Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Metal Slug 2 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Metal Slug 2 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: Metal Slug, which shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Shoot 'Em Up.
- Metal Slug 2 is tagged Action, Arcade, 2D, Side Scroller, Retro, Classic, Multiplayer, Shoot 'Em Up 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.
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
Metal Slug
Why it matched: shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Shoot 'Em Up; 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 Arcade2DShoot 'Em UpSide ScrollerRetroClassicLocal MultiplayerShooter
- 2
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: shares 11 player tags including Arcade, Classic and Side Scroller.
“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 ArcadeClassicSide ScrollerRetroLocal Co-OpShooter2DShoot 'Em Up
- 3
Ikaruga
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Shoot 'Em Up, Arcade and Classic; released around the same time (2001).
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 Shoot 'Em UpArcadeClassicShooterLocal Co-Op2DRetroLocal Multiplayer
- 4
Sonic Mania
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including 2D, Platformer and Retro.
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 2DPlatformerRetroClassicPixel GraphicsSide ScrollerLocal Co-OpArcade
- 5
Zero Wing
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Side Scroller, Shoot 'Em Up and Arcade.
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 ScrollerShoot 'Em UpArcade2DPixel GraphicsRetroLocal Co-OpLocal Multiplayer
- 6
Capcom Arcade Stadium
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Retro.
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 Arcade2DRetroLocal MultiplayerLocal Co-OpPixel GraphicsClassicShoot 'Em Up
- 7
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: 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 GraphicsRetro2DSide ScrollerArcadeLocal Co-Op
- 8
Streets of Rage 4
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including 2D, Arcade and Local Multiplayer.
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 2DArcadeLocal MultiplayerSide ScrollerLocal Co-OpRetroClassic
- 9
1001 Spikes
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Platformer, 2D and Pixel Graphics.
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 Platformer2DPixel GraphicsLocal MultiplayerRetroSide ScrollerLocal Co-Op
- 10
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Classic, Retro and 2D.
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 ClassicRetro2DArcadePixel GraphicsPlatformerLocal Multiplayer
- 11
Worms
Why it matched: shares 6 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 GraphicsArcadeLocal Multiplayer
- 12
Cuphead
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Platformer, Local Co-Op and 2D.
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 PlatformerLocal Co-Op2DRetroShoot 'Em UpSide Scroller
- 13
Rivals of Aether
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Local Multiplayer and Platformer.
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 GraphicsLocal MultiplayerPlatformer2DArcadeRetro
- 14
Door Kickers: Action Squad
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Local Co-Op and Retro.
Rescue hostages, disarm bombs and save the day in this old school, side-scroller action game with retro graphics and retro sensibilities. Online and Couch Coop Included.
Door Kickers: Action Squad at a glance Released 2018 Studio PixelShard Player sentiment 95% positive of 10,607 Price $13.99 Pixel GraphicsLocal Co-OpRetro2DShooterLocal Multiplayer
- 15
Worms Armageddon
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Classic, 2D and Local Multiplayer.
The iconic intrepid invertebrates return with a vengeance in the fan-favourite classic Worms™ Armageddon. Relive their glory days once again as you blast your way into enemy territory, sweep their fields and remain the last worm standing.
Worms Armageddon at a glance Released 2013 Studio Team17 Digital Ltd Player sentiment 94% positive of 10,914 Price $2.99 Classic2DLocal MultiplayerLocal Co-OpPlatformerRetro
- 16
Cave Story
Why it matched: shares 6 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 Graphics2DRetroClassicShooter
- 17
PICO PARK
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Local Co-Op, Local Multiplayer and Platformer.
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 Local Co-OpLocal MultiplayerPlatformer2DPixel GraphicsRetro
- 18
Super Crate Box
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and 2D.
Vlambeer's SUPER CRATE BOX is coming to bring back the glory of the golden arcade age, when all that really mattered was getting on that high score list. Grab your baseball cap and loosen your pants, it's time to fight endless hordes of enemies and collect every weapon crate you can.
Super Crate Box at a glance Released 2012 Studio Vlambeer Player sentiment 89% positive of 6,444 Price Free PlatformerPixel Graphics2DShooterArcadeRetro
- 19
RetroArch
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Retro, Arcade and Classic.
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications
RetroArch at a glance Released 2022 Studio Libretro Player sentiment 89% positive of 9,741 Price Free RetroArcadeClassicLocal MultiplayerPixel Graphics2D
- 20
Worms W.M.D
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Local Multiplayer, 2D and Shooter.
Join the fight and command your worm warriors into battle in the iconic 2D arcade artillery shooter where serious strategy and silly weaponry decide who swims or sinks.
Worms W.M.D at a glance Released 2016 Studio Team17 Player sentiment 85% positive of 14,897 Price $29.99 Local Multiplayer2DShooterLocal Co-OpClassicPlatformer
- 21
Distant Space
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Shoot 'Em Up, Arcade and Pixel Graphics.
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
Distant Space at a glance Released 2016 Studio PixelMouse Player sentiment 82% positive of 3,458 Price $0.99 Shoot 'Em UpArcadePixel Graphics2DRetroShooter
- 22
BRAIN / OUT
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including 2D, Shooter and Pixel Graphics.
Brain / Out is a multiplayer shooter with a nostalgic post-Soviet feel. Experience dynamic battles and exterminate your enemies with a large arsenal of modern weaponry. Lock'n'load!
BRAIN / OUT at a glance Released 2017 Studio Desertkun Player sentiment 82% positive of 15,226 Price Free 2DShooterPixel GraphicsPlatformerSide ScrollerLocal Multiplayer
- 23
Strider
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Platformer, Side Scroller and Arcade.
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 ScrollerArcadeRetroClassic2D
- 24
Flashback
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Platformer, Retro and Classic.
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 PlatformerRetroClassic2DSide ScrollerPixel Graphics
Common questions
What game is most like Metal Slug 2?
Metal Slug, on the evidence we have. It shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Shoot 'Em Up. 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 Metal Slug 2" 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 Metal Slug 2. 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.