Games like You Have to Win the Game
by Minor Key Games
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic.
View on Steam · Free →
Ranked by how similar the games actually are, not by sales. Released and Price are remembered for next time.
Closest matches
$24.99Fatal Claw
Aug 26 · NDEV GAMES
Both: Metroidvania · Platformer
Dive into Fatal Claw, a Metroidvania game in vibrant 2D artwork. Explore the arcane underworld your way with Kisha. Your ultimate goal is to find the key to the surface world alongside other survivors, while vanquishing infected enemies and absorbing their power. Start your clawsome adventure now!
MetroidvaniaExploration2D PlatformerAction-AdventureHand-drawnNonlinearPlatformerAtmosphericStory RichMultiple Endings👍 444
$19.99Aggelos 2
Aug 27 · WONDERBOY BOBI
Both: Metroidvania · Pixel Graphics · Precision Platformer
With the Gods of light about to lose the great battle against the Army of Darkness, the Aggelos must learn to embrace his darker side. Explore two opposing realms full of secrets, puzzles and intense 2D combat in this challenging action-platformer.
MetroidvaniaExplorationPixel GraphicsPrecision PlatformerAction-AdventureRetroSide ScrollerSingleplayerActionAdventure
-20%$15.99Solateria
Mar 12 · Studio Doodal
Both: Metroidvania · Difficult · Platformer
Solateria is a hand-drawn action Metroidvania with parry-focused combat. A small fire warrior journeys to find the Primordial Flame, the world’s last hope against the Shadow Plague. Defeat foes with stylish parries and explore mysterious realms to uncover the world’s secrets.
MetroidvaniaSouls-likeDifficultHand-drawn2DExplorationStory RichPlatformerDark FantasyAction👍 712
$17.99Ollie and the Merchant of Dreams
Mar 12 · Lavadrop Entertainment
Both: Metroidvania · Pixel Graphics
A 2D metroidvania where every defeated Archon becomes a summonable power. Claim six ancient beings, use their abilities to fight, move, and unlock hidden paths, and uncover a sinister plot threatening the world.
MetroidvaniaPixel Graphics2D PlatformerPuzzle PlatformerAction-AdventureMagicExplorationAction RPGControllerMultiple Endings
$19.99Isle of Reveries
Sep 4 · desertcucco
Both: Pixel Graphics · Retro · Metroidvania
Make a pilgrimage skybound to the Isle of Reveries, where any wish can be granted. Conquer mysterious dungeons, solve puzzles, and explore a vast overworld in this retro-inspired adventure.
FantasyPixel GraphicsRetroMetroidvaniaAction-AdventurePuzzleIndieAdventureStory RichExploration
$8.99Lander
3 days ago · DextericGames
Both: Precision Platformer · Difficult · Retro
Fly the Lander, collect the fuel, avoid obstacles and perfect your skills to attempt a soft landing in this difficult precision platformer.
Precision PlatformerRacing2D PlatformerDifficultArcadeRetroScore AttackPhysicsPixel GraphicsSingleplayer
-10%$14.39Draco and the Seven Scales
3 days ago · Ice Goat Games
Both: Metroidvania · Pixel Graphics
Set sail on a voyage full of pirates, dark magic, and the thrill of discovery! Draco and the Seven Scales is a retro-inspired adventure that harkens back to an age of top down dungeon crawlers and lovable, crunchy pixel art.
MetroidvaniaIndiePixel GraphicsPiratesDungeon CrawlerExplorationPuzzleTop-DownSailingAction RPG
$14.99Pit Panic
Jul 21 · Flying Rat Studio
Both: Platformer · Difficult · Precision Platformer
Escape the sinking Aztec temple in this cartoonish rogue-like arcade platformer. Dig your own path up, jump and climb in blazing speed, hoard loot, trade lives for god-like powers, beat bosses, master 1000 handmade levels and humble other players in daily leaderboards.
PlatformerRoguelikeAction RoguelikeIndieDifficultSide ScrollerPrecision PlatformerProcedural GenerationFemale ProtagonistPuzzle
-20%$0.79Super Moncat
3 days ago · Urulginka Studio
Both: Difficult · Precision Platformer
Fly, dodge, and score points — this is a real test of reaction and concentration, where every new record feels like a big victory over the ruthless cosmos.
RoguelikeRogueliteDifficultFast-PacedPrecision PlatformerSurvival HorrorCatsSpaceMusicScore Attack
-15%$11.89YesterSol
4 days ago · Neat Games
Both: Metroidvania
Unleash your magical spear! Explore a vast inter-connected world, battling enemies sent by Culex, the dark mosquito deity. Throw, recall, and use your spear as a platform through this minimalistic metroidvania made by one developer!
MetroidvaniaAtmosphericExplorationLore-RichIndieNatureColorfulCuteAction-AdventureAction
$4.99Hopward
Oct 10 · GoodGhostGames
Both: Platformer · Precision Platformer · Difficult
Climb through strange worlds as a determined little frog. Charge your jumps, control your dives, and push ever higher but one bad landing can send you a long way back down.
AdventureCasualPlatformerPuzzle Platformer3D PlatformerFunnyThird PersonExplorationPrecision PlatformerDifficult
-20%$5.59Glitch Protocol
3 days ago · Boogygames Studios
Both: Platformer · Precision Platformer · Difficult
A brutal precision platformer where the level itself is lying to you. Run, jump and die through 200 handcrafted rooms of vanishing floors, fleeing doors and gravity that flips mid-jump. Then build your own lies in the editor and share them as codes.
ActionSingleplayer2D PlatformerPlatformerArcadeIndieAtmosphericPrecision PlatformerDifficultCyberpunk
-40%$11.99Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition
Feb 13 · Digital Eclipse, Ubisoft
Both: Platformer
Celebrate 30 years of Rayman with the definitive edition of the platforming classic, featuring 5 versions, 120+ extra levels, and an exclusive documentary on the creation of the limbless hero.
AdventureActionPlatformerSide Scroller2DSingleplayerAtmosphericFamily FriendlyComedyFunny👍 427
$5.99Besitupia: Mediator
May 3 · Oppressive HellMode
Both: Metroidvania
You have lost most of your memories after parabiosis. You will have to learn how to use your new abilities to figure out everything happening around you. Will you be able to adapt? Be sure to read “About the Game” before purchasing 👽
ExplorationMetroidvaniaImmersive SimFPSThird-Person ShooterSurvival HorrorPhysicsAction3DFirst-Person
$19.99XeGrader plus
Jul 6 · Tokihiro NAITO
Both: Pixel Graphics · Retro
A fantasy shooter where exploration and gimmicks are keys to victory. In a world of meticulous pixel art, uncover secrets hidden in every stage. Collect powerful upgrades, defeat fantasy monsters with precise shooting, and forge the world's fate!
ShooterTop-Down ShooterPixel GraphicsRetroActionScore AttackCollectathonArcadeExplorationFantasy
$17.99Hellscreen
Feb 13 · Jamie D, Mixtape Games UK
Both: Retro · Metroidvania
Use a rearview mirror to fight through a horror-filled hellscape in this Doom-inspired retro-fps. Shoot behind you, detect invisible enemies & never fall victim to enemy traps.Find new weapons, unlock abilities & warp to maps at any time!Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear!
Boomer ShooterFast-PacedRetroShooterMetroidvaniaHorrorOld SchoolAtmosphericFirst-PersonCombat
$17.99Sephiria
Jul 31 · TEAM HORAY
Both: Pixel Graphics
Save Bunnyville from a doomed fate: a top-down action/RPG roguelite from the makers of Dungreed. Explore the depths of the tower, collect and upgrade artifacts, and defeat hordes of demons to keep your village safe.
Action RoguelikeRogueliteRoguelikeCo-opPixel GraphicsInventory ManagementActionRPGCombatCute👍 11,674
-20%$15.99Rubinite
Jul 22 · Cup Dog Games, GameWorks Ventures
Both: Difficult · Pixel Graphics
Rubinite is an extremely challenging boss rush action game. in a dark fairy tale world, use Ruby's crimson eyes to expose the weak points of the Bloodstained monsters, then strike and shatter them. Carve a road home through the ruined Scarlet Kingdom and face the Witch who took it all.
DifficultPixel GraphicsBoss RushSouls-likeFemale ProtagonistIndie2DAction RPGTop-DownAction👍 3,626
$1.99Mars 2099
3 days ago · Oldschool Tobias
Both: Pixel Graphics · Retro · Difficult
Defend humanity's first Mars colony in this fast-paced modern arcade space shooter. Battle asteroid storms, hostile UFOs, complete challenging missions, and master skill-based gameplay inspired by the golden age of arcade classics.
ActionArcadeShoot 'Em UpPixel GraphicsSpaceRetroDifficultControllerSingleplayerMars
$3.99小白人極彩決戰
Nov 12 · KongshiStudio
Both: Platformer · Pixel Graphics
Little White: Chromatic Clash is an action-packed boss battle game where players face a variety of uniquely designed bosses. Challenge each boss to the fullest and aim for the highest score possible!
ActionAction-AdventurePlatformer2D PlatformerPixel GraphicsHack and SlashEarly AccessSingleplayer
-20%$10.39ODDCORE
Jan 7 · ODDCORP
Both: Retro
You have only 5 minutes to stylishly explode your way through the hordes of corrupted entities in a retro FPS, roguelike liminal-nightmare... and Timmee is here to help!
Early AccessRoguelikeArena ShooterBoomer ShooterRetroFPSShoot 'Em UpBullet HellShooterArcade👍 1,083
$4.99travis, the frog
Jan 30 · ItllBeFunTheySaid
Both: Precision Platformer · Platformer · Pixel Graphics
travis, the frog is a lightning fast speedrunning platformer in which you are a frog on a skateboard.
Precision PlatformerSide ScrollerParkourPlatformerAdventureShooterArcadeCuteActionPixel Graphics
$24.99Fallen Tear: The Ascension
Mar 17 · Winter Crew Studios
Both: Metroidvania
A story-driven Metroidvania where the allies you choose to bond with change how you fight and explore. Journey through the high-fantasy world of Raoah, uncover lost civilizations, and forge bonds that shape your path through a land on the brink of collapse.
Early AccessMetroidvaniaSide ScrollerExplorationHack and Slash2D PlatformerPuzzle PlatformerSouls-likeParty-Based RPGAction-Adventure👍 222
$9.99Quantum Curse
Dec 31 · James H. Van der Meulen
Both: Metroidvania
Awaken as the lone survivor of an abandoned civilization. A sentient prototype failsafe. Automatically activated as the last resort. With the sole mission to seak out and destroy the corruption that has infected the entire planet.
Action-AdventureMetroidvaniaSci-fi2D PlatformerSide ScrollerImmersiveAdventureActionStylizedShooter
$11.99Ancient Adventure
Jun 23 · James H. Van der Meulen
Both: Retro · Pixel Graphics
Venture forth! Kill the Monsters! Evil has taken over the world. Equip your Weapons of Choice. Journey out into the world to avenge your predecessors. Survive the hordes, seek out to extinguish the source of all Evil, so that one day, your people may finally live in peace.
RetroFantasyAdventureDungeon CrawlerCreature CollectorExplorationTop-DownAction RPGPixel GraphicsColorful
$19.99Voltage High Society
Jun 23 · Platonic Partnership
Both: Metroidvania
First-person horror metroidvania about fisting your way through a prison island crawling with cybernetic monstrosities. Explore, evolve, escape. Inspired by Tetsuo: The Iron Man.
ExplorationBoomer ShooterMetroidvaniaFPSImmersive SimBoxingCharacter Customization3DFirst-PersonDark Comedy👍 144
Also worth a look
Share some of the same DNA, but further from the original.
$17.99Lost Castle 2
Jun 10 · Hunter Studio
"Lost Castle 2" is a 2D Beat'em up Rogue-Lite game. Explore abundant treasures and items to enhance yourself, master various weapons to showcase your skills, and challenge powerful monsters to demonstrate your strength. A new adventure is calling for treasure hunters!
MultiplayerLocal Co-OpOnline Co-OpRoguelikeBeat 'em upRogueliteAction-AdventureAction RoguelikeRPGFunny👍 10,858
-25%$9.74Dead Weight
Jul 16 · Klukva Games
Both: Pixel Graphics
Face the Ancient Gods! Set the sails of your flying pirate ship and embark on a roguelite adventure in the steampunk world of Dead Weight. Explore floating islands in search of loot. Choose a class and enjoy turn-based tactical combat on tiny battlefields where every step matters.
Turn-Based CombatStrategyRPGReplay ValuePixel GraphicsTurn-BasedTurn-Based StrategyTacticalRoguelikeAdventure👍 583
New$15.00DIY Dadish
Yesterday · Thomas K. Young
Both: Platformer · Precision Platformer
Create your own adventure and share it with the world! Everyone's favorite radish dad is back, but this time the story is up to you! in DIY Dadish gives players the ability to design any Dadish level they can imagine.
ActionAdventurePlatformer2D PlatformerPrecision PlatformerPuzzle Platformer2DCartoonyColorfulCute
Freean unplayable game?!
Oct 20 · ./badgames.zip
Both: Pixel Graphics
a game about accessibility settings that's just a *bit* too hard for you to play effectively. 10-15 minutes in length with 30+ minutes of developer commentary!
LinearActionCasualAbstractShortPuzzle PlatformerEmotionalPuzzle2D PlatformerPixel Graphics
$13.99Sol Cesto
Apr 10 · Tambouille, Géraud Zucchini, Chariospirale
Sol Cesto is a tactical and frantic roguelite where mastering your luck is key. Choose a hero, upgrade them using cursed teeth and magical items, and descend to the bottom of an ever-changing dungeon. In this dark world, every action has consequences…
Dungeon CrawlerRoguelikeTacticalPuzzleAtmosphericFantasyGamblingProcedural GenerationMysteryTurn-Based👍 4,849
$9.99Friendly Steps
Sep 3 · KORO.GAMES
Both: Difficult · Platformer
A HARDCORE physics-based 1-4 player co-op RAGE GAME about getting home after a wild night out. It was a fun night! Now grab your buddies and walk home. IF YOU REMEMBER HOW.
MultiplayerPhysicsWalking SimulatorOnline Co-OpChoices MatterAdventureDifficultComedyPlatformerCo-op👍 233
-20%$7.99Escape the Backrooms
Oct 23 · Fancy Games, Blackbird Interactive
Escape the Backrooms is a 1-4 player co-op horror exploration game. Traverse 30+ eerie backrooms levels while avoiding entities and other dangers. Try to escape but be warned: survival isn't guaranteed.
HorrorMultiplayerOnline Co-OpPsychological HorrorCo-opSurvival HorrorFirst-PersonEscape RoomExplorationAdventure👍 137,469
-10%$6.29Pull Me Up!
3 days ago · Murat Akin
Both: Platformer · Precision Platformer
Pull Me Up! is a challenging parkour adventure where every jump takes you higher. Face your fears in Horror Mode, featuring dark environments, unexpected jumpscares, and terrifying surprises. Are you brave enough to reach the top?
ActionParkourPlatformerPrecision PlatformerSingleplayerJump ScareHorrorAdventurePsychological HorrorThriller

