What is the best game similar to RetroRealms Arcade?

The closest game to RetroRealms Arcade is Katana ZERO, scoring 72/100 on our similarity scale. They share 9 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like RetroRealms Arcade?

The three closest games to RetroRealms Arcade are: 1. Katana ZERO (72/100, 9 shared attributes) 2. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (71/100, 9 shared attributes) 3. ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist (70/100, 8 shared attributes). All share RetroRealms Arcade's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 48 candidates across 11 dimensions.

Is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night similar to RetroRealms Arcade?

Yes, very much so — Castlevania: Symphony of the Night scores 71/100 similarity to RetroRealms Arcade. They share 9 attributes, including deep RPG systems and precision platforming. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What RPG games are similar to RetroRealms Arcade?

The best RPG games similar to RetroRealms Arcade are Katana ZERO, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. All share the RPG genre alongside other key RetroRealms Arcade attributes like deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming.

How is similarity to RetroRealms Arcade calculated?

We compare RetroRealms Arcade against every game in our catalog using 11 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 RetroRealms Arcade experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

48 Games like RetroRealms Arcade 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.

If RetroRealms Arcade left you wanting more, this list of 48 similar games is for you. Each one shares part of its essence — deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat — and is ranked by a similarity score computed across 11 attributes. Katana ZERO comes closest (72/100).

iRank83/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

Top games similar to RetroRealms Arcade

48 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to RetroRealms Arcade. Each one has been evaluated across 11 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.

#1Katana ZEROClosest on genre

iRank90

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMeleeDarkPixel Art2D

Steam👍 98%· 75KRAWG👍 90%· 1.1KMC83IGDB85· 8OC84· 72

Year 2019Dev Askiisoft · Devolver DigitalPlaytime ~5hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ Shared with RetroRealms Arcade: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming

≠ Its own twist: strong narrative focus, punishing difficulty and setting cyberpunk, while skipping horror tension

Katana ZERO is a fast paced neo-noir action platformer, focusing on tight, instant-death acrobatic combat, and a dark 80's neon aesthetic.

Where it drifts furthest from RetroRealms Arcade: setting and tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone39Setting0

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Steam GOG Xbox

#2Castlevania: Symphony of the NightClosest on tone

iRank92

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMeleeDarkHorror2DPixel Art

IGDB92· 3

Year 1997Dev Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo · KonamiOn PlayStation 3

✓ Like RetroRealms Arcade, it's known for deep RPG systems, precision platforming and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: Metroidvania exploration, open world exploration and combat magic, while skipping action RPG combat

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 27 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Setting100Visuals100Combat66

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Xbox

#3ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist

iRank91

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMeleeDark2DHardcore

Steam👍 95%· 18KIGDB90· 2OC86· 68

Year 2025Dev Live Wire · Binary Haze InteractivePlaytime ~2hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Shared with RetroRealms Arcade: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with Metroidvania exploration, punishing difficulty and strong narrative focus, while skipping horror tension

STORYSet in the Land of Fumes, this prosperous magical superpower is home to vast quantities of magical resources lurking underneath the surface. In hopes of advancing their kingdom's development, artificial life forms known as Homunculi came into being.

Where it drifts furthest from RetroRealms Arcade: setting and tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals70Tone47Setting0

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Steam

#4Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

iRank86

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMeleeDarkHorror2D

IGDB86· 1

Year 2003Dev Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo · Konami

✓ If you enjoyed RetroRealms Arcade, expect deep RPG systems, precision platforming and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings Metroidvania exploration, exploration and discovery and loot and gear systems, while skipping action RPG combat

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 21 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Setting100Visuals68

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Nintendo

#5Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

iRank90

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMeleeDarkHorror2D

IGDB90· 1

Year 2001Dev Konami Computer Entertainment Kobe · Gradiente

✓ If you enjoyed RetroRealms Arcade, expect deep RPG systems, precision platforming and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with Metroidvania exploration, combat magic and exploration and discovery, while skipping action RPG combat

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 23 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Setting100Visuals68Combat66

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Nintendo

#6NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound

iRank90

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

Solo2DPixel Art

Steam👍 93%· 2.5KRAWG👍 90%· 20IGDB86· 7OC86· 131

Year 2025Dev The Game Kitchen · DotEmuPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: horror tension.

A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100

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Steam GOG

#7Super Castlevania IV

iRank100

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloDarkHorror2DNarrative

IGDB100· 1

Year 1991Dev Konami

✓ Like RetroRealms Arcade, it's known for deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming

≠ Its own twist: strong narrative focus, while skipping adventure storytelling

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 33 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting100Tone75Visuals68

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Nintendo

#8BlazBlue Entropy Effect

iRank91

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMelee2DPixel ArtNarrative

Steam👍 94%· 35KOC84· 14

Year 2023Dev 91ActPlaytime ~8hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed RetroRealms Arcade, expect deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, punishing difficulty and procedural generation, while skipping horror tension

A brand-new action roguelite developed by a team with years of experience in action games, ready to present the best 2D action combat experience the world has ever seen! Each character has their own traits and hundreds of moves to choose from as you create your unique combos.

Where it drifts furthest from RetroRealms Arcade: tone and setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone0Setting0

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Steam

#9Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of ChaosClosest overall match

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMelee2DPixel Art

Year 1990Dev Tecmo Koei Games

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming.

≠ Missing: horror tension.

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 34 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100

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Nintendo

#10Castlevania: Rondo of Blood

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloDarkHorror2D

Year 1993Dev KonamiOn PC

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming.

≠ Missing: horror tension.

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 31 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Setting100Visuals68

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#11STRIDER / ストライダー飛竜

iRank74

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMelee2DSci-FiCyberpunk

Steam👍 81%· 4.2KRAWG👍 54%· 333MC78IGDB78· 16OC77· 62

Year 2012Dev Capcom · SEGAPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Like RetroRealms Arcade, it's known for deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming

≠ Its own twist: Metroidvania exploration, setting scifi and setting cyberpunk, while skipping horror tension

Strider is a platforming hack and slash game developed by Double Helix Games. The game is a reboot of 1989 title, yet the developers didn't intend the game to be viewed as one. The title retells the original game's story.

Where it drifts furthest from RetroRealms Arcade: setting.

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals68Setting0

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Steam Xbox PS

#12Dust: An Elysian Tail

iRank84

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMelee2DNarrativeFantasy

Steam👍 95%· 19KRAWG👍 67%· 626MC84IGDB82· 7

Year 2012Dev Humble Hearts · Microsoft StudiosPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Shared with RetroRealms Arcade: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming

≠ Its own twist: Metroidvania exploration, fighting mechanics and strong narrative focus, while skipping horror tension

Dust: an Elysian Tale is an action role-playing game with metroidvania elements set in an imaginary world called Falana. Dust, the main character, with his sentient sword called Blade of Ahrah and guardian Fidget explores the “2D” side-scrolled environments.

Where it drifts furthest from RetroRealms Arcade: tone and setting.

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals70Tone0Setting0

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Steam GOG Xbox

#13The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile

iRank93

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMeleeDarkHorror2D

Steam👍 95%· 1.8KIGDB88· 4

Year 2017Dev Ska StudiosPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed RetroRealms Arcade, expect deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and horror tension

≠ Its own twist: fighting mechanics, punishing difficulty and setting cyberpunk, while skipping adventure storytelling

Three marks remain. Embark on a blood soaked quest of vengeance as either Yuki, a machine-armed, mentally unraveling prisoner, or The Dishwasher, a relentless, reanimated samurai, against the corrupted leaders of society: the Banker, the General, and the Judge.

Where it drifts furthest from RetroRealms Arcade: game mode.

Genre100Combat100Tone80Setting64Visuals60Game mode33

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Steam

#14Below Kryll

iRank89

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMelee2DPixel ArtMultiplayer

Steam👍 89%· 105

Year 2015Dev Team KryllPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Like RetroRealms Arcade, it's known for deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and precision platforming

≠ Where it differs: brings open world exploration, multiplayer gameplay and exploration and discovery, while skipping action RPG combat

Below Kryll is a huge world filled with crazy adventures! A tight single-player 2D platforming action-RPG at heart, Below Kryll is a vast, online, continuous world composed of developer and player made adventures.

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Visuals100Game mode55

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Steam

#15Guacamelee!

iRank84

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

SoloMelee2DCo-opFantasy

IGDB84· 11

Year 2013Dev Drinkbox Studios · Spike ChunsoftOn PlayStation 3 · Linux · PC

✓ Shared with RetroRealms Arcade: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, Metroidvania exploration and fantasy world, while skipping horror tension

Where it drifts furthest from RetroRealms Arcade: setting and game mode.

It predates RetroRealms Arcade by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Visuals68Game mode48Setting0

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Complete list of RetroRealms Arcade alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with RetroRealms Arcade, 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.

Castlevania

RPG · Action RPG

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

RPG · Platformer

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

RPG · Platformer

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

RPG · Platformer

BloodRayne (Legacy)

RPG · Action RPG

Alex Kidd in Miracle World

RPG · Action RPG

Aztaka

RPG · Action RPG

Chasm

RPG · Metroidvania

Dex

RPG · Adventure

Viewtiful Joe

RPG · Action RPG

Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

RPG · Action RPG

Islets

RPG · Metroidvania

Songs for a Hero

RPG · Platformer

Forgotton Anne

RPG · Platformer

Mega Man Zero

RPG · Action RPG

DAVE THE DIVER

RPG · Adventure

Batman: The Video Game

RPG · Action RPG

The Revenge of Shinobi

RPG · Action RPG

KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX

RPG · Action RPG

South Park: The Fractured But Whole

RPG · Adventure

Castlevania: Bloodlines

RPG · Action RPG

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master

RPG · Action RPG

Hinterland

RPG · Action RPG

Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China

RPG · Adventure

SteamWorld Heist

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Invincible Presents: Atom Eve

RPG · Visual Novel

Shinobi

RPG · Action RPG

X3: Terran Conflict

RPG · Simulation

Dungeon Siege III

RPG · Action RPG

Spartan X

RPG · Action RPG

Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku

RPG

The Ship: Single Player

RPG

Confrontation

RPG

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to RetroRealms Arcade?: The closest game to RetroRealms Arcade is Katana ZERO, scoring 72/100 on our similarity scale. They share 9 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like RetroRealms Arcade?: The three closest games to RetroRealms Arcade are: 1. Katana ZERO (72/100, 9 shared attributes) 2. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (71/100, 9 shared attributes) 3. ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist (70/100, 8 shared attributes). All share RetroRealms Arcade's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 48 candidates across 11 dimensions.
Is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night similar to RetroRealms Arcade?: Yes, very much so — Castlevania: Symphony of the Night scores 71/100 similarity to RetroRealms Arcade. They share 9 attributes, including deep RPG systems and precision platforming. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RPG games are similar to RetroRealms Arcade?: The best RPG games similar to RetroRealms Arcade are Katana ZERO, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. All share the RPG genre alongside other key RetroRealms Arcade attributes like deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and precision platforming.
How is similarity to RetroRealms Arcade calculated?: We compare RetroRealms Arcade against every game in our catalog using 11 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 RetroRealms Arcade experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.