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.
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Ranked by how similar the games actually are, not by sales. Released and Price are remembered for next time.
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$24.99ANIMAL WELL
May 9 · Billy Basso
Both: Metroidvania · Pixel Graphics · Platformer
Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.
MetroidvaniaExplorationPuzzlePixel GraphicsPuzzle PlatformerPlatformerHorror2DAtmosphericAdventure👍 22,819
$16.99Vlad Voievod Dracula. Episode 1 Manhunt
Oct 2 · Tiberius
Both: Platformer · Metroidvania · Retro
If you enjoyed NES games like Castlevania, Ninja Gaiden, Shatterhand, Jorney to Silius you have to try this game! Play as Vlad Tepes Dracula and fight your way to the Wallachian border to take your rightful throne in a new medieval Classicvania game with gorgeous art, and 10 playable characters!
ActionAdventurePlatformerMetroidvaniaRetro2DSide ScrollerPixel GraphicsDifficultGothic
-50%$9.99Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Jul 17 · Squid Shock Studios, Christopher Stair, Trevor Youngquist
Both: Precision Platformer · Platformer · Metroidvania
Flow gracefully through a colorful, hand-drawn 2.5D action platformer inspired by Japanese folklore. Engage in acrobatic aerial combat, unlock powerful mystical abilities, and explore an interconnected world of myth as you seek to unravel the mysteries of your origin.
Precision PlatformerSide ScrollerExploration2D PlatformerPlatformerMetroidvaniaSouls-likeAction-AdventureComic Book2D👍 1,399
$19.99Tomba! Special Edition
Jul 31 · Limited Run Games
Both: Platformer · Retro · Metroidvania
In Tomba! Special Edition, leap, bite, and throw your way across stunning 2.5D landscapes in this vastly-enhanced update to a platforming classic!
ActionPlatformer2D Platformer2.5DRetroOld SchoolSingleplayer3D PlatformerMetroidvaniaAdventure👍 721
-70%$8.99Prince of Persia The Lost Crown
Aug 8 · Ubisoft Montpellier
Both: Metroidvania · Precision Platformer
Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.
MetroidvaniaExploration2D PlatformerActionSide ScrollerAdventurePrecision PlatformerAction-AdventureSingleplayerController👍 6,766
$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
-75%$4.99Gestalt: Steam & Cinder
Jul 16 · Metamorphosis Games
Both: Metroidvania · Platformer · Pixel Graphics
Inspired by 16 and 32-bit classics, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder fuses tight 2D platforming and exhilarating combat with an engrossing, twist-laden narrative in a stunningly handcrafted steampunk world.
RPGActionMetroidvaniaStory RichFemale ProtagonistSingleplayer2D Platformer2DPlatformerPixel Graphics👍 1,859
$6.99Corn Kidz 64
Oct 16 · BogoSoft
Both: Retro · Platformer
The unauthorized, kid-friendly version of the classic Stephen King thriller (or maybe not, maybe it's just a game about one-horned goatbabies)
3D PlatformerRetroCollectathonCartoonyAction-AdventureControllerCartoonExploration3DPlatformer👍 1,694
$19.99Worldless
Nov 20 · Noname Studios
Both: Platformer · Metroidvania
Worldless is a stylised 2D platformer with a unique combat system and a mind-bending interpretative narrative. Players embark on a journey of self-growth and understanding, pushing the limits of their nature in a newly born and abstract universe.
Stylized2D PlatformerPlatformerMetroidvaniaSingleplayerAction RPGFemale Protagonist2DFantasySci-fi👍 1,558
$19.99Crypt Custodian
Aug 27 · Kyle Thompson
Both: Metroidvania
Crypt Custodian is a charming metroidvania about cleaning up the afterlife. Play as Pluto - a mischievous cat who has died, and is sentenced to be the afterworld's janitor... FOREVER! Hang out with other doomed ghosts, battle beasts, and explore a vastly expansive landscape.
MetroidvaniaAdventureActionExplorationAtmosphericCuteIndieCatsAction RPGAction-Adventure👍 2,928
$7.99Only Up 2
Dec 17 · SKYZ Studio
Both: Precision Platformer · Difficult · Platformer
Reach new heights in "Only Up 2," set in a mysterious world above the clouds, brimming with secrets waiting to be unearthed. Embark on an ascent like no other, the only limit is the sky.
Precision Platformer3D PlatformerDifficultActionPlatformerArcade3DThird PersonFunnyCasual👍 166
$19.99Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore
Feb 13 · Seedy Eye Software
Both: Metroidvania · Platformer
A NEW interactive animated adventure! In this action-adventure game, Arzette must explore the Kingdom of Faramore, slay fearsome foes, acquire powerful items, discover secrets, assist colorful characters, and defeat the evil Daimur!
ExplorationMetroidvania2D PlatformerPlatformerAction-AdventureFemale Protagonist2DFMVFunnySurreal👍 893
$12.99Elemgate
Sep 25 · CWPGames
Both: Platformer · Difficult · Precision Platformer
Elemgate is a unique precision platformer where you'll need to control your speed, changing of the elements and jump timing and to earn more time that converts into score needed to pass 10 stages per level and ultimately across 15 levels in this 2.5D obstacle course challenge to escape an evil god.
PlatformerDifficult2.5DIndieCasualAdventureActionFast-PacedSide ScrollerPrecision Platformer
$0.99Exodus
Jan 31 · Ranger Studio
Both: Metroidvania · Platformer
Save Moses' girlfriend from the clutches of the prince of Egypt, Ramses, in this thrilling adventure across the Egyptian desert. Face enemies and bosses, find items and power-ups scattered throughout a fantastic 2D open world full of challenges, secrets and much more!
ExplorationMetroidvania2D PlatformerSandboxPlatformerShooterAction-Adventure2DActionController
$24.99Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune
Jul 26 · IceSitruuna
Both: Metroidvania · Platformer
This is an anime-style Metroidvania game with an RPG progression system, numerous weapons for switching, and an emphasis on equipment building. It offers three switchable characters, smooth gameplay, impactful combat feedback, and anime-style story scenes.
MetroidvaniaFemale ProtagonistJRPGSide ScrollerAnime2D PlatformerPlatformerHack and SlashSouls-likeRPG👍 1,916
$27.99The Last Faith
Nov 15 · Kumi Souls Games
Both: Metroidvania · Pixel Graphics
Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.
MetroidvaniaSouls-likePixel GraphicsDark FantasyViolentGothic2DGoreActionVampires👍 4,667
$14.99Minishoot' Adventures
Apr 2 · SoulGame Studio
Both: Metroidvania
Fly into a charming handcrafted world and go on an adventure that mixes up open exploration with crispy twin-stick shooter action. Fight your way from the shiny overworld to the deepest caves, improve your ship and overcome the dungeons' bosses to rescue your friends!
Twin Stick ShooterBullet HellMetroidvaniaExplorationTop-DownAdventureRPGCute2DCasual👍 7,820
$19.99Isles of Sea and Sky
May 22 · Cicada Games
Both: Metroidvania · Pixel Graphics · Retro
A fantastic, oceanic, open world puzzle adventure. Solve innovative block puzzles while unearthing a mystifying story, gaining new friends that change the puzzle landscape, and unlocking powers that provide more options for how you choose to progress through the enigmatic Isles of Sea and Sky.
AdventurePuzzleCollectathonMetroidvaniaOpen WorldSokobanPixel GraphicsAtmosphericExplorationRetro👍 1,541
$4.99Jaded
Jan 24 · ShellSnore Games
Both: Precision Platformer · Platformer
A fast-paced platformer where you can slash, dash, and control time. Slow down the frenzy of combat and find the right moment to strike! Then, aim the 360-degree dash and zoom away at lightning speed! Master your abilities to maneuver around obstacles and vaporize foes before they can touch you.
Precision Platformer2D PlatformerPlatformer2DCombatIndieLinearActionSide ScrollerHack and Slash
$24.99UFO 50
Sep 18 · Mossmouth
Both: Pixel Graphics · Retro · Difficult
UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, from platformers and shoot 'em ups to puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs. Our goal is to combine a familiar 8-bit aesthetic with new ideas and modern game design.
IndiePixel GraphicsRetroAction2DArcadeStrategyRPGAdventureDifficult👍 7,137
$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
$11.997th Domain:Tree of Chaos
Aug 16 · Lightimpact
Both: Pixel Graphics · Metroidvania
"7th Domain" is a horizontal version action game derived from Roguelike Metroidvania combined with treasure grinding gameplay. You will play a child of destiny who repairs the world and finds the truth of the broken world. You will grow in battle and challenge the unknown and hidden forces.
RPGActionDark FantasyAction RoguelikePixel GraphicsMetroidvaniaMagicCombatHack and SlashIndie👍 414
$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
$12.99Ario
Apr 1 · Vata Games, Artax Games
Both: Metroidvania · Platformer
A fantasy land plagued by nightmares, a common lad trying to rescue his missing mother and an evil forces conspiration to be unveiled. Join Ario in this thrilling adventure where your crossbow and skills will determine the fate of your people.
AdventureActionAction-AdventureMetroidvaniaSteampunkHack and SlashExplorationSide ScrollerArcheryPlatformer
$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
$15.99ColorBlend FX: Desaturation
Apr 18 · Pi-Dev Bulgaria
Both: Metroidvania
Help Splatians blend the stolen colors back with the world and get rid of the evil Lord Ashen in this 2.5D puzzle-platformer metroidvania. Splat'n'stomp juicy enemies, swim in paint pools, solve physics and color puzzles and of course survive the death while figuring out the evil plans of the Lord.
MetroidvaniaPuzzle PlatformerPost-apocalyptic2.5DStylizedMultiple EndingsLogicPuzzleVoxelThird Person
-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
$19.99Braid, Anniversary Edition
May 14 · Thekla, Inc.
Both: Platformer
Control the flow of time to solve puzzles in this new version of the indie classic, featuring fully repainted artwork, a new world of puzzles, and seriously in-depth commentary.
Puzzle Platformer2D PlatformerPuzzlePlatformerAction-Adventure2DTime ManipulationActionCasualCartoony👍 1,766
-70%$3.59Anomaly Agent
Jan 24 · Phew Phew Games
Both: Platformer
ANOMALY AGENT is a cyberpunk action-adventure featuring fluid combat, a time-bending story, quirky characters and a catchy synthwave soundtrack! Punch or shoot through mobs of enemies, impact the story with your choices and stop the anomalies before the world plunges into chaos!
2D PlatformerSide ScrollerAction RoguelikeHack and SlashPlatformerSouls-like2D FighterRogueliteAction RPGAction-Adventure👍 9,465
-35%$9.74SANABI
Nov 8 · WONDER POTION
Both: Pixel Graphics
SANABI is an exhilarating stylish dystopian action-platformer. Play as a legendary retired veteran and use your signature prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs and skyscrapers, zip through bullets and traps and defeat powerful enemies.
Pixel GraphicsStory RichActionCyberpunk2D PlatformerAdventureSingleplayer2DIndieAction-Adventure👍 41,734
FreeOtherworld Legends
Oct 30 · ChillyRoom
Both: Pixel Graphics · Metroidvania
A "blood-pumping, face-bashing" roguelike brawler. Master heroes of your choice, craft uniquely broken builds, and hack & pummel through a myriad of dungeons in a thrilling rampage.
Co-opRPGActionRoguelikePixel GraphicsMultiplayerIndieHack and SlashRogueliteMetroidvania👍 869
$4.99Adventures of Helio
Nov 23 · Steel Fish Studios
Both: Platformer · Precision Platformer · Pixel Graphics
In Adventures of Helio, you play as the young dragon, Helio, as he must battle and trek his way home before the sinister thief, El Ladron, does and steal his treasure! Play through 60 levels across six worlds, discover new powers, battle scary bosses, and collect treasure!
ActionArcadePlatformer2D PlatformerPrecision Platformer2DCartoonyColorfulCutePixel Graphics
-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
$19.99Peglin
Aug 27 · Red Nexus Games Inc.
Both: Pixel Graphics
Peglin is a Pachinko Roguelike - Fight enemies by collecting special orbs and popping pegs to deal damage. Acquire special relics that radically change the game and ensure no two runs are the same. Aim carefully to survive in this unique turn-based RPG!
DeckbuildingRoguelikeRoguelitePinballTurn-BasedStrategyPerma DeathPixel GraphicsCute2D👍 16,626
$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
$3.99The Robots Hope
Sep 27 · TheCidDevGames
Both: Metroidvania
Live the Adventures that await this very friendly robot who is faced with a harsh reality that he will have to face. 3D platform game in the purest mythical platform style with Futuristic touches.
RobotsAction-AdventureSingleplayerCharacter CustomizationMetroidvaniaCasual3D PlatformerThird PersonSci-fiHand-drawn
SteamDolls - Prologue Demo FREE
Oct 4 · The Shady Gentlemen
Both: Metroidvania · Platformer
Enter the world of Steamdolls in this narrative-driven stealth-meets-action adventure, featuring a star-studded voice-cast including David Hayter. This concept demo features an introductory prologue and acts as a teaser for the wider Steamdolls universe.
ActionIndieMetroidvaniaGoreViolentSteampunkPlatformerSingleplayerSide ScrollerExploration
-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
-51%$0.49Lizard Survivors: Battle for Hyperborea
Nov 16 · Ephemeral Interaction
Both: Pixel Graphics · Retro
They have launched an active invasion on our lands in late September this year, so let us break free of the slavic hand that held us by our balls for many ages! Rally all of our reptile militia, we will end this all together! LIZARDS, WE WILL NEVER BE SLAVES BUT WE WILL BE CONQUERORS!
Pixel GraphicsBullet HellDark FantasyRoguelite2DIndieRetroProcedural GenerationFunnyShoot 'Em Up👍 1,287
$19.99Until Then
Jun 25 · Polychroma Games
Both: Pixel Graphics
A fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction, upending Mark's life. People disappear and memories prove unreliable. Uncover a hidden truth with Mark and his friends in this narrative adventure and race to unravel the mystery before it's too late.
Visual NovelEmotionalPixel GraphicsStory RichInteractive FictionPsychological2DRomanceMysteryAdventure👍 15,742
Also worth a look
Share some of the same DNA, but further from the original.
-50%$7.49Shogun Showdown
Sep 5 · Roboatino
Both: Pixel Graphics
Shogun Showdown is a turn-based combat game with rogue-like and deck-building elements. Position yourself and attack at the right time, upgrade your tiles and combo them to get ready to face the Shogun!
Replay ValueStrategy RPGTurn-BasedRoguelikePixel GraphicsTurn-Based StrategyRoguelike DeckbuilderStrategyTurn-Based CombatTurn-Based Tactics👍 6,201
$3.99Jumpy Jumptime
May 17 · Posa
Both: Platformer · Precision Platformer
Jumpy Jumptime is an endearing first-person platforming game that immerses players in the excitement of exploring a world of floating islands. As Jumpy, a lovable alien who has crash-landed, your goal is to recover the scattered parts of your UFO and simply find your way back home.
Early AccessAdventureCasualPlatformerPuzzle3D PlatformerPrecision PlatformerExplorationAction-AdventureRunner
$10.99CATO: Buttered Cat
Sep 5 · Team Woll
Both: Pixel Graphics · Platformer
Puzzle platformer where you control both the cat and the toast, based on the famous "Buttered Cat Paradox". The game features 200+ levels, 70+ skins, plus boss fights and mini-games!
Puzzle PlatformerCatsCuteAdventurePuzzlePixel GraphicsIndieMultiplayerPlatformerSingleplayer👍 2,795
-30%$10.49Europa
Oct 11 · Helder Pinto, Chozabu (Alex PB), Novadust Entertainment
Both: Platformer
On the moon Europa, a lush terraformed paradise in Jupiter’s shadow, an android named Zee sets out in search of answers. Run, glide and fly across the landscape, solve mysteries in the ruins of a fallen utopia, and discover the story of the last human alive.
AdventureExplorationAction3D Platformer3DAtmosphericPlatformerCreature CollectorRobotsPuzzle👍 778
$19.99Everhood 2
Mar 4 · Chris Nordgren, Jordi Roca
Both: Pixel Graphics
AN UNCONVENTIONAL ARPG where you battle enemies through musical encounters while being accompanied by a raven who promises to retrieve your voice if you slay the mighty Mind Dragon!🎵
PsychedelicMusicIndieStory Rich2DRPGPixel GraphicsChoices MatterSingleplayerRhythm👍 2,205





