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Poi similar games & best alternatives

Poi

PC (Microsoft Windows), Super Famicom • 2017

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Quick resume

Poi is a 3D platformer featuring two kids on a grand adventure to unravel the mysteries of the Milky Way Globe. Explore uncharted lands, compete in challenge levels, meet quirky characters and defeat comical creatures on a journey to become a Master Explorer.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Casual, Indie, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Nostalgic and charming 3d platforming
    • Large open levels with secrets and collectibles
    • Smooth and responsive controls
    • Good value with many hours of content
    • Engaging exploration and challenges

    Cons

    • Boss fights are weak and uninspired
    • Some camera and hit detection issues
    • Repetitive level re-entry after each objective
    • Limited combat and enemy variety
    • Story is simple and minimal

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Fellowship, Expression. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Competition, Status, Expression.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

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

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • 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.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players freely explore large open levels with multiple paths and objectives, choosing their own routes and play style."

    • Competence
      3

      "Platforming requires skillful jumping and movement; some challenges and speedrunning leaderboards provide tests of ability."

    • Competition
      2

      "Leaderboards for challenge levels and speedruns encourage comparison but competition is not the main focus."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players report habitual play, returning to collect items and complete challenges; new game+ mode extends playtime."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Game is single-player focused with no cooperative multiplayer or teamwork elements."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players explore and discover secrets, but level design and objectives follow classic collectathon formulas with limited creation."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No evidence of exerting control over others; interactions are solo and non-confrontational."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players enjoy immersive, whimsical worlds and nostalgic exploration as a form of stress relief and fun."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia rather than obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      2

      "Exploration and trying different routes to objectives encourages some experimentation within established mechanics."

    • Exploration
      5

      "Core gameplay revolves around discovering secrets, collectibles, and new areas in open 3D worlds."

    • Expression
      2

      "Some character customization via costumes, but mostly players use predefined characters and styles."

    • Fantasy
      4

      "Players inhabit a whimsical, cartoonish world with imaginative characters and scenarios, evoking classic platformer fantasy."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "Minimal social interaction; focus is on solo play and individual achievements."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop platforming skills and learn level layouts; some progression through unlocking new worlds and abilities."

    • Health
      -5

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

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and active platforming; not suited for idle or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional social interactions."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements present."

    • Progression
      4

      "Players accumulate collectibles, unlock new worlds and abilities, and complete challenges to progress."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Generally a lighthearted, easygoing experience with some moments of challenge balanced by relaxing exploration."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Colorful visuals and music provide sensory enjoyment, though not highly intense or overwhelming."

    • Status
      1

      "Leaderboards and achievements provide some recognition but social status is not a major motivator."

    • Story
      2

      "Simple narrative provides context for exploration but is light and secondary to gameplay."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Some planning and problem solving in platforming and exploration, but mostly straightforward objectives."

    • Thrill
      1

      "Mild excitement from platforming challenges and exploration, but no intense suspense or risk."

    • Value
      4

      "Players report good value for price with many hours of content and replayability."

    • Violence
      -3

      "Combat is minimal and simplistic, mostly jumping on enemies; focus is on platforming rather than violence."

    • Survival
      -3

      "Low risk gameplay with no significant threat or resource management."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026