5 Best Games Like The Cub

The Cub is a single-player experience that focuses heavily on its narrative, as well as puzzle mechanics throughout. In this stylized title, players search for answers, all the while enjoying the atmospheric nature of the game itself. Inspired by classic platforming titles, the level of difficulty present in the game is part of its distinct charm. That said, there are tons of fantastic titles out there that offer players similar experiences. To highlight some of the best, here are our picks for the 5 Best Games Like The Cub.

5. The Talos Principle 2

For our first entry on today's list of the best games like The Cub, here we have The Talos Principle 2. For players unfamiliar with The Talos Principle series, allow us to summarize these titles briefly. These games focus heavily on their puzzle mechanics, as well as their narrative elements. The general tone of these games is rather nihilistic and delves deep into the game's core themes of philosophy and the meaning of existence. These themes meld together beautifully with the game's art style, which features an artful and gorgeous blend of both old-world architecture and advanced technologies.

That said, the player doesn't necessarily have to complete all of the game's puzzles in order to enjoy the experience. Players can simply enjoy themselves and immerse themselves within the game's world and narrative if they so choose. This freedom is part of what makes the game so great, alongside the shocking amount of depth given to its puzzles. Each of the puzzles in the game feels hand-crafted to bring a special experience to the player with every completion. To close, The Talos Principle 2 is one of the best games like The Cub.

4. SANABI

Our next entry is a title that fans of old-school platformers will no doubt enjoy. SANABI is a stunningly stylized action-platforming game set in a dystopian world that is sure to leave an impression on players. The game features movement mechanics that remain satisfying from beginning to end. To this end, the game has a grappling hook for players to maneuver throughout the world. This not only makes getting around in the game more efficient but also adds an extra layer of skill to the game's movement mechanics.

For fans of old-school game design, this title more than deserves to be on your radar. The game greatly rewards players for moving through the game's environments and dealing with their enemies quickly. This places a heavy emphasis on the individual player's skill as they make their way through the game. As with many games made in the older style, the difficulty of this title can be daunting for some. However, if you choose to brave the experience, you will find that SANABI is one of the best games available, like The Cub.

3. Jusant

We are continuing on with our next entry on our list. Here, we have Jusant. In terms of artful direction and a stellar sense of style, this title is perhaps the most gorgeous on today's list. The game has been described as a meditative experience, as the game doesn't have any strict goals or guidelines to follow. Players are simply tasked with climbing the tower within the game in any way they see fit. Along the way, players will slowly but surely find themselves more familiarized with the game's mechanics.

This gives the player an inherent sense of progression throughout the game. This, coupled with the game's story, is sure to be a fantastic experience for players, both new and old. The game doesn't have a particular pace that players have to move at either. This makes it great for players who are either new to gaming as a whole or simply want to relax while playing. That isn't to say you'll undertake this journey alone either, as players are accompanied by a wonderful water companion. In closing, Jusant is simply stunning and one of the best games like The Cub.

2. Little Nightmares II

We are following up on our last entry with another incredibly strong title. For fans of the Little Nightmares series of platforming games, this title's inclusion on today's list should come as no surprise. In Little Nightmares II, players must traverse a hostile world in order to survive. However, what sets this title apart from its predecessor is its inclusion of more mechanical depth. This not only adds another layer to the already fantastic foundation but frees the player up to make more creative decisions.

The game plays heavily into its darker style, with a sense of dread and suspense that is palpable throughout the experience. This not only gives the game a unique tone but also ramps up the tension during key moments. In addition to this, players who decide to pick this title up also receive upgrades to the game for free. These upgrades are visual in nature and add another level of immersion to the game. So, if you are looking for games like The Cub but want a title that is darker, check out Little Nightmares II.

1. It Takes Two

For our final entry on today's list, we have It Takes Two. This game is a title that not only places platforming mechanics in the forefront but also harkens back to older game design philosophies constantly. Where many titles can find themselves bogged down in mechanical complexity, It Takes Two gives players just enough to make the experience wonderfully replayable. The game's narrative is at the heart and soul of what makes this title so memorable, but the gameplay variety in this title cements it as one of the best cooperative platforming experiences out there.

In It Takes Two, players are tasked with saving an ailing marriage for the sake of their daughter. Due to a bit of magic, players are turned into dolls and made to work together in order to return to their daughter. Along the way, players will experience levels where each has received a hand-crafted touch. Each of these levels has its own mechanics and uses for cooperative gameplay. The game injects quite a bit of humor to offset its more mature nature as well, which is wonderful. All in all, It Takes Two is one of the best games like The Cub.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Games Like The Cub? Do you agree with our picks? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.