Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Metal Slug (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Metal Slug 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 3, which shares 12 player tags including Arcade, Classic and Side Scroller.
- Metal Slug is tagged Action, Arcade, 2D, Shoot 'Em Up, Side Scroller, Retro, Multiplayer, Co-op 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.
- 2 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 3
Why it matched: shares 12 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-OpShooter2DGreat Soundtrack
- 2
Metal Slug 2
Why it matched: shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Side Scroller; 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 Arcade2DSide ScrollerRetroClassicShoot 'Em UpLocal Co-OpShooter
- 3
Sonic Mania
Why it matched: shares 11 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 GraphicsFast-PacedSide Scroller
- 4
Cuphead
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Great Soundtrack and Local Co-Op.
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 PlatformerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op2DCartoonyRetroShoot 'Em UpSide Scroller
- 5
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: shares 9 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 Soundtrack2DSide ScrollerFunnyArcade
- 6
Ikaruga
Why it matched: shares 9 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 SoundtrackShooterLocal Co-Op2DRetro
- 7
Pizza Tower
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Fast-Paced 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 SoundtrackFast-PacedCartoonyPlatformerFunnyPixel Graphics2DRetro
- 8
Rayman Origins
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Platformer, 2D and Local Co-Op.
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-OpCartoonyGreat SoundtrackFunnyLocal MultiplayerSide Scroller
- 9
Super Meat Boy
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and 2D.
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 PlatformerPixel Graphics2DGreat SoundtrackFast-PacedRetroFunnySide Scroller
- 10
Streets of Rage 4
Why it matched: shares 8 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 ScrollerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-OpRetroClassic
- 11
Rayman Legends
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Local Co-Op and Great Soundtrack.
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 MultiplayerFunnyFast-PacedSide Scroller
- 12
Super Crate Box
Why it matched: shares 8 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 Graphics2DShooterArcadeRetroFast-PacedGreat Soundtrack
- 13
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
- 14
1001 Spikes
Why it matched: shares 8 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 MultiplayerRetroGreat SoundtrackSide ScrollerLocal Co-Op
- 15
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Why it matched: shares 8 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 GraphicsPlatformerGreat SoundtrackLocal Multiplayer
- 16
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
- 17
Worms
Why it matched: shares 7 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 GraphicsArcadeFunnyLocal Multiplayer
- 18
Peggle
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Classic.
Take your best shot with energizing arcade fun! Aim, shoot, clear the orange pegs, then sit back and cheer as 10 whimsical teachers guide you to Peggle greatness.
Peggle at a glance Released 2007 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 98% positive of 14,434 Price $4.99 Arcade2DClassicFunnyLocal MultiplayerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op
- 19
Rivals of Aether
Why it matched: shares 7 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 MultiplayerPlatformer2DGreat SoundtrackArcadeRetro
- 20
My Friend Pedro
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Shooter, Great Soundtrack and Side Scroller.
My Friend Pedro is a violent ballet about friendship, imagination, and one man’s struggle to obliterate anyone in his path at the behest of a sentient banana.
My Friend Pedro at a glance Released 2019 Studio DeadToast Entertainment Player sentiment 96% positive of 28,460 Price $19.99 ShooterGreat SoundtrackSide ScrollerPlatformerFast-PacedFunny2D
- 21
Sonic Generations
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Great Soundtrack and Fast-Paced.
Celebrate 20 years of Sonic in an all new adventure that delivers a definitive experience to Sonic fans new and old!
Sonic Generations at a glance Released 2011 Studio Sonic Team Player sentiment 94% positive of 25,507 Price Not listed PlatformerGreat SoundtrackFast-Paced2DClassicRetroFunny
- 22
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics and Fast-Paced.
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 GraphicsFast-PacedRetro2DShooterArcade
- 23
SpeedRunners
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Local Multiplayer, Fast-Paced and Platformer.
Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play.
SpeedRunners at a glance Released 2016 Studio DoubleDutch Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 37,163 Price $14.99 Local MultiplayerFast-PacedPlatformer2DFunnyLocal Co-OpArcade
- 24
Sonic Generations Collection
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Great Soundtrack and Fast-Paced.
Celebrate 20 years of Sonic in an all new adventure that delivers a definitive experience to Sonic fans new and old!
Sonic Generations Collection at a glance Released 2011 Studio Devil's Details Player sentiment 94% positive of 25,507 Price Not listed PlatformerGreat SoundtrackFast-Paced2DClassicRetroFunny
Common questions
What game is most like Metal Slug?
METAL SLUG 3, on the evidence we have. It shares 12 player tags including Arcade, Classic and Side Scroller. 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" 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. 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.