Games like The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare

85% positive from 1,871 reviewsReleased 2021Steam Deck PlayableFree

The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare screenshot

What it is

This is a free-to-play action-adventure prologue where players hack, slash, and dash through twisted fairytales. Players control a stuffed bear using makeshift weapons to rescue his owner from a nightmare realm.

The catch

Stiff, clunky controls make platforming feel imprecise

Why it is here

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 85% positive, but with 1,871 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare on Steam

More like this: Action-Adventure Metroidvania Platformer 2D Platformer

Six games like The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare

Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune

83% positive from 2,065 reviews202414% finish itDeck Playable

A Metroidvania action-adventure game with smooth combat and exploration. Players fight monsters, solve mysteries, and develop their character.

What players likedPlayers praise this fun anime-humor Metroidvania RPG for its engaging character builds, combos, and magic, which can make players fall in love with the genre.

The catchMovement and combos feel janky, with inputs that often fail to register cleanly.

Both are tagged 2D Platformer, Metroidvania and Casual.

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Timespinner

86% positive from 3,131 reviews201848% finish itDeck Verified

This is a 2D action-adventure platformer with time manipulation mechanics. It features pixel art, magic orbs, and familiar companions in a story-driven quest.

What players likedPlayers praise Timespinner as a charming, responsive Metroidvania, often compared to Symphony of the Night and DS Castlevanias, with good world-building and a coherent story.

The catchThe story is dialogue heavy and the writing is juvenile enough to skip outright.

Both are tagged 2D Platformer, Metroidvania and Action.

Games like Timespinner →

Castlevania Advance Collection

91% positive from 2,456 reviews202115% finish itDeck Playable

This is a compilation of action-exploration Castlevania games featuring spell fusion and attribute card systems, offering a classic gothic horror feel. It includes modern features like rewind and save states for enhanced gameplay.

What players likedPlayers praise this collection as an excellent way to experience classic Metroidvania Castlevania games, especially "Aria of Sorrow."

The catchThe PC port is barebones, with no key rebinding and missing display and sound options.

Both are tagged 2D Platformer, Metroidvania and Action-Adventure.

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Nyaruru Fishy Fight

90% positive from 1,780 reviews202315% finish itDeck Verified

Nyaruru Fishy Fight is a Metroidvania with fast-paced combat and exploration. Players use a variety of fish-themed attacks and movement abilities to defeat enemies and bosses.

What players likedPlayers praise its incredible character movement and exciting battles with cute cats, despite being made in a broken engine.

The catchBoss fights lean on gimmicks and sudden difficulty spikes

Both are tagged 2D Platformer, Metroidvania and Action.

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Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus

84% positive from 1,649 reviews202413% finish itDeck Verified

This is a 2.5D action-platformer with Metroidvania elements. Players use a shapeshifting staff with a move-and-reset mechanic in a hand-drawn, folklore-inspired world.

What players likedPlayers praise its gorgeous art, fluid aerial movement, and accessible platforming, often comparing it favorably to Hollow Knight and Ori.

The catchThe controls feel clunky and unresponsive, with the grapple hooking the wrong points.

Both are tagged 2D Platformer, Metroidvania and Platformer.

Games like Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus →

Castlevania Dominus Collection

95% positive from 1,416 reviews202423% finish itDeck Playable

Action-adventure compilation featuring classic Castlevania titles with soul-combining weapon crafting and dual-hero switching. It offers a gothic, challenging experience with modern conveniences.

What players likedPlayers praise this collection as a faithful port of the best Castlevania DS games, akin to Metroidvanias and JRPGs.

The catchA barebones port with no rebinding or graphics options, and it crashes often.

Both are tagged 2D Platformer, Metroidvania and Action-Adventure.

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