Noita is one of those indie games that proves you don’t need a huge amount of money to produce a masterpiece.
This game created by 3 developers from the independent studio Nolla Games has been receiving nothing but praise since its early access release.
No wonder – its unique blend of physics-based gameplay, spellcasting mechanics, and challenging exploration really make it stand out. If on top of that you add a mesmerizing pixel-art and roguelike gameplay – the attention is really well-deserved.
What Makes Noita Unique
Your task is pretty straightforward – explore caves and learn how to brew potions and spells using which you can not only defeat enemies, but also clear inaccessible paths for yourself. What adds freshness is the game’s procedurally generated environment, which ensures endless replay value.
The rougelike elements such as a permadeath element add the additional value – nothing turns up the excitement like knowing that if you die, you won’t be forced to repeat the same tasks, but you will be faced with completely new challenges. This makes the gameplay both incredibly addictive and challenging.
That appeals especially to experienced players who tend to get a bit bored with games in which the map leads literally from point A to point B, explaining in detail the stages of successive missions.
Criteria for Selection
While selecting games similar to Noita, we considered several key factors. These include game mechanics, style, graphics, and overall player experience.
Each game on this list offers its own unique take on the roguelike genre, providing players with diverse gameplay experiences while maintaining the core elements that make Noita so compelling.
List of Games
Since we know that appetite comes with eating, we have prepared a compilation of top alternatives – games like Noita you need to play. Help yourselves!
Spelunky 2
| Release date: | 2020-09-29 |
| Genre: | Platformer |
| Developer: | Blitworks |
The second part of the very well-received roguelike platformer, which offers surprising procedurally generated levels teeming with various traps, dangerous enemies, as well as valuable treasures.
Playing Spelunky 2 feels like a real Indiana Jones adventure, where every step can lead to happiness or disaster. One thing is certain – if you want to emerge victorious from this expedition and survive lurking dangers, you must demonstrate ingenuity and courage worthy of this famous archaeologist.
How is it similar to Noita? First of all, permadeath and procedural generation. At the same time, Spelunky 2 focuses more on exploration and platforming elements. It’s really worth to give it a try!
| Key features |
|---|
|
Returnal
| Release date: | 2023-02-15 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Housemarque |
Another rougelike title, this time a third-person shooter set on a mysterious alien planet.
In Returnal, you’ll face a time loop of an endless cycle of death and rebirth as Selene, the space explorer. The challenge is to adapt to the ever-changing environment and uncover the mysteries not only of the planet, but also of your character Selene.
If you’re looking for depth in games, you’ll be interested to know that the concept of eternal repetition is reminiscent of Nietzsche’s philosophical theory of eternal return. All this combined with intense shooting and dynamic combat mechanics makes for a truly unique experience.
| Key features |
|---|
|
Dead Cells
| Release date: | 2017-05-10 |
| Genre: | Action & Shooter |
| Developer: | Motion Twin |
A challenging platformer with fast combat and complex level design in a sprawling castle full of traps? Sounds like Dead Cells!
In this game, you will play an unusual character, as you will take on the role of an animated corpse. You’ll have to collect weapons and polish your skills, modifying your play style for increasingly difficult challenges and lurking powerful bosses.
Dead Cells’ gameplay offers not only a unique atmosphere, but also a very good balance between intense combat and engaging exploration of the smallest scraps of the world. Particularly noteworthy are the combat mechanics, compared by players to a rhythm game, in which it is important to maintain a steady pace and respond harmoniously to the enemy, as if in a deadly dance.
| Key features |
|---|
|
Darkest Dungeon
| Release date: | 2016-01-19 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Red Hook Studios |
Gothic-inspired turn-based RPG with roguelike elements, which focuses on the psychological stress associated with dungeon exploration.
You manage a team of heroes whom you lead through dark and dangerous dungeons full of traps and monsters. The expedition seems doomed to fail, and your team also is faced with their own demons.
The game focuses on tactical turn-based combat, and prudent resource management is crucial here. An additional layer of challenge is added by the psychological and existential aspect of fear. The mental health of the team is fragile, and you must grapple with difficult decisions and the consequences of your actions.
| Key features |
|---|
|
Blasphemous
| Release date: | 2019-09-10 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | The Game Kitchen |
An action-platformer set in a dark and twisted world inspired by Spanish folklore and religious imagery.
Players control the Penitent One, a lone warrior on a quest for redemption in a land plagued by a curse. With its punishing combat, intricate level design, and haunting atmosphere, Blasphemous offers a challenging and immersive experience.
Blasphemous immerses players in a hauntingly beautiful world inspired by Spanish folklore and religious imagery. The game features challenging combat, intricate level design, and a deep narrative that explores themes of redemption and salvation.
| Key features |
|---|
|
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Noita’s unique blend of pixel art aesthetics and roguelike gameplay, these alternative titles are sure to offer hours of immersive entertainment.
Whether you prefer challenging platforming, intense combat, or strategic RPG gameplay, there’s something for everyone on this list. So why wait? Dive into these captivating worlds and embark on unforgettable adventures today!