What is the best game similar to Buster Bros.?

The closest game to Buster Bros. is Metal Slug 2, scoring 75/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including precision platforming, shooter and multiplayer gameplay. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Buster Bros.?

The three closest games to Buster Bros. are: 1. Metal Slug 2 (75/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. Metal Slug 3 (77/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Gunstar Heroes (75/100, 7 shared attributes). All share Buster Bros.'s most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 49 candidates across 7 dimensions.

Is Metal Slug 3 similar to Buster Bros.?

Yes, very much so — Metal Slug 3 scores 77/100 similarity to Buster Bros.. They share 7 attributes, including precision platforming and shooter. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What Platformer games are similar to Buster Bros.?

The best Platformer games similar to Buster Bros. are Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug 3, Gunstar Heroes and Super Contra. All share the Platformer genre alongside other key Buster Bros. attributes like precision platforming, shooter and multiplayer gameplay.

How is similarity to Buster Bros. calculated?

We compare Buster Bros. against every game in our catalog using 7 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Buster Bros. experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

49 Games like Buster Bros. that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Buster Bros. is hard to replace: few games combine precision platforming and single-player focus in quite the same way. We compared Buster Bros. against over 6,700 titles across 7 gameplay attributes and found 49 genuine alternatives — not generic genre suggestions. Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug 3 and Gunstar Heroes lead the list, with Metal Slug 2 reaching a 75/100 similarity score. Every game here is ranked by how closely it replicates what makes Buster Bros. special.

iRank76/ 100

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GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

Top games similar to Buster Bros.

49 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Buster Bros.. Each one has been evaluated across 7 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Metal Slug 2Closest on genre

iRank89

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

MultiplayerCo-opSolo2DPixel Art

Steam👍 89%· 1.4K

Year 1998Dev DotEmu · SNK PlaymoreOn PlayStation 3 · Android · PC

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, shooter and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, first-person shooting and melee combat

Released 9 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Visuals100Game mode93

Details →

Steam GOG

#2Metal Slug 3Closest overall match

iRank82

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DPixel Art

IGDB82· 6

Year 2000Dev SNK · D4 EnterpriseOn Xbox

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, shooter and single-player focus

≠ Where it differs: brings dark, oppressive atmosphere, melee combat and setting scifi

Released 11 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

Co-opSoloMultiplayer2DPixel Art

Steam👍 94%· 16IGDB60· 1

Year 1993Dev Treasure · Tec ToyOn PlayStation 3 · Linux · Android

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, shooter and co op

≠ Where it differs: brings melee combat, combat tactical and setting scifi

Released 4 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Visuals100Game mode93

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DSci-Fi

IGDB58· 3

Year 1988Dev KonamiOn PC

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, shooter and single-player focus

≠ Where it differs: brings setting scifi and visual isometric, while skipping visual pixel

Genre100Game mode100Visuals51

Details →

#5Jazz Jackrabbit 2

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

Year 1998Dev LogicwareOn PC · Mac

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, shooter and single-player focus.

≠ Missing: visual pixel.

Released 9 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals72

Details →

#6Contra: Hard Corps

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DNarrative

Year 1994Dev Konami

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, shooter and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: strong narrative focus, setting scifi and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping visual pixel

Released 5 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals72

Details →

#7LittleBigPlanet

iRank96

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DSandbox World

IGDB96· 9

Year 2008Dev Media Molecule · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with sandbox freedom, sandbox world and fantasy world, while skipping shooter

Released 19 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals72

Details →

#8Sonic Mania

iRank90

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DPixel Art

Steam👍 94%· 28KIGDB85· 16OC87· 126

Year 2017Dev Headcannon · SegaOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the 2D platformers cluster, with precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, vibe casual and melee combat, while skipping shooter

Released 28 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode89Visuals85

Details →

Steam Epic Xbox

#9New Super Mario Bros.

iRank95

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DMelee

IGDB95· 2

Year 2006Dev Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development · Nintendo

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat, while skipping shooter

Released 17 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals72

Details →

Nintendo

#10Super Mario Bros. Wonder

iRank93

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DCasual

IGDB95· 7OC91· 150

Year 2023Dev Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 10 · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual and fantasy world, while skipping shooter

Released 34 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals72

Details →

Nintendo

#11Sonic the Hedgehog 2

iRank87

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DPixel Art

Steam👍 86%· 37IGDB90· 2

Year 1992Dev Sega Technical Institute · SegaOn PlayStation 3 · PC

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, melee combat and setting scifi, while skipping shooter

Released 3 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Visuals100Game mode76

Details →

Steam Nintendo

#12Donkey Kong Country Returns

iRank86

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB86· 7

Year 2010Dev Retro Studios · Nintendo

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay.

≠ Missing: shooter.

Released 21 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals72

Details →

Nintendo

#13Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

iRank85

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB86· 12OC84· 138

Year 2014Dev Retro Studios · Nintendo

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay.

≠ Missing: shooter.

Released 25 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals72

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB85· 4

Year 2010Dev Good-Feel · Nintendo

✓ Fits the 2D platformers cluster, with precision platforming, single-player focus and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, while skipping shooter

Released 21 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Game mode100Visuals72

Details →

Nintendo

#15TowerFall Ascension

iRank86

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

MultiplayerCo-opSolo2DPixel Art

Steam👍 95%· 3.6KRAWG👍 74%· 291MC87IGDB87· 6OC84· 42

Year 2013Dev Matt Makes GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, multiplayer gameplay and co op

≠ Where it differs: brings fighting mechanics, adventure storytelling and melee combat, while skipping shooter

TowerFall is an indie action-game with focus on local multiplayer. It was initially developed as an exclusive for OUYA microconsole and was later ported on other systems as TowerFall Ascension.

Released 24 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Visuals100Game mode74

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

Complete list of Buster Bros. alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Buster Bros., ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Rayman Origins

Platformer · Adventure

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Platformer · Adventure

Spiritfarer

Platformer · Adventure

New Super Mario Bros. U

Platformer · Adventure

Donkey Kong Country

Platformer

Yoshi's Woolly World

Platformer

LittleBigPlanet 3

Platformer · Adventure

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Platformer · Adventure

King Arthur's Gold

Platformer · Sandbox

Spelunky 2

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic Rush

Platformer

Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Platformer · Adventure

Metal Slug 5

Platformer · Shooter

Kirby: Triple Deluxe

Platformer · Adventure

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Platformer

Super Mario World

Platformer · Adventure

Trials Rising

Platformer · Racing

Mario Bros.

Platformer

Sonic Forces

Platformer · Adventure

Super Mario Maker 2

Platformer

Sonic & Knuckles

Platformer

Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers

Platformer · Adventure

Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2

Platformer · Adventure

Yoshi's Crafted World

Platformer

Kirby: Planet Robobot

Platformer · Adventure

Kirby Super Star Ultra

Platformer · Adventure

Ice Climber

Platformer

Kirby's Dream Land 3

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Platformer · Adventure

Wannabe Galgame God!!!

Platformer · Adventure

Super Mario Bros.

Platformer · Adventure

Claw

Platformer

Doodle Jump

Platformer · Survival

Super Mario Bros. 3

Platformer

Explore games similar to Buster Bros. by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best 2D Platformer Games Best Platformer Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Buster Bros.?: The closest game to Buster Bros. is Metal Slug 2, scoring 75/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including precision platforming, shooter and multiplayer gameplay. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Buster Bros.?: The three closest games to Buster Bros. are: 1. Metal Slug 2 (75/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. Metal Slug 3 (77/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Gunstar Heroes (75/100, 7 shared attributes). All share Buster Bros.'s most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 49 candidates across 7 dimensions.
Is Metal Slug 3 similar to Buster Bros.?: Yes, very much so — Metal Slug 3 scores 77/100 similarity to Buster Bros.. They share 7 attributes, including precision platforming and shooter. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Platformer games are similar to Buster Bros.?: The best Platformer games similar to Buster Bros. are Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug 3, Gunstar Heroes and Super Contra. All share the Platformer genre alongside other key Buster Bros. attributes like precision platforming, shooter and multiplayer gameplay.
How is similarity to Buster Bros. calculated?: We compare Buster Bros. against every game in our catalog using 7 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Buster Bros. experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.