14 Hardcore games like Gimmick! 2 that you should try

Games like Gimmick! 2 · 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 43 games similar to Gimmick! 2 down to the 14 that fit the “Hardcore” category. Freedom Planet 2, Sunblaze and Will You Snail? top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Gimmick! 2.

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GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

The best hardcore games like Gimmick! 2

14 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Gimmick! 2. Each one has been evaluated across 10 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.

#1Freedom Planet 2Closest overall match

iRank91

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreCozyNarrative2D

Steam👍 96%· 1.7KIGDB88· 1OC83· 26

Dev GalaxyTrailPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with setting scifi, setting anime and visual pixel, while skipping skill tree progression

Join the heroes of Avalice as they face their greatest challenge yet! An ancient terror has emerged from the depths of the ocean. Merga, a water dragon from Avalice's oldest and deadliest war, has been freed from her crystal prison as a consequence of the Kingdom Stone's destruction.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Visuals57

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreCozyNarrative2D

Steam👍 91%· 466OC75· 12

Year 2021Dev Games From Earth · Bonus Stage PublishingPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, puzzle design and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with setting scifi and visual pixel, while skipping skill tree progression

”Whose blood is that on the walls?” -Josie Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be an actual superhero? Well, then you need to help Josie to beat the superhero training simulator, and to become the hero our world needs!

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Visuals65

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Steam GOG Nintendo

#3Will You Snail?Closest on visuals

iRank92

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeCozy2D

Steam👍 97%· 2.8KMC82

Year 2022Dev Jonas TyrollerPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation and exploration and discovery, while skipping skill tree progression

Dear humans, I wanted to let you know that I am better than you. You are all doomed and this game is a celebration of my superiority.Why should you play this? To entertain me. I made this game for for MY personal entertainment... Oh come on, don't worry... I'll totally make you feel like you stand a chance. Humans get frustrated so easily... pathetic.What is this game?

Where it drifts furthest from Gimmick! 2: progression.

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Steam PS Nintendo

#4Celeste

iRank92

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreNarrativeCozy2D

Steam👍 97%· 141KRAWG👍 88%· 1.7KMC91IGDB91· 10OC92· 74

Year 2018Dev Matt Makes GamesPlaytime ~6hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are puzzle-platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, exploration and discovery and visual pixel, while skipping skill tree progression

Celeste is a platformer about climbing a mountain, from the creators of TowerFall. Explore a sprawling mountain with over 500 levels bursting with secrets, across 8 unique areas. Unlock a hardcore Remix for each area, with completely new levels that will push your climbing skills to the limit.

Where it drifts furthest from Gimmick! 2: progression.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Visuals56Progression0

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreCozyNarrative2D

Steam👍 95%· 4.9KRAWG👍 77%· 77MC81IGDB82· 7OC81· 45

Year 2014Dev GalaxyTrail · MarvelousPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, setting scifi and setting space, while skipping skill tree progression

Freedom Planet is a combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragon girl and her friends against an alien attack force.

Where it drifts furthest from Gimmick! 2: progression.

It predates Gimmick! 2 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Visuals67Progression0

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreCozyNarrative

Steam👍 80%· 3.3KIGDB72· 12OC74· 90

Year 2017Dev Sumo DigitalOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, vibe casual and exploration and discovery, while skipping skill tree progression

Where it drifts furthest from Gimmick! 2: progression and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Gimmick! 2.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone85Progression0Visuals0

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Steam Epic Xbox

#7Zup! X

iRank69

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloNarrativeCozyHardcore2D

Steam👍 96%· 6.8KRAWG👍 28%· 28

Year 2018Dev Quiet RiverPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Both are puzzle-platformers — sharing precision platforming, puzzle design and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: horror tension, vibe casual and vibe relaxing, while skipping melee combat

Minimal physical puzzle with explosions. The player's goal to keep the blue ball on the platform for 3 seconds in order to pass the level. ▪ 60+ Levels ▪ 2880 Achievements "Zup!" powered by Clickteam Fusion 2.

Where it drifts furthest from Gimmick! 2: progression.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Tone68Progression0

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Steam

#8Braid

iRank91

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloNarrativeHardcore2DFantasy

Steam👍 93%· 9.9KIGDB87· 3

Year 2008Dev Number None Inc.On PlayStation 3 · Linux · PC

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, puzzle design and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings fantasy world, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

It predates Gimmick! 2 by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Tone70

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloNarrativeHardcore2DCasual

Steam👍 94%· 9.4KIGDB76· 8

Year 2012Dev Bithell GamesOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, puzzle design and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, linear, story-driven structure and setting scifi, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

It predates Gimmick! 2 by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Tone68

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Steam Xbox PS

#10The Bridge

iRank79

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloNarrativeHardcore2DCasual

Steam👍 87%· 4.3KIGDB69· 5OC73· 17

Year 2013Dev Ty Taylor & Mario Castañeda · The Quantum Astrophysicists GuildOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, puzzle design and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual, dark, oppressive atmosphere and fantasy world, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

It predates Gimmick! 2 by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Tone58

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Steam GOG Epic

#11Save the Ninja Clan

iRank85

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcore2DDark

Steam👍 91%· 112IGDB74· 2

Year 2017Dev Sometimes YouPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of puzzle-platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and puzzle design

≠ Stands apart with dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

SummarySave the Ninja Clan is a platformer for casual players as well as speed runners. There are two ways to play this game: play through the normal story mode or find secrets/"bugs" in the game to annoy the Game Manager watching. StoryAn evil ninja kidnapped your friends.

Where it drifts furthest from Gimmick! 2: tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone40

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Steam Xbox PS

#12Geometry DashClosest on progression

iRank87

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcoreSkill Tree2D

Steam👍 93%· 593KRAWG👍 78%· 321

Year 2013Dev RobTop GamesPlaytime ~5hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, puzzle design and punishing difficulty

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual and setting scifi, while skipping adventure storytelling

Jump and fly your way through danger in this rhythm-based action platformer! Prepare for a near impossible challenge in the world of Geometry Dash. Push your skills to the limit as you jump, fly and flip your way through dangerous passages and spiky obstacles.

It predates Gimmick! 2 by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Visuals100Tone59

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloMeleeHardcore2D

Steam👍 85%· 777RAWG👍 31%· 26MC72IGDB80· 2OC70· 10

Year 2014Dev Four Circle Interactive · MastertronicPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, puzzle design and punishing difficulty.

≠ Missing: adventure storytelling.

Ninjas are cool, this is an established fact of the universe. Nazi Robots from space are not cool, they are the complete opposite of cool, and Robot Hitler is out to get you, the world's first ninja. You have 10 seconds to destroy all Nazi Robots in your vicinity. IT. IS. ON.

It predates Gimmick! 2 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone50

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Steam

#14No Time

iRank76

GenrePlatformerSubgenrePuzzle-Platformer

SoloHardcoreCasual

Steam👍 76%· 123

Year 2017Dev ErayTekPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Fits the puzzle-platformers cluster, with precision platforming, puzzle design and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: vibe casual, while skipping adventure storytelling

Time in Time Time in Time is a side scroller puzzle-platformer game where you control platforms and other functionals with timers. Each functional connected to a unique timer, basically functionals will run X seconds later after you spend X seconds on timers. You will start with specific seconds for each level and must spend your seconds wisely..

Where it drifts furthest from Gimmick! 2: tone.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Gimmick! 2.

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Steam

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