Games like 9 Years of Shadows on Steam

For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like 9 Years of Shadows are available at the bottom of the page.

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Timespinner Travel back in time to change fate itself, in this beautifully crafted story-driven adventure, inspired by classic 90s action-platformers. Join timekeeper Lunais on her quest for revenge against the empire that killed her family, using time-bending powers to explore a vast, connected world.

Similarity 57%
Price 19.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 25 Sep 2018
Songbird Symphony Musical Metroidvania, with pixel art to die for. Guide orphaned chick 'Birb', on a platform adventure, as he faces off against the denizens of the forest in rhythm-action boss battles. Acclaimed for its gorgeous animation, and heart-warming storytelling, as Birb strives to discover his true origins.

Similarity 56%
Price -98% 0.43€
Rating 8.4
Release 25 Jul 2019
Islets Take to the sky and reunite a fragmented world in this surprisingly wholesome metroidvania! Help Iko adventure across beautiful hand-painted islands, receive letters from a quirky cast of characters, and face powerful monstrous adversaries.

Similarity 56%
Price -96% 0.83€
Rating 9.1
Release 24 Aug 2022
Touhou Luna Nights Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action.  Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Similarity 56%
Price 14.99€
Rating 9.5
Release 25 Feb 2019
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus 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.

Similarity 56%
Price 19.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 17 Jul 2024
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Similarity 56%
Price 9.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 24 May 2018
One Dog Story One Dog Story is an engaging pixel adventure game with RPG elements, gameplay that’ll get you hooked for hours, and well-developed characters. You wake up in an underground laboratory, free again after a horrific accident. Prepare to explore this expansive game world and its many secrets and mysteries.

Similarity 56%
Price 9.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 28 Apr 2017
Haiku, the Robot Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.

Similarity 56%
Price -98% 0.41€
Rating 8.6
Release 28 Apr 2022
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! When a mysterious crime wave sweeps Sequin Land, it’s up to Half-Genie Hero Shantae to save the day! Use Shantae’s devastating Hair-Whip Attack to send monsters flying, or Belly Dance to transform her into more powerful forms!

Similarity 56%
Price -55% 9.05€
Rating 8.7
Release 20 Dec 2016
BIOMORPH BIOMORPH is a dark metroidvania game where you become the creatures that you kill! Solve ingenious puzzles and navigate a stunning hand-drawn world. Meet quirky characters, rebuild a city, and uncover the secrets of a sprawling, fallen civilization… and of your own mysterious origins.

Similarity 55%
Price 19.50€
Rating 8.6
Release 05 Apr 2024
Nyaruru Fishy Fight This game is a Metroidvania game with intense battle. Explore the world and collection power-ups with your cute cat girl! When magic curse suddenly occurred in a small town and all the residents grew cat ears, the real cat girl Nyaruru started her way to uncover the truth...

Similarity 55%
Price 6.59€
Rating 8.6
Release 13 Jun 2023
Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune 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.

Similarity 55%
Price 24.50€
Rating 8.0
Release 26 Jul 2024
Lone Fungus A handcrafted open-world platformer set in a world built by Mushrooms! Explore different locations filled with secrets, acquire new abilities and use those abilities to reach new places!

Similarity 55%
Price -97% 0.66€
Rating 8.1
Release 07 Apr 2023
STRIDER™ / ストライダー飛竜® Strider returns in a brand new adventure, complete with incredible side-scrolling action, and lightning fast combat all in a massive interconnected world! Download the full game February 19th and become the original assassin!

Similarity 55%
Price -70% 4.49€
Rating 7.8
Release 19 Feb 2014
DOOMBLADE Deep underground, Gloom Girl discovers DOOMBLADE, a sentient weapon hellbent on escape after eons in chains. Together, “Doom and Gloom” embark on a vengeful quest to unlock the powerful abilities and destroy the Dread Lords once and for all in this 2D Action Metroidvania.

Similarity 55%
Price -70% 4.89€
Rating 7.7
Release 31 May 2023
The Mobius Machine Discover a vast alien world. Fight the ferocious local fauna and killer machines. Reveal its secrets and find a way to escape. The Mobius Machine is a side-scroller action adventure, with an emphasis on free-form exploration and intense combat.

Similarity 54%
Price 19.50€
Rating 8.0
Release 01 Mar 2024
Moonscars Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.

Similarity 54%
Price -45% 11.11€
Rating 8.0
Release 27 Sep 2022
Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut brings hair-whipping, belly-dancing to your PC! Play one of the most critically acclaimed handheld series of all time, now with brand new features!

Similarity 54%
Price -96% 0.41€
Rating 8.2
Release 15 Jul 2014
Blaster Master Zero Mutant scum never learn! Blaster Master Zero makes its Steam debut! Blaster Master Zero is a 8-bit style top-down & sideview 2D action-adventure game that hearkens back to the golden age of the NES. The game features new gameplay elements such as improved gameplay, and a more robust scenario.

Similarity 54%
Price -50% 4.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 14 Jun 2019
Vernal Edge Vernal Edge is a 2D action-packed Metroidvania featuring an intense combat system, tight platforming sequences and a powerful story of rivalry, revenge and growth.

Similarity 54%
Price -96% 0.70€
Rating 7.4
Release 14 Mar 2023
Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth- A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant. Use a variety of weapons and spirit powers to unravel the mystery of the labyrinth.

Similarity 54%
Price 16.79€
Rating 9.0
Release 27 Mar 2021
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate HD This sequel to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow reveals the story of the Belmonts as they battle destiny across generations to discover their true fate. Trevor Belmont, knight of the Brotherhood of Light, embarks on an epic quest to avenge his mother who was killed by his father Gabriel.

Similarity 54%
Price -85% 1.79€
Rating 8.1
Release 27 Mar 2014
HunterX HunterX is an action-adventure game full of spirited battles. Use various styles of weapons and magic to experience your own fighting style and explore a great world.

Similarity 54%
Price -50% 6.24€
Rating 7.9
Release 28 Apr 2022
Valdis Story: Abyssal City Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.

Similarity 53%
Price -38% 9.34€
Rating 8.1
Release 30 Oct 2013

Most played games like 9 Years of Shadows on Steam

Take a look at the top games like 9 Years of Shadows that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.

1. Hollow Knight

Similarity 40% Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style. Hollow Knight is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Team Cherry. Released on February 24th 2017 has received 415,946 reviews of which 403,641 were positive and 12,305 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like 9 Years of Shadows, thanks to its 4,912 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
403,641
12,305

4,912
players

2. Dead Cells

Similarity 43% Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat. Dead Cells is a adventure, action roguelike and metroidvania game developed and published by Motion Twin. Released on August 06th 2018 has received 168,464 reviews of which 163,549 were positive and 4,915 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 2,559 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like 9 Years of Shadows based on player count.
9.6
163,549
4,915

2,559
players

3. Skul: The Hero Slayer

Similarity 41% Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages. Skul: The Hero Slayer is a indie, action and action roguelike game developed by SOUTHPAW GAMES and published by NEOWIZ. Released on January 20th 2021 has received 54,901 reviews of which 51,218 were positive and 3,683 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 1,205 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like 9 Years of Shadows based on player count.
9.2
51,218
3,683

1,205
players

4. BlazBlue Entropy Effect

Similarity 41% Enjoy action-packed flashy combat with incredibly satisfying combos and responsive controls! Numerous characters, each with completely unique playstyles and loads of unlockable moves & upgrades! This action roguelike sets the bar for fluid fast-paced action. BlazBlue Entropy Effect is a action roguelike, action-adventure and 2d game developed and published by 91Act. Released on February 14th 2024 has received 30,290 reviews of which 28,794 were positive and 1,496 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,099 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.3
28,794
1,496

1,099
players

5. ASTLIBRA Revision

Similarity 47% Confront time and fate in the 2D action RPG, Astlibra Revision. Explore meticulously crafted worlds, fight brutal boss battles, and upgrade your skills to take down enemies lurking around every corner. ASTLIBRA Revision is a action rpg, 2d and side scroller game developed by KEIZO and published by WhisperGames. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 26,958 reviews of which 25,774 were positive and 1,184 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 742 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.4
25,774
1,184

742
players

6. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Similarity 47% Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, metroidvania and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2020 has received 136,690 reviews of which 131,989 were positive and 4,701 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 697 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.5
131,989
4,701

697
players

7. Blasphemous 2

Similarity 50% The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all. Blasphemous 2 is a combat, fantasy and metroidvania game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. Released on August 24th 2023 has received 14,237 reviews of which 13,000 were positive and 1,237 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 202 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.9
13,000
1,237

202
players

8. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

Similarity 46% “Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is a atmospheric, great soundtrack and metroidvania game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on April 27th 2016 has received 66,979 reviews of which 63,788 were positive and 3,191 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 196 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.4
63,788
3,191

196
players

9. Ori and the Blind Forest

Similarity 45% “Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC. Ori and the Blind Forest is a great soundtrack, atmospheric and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2015 has received 57,412 reviews of which 54,150 were positive and 3,262 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 172 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.3
54,150
3,262

172
players

10. Rogue Legacy 2

Similarity 49% Rogue Legacy 2 is what you'd get if you mashed Rogue Legacy and a sequel together. Every time you die, your children will succeed you, and each child is unique. Your daughter might be a Colourblind Archer, and your son could be a Pacifistic Chef. Either way, one of them is getting conscripted. Rogue Legacy 2 is a arcade, metroidvania and platformer game developed and published by Cellar Door Games. Released on April 28th 2022 has received 14,469 reviews of which 13,143 were positive and 1,326 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 167 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.9
13,143
1,326

167
players

Best deals on games like 9 Years of Shadows on Steam

Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like 9 Years of Shadows available on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like 9 Years of Shadows.

1. Ultros

Similarity 48% ULTROS is a psychedelic metroidvania where you wake up stranded on The Sarcophagus — a cosmic uterus holding an ancient, demonic being. Trapped in the loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play... Ultros is a metroidvania, adventure and platformer game developed by Hadoque and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 744 reviews of which 594 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like 9 Years of Shadows.
7.6
594
150

-99% 34.99€ 0.54€

2. Narita Boy

Similarity 41% Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world! Narita Boy is a action, retro and adventure game developed by Studio Koba and published by Team17. Released on March 30th 2021 has received 1,632 reviews of which 1,273 were positive and 359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like 9 Years of Shadows.
7.5
1,273
359

-99% 24.99€ 0.34€

3. SteamWorld Dig 2

Similarity 44% SteamWorld Dig is back! Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania style games. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a adventure, metroidvania and indie game developed and published by Image & Form Games. Released on September 22nd 2017 has received 7,581 reviews of which 7,243 were positive and 338 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.2
7,243
338

-98% 19.99€ 0.48€

4. Haiku, the Robot

Similarity 56% Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you. Haiku, the Robot is a metroidvania, adventure and exploration game developed and published by Mister Morris Games. Released on April 28th 2022 has received 2,906 reviews of which 2,607 were positive and 299 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.6
2,607
299

-98% 18.99€ 0.41€

5. Astalon: Tears of the Earth

Similarity 75% Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom! Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a fantasy, metroidvania and exploration game developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 1,211 reviews of which 1,096 were positive and 115 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.6
1,096
115

-98% 19.50€ 0.40€

6. Songbird Symphony

Similarity 56% Musical Metroidvania, with pixel art to die for. Guide orphaned chick 'Birb', on a platform adventure, as he faces off against the denizens of the forest in rhythm-action boss battles. Acclaimed for its gorgeous animation, and heart-warming storytelling, as Birb strives to discover his true origins. Songbird Symphony is a metroidvania, side scroller and exploration game developed by Joysteak Studios and published by PQube. Released on July 25th 2019 has received 646 reviews of which 581 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.4
581
65

-98% 14.99€ 0.43€

7. Flynn: Son of Crimson

Similarity 53% Our valiant hero Flynn possesses the ability to influence a mysterious energy and modify his style of combat, transforming him into a force to be reckoned with. Inspired by the golden age of the SNES, Flynn: Son of Crimson is the 2D action adventure that’ll take you right back to the 90s! Flynn: Son of Crimson is a adventure, indie and action game developed by Studio Thunderhorse and published by Humble Games. Released on September 15th 2021 has received 676 reviews of which 576 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.0
576
100

-98% 19.99€ 0.40€

8. Horace

Similarity 40% "The best platformer of 2019."Horace is a huge platforming adventure which pushes the boundaries of the genre with a profound story of a small robot learning of life, the universe and Douglas Adams. Made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers! Horace is a indie, story rich and adventure game developed by Paul Helman and Sean Scaplehorn and published by 505 Games. Released on July 18th 2019 has received 665 reviews of which 535 were positive and 130 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like 9 Years of Shadows.
7.6
535
130

-98% 14.99€ 0.41€

9. Afterimage

Similarity 59% Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,404 reviews of which 6,526 were positive and 1,878 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like 9 Years of Shadows.
7.6
6,526
1,878

-98% 24.99€ 0.54€

10. Greak: Memories of Azur

Similarity 41% Greak: Memories of Azur is a single-player puzzle platformer adventure. Azur is under threat from an enemy attack who have control of strange creatures infecting the land. Take on the role of three siblings: Greak, Adara and Raydel and utilize their unique abilities to escape the invasion together. Greak: Memories of Azur is a atmospheric, fantasy and cinematic game developed by Navegante and published by Team17. Released on August 17th 2021 has received 1,369 reviews of which 1,071 were positive and 298 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like 9 Years of Shadows.
7.5
1,071
298

-98% 19.99€ 0.54€

Free games like 9 Years of Shadows on Steam

Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like 9 Years of Shadows you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like 9 Years of Shadows.

1. Elsword Free-to-Play

Similarity 42% Elsword is your exciting, side-scrolling, all-action role-playing game: create your own hero, style up to suit your tastes and show off your skills in countless solo and multiplayer adventures – all presented in awesome manga visuals. Elsword Free-to-Play is a free to play, mmorpg and anime game developed by KOG Co. Ltd. and published by Gameforge 4D GmbH. Released on June 14th 2018 has received 1,026 reviews of which 778 were positive and 248 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
7.3
778
248

38
players

2. Magic Rampage

Similarity 42% Exciting platformer that combines the RPG genre with fast-paced action gameplay. Magic Rampage is a indie, platformer and action rpg game developed by Asantee Games and published by DK Game Dev LTDA. Released on May 24th 2022 has received 1,455 reviews of which 1,376 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.0
1,376
79

25
players

3. Deepest Sword

Similarity 42% Venture deep into the Cavern of Longing in this short-yet-challenging physics platformer. Plunge your sword deep into the dragon's heart! How deep is your resolve? Deepest Sword is a pixel graphics, 2d platformer and side scroller game developed and published by Cosmic Adventure Squad. Released on June 09th 2021 has received 10,424 reviews of which 9,064 were positive and 1,360 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.5
9,064
1,360

15
players

4. Holo X Break

Similarity 42% Fight your way through endless waves of holoX's minions! Gear up with all sorts of equipment and items in this action packed beat-em-up to reach the 5 bosses of hololive's "holoX", and put a stop to their plans! Holo X Break is a action, beat 'em up and pixel graphics game developed by KayAnimate and published by holo Indie. Released on March 29th 2024 has received 2,616 reviews of which 2,266 were positive and 350 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.3
2,266
350

7
players

5. NETHER HEROES

Similarity 40% Immerse yourself in Nether Heroes, an intense action-platform roguelike game. Conquer challenging dungeons, face menacing creatures, and defeat powerful bosses on your epic adventure. NETHER HEROES is a action roguelike, 2d platformer and action game developed by Mitridan and Arakuma Studio and published by Arakuma Studio. Released on June 05th 2024 has received 730 reviews of which 662 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.5
662
68

6
players

6. You Have to Win the Game

Similarity 43% You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic. You Have to Win the Game is a metroidvania, free to play and retro game developed and published by Minor Key Games. Released on May 06th 2014 has received 5,675 reviews of which 5,271 were positive and 404 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.0
5,271
404

4
players

7. Cave Crawler

Similarity 44% Cave Crawler is a short, 2D side-scrolling action platformer. Explore caves filled with interesting enemies and fun platforming challenges. Cave Crawler is a side scroller, precision platformer and 2d platformer game developed and published by Evan Youssef. Released on January 23rd 2022 has received 3,063 reviews of which 2,912 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
9.1
2,912
151

2
players

8. The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare

Similarity 45% When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear and his fairy sidekick head to the darker side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia. The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare is a free to play, adventure and platformer game developed by Trinity Team and published by 101XP. Released on October 14th 2021 has received 1,888 reviews of which 1,608 were positive and 280 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.2
1,608
280

2
players

9. Breadsticks

Similarity 41% A speed-based platformer with throwable platforms! Travel through the dangers in the woods as a fox boy to join afternoon tea with Mr. Bear. Breadsticks is a side scroller, 2d platformer and action game developed by Cosmic Dad and published by DigiPen Institute of Technology. Released on November 05th 2022 has received 478 reviews of which 455 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.8
455
23

10. Akatori: Сhapter One

Similarity 59% Join young Mako as she ventures into a wild world of exploration and finds a mysterious bird companion. Navigate through two distinct realms with your staff and face off against an ancient sentinel in this prologue to the action-packed metroidvania Akatori. Akatori: Сhapter One is a adventure, action and platformer game developed by Code Wakers and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on April 19th 2024 has received 947 reviews of which 884 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like 9 Years of Shadows.
8.8
884
63