Unruly Heroes is a visually stunning and mechanically refined action-platformer inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. With its mix of fast-paced combat, clever puzzles, and beautiful hand-drawn environments, the game stands out in the platforming genre. For players who enjoyed its cooperative gameplay, character switching mechanics, and artistic direction, there are many other games that offer a similar experience. Whether you’re looking for more side-scrolling adventures, combat-rich 2D platformers, or co-op action games, the following titles deliver that same blend of style and substance that made Unruly Heroes such a memorable experience.
Action-Platformers with Artistic Flair
1. Ori and the Blind Forest
One of the most visually captivating platformers of the modern era,Ori and the Blind Forestdelivers fluid movement, emotional storytelling, and a mystical world filled with challenges. Like Unruly Heroes, it emphasizes precision platforming and environmental exploration with beautiful animations and an atmospheric soundtrack.
- Developer: Moon Studios
- Style: Metroidvania, single-player focused
- Highlights: Stunning visuals, emotional narrative, tight controls
2. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knightis a deep, challenging 2D action-platformer set in a hauntingly beautiful underground world. While its tone is darker than Unruly Heroes, it shares a love for elegant animation, intricate world-building, and precise combat mechanics. Players who enjoy exploration and tough bosses will find it deeply rewarding.
- Developer: Team Cherry
- Style: Metroidvania, nonlinear exploration
- Highlights: Expansive map, deep lore, fluid combat
Character-Switching and Team-Based Mechanics
3. Trine Series
TheTrinegames offer side-scrolling puzzle-platforming with a trio of heroes you can switch between each with unique abilities. This mechanic is reminiscent of Unruly Heroes’ party-based gameplay. Trine focuses more on puzzle-solving and cooperation, with an emphasis on magical visuals and fantasy storytelling.
- Developer: Frozenbyte
- Style: Puzzle platformer with light combat
- Highlights: Physics-based puzzles, three-character synergy, co-op support
4. The Lost Vikings
A classic from the early days of gaming,The Lost Vikingsintroduced the concept of using multiple characters to solve puzzles, each with their own skillset. It’s a slower-paced game compared to Unruly Heroes but laid the foundation for team-based puzzle mechanics still used in modern platformers.
- Developer: Silicon & Synapse (now Blizzard)
- Style: Puzzle-platformer, retro style
- Highlights: Strategic gameplay, classic design, unique abilities per character
Games with Hand-Drawn Art Styles
5. Rayman Legends
Rayman Legendsis widely considered one of the best 2D platformers of all time. It features hand-drawn graphics, tight controls, inventive level design, and a strong co-op focus. Like Unruly Heroes, it’s full of personality and visual charm, with fast-paced gameplay that remains accessible and rewarding.
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Style: Classic platformer, co-op friendly
- Highlights: Music levels, vibrant visuals, character variety
6. Cuphead
With its 1930s cartoon-inspired visuals,Cupheadis a beautiful and brutal run-and-gun platformer. Though its gameplay focuses more on boss fights and bullet-dodging, it shares with Unruly Heroes an appreciation for animation and visual storytelling. It’s perfect for players who appreciate artistry and don’t shy away from a challenge.
- Developer: Studio MDHR
- Style: Boss rush, platform-shooter hybrid
- Highlights: Hand-drawn animation, co-op mode, intense difficulty
Co-op Focused Platforming Adventures
7. Unravel Two
Unravel Twointroduces cooperative platforming with two Yarnys small creatures made of thread. The game focuses on puzzle-solving and emotional storytelling, offering beautiful environments and creative teamwork mechanics. While less combat-driven than Unruly Heroes, it captures a similar co-op spirit and visual grace.
- Developer: Coldwood Interactive
- Style: Puzzle platformer with two-player support
- Highlights: Emotional tone, natural environments, teamwork-based mechanics
8. Children of Morta
Though it leans more toward the roguelike action-RPG genre,Children of Mortaincorporates family-based character switching and narrative depth. It features pixel-art visuals and real-time combat where you play as different members of the Bergson family. Its character-driven approach and cooperative play make it an excellent alternative for Unruly Heroes fans.
- Developer: Dead Mage
- Style: Action RPG with roguelike elements
- Highlights: Family theme, unique playstyles, story progression
Action-Heavy 2D Combat Games
9. Guacamelee! Series
With a vibrant art style rooted in Mexican culture,Guacamelee!blends brawler combat with Metroidvania exploration. You play as a luchador battling across dimensions using powerful melee combos and movement abilities. It’s a light-hearted but skill-based game that mixes humor with fast-paced action.
- Developer: DrinkBox Studios
- Style: Action Metroidvania, combat-focused
- Highlights: Combo mechanics, colorful world, co-op play
10. Dust: An Elysian Tail
Dust: An Elysian Tailis a side-scrolling action RPG with hand-drawn art and a dynamic combat system. The protagonist, Dust, uses acrobatic slashes and magic to defeat enemies in stylish battles. The game also features a heartfelt story, exploration, and character progression.
- Developer: Humble Hearts
- Style: Action RPG, platformer hybrid
- Highlights: Art style, combo-based combat, story-driven gameplay
Choosing the Right Game Like Unruly Heroes
The best game like Unruly Heroes for you will depend on what aspects you enjoyed most. If you loved the cooperative gameplay and character swapping, try the Trine series or Children of Morta. If you were drawn to the hand-drawn art style, Ori and the Blind Forest or Rayman Legends are excellent choices. For those who crave more intense combat mechanics, Hollow Knight or Guacamelee! may be the perfect fit.
Factors to Consider
- Do you prefer combat-heavy gameplay or puzzle-solving?
- Are you looking for local co-op or single-player?
- Is visual art style a major factor in your enjoyment?
- Do you enjoy nonlinear exploration or linear levels?
Unruly Heroes is a game that blends platforming, combat, and art into a seamless and engaging experience. Fortunately, many other games offer similar thrills, whether through rich visuals, character switching, or tight action mechanics. From the ethereal landscapes of Ori to the challenging depths of Hollow Knight and the cooperative charm of Trine, there’s a world of games waiting to be explored by fans of Unruly Heroes. Whatever your preferred style, these titles are sure to deliver satisfying gameplay and artistic creativity that will keep you hooked from start to finish.