Games like Time Flies Like An Arrow

This is the always free, PlayJam4 version of the game. A more complete, fleshed out paid version exists at https://ianharrowergames.itch.io/time-flies-like-an-arrowTime Flies Like An Arrow is the game I developed for the playdate as part of https://itch.io/jam/playjam-4. The theme was "Your Time is Up" You play as a newly recruited Time Fly, an elite squad of time cops. You are chasing done suspe… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Time Flies Like An Arrow [PJ4].

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 9,193 reviews

Critic Score 60%Based on 3 reviews

Kingdom is a 2D side-scrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Kingdom: Classic.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

79% User Score Based on 1,213 reviews

Neon Drive is a slick retro-futuristic, '80s inspired rhythm arcade game. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Neon Drive.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

71% User Score Based on 230 reviews

You're trapped, alone and cold on a distant planet. Pursued by a droid with only one purpose: killing everything. You must find an escape. Explore the hostile environment, find secret upgrades and new weapons, and finally make your escape from this dark, hostile planet... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Escape From Tethys.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, stability

71% User Score Based on 364 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 2 reviews

Squeeze into your toga and slide on your sandals to rally the angry mobs of Okhlos and bring down the oppressive god of mythological Greece! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Okhlos: Omega.

50%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

50% User Score Based on 142 reviews

BiT Evolution is a journey into the past that draws inspiration from all of your favorite titles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BiT Evolution.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

77% User Score Based on 1,055 reviews

Critic Score 68%Based on 3 reviews

Back to Bed is an artistic 3D puzzle game with a surreal twist. It tells the story of Bob, an unlucky narcoleptic who has a tendency of falling asleep in his boring office and then proceeding to sleepwalk into the dangers of the big city. Luckily, Bob has a subconscious guardian named Subob, whom spawns from the mind of Bob and whose job it is to protect the sleepwalker from any danger and guide h… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back to Bed.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

66% User Score Based on 634 reviews

Spoiler Alert is a video game that tests your platforming skills… in reverse. It’s a comedy platformer that you play backwards. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Spoiler Alert.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

72% User Score Based on 125 reviews

Mark of the Deep is an epic pirate-themed adventure with a strong narrative and a thrilling mix of Metroidvania and Souls-Like elements. Embark on this journey, explore the mysteries of a cursed island and find your missing pirate crew! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mark of the Deep.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story

64% User Score Based on 163 reviews

Critic Score 73%Based on 2 reviews

You are Zack. Juggle balls with unique properties through platforming puzzles to a goal at the end of each stage. Help Zack fill his treasured book of stickers to unlock optional challenge levels, where you race against the timer to destroy targets as fast as possible. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to HackyZack.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

82% User Score Based on 406 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

Element4l is an immersive and experimental indie platform game, with a strong focus on flow and smooth gameplay, wrapped in an exceptional soundtrack by Mind Tree. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Element4l.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

86% User Score Based on 192 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 7 reviews

Shadow Blade: Reload is an action-platformer set in a visually striking world where the ancient teachings of ninjas and samurai clash upon a modern landscape. Sprint through stages littered with traps, slaying enemies along your path without hesitation as Kuro, the blade of shadow! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shadow Blade: Reload.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story

79% User Score Based on 101 reviews

The Madness of Little Emma is a difficult action platformer with roguelike elements. Featuring over 250 items with insane synergies, varied enemies, and numerous secrets and mysteries to discover. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Madness of Little Emma.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

73% User Score Based on 686 reviews

Use gravity, tension, and wind currents to get your hot air balloon to its destination, dropping off cargo on your way, in this ultra-challenging physics-based game. All art used in the Howler was meticulously created by classically-trained experienced painters. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Howler.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

85% User Score Based on 1,298 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 6 reviews

Become Paint Utilize paint-based mechanics to experience a constant state of flow—dive into the ground and walls, slice through the air and enemies! Wield Your Brush Become stronger by unlocking new techniques with your brush that aid you in defeating threatening foes, overcoming platform challenges, solving complex puzzles, and advancing your progress. Discover Yourself Explore Constance's non-… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Constance.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

83% User Score Based on 1,126 reviews

Get ready for an electrifying mix between a bullet game and a typing hell! Dodge bullets while typing exorcisms at the very same time: turn on both sides of your brain and jump into the adventure of Ray Bibbia! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Textorcist.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

87% User Score Based on 858 reviews

Critic Score 60%Based on 7 reviews

Suicide Guy full Soundtrack and original music! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Suicide Guy.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 132 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 1 reviews

A simple, accessible twitch platformer. Play as a tiny robot named Blitz, and escape the factory where it seems everything is trying to break you. The gameplay is as simple as it is satisfying. Blitz can only jump, and perform an air dash in one of 4 directions. Upon colliding with an object that doesn't break you, you are free to dash again. Use this to navigate the challenges ahead and reach th… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Blitz Breaker.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

73% User Score Based on 324 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Enter the world ripe with magic and monsters. Become the Black Swordsman and slay thousands of enemies in an epic action RPG. War broke between the industrious Imperium and the savage tribes of Wilderness. Demons and carrions have returned to the land. Play all sides and make your own decisions. Take countless quests and uncover the secrets of Wilderness! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Reaper: Tale of a Pale Swordsman.

77%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, atmosphere

77% User Score Based on 142 reviews

When the great and terrible Storm destroys Shu's village, he embarks on a desperate journey to survive. On his travels he'll encounter stranded villagers survivors of the devastation that need his help. In return for his assistance, these peculiar characters will grant Shu unique special abilities that he can use to traverse the treacherous path ahead. Their only hope is to work together, in sear… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shu.

42%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, replayability

42% User Score Based on 325 reviews

Draw Slasher is the unique demanding and dynamic action packed beat'em up you need only a mouse to play. Cut, slice, snip, sever, chop, shear and trim hordes of Pirate Monkey Zombies. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Draw Slasher.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

79% User Score Based on 700 reviews

Clones copy your every move. Think your way through and pass levels! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Looper.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

84% User Score Based on 2,530 reviews

An adventure in deep space blending resource management and interactive fiction If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Out There: Ω Edition.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

88% User Score Based on 6,546 reviews

Discover tricks and treats in this adorable ghost-hunting arcade platformer! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Candies 'N Curses.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

75% User Score Based on 110 reviews

Critic Score 82%Based on 3 reviews

BOOR is a 2D puzzle-platformer game, where you play as a girl with the ability to multiply herself, stranded on Eden, a beautiful but strange world, full of challenging puzzles with platforming elements and a refreshing gameplay. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BOOR.

64%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

66% User Score Based on 200 reviews

Critic Score 62%Based on 7 reviews

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! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Outbuddies DX.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

93% User Score Based on 230 reviews

Cat Burglar is a short, light-hearted, stealth, puzzle platformer with a pet charity awareness campaign. Help Kat find her way into the Dogo Corps base to discover Major Bulls' master plan. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cat Burglar: A Tail of Purrsuit.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

96% User Score Based on 532 reviews

A puzzling quest for treasure If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Path of Giants.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

92% User Score Based on 3,342 reviews

Become a Timberman, chop wood and avoid those branches. Master your skills! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Timberman.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

90% User Score Based on 136 reviews

Critic Score 67%Based on 3 reviews

Biota is a 2D metroidvania inspired shooter set on a wild and dangerous sci-fi, pixel-art planet. Get ready to face hostile alien life forms and investigate a mysterious mining colony as a group of ragtag heroes from the future, all in glorious 4-color palettes and detailed 8-bit visuals. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Biota.

64%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

64% User Score Based on 305 reviews

In TinyKeep players will embrace the role of a hopeless prisoner held deep in a forgotten dungeon who one day wakes up to find themselves mysteriously released. Their savior is nowhere to be seen, but the cell door is broken and ajar, tempting them with the sweet scent of freedom. With nothing but a flickering lantern and a strange letter left behind by their in-mate, they must venture into the da… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to TinyKeep.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

75% User Score Based on 293 reviews

Critic Score 71%Based on 13 reviews

Check-in to The Spectrum Retreat for a stay you won't forget. Manipulate your way to the truth in this captivating narrative-driven puzzler. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Spectrum Retreat.

63%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, optimization

60% User Score Based on 416 reviews

Critic Score 66%Based on 27 reviews

The game mixes pure shooting arcade with the use of different bullets to solve all the situations Rise will find on his path. Think of a more arcadey Another World, also with a very tight relationship between gameplay and story. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rise & Shine.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

84% User Score Based on 917 reviews

Critic Score 73%Based on 3 reviews

ARE YOU READY FOR THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dub Dash.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability

66% User Score Based on 247 reviews

Neon Space is a fun and simple but at the same time highly addictive game. The goal of the game is to drive your little space ship from one end to another, dodging numerous obstacles, solving puzzles, opening new passages with checkpoints and discovering unique game mechanics by yourself. There are 50 levels, and there is also a cool medal system so you can always try your best for that shiny g… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Neon Space.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

88% User Score Based on 7,248 reviews

Critic Score 91%Based on 9 reviews

Kill. Die. Learn. Repeat. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dead Cells.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, music

83% User Score Based on 186 reviews

Dry summer withered the king’s beloved garden and the surrounding gardens of the kingdom alike. The ruler has fallen ill and the kingdom is in danger. Help the princess save the gardens and make the king better again. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gnomes Garden.

69%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

69% User Score Based on 715 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 2 reviews

Awakened from his slumber, Beatbuddy journeys through lush hand-painted environments on a quest to save his companions and his own immortality. Beatbuddy interacts with the living breathing environment that pulses to the beat of an original soundtrack, aiding him as he unlocks new paths and solves puzzles. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

76% User Score Based on 294 reviews

Critic Score 61%Based on 5 reviews

"Unto The End is a 2D cinematic combat-adventure that charts a journey of loss and vengeance, told through unforgiving encounters, skillful combat, and stark moments of beauty. Fight your way through an indifferent wilderness as you search for the creature that has taken everything from you." If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Unto The End.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, replayability

94% User Score Based on 102 reviews

Jumpgrid is bullet hell hyper-Pac-Man. Survive an ever-moving cosmic obstacle course by deftly teleporting between nodes on the "jump-grid". Clear all nodes to open a wormhole to the next level. Success requires only a few seconds of precision finger ballet, but touch any of the pulsing hazards and the level instantly resets, ready for you to try again, and again, and again... This is a game about… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to JUMPGRID.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

63% User Score Based on 313 reviews

Critic Score 69%Based on 19 reviews

The King's Bird is a momentum-based precision-platformer that seamlessly combines parkour with aerial movement. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The King's Bird.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

79% User Score Based on 567 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 1 reviews

Shuggy has just inherited a castle full of goblins, ghouls, zombies, and robots. Help him clear out over 100 rooms to make his new home liveable again! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Adventures of Shuggy.

45%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

45% User Score Based on 75 reviews

Swiftly is a very challenging platformer game. It has simple graphics and easy to understand rules, but you are going to have a hard time completing the levels. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Swiftly.

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.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

92% User Score Based on 306 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 10 reviews

Old School Musical is a retro rhythm game that will make you fall back in your childhood. Tib and Rob are the heroes of an epic and completely crazy adventure that will make them cross numerous worlds searching for the source of all bugs. With more than 20 original levels, a story mode, some hidden minigames and much more, Old School Musical offers a richer experience than most rhythm games. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Old School Musical.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

78% User Score Based on 691 reviews

Dodge! Shoot! Go faster! Break the sound barrier in this unbelievably fast game and go straight for the first place in the leaderboard of Barrier X! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BARRIER X.

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.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

80% User Score Based on 467 reviews

Battle Ram is a thrilling and action-packed game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment for players of all skill levels. With its unique concept of a powerful lamb battling robots, the game offers a refreshing change from typical shooter or RPG games. The game's setting in a secret laboratory and military training ground provides an interesting backstory that adds to the overall excitemen… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Battle Ram.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

84% User Score Based on 2,633 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Bit.Trip Runner is the fastest, most exhilarating music/ rhythm-platformer to hit Steam! Race across the Moon, kicking down crystal walls and sliding under chomping moon-slugs! Bound through the Robotic Mines and face off against the MinerMech! Dash through the Big City on a quest to find friends and defeat the final boss together! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bit.Trip Runner.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

80% User Score Based on 1,140 reviews

Adventure home in this adorable puzzle platformer! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cat Bird.