Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like METAL SLUG 3 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with METAL SLUG 3 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: Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, which both difficult.
- METAL SLUG 3 is tagged Arcade, Classic, Action, Co-op, Side Scroller, Retro, Local Co-Op, Shooter 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 free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Streets of Rage 4.
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
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and Retro; released around the same time (2014).
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 Soundtrack2DDifficultSide ScrollerOld School
- 2
Metal Slug
Why it matched: shares 12 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Shoot 'Em Up.
“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
- 3
Ikaruga
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including Shoot 'Em Up, Arcade and Classic.
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 UpArcadeClassicGreat SoundtrackShooterDifficultLocal Co-Op2D
- 4
1001 Spikes
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Difficult and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
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 PlatformerDifficult2DPixel GraphicsLocal MultiplayerRetroGreat SoundtrackSide Scroller
- 5
Streets of Rage 4
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Dotemu; shares 9 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 MultiplayerOnline Co-OpSide ScrollerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-OpRetro
- 6
Metal Slug 2
Why it matched: shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Side Scroller.
“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 Arcade2DSide ScrollerRetroClassicShoot 'Em UpLocal Co-OpShooter
- 7
Cuphead
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Difficult, Platformer and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2017).
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 DifficultPlatformerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op2DRetroShoot 'Em UpSide Scroller
- 8
Super Crate Box
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and 2D; released around the same time (2012).
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 Graphics2DShooterArcadeDifficultRetroGreat Soundtrack
- 9
Sonic Mania
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Great Soundtrack, 2D and Platformer; released around the same time (2017).
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 GraphicsSide ScrollerLocal Co-Op
- 10
Cave Story
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 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 Graphics2DRetroClassicDifficultShooter
- 11
PICO PARK
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op and Local Multiplayer.
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 Online Co-OpLocal Co-OpLocal MultiplayerPlatformer2DPixel GraphicsDifficultRetro
- 12
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Classic, Retro and 2D; released around the same time (2010).
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 GraphicsPlatformerOld SchoolGreat Soundtrack
- 13
DuckTales
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Retro and Classic.
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 PlatformerRetroClassicGreat Soundtrack2DDifficultNostalgiaSide Scroller
- 14
Flashback
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 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 PlatformerRetroClassic2DOld SchoolSide ScrollerPixel GraphicsDifficult
- 15
Celeste
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Difficult, Pixel Graphics and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2018).
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 GraphicsGreat SoundtrackPlatformer2DSide ScrollerRetro
- 16
Nuclear Throne
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Difficult and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2014).
Nuclear Throne is a post-apocalyptic roguelike-like top-down shooter. Not 'the final hope of humanity' post-apocalyptic, but 'humanity is extinct and mutants and monsters now roam the world' post-apocalyptic. Can you reach the Nuclear Throne?
Nuclear Throne at a glance Released 2014 Studio Vlambeer Player sentiment 96% positive of 19,779 Price $11.99 Pixel GraphicsDifficultGreat SoundtrackShooterLocal Co-Op2DLocal Multiplayer
- 17
Rayman Origins
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, 2D and Local Co-Op; released around the same time (2011).
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 Platformer2DLocal Co-OpGreat SoundtrackLocal MultiplayerSide ScrollerDifficult
- 18
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics and Difficult; released around the same time (2015).
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is the brutal conclusion to the Hotline Miami saga, set against a backdrop of escalating violence and retribution over spilled blood in the original game.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number at a glance Released 2015 Studio Dennaton Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 79,987 Price $14.99 Great SoundtrackPixel GraphicsDifficultRetro2DShooterArcade
- 19
Super Meat Boy
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Difficult and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2010).
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 PlatformerDifficultPixel Graphics2DGreat SoundtrackRetroSide Scroller
- 20
Risk of Rain (2013)
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2013).
Risk of Rain is an action platformer with roguelike elements. With permanent death as a primary feature, players will have to play their best to get as far as possible. Fight on a mysterious planet with randomly spawning enemies and bosses, either alone or with 3 friends in online co-op.
Risk of Rain (2013) at a glance Released 2013 Studio Hopoo Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 29,833 Price $1.99 PlatformerPixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackOnline Co-OpDifficult2DLocal Co-Op
- 21
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Arcade, Local Multiplayer and Difficult; released around the same time (2014).
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 ArcadeLocal MultiplayerDifficultClassicGreat Soundtrack2DLocal Co-Op
- 22
Rayman Legends
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Local Co-Op and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2013).
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 PlatformerLocal Co-OpGreat Soundtrack2DLocal MultiplayerSide ScrollerDifficult
- 23
ibb & obb
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op and Platformer; released around the same time (2014).
ibb & obb is a two player cooperative game set in a puzzle filled world where gravity goes both up and down. You can only succeed by working closely together. Find a friend for some true local co-op couch fun or match up online.
ibb & obb at a glance Released 2014 Studio Sparpweed Player sentiment 89% positive of 6,830 Price $11.99 Online Co-OpLocal Co-OpPlatformer2DDifficultGreat SoundtrackLocal Multiplayer
- 24
Defy Gravity Extended
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, 2D and Difficult; released around the same time (2016).
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 Platformer2DDifficultGreat SoundtrackRetroArcadeShooter
Common questions
What game is most like METAL SLUG 3?
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, 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 METAL SLUG 3" 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 3. 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 METAL SLUG 3 do?
Streets of Rage 4 is also from SNK CORPORATION, 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.