Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow 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: SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics, which shares 7 player tags including Classic, Retro and 1990's.
- Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is tagged Action, Platformer, Classic, 2D, Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack, Retro, Adventure 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.
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
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Classic, Retro and 1990's.
SEGA’s collection of Mega Drive & Genesis Classics comes to a new generation, now updated with even more features: online multiplayer, achievements, mirror mode, rewind, save states, VR and more! Over 50 classic games in one great package. Get into the classics!
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics at a glance Released 2010 Studio D3T Limited Player sentiment 79% positive of 12,207 Price Not listed ClassicRetro1990's2DPixel GraphicsPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
- 2
Metal Slug
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including 2D, Retro and Classic; released around the same time (1996).
“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!
Metal Slug at a glance Released 1996 Studio Nazca Corporation Player sentiment 89% positive of 5,258 Price $7.99 2DRetroClassicPixel GraphicsPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
- 3
Flashback
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Platformer, Retro and 1990's; released around the same time (1992).
FLASHBACK™, the hit action-adventure game with over 2.2 million units sold, is back!
Flashback at a glance Released 1992 Studio Delphine Software International Player sentiment 78% positive of 603 Price $9.99 PlatformerRetro1990'sClassic2DPixel Graphics
- 4
Katana ZERO
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Platformer.
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 GraphicsGreat SoundtrackPlatformer2DNinjaRetro
- 5
Pizza Tower
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Platformer and Pixel Graphics.
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 SoundtrackPlatformerPixel Graphics2DRetro1990's
- 6
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Classic, 1990's and 2D.
Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for original and new audiences alike.
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio LucasArts Player sentiment 95% positive of 6,227 Price $9.99 Classic1990's2DGreat SoundtrackRetroPixel Graphics
- 7
Sonic Mania
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Great Soundtrack, 2D and Platformer.
Experience the ultimate celebration of past and future in Sonic Mania, an all-new 2D Sonic adventure running at a crisp 60FPS with stunning HD retro-style graphics.
Sonic Mania at a glance Released 2017 Studio Christian Whitehead Player sentiment 94% positive of 28,802 Price $19.99 Great Soundtrack2DPlatformerRetroClassicPixel Graphics
- 8
Cave Story
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Platformer, Great Soundtrack and Pixel Graphics.
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 PlatformerGreat SoundtrackPixel Graphics2DRetroClassic
- 9
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Classic, Retro and 2D.
“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 ClassicRetro2DGreat SoundtrackPlatformerPixel Graphics
- 10
Maniac Mansion
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Classic, 1990's and Retro.
Quick, Dr. Fred's Kidnapped Sandy and he's about to start the experiment...
Maniac Mansion at a glance Released 1987 Studio Lucasfilm Games Player sentiment 88% positive of 226 Price $5.99 Classic1990'sRetroPixel Graphics2DGreat Soundtrack
- 11
Doom 64
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Classic, 1990's and Retro; released around the same time (1997).
Play the enhanced version of the original game released on the Nintendo 64 in 1997. Years have passed since you stopped Hell’s invasion of Earth. Quarantined for humanity’s safety, the UAC research facilities on Mars were abandoned and forgotten...until now.
Doom 64 at a glance Released 1997 Studio Midway Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,793 Price $4.99 Classic1990'sRetroPixel GraphicsGreat Soundtrack
- 12
Final Fantasy V
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including 2D, Pixel Graphics and Retro; released around the same time (1992).
The original FINAL FANTASY V comes to life with completely new graphics and audio as a 2D pixel remaster! A remodeled take on the fifth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Final Fantasy V at a glance Released 1992 Studio Square Player sentiment 90% positive of 2,493 Price $17.99 2DPixel GraphicsRetroGreat SoundtrackClassic
- 13
Prehistorik 2
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Platformer, Retro and 2D; released around the same time (1993).
Prehistorik 2 is a classic platform game where you walk and jump through the levels then whack enemies on the head with a club in your quest for food.
Prehistorik 2 at a glance Released 1993 Studio Titus Interactive Player sentiment 90% positive of 70 Price $14.99 PlatformerRetro2DClassic1990's
- 14
Metal Slug 2
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including 2D, Retro and Classic; released around the same time (1998).
“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!
Metal Slug 2 at a glance Released 1998 Studio SNK Player sentiment 89% positive of 1,432 Price $6.99 2DRetroClassicPixel GraphicsPlatformer
- 15
Chrono Trigger
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Classic, Great Soundtrack and Retro; released around the same time (1995).
The timeless RPG classic returns loaded with upgrades! Journey to the forgotten past, to the far future, and to the end of time. A big adventure to save the planet, now begins…
Chrono Trigger at a glance Released 1995 Studio Square Player sentiment 88% positive of 13,489 Price $14.99 ClassicGreat SoundtrackRetroPixel Graphics2D
- 16
Live A Live
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including 2D, Pixel Graphics and Ninja; released around the same time (1994).
The legend is alive! LIVE A LIVE, originally only released for the Super Famicom in Japan, is being revived on Steam! Experience this legendary RPG, brought alive in the same HD-2D visual style as OCTOPATH TRAVELER.
Live A Live at a glance Released 1994 Studio Square Player sentiment 86% positive of 938 Price $49.99 2DPixel GraphicsNinja1990'sRetro
- 17
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Platformer, Classic and 2D; released around the same time (1997).
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's
- 18
Another World
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Platformer, Retro and 2D; 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 PlatformerRetro2D1990'sClassic
- 19
Worms
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Classic, 2D and Retro; released around the same time (1995).
Throw a grenade down memory lane with the original and classic turn-based strategy game Worms™! Up to 4 teams of worms do battle over an ever-changing battlefield with falling weapon crates, crazed exploding sheep and more besides. Winner of many industry awards, find out what all the fuss was about.
Worms at a glance Released 1995 Studio Team17 Player sentiment 83% positive of 705 Price $7.99 Classic2DRetroPixel Graphics1990's
- 20
Celeste
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack 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 Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackPlatformer2DRetro
- 21
VVVVVV
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Platformer and Great Soundtrack.
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 GraphicsPlatformerGreat SoundtrackRetro2D
- 22
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: shares 5 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 GraphicsRetroGreat Soundtrack2D
- 23
Rivals of Aether
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Platformer and 2D.
RIVALS OF AETHER is an indie fighting game where warring civilizations summon the power of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Play with up to four players either locally or online.
Rivals of Aether at a glance Released 2017 Studio Aether Studios Player sentiment 96% positive of 38,134 Price $29.99 Pixel GraphicsPlatformer2DGreat SoundtrackRetro
- 24
DOOM II
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Classic, 1990's and Retro.
Hell has invaded Earth, and to save it, you must battle mightier demons with even more powerful weapons. This beloved sequel to the groundbreaking DOOM (1993) introduced players to the brutal Super Shotgun, the infamous Icon of Sin boss, and more intense FPS action.
DOOM II at a glance Released 2007 Studio id Software Player sentiment 95% positive of 9,057 Price Not listed Classic1990'sRetroGreat SoundtrackPixel Graphics
Common questions
What game is most like Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow?
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics, on the evidence we have. It shares 7 player tags including Classic, Retro and 1990's. 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 Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow" 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 Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow. 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.
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.