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The Holy Gosh Darn

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentHow this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

The Holy Gosh Darn is hard to replace: few games combine deep RPG systems, strong narrative focus and melee combat in quite the same way. We compared The Holy Gosh Darn against over 6,700 titles across 11 gameplay attributes and found 48 genuine alternatives — not generic genre suggestions. Dust: An Elysian Tail, Guacamelee! and Islets lead the list, with Dust: An Elysian Tail reaching a 82/100 similarity score. Every game here is ranked by how closely it replicates what makes The Holy Gosh Darn special.

iRank96/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG
Tags
NarrativeSolo
Year 2024Dev Perfectly Paranormal
Stores

Quick answer

The closest game to The Holy Gosh Darn is Dust: An Elysian Tail — scoring 82/100 on our similarity scale. Guacamelee! and Islets follow close behind.

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Top games similar to The Holy Gosh Darn

48 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to The Holy Gosh Darn. 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.

#1Dust: An Elysian Tail
Dust: An Elysian Tail
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrativeFantasyExploration2D
Steam👍 95%· 19KRAWG👍 67%· 626MC84IGDB82· 7
Year 2012Dev Humble Hearts · Microsoft StudiosPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Shared with The Holy Gosh Darn: deep RPG systems, precision platforming and Metroidvania exploration

≠ Its own twist: action RPG combat, fighting mechanics and setting anime, while skipping puzzle design

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.

It predates The Holy Gosh Darn by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Visuals100Setting79
#2Guacamelee!
Guacamelee!
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeFantasyExploration2D
IGDB84· 11
Year 2013Dev Drinkbox Studios · Spike ChunsoftOn PlayStation 3 · Linux · PC

✓ Shared with The Holy Gosh Darn: deep RPG systems, puzzle design and precision platforming

≠ Its own twist: action RPG combat and co op, while skipping strong narrative focus

Where it drifts furthest from The Holy Gosh Darn: game mode.

It predates The Holy Gosh Darn by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Setting100Progression100Visuals100Game mode48
Islets
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrativeFantasyExploration2D
Steam👍 96%· 2.3KRAWG👍 87%· 29IGDB81· 2OC79· 19
Year 2022Dev Kyle Thompson · Armor Games StudiosPlaytime ~5hOn PC · Xbox · Nintendo

✓ Like The Holy Gosh Darn, it's known for deep RPG systems, Metroidvania exploration and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel and open world exploration, while skipping puzzle design

Iko is an aspiring yet hopeful warrior exploring the land and sky to reunite a series of floating islands. With his rickety airship, he must travel from island to island in order to reignite each one’s magnetic core while fighting off the many adversaries standing in his way.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Setting100Progression100Visuals100
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrativeFantasyExploration2D
Steam👍 95%· 18KIGDB90· 2OC86· 68
Year 2025Dev Live Wire · Binary Haze InteractivePlaytime ~2hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Shared with The Holy Gosh Darn: deep RPG systems, Metroidvania exploration and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with action RPG combat, dark, oppressive atmosphere and punishing difficulty, while skipping puzzle design

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 The Holy Gosh Darn: tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Visuals100Setting59
Chasm
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeFantasyExploration2D
Steam👍 73%· 2.7KIGDB70· 8OC72· 39
Year 2018Dev Bit Kid, Inc.On PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ If you enjoyed The Holy Gosh Darn, expect deep RPG systems, Metroidvania exploration and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with roguelike runs, procedural generation and visual pixel, while skipping puzzle design

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for The Holy Gosh Darn.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Setting100Progression100Visuals56
Forgotton Anne
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrativeFantasy2D
Steam👍 90%· 2.0KIGDB80· 7OC80· 65
Year 2018Dev ThroughLine Games · Square Enix CollectiveOn PS4 · Android · PC

✓ If you enjoyed The Holy Gosh Darn, expect deep RPG systems, precision platforming and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, setting scifi and setting anime, while skipping Metroidvania exploration

Where it drifts furthest from The Holy Gosh Darn: setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Tone57Setting41
Songs for a Hero
RPGAction RPG
MeleeNarrativeFantasy2DCasual
Steam👍 97%· 4.4K
Year 2016Dev Castro BrothersPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Like The Holy Gosh Darn, it's known for deep RPG systems, precision platforming and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual and visual pixel, while skipping Metroidvania exploration

Plataformas voadoras, inimigos coloridos, armas mágicas e física inexplicável. Isso tudo com uma música de fundo que acompanha a saga de um cavaleiro.

It predates The Holy Gosh Darn by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Setting100Visuals65Tone51
Aztaka
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrativeFantasyExploration2D
Steam👍 68%· 161
Year 2009Dev CiteremisPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Like The Holy Gosh Darn, it's known for deep RPG systems, precision platforming and Metroidvania exploration

≠ Where it differs: brings action RPG combat, fighting mechanics and combat magic, while skipping puzzle design

Inspired by Aztec legend, this action/rpg side-scroller will casts you into the middle of a war between the Gods and Mankind.

Where it drifts furthest from The Holy Gosh Darn: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for The Holy Gosh Darn.

It predates The Holy Gosh Darn by 15 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Combat70Visuals69Progression54
Apotheon
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrativeFantasyExploration2D
Steam👍 90%· 3.8KRAWG👍 47%· 329MC78IGDB85· 4OC78· 30
Year 2015Dev AlientrapPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Apple Macintosh

✓ Like The Holy Gosh Darn, it's known for deep RPG systems, Metroidvania exploration and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with action RPG combat, ranged combat and setting mythology, while skipping puzzle design

The Gods of Olympus have abandoned humanity, leaving you to perish without their benevolence. Take up arms against the Gods, climb Mount Olympus, and take their divine powers for yourself to ensure mankind’s survival!

Where it drifts furthest from The Holy Gosh Darn: setting.

It predates The Holy Gosh Darn by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Tone100Progression100Visuals100Combat71Game mode56
STRIDER / ストライダー飛竜
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeExploration2DSci-Fi
Steam👍 81%· 4.2KRAWG👍 54%· 333MC78IGDB78· 16OC77· 62
Year 2012Dev Capcom · SEGAPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Like The Holy Gosh Darn, it's known for deep RPG systems, precision platforming and Metroidvania exploration

≠ Its own twist: action RPG combat, setting scifi and setting cyberpunk, while skipping puzzle design

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 The Holy Gosh Darn: setting.

It predates The Holy Gosh Darn by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression100Visuals100Setting0
Dex
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrativeExploration2D
Steam👍 87%· 3.5KIGDB69· 8OC74· 19
Year 2015Dev Dreadlocks Ltd. · Badland IndieOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Shared with The Holy Gosh Darn: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and precision platforming

≠ Where it differs: brings dark, oppressive atmosphere, open world exploration and stealth mechanics, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from The Holy Gosh Darn: setting and combat.

It predates The Holy Gosh Darn by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Progression100Visuals78Tone70Combat48
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeExploration2DDark
IGDB86· 1
Year 2003Dev Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo · Konami

✓ If you enjoyed The Holy Gosh Darn, expect deep RPG systems, precision platforming and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings dark, oppressive atmosphere, horror setting and loot and gear systems, while skipping puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from The Holy Gosh Darn: tone and setting.

It predates The Holy Gosh Darn by 21 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Progression48Tone0
BlazBlue Entropy Effect
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrative2DHardcore
Steam👍 94%· 35KOC84· 14
Year 2023Dev 91ActPlaytime ~8hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed The Holy Gosh Darn, expect deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and precision platforming

≠ Stands apart with action RPG combat, punishing difficulty and procedural generation, while skipping puzzle design

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 The Holy Gosh Darn: setting.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals60Tone57Setting0
Katana ZERO
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeNarrative2DDark
Steam👍 98%· 75KRAWG👍 90%· 1.1KMC83IGDB85· 8OC84· 72
Year 2019Dev Askiisoft · Devolver DigitalPlaytime ~5hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ Shared with The Holy Gosh Darn: deep RPG systems, precision platforming and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: action RPG combat, dark, oppressive atmosphere and punishing difficulty, while skipping puzzle design

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 The Holy Gosh Darn: setting and tone.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Visuals52Tone48Setting0
Below Kryll
RPGAction RPG
SoloMeleeExploration2DMultiplayer
Steam👍 89%· 105
Year 2015Dev Team KryllPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Like The Holy Gosh Darn, it's known for deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and precision platforming

≠ Where it differs: brings open world exploration, multiplayer gameplay and visual pixel, while skipping puzzle design

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 The Holy Gosh Darn by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Progression100Visuals72Game mode55

Complete list of The Holy Gosh Darn alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with The Holy Gosh Darn, 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to The Holy Gosh Darn?
The closest game to The Holy Gosh Darn is Dust: An Elysian Tail, scoring 82/100 on our similarity scale. They share 10 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, precision platforming and Metroidvania exploration. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like The Holy Gosh Darn?
The three closest games to The Holy Gosh Darn are: 1. Dust: An Elysian Tail (82/100, 10 shared attributes) 2. Guacamelee! (82/100, 10 shared attributes) 3. Islets (81/100, 10 shared attributes). All share The Holy Gosh Darn's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 48 candidates across 11 dimensions.
Is Guacamelee! similar to The Holy Gosh Darn?
Yes, very much so — Guacamelee! scores 82/100 similarity to The Holy Gosh Darn. They share 10 attributes, including deep RPG systems and puzzle design. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RPG games are similar to The Holy Gosh Darn?
The best RPG games similar to The Holy Gosh Darn are Dust: An Elysian Tail, Guacamelee!, Islets and ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist. All share the RPG genre alongside other key The Holy Gosh Darn attributes like deep RPG systems, precision platforming and Metroidvania exploration.
How is similarity to The Holy Gosh Darn calculated?
We compare The Holy Gosh Darn 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 The Holy Gosh Darn experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.
Are there free games similar to The Holy Gosh Darn?
Yes — Clicker Heroes is free and scores well on similarity to The Holy Gosh Darn. It's a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.