What is the best game similar to Metal Slug 2?

The closest game to Metal Slug 2 is Sonic Mania, scoring 97/100 on our similarity scale. They share 9 gameplay attributes, including precision platforming, adventure storytelling and single-player focus. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Metal Slug 2?

The three closest games to Metal Slug 2 are: 1. Sonic Mania (97/100, 9 shared attributes) 2. New Super Mario Bros. (96/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Rayman Origins (95/100, 9 shared attributes). All share Metal Slug 2's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 13 dimensions.

Is New Super Mario Bros. similar to Metal Slug 2?

Yes, very much so — New Super Mario Bros. scores 96/100 similarity to Metal Slug 2. They share 7 attributes, including precision platforming and adventure storytelling. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What Platformer games are similar to Metal Slug 2?

The best Platformer games similar to Metal Slug 2 are Sonic Mania, New Super Mario Bros., Rayman Origins and Spiritfarer. All share the Platformer genre alongside other key Metal Slug 2 attributes like precision platforming, adventure storytelling and single-player focus.

How is similarity to Metal Slug 2 calculated?

We compare Metal Slug 2 against every game in our catalog using 13 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 Metal Slug 2 experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like Metal Slug 2 that you should try

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Few titles capture what makes Metal Slug 2 unique: precision platforming, melee combat and fantasy world. After measuring 13 attributes across over 6,700 games, these are the 50 most faithful alternatives. Sonic Mania, New Super Mario Bros. and Rayman Origins top the ranking, with Sonic Mania at number one (97/100).

iRank87/ 100

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GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

Top games similar to Metal Slug 2

50 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Metal Slug 2. Each one has been evaluated across 13 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.

#1Sonic Mania

iRank90

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-opOfflineMelee2DPixel Art

Steam👍 94%· 28KIGDB85· 16OC87· 126

Year 2017Dev Headcannon · SegaOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the 2D platformers cluster, with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and melee combat

≠ Its own twist: vibe casual and visual third person, while skipping shooter

Details →

Steam Epic Xbox

#2New Super Mario Bros.

iRank95

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-opMelee2D

IGDB95· 2

Year 2006Dev Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development · Nintendo

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and melee combat

≠ Stands apart with dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping shooter

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-opOfflineMeleeFantasy2D

Steam👍 94%· 5.9KIGDB89· 8

Year 2011Dev Ubisoft Montpellier · Ubisoft EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3 · PC · Mac

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and melee combat.

≠ Missing: shooter.

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

Co-opSoloMultiplayerOfflineFantasy2D

Steam👍 95%· 52KIGDB88· 7OC87· 76

Year 2020Dev Thunder LotusOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Same family of 2D platformers: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and fantasy world

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, strong narrative focus and vibe relaxing, while skipping shooter

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-opFantasy2D

IGDB96· 9

Year 2008Dev Media Molecule · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3

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

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

Details →

#6Super Mario Bros. Wonder

iRank93

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-opFantasy2D

IGDB95· 7OC91· 150

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

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

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, while skipping shooter

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

MultiplayerOfflineCo-opSoloMelee2D

Steam👍 89%· 23KIGDB80· 1

Year 2016Dev Those Awesome GuysOn PS4 · Linux · PC

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

≠ Its own twist: vibe casual, competitive edge and online features, while skipping shooter

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

MultiplayerSoloCo-opOfflineMelee2D

Steam👍 94%· 37KRAWG👍 76%· 525MC84OC80· 20

Year 2016Dev tinyBuildPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the 2D platformers cluster, with precision platforming, melee combat and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with racing gameplay, sports simulation and vibe casual, while skipping shooter

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#9Sonic the Hedgehog 2

iRank87

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

OfflineSoloMultiplayerCo-opMelee2DPixel Art

Steam👍 86%· 37IGDB90· 2

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

✓ Both are 2D platformers — sharing precision platforming, adventure storytelling and melee combat

≠ Stands apart with setting scifi, while skipping shooter

Details →

Steam Nintendo

#10Kirby's Return to Dream Land

iRank87

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

OfflineSoloMultiplayerCo-op2D

IGDB87· 4

Year 2011Dev HAL Laboratory · Nintendo

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and offline.

≠ Missing: shooter.

Details →

Nintendo

#11Yoshi's Woolly World

iRank79

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerCo-opFantasy2D

IGDB79· 10OC80· 71

Year 2015Dev Good-Feel · Nintendo

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

≠ Where it differs: brings visual third person, while skipping shooter

Details →

Nintendo

#12TowerFall Ascension

iRank86

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

OfflineMultiplayerCo-opSoloMeleeFantasy2DPixel 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, adventure storytelling and melee combat

≠ Where it differs: brings fighting mechanics, ranged combat and setting medieval, while skipping shooter

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#13Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

iRank100

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerFantasy2D

IGDB100· 1

Year 1995Dev Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development · Nintendo

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

≠ Missing: shooter.

GenrePlatformerSubgenre2D Platformer

SoloMultiplayerFantasy2D

IGDB100· 1

Year 1990Dev Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development · Nintendo

✓ Nearly identical: precision platforming, adventure storytelling and fantasy world.

≠ Missing: shooter.

Details →

Nintendo

#15Donkey 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.

Details →

Nintendo

Complete list of Metal Slug 2 alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Metal Slug 2, 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.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Platformer

Kirby's Epic Yarn

Platformer · Adventure

Metal Slug 3

Platformer · Shooter

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Platformer · Adventure

New Super Mario Bros. U

Platformer · Adventure

Donkey Kong Country

Platformer

Spelunky 2

Platformer · Adventure

LittleBigPlanet 3

Platformer · Adventure

Ghosts 'n Goblins

Platformer · Shooter

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Platformer · Adventure

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Platformer · Adventure

Kirby's Dream Land 3

Platformer · Adventure

Kirby: Squeak Squad

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic Rush

Platformer

Gunstar Heroes

Platformer · Shooter

Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

Platformer · Adventure

Trials Rising

Platformer · Racing

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic & Knuckles

Platformer

Sonic Forces

Platformer · Adventure

Sonic Lost World

Platformer · Adventure

Trials Fusion

Platformer · Racing

Balloon Fight

Platformer · Adventure

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Platformer

Ice Climber

Platformer

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Platformer · Adventure

King Arthur's Gold

Platformer · Sandbox

Super Contra

Platformer · Shooter

Mario Bros.

Platformer

Jazz Jackrabbit 2

Platformer · Shooter

Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers

Platformer · Adventure

Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2

Platformer · Adventure

Contra: Hard Corps

Platformer · Shooter

Super Mario Bros. 3

Platformer

Super Mario Bros.

Platformer

Explore games similar to Metal Slug 2 by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best 2D Platformer Games Best Platformer Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Metal Slug 2?: The closest game to Metal Slug 2 is Sonic Mania, scoring 97/100 on our similarity scale. They share 9 gameplay attributes, including precision platforming, adventure storytelling and single-player focus. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Metal Slug 2?: The three closest games to Metal Slug 2 are: 1. Sonic Mania (97/100, 9 shared attributes) 2. New Super Mario Bros. (96/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Rayman Origins (95/100, 9 shared attributes). All share Metal Slug 2's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 13 dimensions.
Is New Super Mario Bros. similar to Metal Slug 2?: Yes, very much so — New Super Mario Bros. scores 96/100 similarity to Metal Slug 2. They share 7 attributes, including precision platforming and adventure storytelling. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Platformer games are similar to Metal Slug 2?: The best Platformer games similar to Metal Slug 2 are Sonic Mania, New Super Mario Bros., Rayman Origins and Spiritfarer. All share the Platformer genre alongside other key Metal Slug 2 attributes like precision platforming, adventure storytelling and single-player focus.
How is similarity to Metal Slug 2 calculated?: We compare Metal Slug 2 against every game in our catalog using 13 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 Metal Slug 2 experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.