Games like Astalon: Tears of the Earth

This is an 8-bit action-platformer where players use three distinct characters to explore a tower, with death enabling reincarnation to progress. It features progressive exploration and a room-by-room rhythm.

90% positive from 1,487 · 2021 · 34% finish it · Steam Deck Playable · Lowest ever $6.19 (2025-08-04)

FantasyMetroidvania Exploration Action-Adventure Pixel GraphicsAction

Six games like Astalon: Tears of the Earth

Death's Gambit: Afterlife

81% positive from 5,543 reviews20185% finish itDeck Verified

This is a hardcore 2D action RPG platformer with challenging combat and exploration. Players master weapons and abilities to defeat bosses in a dark, unforgiving world.

What players likedPlayers praise this challenging souls-like Metroidvania for its dark atmosphere, amazing soundtrack, and masterclass boss design.

The catchBacktracking across a messy map is a slog because fast travel arrives far too late.

Both are tagged Metroidvania, Pixel Graphics and Action.

Games like Death's Gambit: Afterlife →

Haiku, the Robot

90% positive from 3,484 reviews2022Deck Verified

This is a cute, side-scrolling adventure-exploration game with melee combat and platforming. Players explore a vast world, fight machines, and discover secrets.

What players likedPlayers praise "Haiku, the Robot" as a polished Metroidvania with great art, exploration, and combat, often compared to Hollow Knight.

The catchCombat feels sluggish, with slow attacks and stamina downtime

Both are tagged Metroidvania, Exploration and Pixel Graphics.

Games like Haiku, the Robot →

Rabi-Ribi

95% positive from 2,666 reviews2016Deck Verified

A 2D exploration platformer with non-linear gameplay, featuring close-quarters combat by Erina and ranged support from Ribbon, with customizable upgrades. It offers a retro feel with adjustable difficulty.

What players likedPlayers praise Rabi-Ribi as an underrated Metroidvania with rewarding exploration, powerful items, and enjoyable, visually impressive bullet-hell boss battles.

The catchBoss fights drag on for ages as spongy enemies soak up feeble damage.

Both are tagged Metroidvania, Exploration and Pixel Graphics.

Games like Rabi-Ribi →

Islets

95% positive from 1,852 reviews2022Deck Unsupported

A hand-painted metroidvania where you connect floating islands to explore, fight monsters, and befriend characters. Its core loop involves puzzle-like island reconnection and exploration.

What players likedPlayers praise Islets as a charming, relaxing, and approachable Metroidvania, reminiscent of old flash games, with a unique island-connecting mechanic.

The catchFloaty controls and bland, shallow gameplay make the whole thing feel forgettable.

Both are tagged Metroidvania, Fantasy and Action.

Games like Islets →

AWAKEN - Astral Blade

83% positive from 1,215 reviews2024Deck Playable

2.5D action-adventure metroidvania with precise combat and exploration. Players master timing, combos, and Aether upgrades in a corrupted world.

What players likedPlayers praise AWAKEN - Astral Blade as a gorgeous Metroidvania with fun, satisfying combat and rewarding exploration.

The catchCombat and movement feel stiff and clunky, with an unreliable parry and spongy enemies.

Both are tagged Metroidvania, Action and Adventure.

Games like AWAKEN - Astral Blade →

Supraland

95% positive from 4,925 reviews201927% finish itDeck Unsupported

First-person Metroidvania puzzle game. Explore a sandbox world, discover versatile abilities, and solve creative, unique puzzles.

What players likedPlayers praise Supraland as a metroidvania and puzzle platformer with rewarding exploration, clever puzzles, and charming humor.

The catchCombat is shallow and respawning enemies constantly interrupt puzzling and exploring.

Both are tagged Metroidvania, Exploration and Action.

Games like Supraland →

More like this: Action-Adventure Pixel Graphics Metroidvania Exploration

More about Astalon: Tears of the Earth

What players liked

Players praise Astalon as a spectacular 8-bit Metroidvania, reminiscent of NES-era games like Metroid and Castlevania, with satisfying exploration and progression.

The catch

Dying dumps you at the tower entrance and swapping characters means long backtracks.

Reviews: 90% positive from 1,487
Released: 2021
Finish it: 34% of players
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Playable
Price: Lowest ever $6.19 (2025-08-04)
Play: Single-playerFull controller support

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 90% positive, but with 1,487 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View Astalon: Tears of the Earth on Steam

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