Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Flashback (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Flashback 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: Another World, which made by the same studio, Éric Chahi.
- Flashback is tagged Adventure, Action, Platformer, Retro, 1990's, Sci-fi, Classic, 2D 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.
- 1 are from the same studio: Another World.
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
Another World
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Éric Chahi; both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Platformer, Retro and Sci-fi; released around the same time (1991).
Also known as Out Of This World™, Another World is a pioneer action/platformer that released across more than a dozen platforms since its debut in 1991. Along the years, Another World™ has attained cult status among critics and sophisticated gamers alike.
Another World at a glance Released 1991 Studio Éric Chahi Player sentiment 83% positive of 2,044 Price $9.99 PlatformerRetroSci-fi2DOld SchoolCinematicDifficult1990's
- 2
CrossCode
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, 2D and Retro.
A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.
CrossCode at a glance Released 2018 Studio Radical Fish Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,408 Price $19.99 Pixel Graphics2DRetroSci-fiDifficultCyberpunk
- 3
Katana ZERO
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Platformer and Cyberpunk.
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
Katana ZERO at a glance Released 2019 Studio Askiisoft Player sentiment 98% positive of 76,036 Price $14.99 Pixel GraphicsPlatformerCyberpunk2DDifficultRetroSci-fi
- 4
VVVVVV
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Platformer and Difficult.
VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?
VVVVVV at a glance Released 2010 Studio Terry Cavanagh Player sentiment 96% positive of 10,540 Price $4.99 Pixel GraphicsPlatformerDifficultRetro2DSci-fi
- 5
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Classic and 2D.
Selected by the fickle finger of fate, Abe™, floor-waxer first class for RuptureFarms, was catapulted into a life of adventure when he overheard plans by his boss, Molluck the Glukkon™, to turn Abe and his fellow Mudokons into Tasty Treats as part of a last-ditch effort to rescue Molluck's failing meat-packing empire.
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee at a glance Released 1997 Studio Oddworld Inhabitants Player sentiment 85% positive of 4,534 Price $2.99 PlatformerClassic2DRetro1990'sDifficultPuzzle-PlatformerCinematic
- 6
Strider
Why it matched: both cyberpunk and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Side Scroller and Retro; released around the same time (1989).
Strider returns in a brand new adventure, complete with incredible side-scrolling action, and lightning fast combat all in a massive interconnected world! Download the full game February 19th and become the original assassin!
Strider at a glance Released 1989 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 81% positive of 4,245 Price $4.49 PlatformerSide ScrollerRetroClassicSci-fi2DCyberpunk
- 7
Defy Gravity Extended
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Platformer and 2D.
Defy Gravity is an action platformer that is a mix between classic platforming and gravity based puzzle solving.
Defy Gravity Extended at a glance Released 2016 Studio Paul Fisch Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,531 Price $0.55 Puzzle-PlatformerPlatformer2DDifficultSci-fiRetro
- 8
Hacknet
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 4 player tags including Cyberpunk, 2D and Difficult.
Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.
Hacknet at a glance Released 2015 Studio Team Fractal Alligator Player sentiment 94% positive of 26,101 Price $1.49 Cyberpunk2DDifficultSci-fi
- 9
Cave Story
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and 2D.
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Cave Story at a glance Released 2004 Studio Daisuke Amaya Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,305 Price $14.99 PlatformerPixel Graphics2DRetroClassicDifficultSci-fi
- 10
Tomb Raider II
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Classic, Platformer and Old School.
The second instalment in the Tomb Raider series invites you to join Lara as she travels around the globe to retrieve a precious artefact before it falls into the wrong hands. The legendary artefact, the Dagger of Xian, is said to give its possessor the power of a fire breathing dragon.
Tomb Raider II at a glance Released 1997 Studio Core Design Player sentiment 87% positive of 2,360 Price $3.49 ClassicPlatformerOld School1990'sRetroPuzzle-PlatformerDifficult
- 11
Mighty No. 9
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Side Scroller and Retro.
Mighty No. 9 is a 2D Side-scrolling Action game that takes the best elements from 8 and 16-bit classics that you know and love and transforms them with modern tech, fresh mechanics, and fan input into something fresh and amazing!
Mighty No. 9 at a glance Released 2016 Studio Inti Creates Player sentiment 50% positive of 3,453 Price $19.99 PlatformerSide ScrollerRetroDifficultSci-fi2DFuturistic
- 12
Ikaruga
Why it matched: both science fiction, puzzle and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Classic, Sci-fi 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 ClassicSci-fiDifficult2DRetro
- 13
Braid
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Platformer and 2D.
This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.
Braid at a glance Released 2008 Studio Jonathan Blow Player sentiment 93% positive of 9,957 Price $14.99 Puzzle-PlatformerPlatformer2DDifficultClassicSide Scroller
- 14
Limbo
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Platformer and 2D.
Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO
Limbo at a glance Released 2010 Studio Playdead Player sentiment 92% positive of 62,016 Price $12.49 Puzzle-PlatformerPlatformer2DSide ScrollerDifficultCinematic
- 15
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Classic, 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 ClassicSide ScrollerRetro2DPlatformerPixel GraphicsOld SchoolDifficult
- 16
SUPERHOT VR
Why it matched: both cyberpunk, science fiction and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Cyberpunk, Cinematic and Sci-fi.
Lose track of what’s real. Commit yourself, body and mind. Confront the evocative, elegantly brutal world of SUPERHOT VR. Enemies pouring into the room from all sides, dozens of bullets coursing through the air... Wait. Something seems different in here...
SUPERHOT VR at a glance Released 2017 Studio SUPERHOT Team Player sentiment 82% positive of 9,672 Price $24.99 CyberpunkCinematicSci-fiOld SchoolRetro
- 17
Zero Wing
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Side Scroller, 2D and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (1989).
Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!
Zero Wing at a glance Released 1989 Studio Toaplan Player sentiment 88% positive of 85 Price $7.99 Side Scroller2DPixel GraphicsSci-fi1990'sOld SchoolRetro
- 18
DOOM + DOOM II
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Classic, 1990's and Retro.
Developed by id Software, and originally released in 1993 and 1994, the definitive, newly enhanced versions of DOOM + DOOM II are available as a combined product.
DOOM + DOOM II at a glance Released 2007 Studio id Software Player sentiment 97% positive of 28,979 Price $9.99 Classic1990'sRetroOld SchoolSci-fiDifficult
- 19
X-COM: UFO Defense
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Classic, Sci-fi and Difficult.
You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.
X-COM: UFO Defense at a glance Released 2008 Studio MicroProse Software, Inc Player sentiment 95% positive of 3,992 Price $4.99 ClassicSci-fiDifficultOld School1990'sRetro
- 20
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Classic, Sci-fi and 1990's.
You've just unearthed the classic post-apocalyptic role-playing game that revitalized the entire CRPG genre. The Fallout® SPECIAL system allows drastically different types of characters, meaningful decisions and development that puts you in complete control. Explore the devastated ruins of a golden age civilization.
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game at a glance Released 2015 Studio Interplay Inc. Player sentiment 94% positive of 25,164 Price $9.99 ClassicSci-fi1990'sRetro2DDifficult
- 21
PICO PARK
Why it matched: both puzzle and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle-Platformer, Platformer and 2D.
PICO PARK is a cooperative local/online multiplay action puzzle game for 2-8 players.
PICO PARK at a glance Released 2021 Studio TECOPARK Player sentiment 91% positive of 29,932 Price $4.99 Puzzle-PlatformerPlatformer2DPixel GraphicsDifficultRetro
- 22
Deathmatch Classic
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Classic, Old School and Sci-fi.
Enjoy fast-paced multiplayer gaming with Deathmatch Classic (a.k.a. DMC). Valve's tribute to the work of id software, DMC invites players to grab their rocket launchers and put their reflexes to the test in a collection of futuristic settings.
Deathmatch Classic at a glance Released 2001 Studio Valve Player sentiment 83% positive of 3,320 Price $4.99 ClassicOld SchoolSci-fiRetro1990'sDifficult
- 23
Celeste
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Difficult, Pixel Graphics and Platformer.
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Celeste at a glance Released 2018 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,352 Price $4.99 DifficultPixel GraphicsPlatformer2DPuzzle-PlatformerSide ScrollerRetro
- 24
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and Retro.
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 PlatformerPixel GraphicsRetro2DDifficultSide ScrollerOld School
Common questions
What game is most like Flashback?
Another World, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Éric Chahi. 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 Flashback" 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 Flashback. 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 Flashback do?
Another World is also from Delphine Software International, 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.