Best Nefarious Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

Nefarious is a 2D action-platformer for players who want to control the villain instead of the hero. Its standout mechanic reverses conventional platforming objectives by having you kidnap princesses and defeat heroes across varied levels.

Developer: Starblade Price: $14.99 🎯 lardbit.github.io/nefarious

Top 6 Nefarious alternatives

πŸ’‘ Pick it for a much larger, more polished retro platforming package with multiple playable campaigns.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a retro-style platformer with charming graphics and challenging levels.

Pros

  • Nostalgic feel
  • Variety of playable characters

Cons

  • Short gameplay length
  • Lacks voice acting

πŸ’‘ Pick it for deeper exploration, tougher combat, and a far more expansive 2D adventure.

Hollow Knight is a challenging action-adventure game set in a beautifully hand-drawn world. Players explore the underground kingdom of Hallownest, battle fearsome...

3

Guacamelee! 2

DrinkBox Studios

πŸ’‘ Pick it for cooperative play, deeper combat, and a more developed Metroidvania structure.

Guacamelee! 2 is a colorful 2D Metroidvania platformer for players who want fast combat, platforming challenges, and comedic presentation. It stands out...

Pros

  • More robust combat and movement than Nefarious
  • Supports up to four-player local cooperative play
  • Dimension-switching creates varied platforming challenges

Cons

  • More expensive than Nefarious
  • Combat can overshadow precise platforming
  • Humor and visual style may not suit every player

πŸ’‘ Pick it if you want a friendlier 3D platformer with exploration, collectibles, and characterful worlds.

A Hat in Time is a 3D platformer with a focus on exploration and collecting items, reminiscent of classic platformers like Banjo-Kazooie.

Pros

  • Charming art style
  • Varied level design

Cons

  • Some technical issues on certain platforms
  • Limited replay value

Price varies depending on platform

πŸ’‘ Pick it for polished 2D exploration with inventive movement tools and a stronger narrative presentation.

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a 2D action-platformer for players who enjoy exploration, character abilities, and colorful stage design. It stands...

Pros

  • More refined level design and progression than Nefarious
  • Pirate tools create varied movement and exploration options
  • Stronger character writing and presentation

Cons

  • More expensive than Nefarious
  • Less content than Hollow Knight or Treasure Trove
  • Some objectives require retracing earlier routes

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