Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Battletoads (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Battletoads on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Cuphead, which both difficult.
- Battletoads is tagged Action, Adventure, Co-op, Fighting, Beat 'em up, Hand-drawn, Cartoon, 2D Platformer by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 4 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Killer Instinct.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Cuphead
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Difficult, Cartoon and Great Soundtrack.
Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.
Cuphead at a glance Released 2017 Studio Studio MDHR Player sentiment 96% positive of 220,388 Price $19.99 DifficultCartoonGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-OpHand-drawnCartoonyRetroSide Scroller
- 2
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Fighting, Arcade and 2D Fighter.
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV.
Ultra Street Fighter IV at a glance Released 2014 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 91% positive of 16,995 Price $29.99 FightingArcade2D FighterLocal MultiplayerDifficultGreat SoundtrackBeat 'em upLocal Co-Op
- 3
Streets of Rage 4
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Beat 'em up, Fighting and Arcade.
Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.
Streets of Rage 4 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Dotemu Player sentiment 92% positive of 19,668 Price $24.99 Beat 'em upFightingArcadeLocal MultiplayerSide ScrollerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-OpRetro
- 4
Killer Instinct
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Rare Ltd.; shares 6 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (1994).
The legendary fighting franchise is back with over-the-top action, a wild cast of combatants, rocking reactive music, and C-C-C-COMBO BREAKERS!!! Choose your ultimate combatants each with fluid animations, unique combat tactics, and enthralling special attacks.
Killer Instinct at a glance Released 1994 Studio Rare Ltd. Player sentiment 87% positive of 5,682 Price Free Fighting2D FighterGreat SoundtrackArcadeLocal MultiplayerBeat 'em up
- 5
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Retro, Great Soundtrack and Difficult.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove at a glance Released 2014 Studio Yacht Club Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 16,898 Price $39.99 RetroGreat SoundtrackDifficultSide ScrollerArcadeComedyLocal Co-Op
- 6
Rayman Origins
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Local Co-Op, Cartoony and Great Soundtrack.
Experience the magical universe of Rayman with legendary 2D gameplay that has captured the hearts of millions of fans!
Rayman Origins at a glance Released 2011 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,195 Price $19.99 Local Co-OpCartoonyGreat SoundtrackLocal MultiplayerComedySide ScrollerDifficult
- 7
DR LIVESEY ROM AND DEATH EDITION
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Cartoon, Hand-drawn and Difficult.
DR LIVESEY: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA, gentlemen, from now on, rom and death means the same thing for you.
DR LIVESEY ROM AND DEATH EDITION at a glance Released 2023 Studio Agafonoff Player sentiment 94% positive of 13,792 Price $0.65 CartoonHand-drawnDifficultRetroBeat 'em upCombatComedy
- 8
DRAGON BALL FighterZ
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Local Multiplayer.
DRAGON BALL FighterZ is born from what makes the DRAGON BALL series so loved and famous: endless spectacular fights with its all-powerful fighters.
DRAGON BALL FighterZ at a glance Released 2018 Studio Arc System Works Player sentiment 90% positive of 76,719 Price $59.99 Fighting2D FighterLocal MultiplayerArcadeDifficultCombatBeat 'em up
- 9
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Arcade, Side Scroller and Retro.
“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!
METAL SLUG 3 at a glance Released 2014 Studio SNK CORPORATION Player sentiment 90% positive of 9,156 Price $7.99 ArcadeSide ScrollerRetroLocal Co-OpGreat SoundtrackDifficultLocal Multiplayer
- 10
Injustice 2
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and 2D Fighter.
Build and power up the ultimate version of your favourite DC legends in INJUSTICE 2. This is your Legend. Your Journey. Your Injustice.
Injustice 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 86% positive of 24,516 Price $49.99 FightingLocal Multiplayer2D FighterArcadeBeat 'em upDifficultLocal Co-Op
- 11
Tekken 7
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Fighting, Arcade and Local Multiplayer.
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals.
Tekken 7 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bandai Namco Entertainment Player sentiment 84% positive of 95,338 Price $39.99 FightingArcadeLocal MultiplayerGreat SoundtrackDifficultBeat 'em up2D Fighter
- 12
1001 Spikes
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Difficult, Local Multiplayer and Retro.
Discover the lost treasures of Ukampa in South America as Aban Hawkins searches for his estranged father, world-famous archeaologist, Jim Hawkins. Aban Hawkins races into the frozen tundra of the antarctic, undiscovered temple ruins and the vast caverns of South America in search of his father and the legendary treasure rumored to lie...
1001 Spikes at a glance Released 2016 Studio Nicalis Player sentiment 83% positive of 770 Price $14.99 DifficultLocal MultiplayerRetroGreat SoundtrackSide ScrollerLocal Co-Op2D Platformer
- 13
DuckTales
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including Retro, Great Soundtrack and Cartoon; released around the same time (1989).
DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.
DuckTales at a glance Released 1989 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 88% positive of 7,930 Price $3.74 RetroGreat SoundtrackCartoonDifficultSide Scroller2D Platformer
- 14
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade.
The first hi-res 2D fighter from the creators of the Guilty Gear series! BlazBlue is a traditional 2D fighter where two characters participate in a duel.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger at a glance Released 2008 Studio Arc System Works Player sentiment 86% positive of 3,234 Price $9.99 Fighting2D FighterArcadeGreat SoundtrackLocal MultiplayerBeat 'em upLocal Co-OpComedy
- 15
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Arcade, 2D Platformer and 2D Fighter.
Play more of your favorite arcade hits from yesteryear. Includes SONSON for free!
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium at a glance Released 2022 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 68% positive of 1,269 Price Free Arcade2D Platformer2D FighterSide ScrollerLocal MultiplayerLocal Co-OpRetroFighting
- 16
Capcom Arcade Stadium
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Arcade, 2D Platformer and Beat 'em up.
Relive the Capcom classics! Get 1943 -The Battle of Midway- and game logo wallpapers free with your download!
Capcom Arcade Stadium at a glance Released 2021 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 55% positive of 4,765 Price Free Arcade2D PlatformerBeat 'em up2D FighterRetroLocal MultiplayerLocal Co-OpFighting
- 17
Iron Snout
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including 2D Fighter, Fighting and Cartoon.
Iron Snout is a fast, colorful and brutal fighting game in which you will be helping a piglet fight for its life against hordes of wolves.
Iron Snout at a glance Released 2016 Studio SnoutUp Player sentiment 98% positive of 17,480 Price Free 2D FighterFightingCartoonBeat 'em upArcadeDifficult
- 18
Pizza Tower
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including Great Soundtrack, 2D Platformer and Cartoony.
Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.
Pizza Tower at a glance Released 2023 Studio Tour De Pizza Player sentiment 98% positive of 72,574 Price $19.99 Great Soundtrack2D PlatformerCartoonyComedyDifficultRetro
- 19
One Finger Death Punch
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including 2D Fighter, Beat 'em up and Fighting.
Experience cinematic kung-fu battles in the fastest, most intense brawler the indie world has ever seen! With the unique 1:1 response system of One Finger Death Punch, players will feel the immediate feedback of every bone-crunching hit. Pay tribute to the masters using five classic kung-fu styles mixed with additional weapons.
One Finger Death Punch at a glance Released 2014 Studio Silver Dollar Games Player sentiment 98% positive of 16,338 Price $4.99 2D FighterBeat 'em upFightingDifficultArcadeGreat Soundtrack
- 20
Ikaruga
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including Arcade, Great Soundtrack and Difficult.
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Ikaruga at a glance Released 2001 Studio Treasure Player sentiment 95% positive of 2,364 Price $9.99 ArcadeGreat SoundtrackDifficultLocal Co-OpRetroLocal Multiplayer
- 21
Super Meat Boy
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including Difficult, 2D Platformer and Great Soundtrack.
The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!
Super Meat Boy at a glance Released 2010 Studio Team Meat Player sentiment 94% positive of 39,100 Price $14.99 Difficult2D PlatformerGreat SoundtrackRetroComedySide Scroller
- 22
Rogue Legacy 2
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including Arcade, Difficult and Side Scroller.
Rogue Legacy 2 is what you'd get if you mashed Rogue Legacy and a sequel together. Every time you die, your children will succeed you, and each child is unique. Your daughter might be a Colourblind Archer, and your son could be a Pacifistic Chef. Either way, one of them is getting conscripted.
Rogue Legacy 2 at a glance Released 2022 Studio Cellar Door Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 15,128 Price $24.99 ArcadeDifficultSide ScrollerCartoony2D PlatformerGreat Soundtrack
- 23
Rayman Legends
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including Local Co-Op, Great Soundtrack and Local Multiplayer.
Michel Ancel, the celebrated creator of Rayman®, Beyond Good & Evil®, and the Raving Rabbids®, returns to unleash his innovative creativity on this new entry into the Rayman® franchise.When Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies discover a mysterious tent filled with captivating paintings, they are suddenly transported to a series of...
Rayman Legends at a glance Released 2013 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 90% positive of 12,323 Price $29.99 Local Co-OpGreat SoundtrackLocal MultiplayerSide ScrollerComedyDifficult
- 24
Puyo PuyoTetris
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 6 player tags including Local Multiplayer, Arcade and Great Soundtrack.
Two puzzle game juggernauts collide as global phenomenon Tetris® and SEGA’s famous Puyo Puyo™ combine in a super mash-up of ferocious competition, adorable looks, and addictive puzzle fun!
Puyo PuyoTetris at a glance Released 2018 Studio Sonic Team Player sentiment 85% positive of 5,571 Price $19.99 Local MultiplayerArcadeGreat SoundtrackDifficultFightingComedy
Common questions
What game is most like Battletoads?
Cuphead, on the evidence we have. It both difficult. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Battletoads" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Battletoads. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Battletoads do?
Killer Instinct is also from Rare Ltd., and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.