Solve puzzles, trick enemies, and explore a physics-based playground. Yumetaro is back! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gimmick! 2.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding94% User Score 383 reviewsCritic Score 85%2 reviews
Our feather-shelled heroes were swept away by a storm, and they need your help! In this '90s-inspired platforming adventure, take on over forty handcrafted stages to discover the secrets of their world, the moon and beyond! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Windswept.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization93% User Score 8,102 reviewsCritic Score 87%31 reviews
As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Messenger.
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- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability93% User Score 1,823 reviewsCritic Score 81%19 reviews
Embark on a brand new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. When she loses her magic, Shantae must team up with her nemesis, the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from an evil curse. As a pirate, Shantae gains new weapons to advance her quest, slay monsters, battle epic bosses…and hopefully get her magic back in the bargain! But can she really trust… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shantae and the Pirate's Curse.
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