Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Sonic Mania (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Sonic Mania 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: Streets of Rage 4, which both relaxing.
- Sonic Mania is tagged Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro, Classic, Pixel Graphics, Fast-Paced, Colorful 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.
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
Streets of Rage 4
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 9 player tags including 2D, Arcade and Side Scroller; released around the same time (2020).
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 2DArcadeSide ScrollerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-OpRetroClassicCasual
- 2
Metal Slug
Why it matched: shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Side Scroller.
“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 Arcade2DSide ScrollerRetroClassicPixel GraphicsLocal Co-OpPlatformer
- 3
DuckTales
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Remake and Retro.
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 PlatformerRemakeRetroCasualClassicGreat Soundtrack2DFamily Friendly
- 4
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Remake, Family Friendly and Classic; released around the same time (2019).
Same sick burns, same smoldering attitude, now all scaled up in stunning HD, Spyro is back in the Spyro™ Reignited Trilogy! Rekindle the fire with remastered versions of the original three games, Spyro™ the Dragon, Spyro™ 2: Ripto's Rage! and Spyro™: Year of the Dragon.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy at a glance Released 2019 Studio Toys for Bob Player sentiment 94% positive of 22,302 Price $39.99 RemakeFamily FriendlyClassicPlatformerColorfulCartoonyGreat SoundtrackCasual
- 5
Geometry Dash
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, 2D and Colorful; released around the same time (2013).
Jump and fly your way through danger in this rhythm-based action platformer!
Geometry Dash at a glance Released 2013 Studio RobTop Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 637,714 Price $4.99 Great Soundtrack2DColorfulPlatformerArcadeSide ScrollerFamily FriendlyCasual
- 6
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Arcade, Classic and Side Scroller; released around the same time (2014).
“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-Op2DGreat SoundtrackPlatformer
- 7
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Classic, Retro and Casual.
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 ClassicRetroCasual2DArcadePixel GraphicsPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
- 8
Yooka-Laylee
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Colorful and Family Friendly; released around the same time (2017).
Yooka-Laylee is an all-new open-world platformer from genre veterans Playtonic! Explore huge, beautiful worlds, meet an unforgettable cast of characters and horde a vault-load of collectibles as buddy-duo Yooka and Laylee embark on an epic adventure to thwart corporate creep Capital B!
Yooka-Laylee at a glance Released 2017 Studio Playtonic Games Player sentiment 75% positive of 5,397 Price $19.99 PlatformerColorfulFamily FriendlyGreat SoundtrackRetroCasualCartoony
- 9
Cuphead
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Great Soundtrack and Local Co-Op; 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 PlatformerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op2DCartoonyRetroSide ScrollerColorful
- 10
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: shares 8 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 Soundtrack2DSide ScrollerArcadeLocal Co-Op
- 11
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Remake, Platformer and Classic; released around the same time (2018).
Your favorite marsupial, Crash Bandicoot™, is back! He’s enhanced, entranced and ready-to-dance with the N. Sane Trilogy. Relive all your favorite moments in Crash Bandicoot™, Crash Bandicoot™ 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot™ 3: Warped, now in fully-remastered graphical glory!
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy at a glance Released 2018 Studio Vicarious Visions Player sentiment 92% positive of 22,128 Price $39.99 RemakePlatformerClassicGreat SoundtrackCartoonyColorfulFamily FriendlyRetro
- 12
Peggle
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Casual, Arcade and 2D.
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 CasualArcade2DFamily FriendlyClassicGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op
- 13
Zuma
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Casual.
Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it's up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.
Zuma at a glance Released 2003 Studio Oberon Media Player sentiment 96% positive of 6,806 Price $4.99 Arcade2DCasualColorfulFamily FriendlyRetroClassic
- 14
Bejeweled 3
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Casual, Classic and Great Soundtrack.
The biggest, brightest Bejeweled ever! Discover all-new ways to play the world’s #1 puzzle game. Find your perfect match with 8 breathtaking game modes that meet all your moods.
Bejeweled 3 at a glance Released 2010 Studio PopCap Games, Inc. Player sentiment 96% positive of 8,122 Price $4.99 CasualClassicGreat SoundtrackColorfulFamily FriendlyArcade2D
- 15
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Platformer, 2D and Colorful.
The sequel fans have waited 16 years for is finally here - Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I! Featuring enhanced gameplay elements, including the classic Sonic Spin Dash, and the versatile Homing Attack, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I picks up right where Sonic and Knuckles™ left off. Dr.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I at a glance Released 2010 Studio Sonic Team Player sentiment 40% positive of 3,874 Price $9.99 Platformer2DColorfulFast-PacedFamily FriendlyGreat SoundtrackSide ScrollerArcade
- 16
Sonic Forces
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Fast-Paced and Platformer; released around the same time (2017).
The fate of Sonic the Hedgehog’s world is in your hands – Join the Uprising.
Sonic Forces at a glance Released 2017 Studio Sonic Team Player sentiment 59% positive of 8,645 Price $39.99 Great SoundtrackFast-PacedPlatformerColorful2DAction-AdventureFamily FriendlyCartoony
- 17
Webbed
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, 2D and Platformer; released around the same time (2021).
Swing through the trees, spin sticky webs, and make friends with bugs! Be the adorable spider you've always wanted to be.
Webbed at a glance Released 2021 Studio Sbug Games Player sentiment 98% positive of 15,267 Price $9.99 Pixel Graphics2DPlatformerFamily FriendlyColorfulCartoony
- 18
A Dance of Fire and Ice
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including 2D, Arcade and Colorful; released around the same time (2019).
A Dance of Fire and Ice is a strict rhythm game. Keep your focus as you guide two orbiting planets along a winding path without breaking their perfect equilibrium.
A Dance of Fire and Ice at a glance Released 2019 Studio 7th Beat Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 83,377 Price $4.79 2DArcadeColorfulCasualFamily FriendlyGreat Soundtrack
- 19
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Remake, Family Friendly and Casual; released around the same time (2020).
Are you ready, kids? The cult classic is back, faithfully remade in spongetastic splendor! Play as SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy and show the evil Plankton that crime pays even less than Mr. Krabs.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated at a glance Released 2020 Studio Purple Lamp Player sentiment 94% positive of 18,194 Price $29.99 RemakeFamily FriendlyCasualClassicGreat SoundtrackColorful
- 20
Ninja Kiwi Archive
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Casual, Arcade and Platformer; released around the same time (2020).
Enjoy some of the best loved Flash games of the past in this awesome time capsule of over 60 Ninja Kiwi classics. Experience a piece of history and play the original Flash games that spawned the worldwide phenomenon of Bloons TD.
Ninja Kiwi Archive at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ninja Kiwi Player sentiment 93% positive of 5,804 Price Free CasualArcadePlatformer2DPixel GraphicsCartoony
- 21
Child of Light
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Platformer and 2D; released around the same time (2014).
Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.
Child of Light at a glance Released 2014 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 91% positive of 13,481 Price $14.99 Great SoundtrackPlatformer2DSide ScrollerLocal Co-OpCasual
- 22
PICO PARK
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Local Co-Op, Casual and Platformer; released around the same time (2021).
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-OpCasualPlatformer2DPixel GraphicsRetro
- 23
Turbo Pug
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Casual and 2D; released around the same time (2015).
It's time to unleash your inner pug! Turbo Pug is a casual runner with difficult, random, procedurally generated levels. Enjoy random weather and try to avoid getting zapped by lightning. Unlock new costumes for your pug and new characters to play as. Please try not to squish your pug!
Turbo Pug at a glance Released 2015 Studio Space Cat Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 3,362 Price $1.99 Pixel GraphicsCasual2DSide ScrollerPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
- 24
Tricky Towers
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Casual, Family Friendly and Arcade; released around the same time (2016).
With your brilliant robe and magic powers, it’s time to build some Tricky Towers! Stack your bricks in this land of fable, whose marvelous tower will be the most stable? Battle your friends and rise to fame, in this frantic physics game.
Tricky Towers at a glance Released 2016 Studio WeirdBeard Player sentiment 90% positive of 16,486 Price $14.99 CasualFamily FriendlyArcadeCartoonyLocal Co-OpColorful
Common questions
What game is most like Sonic Mania?
Streets of Rage 4, on the evidence we have. It both relaxing. 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 Sonic Mania" 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 Sonic Mania. 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.