5 Best Games Like Ultros

Some games have a strong sense of identity, unafraid to differentiate themselves from the rest. Ultros is a prime example, boasting distinctive visuals that aren't meant for everyone. Dubbed a ‘psychedelic metroidvania,' its main goal is to take you on a surreal journey. You'll venture into The Sarcophagus, likened to a cosmic womb, where you'll fight demons and unravel dark mysteries.

If you’re a fan of Ultros, finding games with a similar vibe can be tricky. Worry not, though. We’ve scoured the internet for games like Ultros. Whether similar in the visuals, gameplay, or overall concept, here are the best games like Ultros you’ll want to check out.

5. Planet Alpha

Rather than explore a sarcophagus, you can instead comb through an entire alien planet’s wonders. Planet Alpha is stunningly beautiful in all its strange flora and fauna. Yet, even in its beauty, there are threatening forces that haunt you day and night. Mysteries lie hidden throughout the planet. You’ll explore the world aboard glowing orbs in low-gravity universes packed to the brim with jumping puzzles. 

Also, Planet Alpha’s puzzle platforming is challenging; it’s never too difficult to become annoying. As the player, you have the power to control day and night. At no point can you anticipate what’s coming. However, you do progress along a linear path. Planet Alpha is a game to take the stress of work away. It’s a relaxing playthrough that doesn’t ask too much of you; simply drag, jump, and change time. For some, the lack of dialogue, combat, and crafting can be a deal-breaker. However, the fantastical sci-fi art style remains to die for.

4. Kena: Bridge of Spirits

If you’d like to lean a little bit more toward the action and story side of Ultros, consider playing Kena: Bridge of Spirits. It’s an action-adventure game following Kena, a young spirit guide with supernatural powers that allow her to help lingering spirits move on to the afterlife. The game finds the perfect balance between storytelling, fast-paced combat, and exploration. You’ll comb through the past while exploring a charming, vibrant world. You’ll also build a team of spirits to fight beside you in battle against vile ghosts.

Sure, Kena: Bridge of Spirits may not match the level of absurdity in Ultros. Yet, it has a similar intrigue in a fantastical and strange world different from our own. It leans a little more on the fairy tale side, with Kena often solving different spirits’ unfinished business and helping them find peace. Even the corrupt-ridden world plaguing the world is portrayed as attractive, if you can imagine that. In that sense, the game is perfect for gamers of all ages. It strives to be as unoffensive as possible, simply delivering a playful and beautiful adventure worth checking out.

3. Imp of the Sun

Ultros' biggest selling point remains its trippy, psychedelic tone.  So, if you’re looking for a similar game with a distinct, jaw-dropping visual style, you may want to consider Imp of the Sun. The game is a non-linear 2D action-platformer that takes you on a fast-paced action and exploration adventure across a world inspired by Peru. You’ll explore the summits of the Andean mountains and trek down to the dense Amazonian jungles, all designed as dungeon-crawlers.

Get ready to sharpen your platforming skills across increasingly complex levels. You’ll also need to master quick reflexes to take on the Imp’s dangerous foes. While games like Dead Cells can take a little time to master, Imp of the Sun offers a cushion for anyone to get acquainted with the genre gradually. Be careful not to let your guard down, though, because the bosses you run into do pose quite a challenge. If they’re too challenging, you can always go back, explore some more and grow your skills for a rematch. 

Above all, Imp of the Sun has such stunning, hand-crafted environments that you’ll want to spend time just taking it all in. It’s entertaining enough to jump back in for multiple playthroughs. As the eternal eclipse draws near, can you successfully smack all the enemies you meet in the face and save the world from doom?

2. Ghost Song

Alternatively, consider the atmospheric 2D adventure in Ghost Song. The game culminates in uncovering ancient mysteries, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, and combating cosmic terror in one epic experience. It’s the perfect blend of games like Hollow Knight and Metroid, and certainly more in the lane of Ultros. 

Get ready to feel chills run down your spine as you galavant on an alien planet. Dread looms in the atmosphere as an eerie, haunting aura hangs in the air. You’ll also face dangerous enemies with an arsenal of weapons to help you gain power. Straying away from 2D platforming action RPGs, Ghost Song embodies a more open-world, free-form adventure. However, it still maintains a Metroid-esk design with stunning art, engaging level design, and, overall, lots of fun.

1. Dead Cells

A rogue-lite Metroidvania action-platformer you’ll want to consider is Dead Cells. Playing as an amorphous creature, you’ll crawl your way out of a diseased island. At the end of the tunnel stands the island king, posing the last boss battle you’ll need to engage in and win. The King’s castle remains a vast, ever-changing level to navigate through. You’ll run into vicious vampires that challenge you to death. 

Die, and you’ll get hauled back to start. With each run, the island changes. Can you make it to the end in peace? While most roguelites tend to grow repetitive with time, Dead Cells maintains an intriguing and rewarding nonstop action experience. Thanks in part to a stunning, detailed, and ever-changing level of design. You’ll enjoy variety, unlocking new abilities and exploring labyrinthine levels that never grow old. It also runs flawlessly, and thankfully, too, because the game isn’t built for the faint of heart.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our best games like Ultros? Are there more games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.