LUNARK similar games & best alternatives

LUNARK

Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch • 2023

Should you play it?

A pixel-art sci-fi adventure set in the midst of a rebellion against a totalitarian regime, LUNARK is a modern take on the 2D cinematic platformer genre of the '90s. Run, jump, hang, climb, roll, and shoot your way through gorgeous and mysterious locations!

What works
  • Faithful homage to classic cinematic platformers
  • Beautiful pixel art and rotoscoped animations
  • Engaging sci-fi story and atmosphere
  • Challenging but fair gameplay
  • Well-balanced level design with varied environments
Things to keep in mind
  • Save system only at level start, causing frustration
  • Controls can feel stiff and unresponsive at times
  • Some players find story underdeveloped or clichéd
  • Pixel art resolution sometimes too low for clarity
  • Short game length with limited replayability

What to play next

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • LIMBO

  • MO:Astray

  • Castaway

  • Astalon: Tears of the Earth

  • Adventures of Pip

  • Creepy Tale 2

  • Haimrik

  • REPLACED

  • Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU

Search more ->

Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • DOOMBLADE

  • Pharaoh Rebirth+

  • Doorways: Holy Mountains of Flesh

If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Competence

    Bionic Bay

  • Escapism

    Perimeter

  • Fantasy

    The Savior From Above

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 to preview that game in the panel on the right; click to keep that comparison.
  • 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).

LUNARK: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Expression, Fellowship, Cooperation, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Competence, Survival. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Thrill.

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 have control over their characters' movements and actions with responsive controls and some strategic choices in power-ups and multiplayer interactions."

    Capsule for Micro Mages Micro Mages

    "Players have control over their actions and decisions, but the game enforces deliberate, grid-based movement and animation sequences that limit immediate responsiveness."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    4

    "The game challenges players with skillful platforming, physics puzzles, and timing, providing satisfying feedback and progression."

    Capsule for Bionic Bay Bionic Bay

    "The game challenges players with precise platforming, combat timing, and puzzle solving, rewarding skill and mastery of its mechanics."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    -4

    "Focus is on individual progression and personal challenge without competitive or ranked modes."

    Capsule for Sol-Rui -after mini- Sol-Rui -after mini-

    "The game focuses on individual progression and personal challenge without competitive or ranked modes."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    2

    "Players tend to engage for a single playthrough of about 6-10 hours; some replay for collectibles or achievements but limited long-term habitual play."

    Capsule for Giraffe and Annika Giraffe and Annika

    "Players engage in a focused playthrough of about 4-6 hours with some replay value for secrets and achievements, but the save system may limit habitual long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    -5

    "Entirely a single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

    Capsule for Furi Demake - The Chain Furi Demake - The Chain

    "Entirely a single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    2

    "Players engage in some exploration and puzzle solving with collectibles and mini-games, but within a linear structure and predefined levels."

    Capsule for Deadlight Deadlight

    "Players explore varied levels and solve puzzles with some optional exploration and secret finding, but within a predefined linear structure."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are with NPCs and solo progression."

    Capsule for Idle Waters Idle Waters

    "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are limited to NPCs and solo gameplay."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "The immersive sci-fi setting, complex gameplay, and atmospheric music provide a strong escape from reality."

    Capsule for Perimeter Perimeter

    "The sci-fi setting, immersive pixel art, and atmospheric music provide a strong escape from reality."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and nostalgia for classic platformers."

    Capsule for Odallus: The Dark Call Odallus: The Dark Call

    "Players engage voluntarily, motivated by nostalgia and intrinsic interest in the cinematic platformer genre."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    2

    "Some experimentation with puzzle solutions and exploration is encouraged, though within a fixed game structure."

    Capsule for Tomb Raider II (1997) Tomb Raider II (1997)

    "Some experimentation with movement and puzzle solutions is encouraged, though within a fairly fixed gameplay framework."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    2

    "Levels contain some secrets and encourage exploration, but are generally linear and straightforward."

    Capsule for Shrine Shrine

    "Levels contain secrets and optional areas to discover, but exploration is limited and mostly linear."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    -3

    "Minimal customization or self-expression; players use predefined characters and aesthetics."

    Capsule for Fears to Fathom® - Scratch Creek Fears to Fathom® - Scratch Creek

    "Minimal customization or self-expression; players use predefined characters and aesthetics."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    4

    "Strong sci-fi and fantasy themes with imaginative settings and narrative elements."

    Capsule for The Savior From Above The Savior From Above

    "Strong sci-fi narrative with imaginative settings and characters, evoking classic cinematic platformer fiction."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    -5

    "No community or social features; purely solo experience."

    Capsule for Sakura Angels Sakura Angels

    "No community or social features; purely solo experience."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    3

    "Players learn and improve platforming skills and unlock new abilities, enhancing gameplay over time."

    Capsule for Hell Pie Hell Pie

    "Players learn and improve platforming skills and combat timing, and can upgrade health and weapons through collectibles."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

    Capsule for The Forever Winter The Forever Winter

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -4

    "Requires focused attention and precise input; not suited for casual or background play."

    Capsule for Mega Man Legacy Collection Mega Man Legacy Collection

    "Requires focused attention and deliberate input; not suited for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; interactions are limited to scripted NPC dialogues."

    Capsule for Dracula: Origin Dracula: Origin

    "No social or emotional relationships formed; interactions are limited to scripted NPC dialogue."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player only."

    Capsule for Thief Thief

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player only."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    3

    "Players collect upgrades, unlock abilities, and progress through story and levels."

    Capsule for Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones™ Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones™

    "Players collect upgrades and health expansions, progressing through levels and story."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    1

    "The game balances challenge and flow but includes some frustration from controls and camera issues."

    Capsule for Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee

    "The game balances challenge and flow but includes some frustration due to controls and checkpoint design."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    3

    "Vibrant pixel art, smooth animations, and fitting soundtrack provide sensory enjoyment."

    Capsule for Iconoclasts Iconoclasts

    "Vibrant pixel art, fluid rotoscoped animations, and synthwave soundtrack provide sensory enjoyment."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

    Capsule for Resident Evil 7 Biohazard Resident Evil 7 Biohazard

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    3

    "Narrative is a key component with mystery and sci-fi elements, though some players find it confusing or poorly presented."

    Capsule for THE MULLER-POWELL PRINCIPLE: Foreword THE MULLER-POWELL PRINCIPLE: Foreword

    "Narrative is a key element with sci-fi plot, characters, and cutscenes, though some find it underdeveloped or clichéd."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    3

    "Players must plan jumps, combat tactics, and puzzle solutions, requiring problem solving."

    Capsule for Tomb Raider II (1997) Tomb Raider II (1997)

    "Players must plan jumps, combat timing, and puzzle solutions carefully; gameplay rewards strategic thinking."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    1

    "Some challenge and tension in combat and platforming, but mostly controlled and predictable."

    Capsule for Asterix & Obelix XXL 2 Asterix & Obelix XXL 2

    "Some tension arises from precise platforming and combat, but overall challenge is moderate and predictable."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    2

    "Generally considered good value for fans of the genre, especially at sale prices."

    Capsule for ETHER VAPOR Remaster ETHER VAPOR Remaster

    "Generally considered a good value for fans of the genre, though some criticize the short length and save system."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    2

    "Combat involves fighting enemies with weapons, but violence is stylized and not gratuitous."

    Capsule for Eastward Eastward

    "Combat involves shooting enemies and avoiding hazards, but violence is stylized and not gratuitous."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    3

    "Players must avoid death and manage health carefully to progress through challenging levels."

    Capsule for Gunman Clive Gunman Clive

    "Players must avoid death and manage health carefully to progress through challenging levels."

Last update: 19/07/2026