40 Co-op games like Buster Bros. that you should try

Games like Buster Bros. · Find similar →

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

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We filtered the 49 games similar to Buster Bros. down to the 40 that fit the “Co-op” category. Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 2 and Gunstar Heroes top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Buster Bros..

iRank76/ 100

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GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

The best co-op games like Buster Bros.

40 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 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

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

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

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Steam

#4Jazz 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

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#5Contra: 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

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#6Super Contra

iRank58

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

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#7Mario Bros.

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-op2DPixel Art

Year 1983Dev Nintendo R&D1 · Nintendo

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

≠ Missing: shooter.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

MultiplayerSoloCo-op2DPixel Art

Steam👍 84%· 5.2KRAWG👍 39%· 78MC81

Year 2013Dev Transhuman DesignPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

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

≠ Its own twist: sandbox freedom, competitive edge and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping shooter

If you like total freedom in the way you conquer the enemy this is the ultimate war game for you. Build freeform constructions as a medieval Builder, fight in sword duels as a Knight or snipe with your bow as an Archer.

Released 24 years after Buster Bros..

Genre100Visuals100Game mode91

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

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

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#11New 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

#12Super 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

#13Donkey 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

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Nintendo

#14Donkey 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

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Nintendo

Complete list of co-op games like Buster Bros.

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.