From the Shadows similar games & best alternatives

From the Shadows - from-the-shadows_1.avif
From the Shadows - from-the-shadows_2.avif
From the Shadows - from-the-shadows_3.avif
From the Shadows - from-the-shadows_4.avif
From the Shadows - from-the-shadows_5.avif
From the Shadows - from-the-shadows_6.avif

From the Shadows

Android, iOS • 2020

Should you play it?

From the Shadows is a cooperative puzzle platformer game where players have to work their way through a mysterious mansion by resolving puzzles that revolve around the mechanics of light and shadow.

What works
  • Engaging co-op gameplay with unique light/shadow mechanics
  • Well-designed puzzles and platforming challenges
  • Attractive graphics and atmospheric sound design
  • Free to play with good value
  • Supports local multiplayer with shared screen
Things to keep in mind
  • Short game length with incomplete story
  • Difficult boss fights and some frustrating sections
  • Lack of controller support and optimization issues
  • No save or checkpoint system causing replay frustration
  • No localization for some languages and limited customization

What to play next

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • The Anomaly Project

  • Super Motherload

  • We Were Here Together

  • Paranormal Cleanup

  • Anomaly Exit

  • Strikey Sisters

  • Windswept

  • Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege

  • Trine Enchanted Edition
Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Windswept

  • Struggling

  • Super Cane Magic ZERO - Legend of the Cane Cane
If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Cooperation

    Tools Up!
  • Value

    A Night In Berlin
  • Escapism

    The Room Two

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

From the Shadows: Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Cooperation. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence, Expression.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    3

    "Players can choose characters, difficulty, number of continues, and play solo or co-op, allowing some control over gameplay experience."

    Capsule for METAL SLUG X METAL SLUG X

    "Players can choose to play solo or co-op, switch between light and shadow characters freely, and explore different paths, indicating moderate player control and decision-making."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    3

    "The game offers challenging puzzles and boss fights that require skill and problem solving, though some parts are tedious or unclear."

    Capsule for Garten of Banban 3 Garten of Banban 3

    "The game features challenging puzzles and platforming sections, including a difficult boss fight, requiring skill and coordination, though some parts are frustratingly hard."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    -3

    "Focus is on cooperative play and personal progress rather than competing against others; speedruns exist but are optional."

    Capsule for Chariot Chariot

    "Focus is on cooperative play and personal challenge rather than competing against others; speedrun mode exists but is optional and casual."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    2

    "Players report enjoying long sessions and habitual play, especially with friends, though some find the game short and lacking replay value after completion."

    Capsule for Ale & Tale Tavern Ale & Tale Tavern

    "Players report wanting to keep playing with friends and replay to collect items or improve times, though the game is short and some find it easy to finish quickly."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    5

    "Strong emphasis on teamwork and coordination in local co-op gameplay."

    Capsule for Tools Up! Tools Up!

    "Strong emphasis on local co-op gameplay with shared screen, requiring teamwork and coordination between players to solve puzzles and progress."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    2

    "Players can experiment with physics-based mechanics and different approaches to puzzles, though level design is predefined."

    Capsule for Leo’s Fortune - HD Edition Leo’s Fortune - HD Edition

    "Players can experiment with light and shadow mechanics and explore different paths, but level design and puzzles are predefined with limited player modification."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -4

    "Gameplay encourages equal collaboration and shared problem solving without dominance or power imbalance."

    Capsule for Escape Simulator Escape Simulator

    "The game encourages equal cooperation and shared problem-solving rather than dominance or superiority over others."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "The immersive, mysterious, and atmospheric gameplay provides a strong escape from reality and stress relief."

    Capsule for The Room Two The Room Two

    "The atmospheric, dark castle setting and immersive stealth-puzzle gameplay provide a strong escape from reality and stress relief."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and social interaction; no indication of obligation or external pressure to play."

    Capsule for Void Crew Void Crew

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and social interaction; no indication of obligation or pressure to play."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    3

    "Encourages exploration of puzzle mechanics and shadow/light interactions; some trial and error involved."

    Capsule for Iris.Fall Iris.Fall

    "The light/shadow switching mechanic encourages players to try different approaches and experiment with puzzle solutions."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    2

    "Players explore different rooms and areas of the castle, though the environment is limited and linear."

    Capsule for We Were Here We Were Here

    "Players explore a castle environment with some freedom to find collectibles and alternate routes, though the map is limited and linear."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    -2

    "Customization options are minimal; players use preset characters and environments without personalization."

    Capsule for Fireboy & Watergirl: Elements Fireboy & Watergirl: Elements

    "Limited customization options; players use preset characters and environments without significant personalization."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    4

    "The game features a fantastical setting with vampires, bosses, and supernatural elements in an imaginative world."

    Capsule for Vampire Hunters Vampire Hunters

    "The game features a vampire castle, shadow and light characters, and a mysterious story, providing a strong fantasy experience."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    4

    "Strong community and social play aspects; many reviews mention playing with family, friends, and enjoying shared experiences."

    Capsule for Minecraft Dungeons Minecraft Dungeons

    "Many reviews highlight playing with friends, family, or partners, emphasizing social connection and shared enjoyment."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    3

    "Players develop skills through challenging platforming and puzzles; learning curve noted."

    Capsule for Vox Populi Vox Dei 2 Vox Populi Vox Dei 2

    "Players develop platforming skills and puzzle-solving abilities, with increasing difficulty and learning curve."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -5

    "Standard sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

    Capsule for MicroTown MicroTown

    "Standard sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires focused attention during combat and boss fights; not designed for casual or background play."

    Capsule for Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition

    "Requires focused attention and coordination, especially in co-op and boss fights; not suited for casual background play."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    3

    "Playing with a close friend or partner fosters emotional connection and shared experiences, though limited to gameplay interaction."

    Capsule for The Watchers The Watchers

    "Playing with close friends or partners fosters emotional connection and shared experiences, though social interaction is limited to gameplay."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    -2

    "Co-op play involves shared decision-making and coordination rather than clear leadership roles."

    Capsule for God's Trigger God's Trigger

    "Co-op play involves shared roles and cooperation rather than clear leadership or authoritative control."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    3

    "Players collect items and unlock new areas to progress through the story and puzzles."

    Capsule for The Night of the Scissors The Night of the Scissors

    "Players collect items and unlock new areas, with a sense of advancement through chapters and puzzle completion."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    1

    "Some players find the game fun and engaging, but difficulty spikes and challenging sections create tension rather than pure relaxation."

    Capsule for Ghost 1.0 Ghost 1.0

    "Early gameplay is described as relaxing and light-hearted, but difficulty spikes and challenging sections create tension."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    3

    "Enjoyable graphics, sound, and atmospheric effects provide sensory stimulation."

    Capsule for Red Dead Online Red Dead Online

    "Enjoyable graphics, atmospheric sound design, and engaging mechanics provide sensory and emotional stimulation."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    -4

    "No emphasis on social recognition, leaderboards, or popularity; focus is on cooperative experience."

    Capsule for Operation: Tango - Friend Pass Operation: Tango - Friend Pass

    "No emphasis on social recognition, leaderboards, or popularity; focus is on cooperative fun and personal achievement."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    2

    "The game includes a story and lore that some players find engaging, though it is not the main focus."

    Capsule for Volcanoids Volcanoids

    "The game includes a narrative and characters that add interest, though story is not the main focus and is somewhat incomplete."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    3

    "Players use reasoning and planning to solve puzzles cooperatively."

    Capsule for Unsolved Case Unsolved Case

    "Players must think strategically to solve puzzles using light and shadow mechanics and coordinate actions in co-op."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    2

    "Boss fights and combat provide moments of tension and excitement; stealth sections add frustration."

    Capsule for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

    "Stealth and tension elements create moments of suspense, especially in boss fights and challenging platforming sections."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    5

    "The game is free with high-quality gameplay and aesthetics, providing excellent value for players."

    Capsule for A Night In Berlin A Night In Berlin

    "The game is free, well-made, and offers enjoyable gameplay, providing excellent value for players."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    -3

    "Violence is minimal and symbolic; gameplay focuses on puzzle solving rather than combat."

    Capsule for Catherine Classic Catherine Classic

    "Gameplay focuses on puzzle-solving and platforming rather than combat or destruction; violence is minimal or implied."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    2

    "Players must avoid hazards and manage limited resources, but overall risk is moderate."

    Capsule for Tomb Raider: Anniversary Tomb Raider: Anniversary

    "Players must avoid failure and hazards to progress, with some resourcefulness required, but overall risk is moderate."

Last update: 10/07/2026