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Struggling similar games & best alternatives

Struggling

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 • 2020

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Quick resume

Struggling is a physics-based co-op platformer with a twisted spin on teamwork. Control the arms of a squishy abomination and lead it through a deranged world.

Global score

87/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Casual, Indie, Platform, Strategy, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Unique and creative gameplay mechanics
    • Excellent cooperative local play
    • Funny and surreal art style and humor
    • Great soundtrack and sound design
    • Rewarding challenge and progression

    Cons

    • Frustrating and inconsistent controls
    • Physical strain from intense controller use
    • Lack of native online multiplayer
    • Some players find difficulty spikes punishing
    • Short playtime with limited replay value

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence, Relaxation, Leadership.

    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 control each arm independently, requiring coordination and personal input to navigate challenges."

    • Competence
      4

      "The game is challenging with difficult physics-based controls and boss fights, rewarding skill and persistence."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on cooperative play and personal challenge rather than competing against others."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players report long sessions and replaying the game multiple times despite difficulty and frustration."

    • Cooperation
      5

      "Strong emphasis on local co-op with each player controlling one arm; teamwork and communication are essential."

    • Creativity
      4

      "Unique mechanics, evolving gameplay, and creative level design with new powers and varied boss fights."

    • Domination
      -4

      "Interactions are cooperative and balanced; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Players use the game as a humorous distraction and stress relief, escaping real-life frustrations."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for fun and challenge, not out of obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Game introduces new mechanics and powers progressively, encouraging players to try new strategies."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Players explore varied and surreal environments with hidden hats and secrets."

    • Expression
      3

      "Collectible hats and character customization allow for some player self-expression."

    • Fantasy
      4

      "Surreal, grotesque world and story with imaginative fiction and absurd humor."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Strong community and social bonding through cooperative gameplay and shared experiences."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills to master difficult controls and puzzles, improving over multiple playthroughs."

    • Health
      -4

      "Reports of physical strain and discomfort from intense controller use and frustrating controls."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires constant attention and focus due to challenging controls and gameplay."

    • Intimacy
      3

      "Co-op play fosters close social interaction and emotional sharing between players."

    • Leadership
      -3

      "Gameplay emphasizes equal participation and cooperation rather than leadership roles."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players progress through levels, unlock new abilities, and collect hats as upgrades."

    • Relaxation
      -2

      "Game is often stressful and frustrating, though some find catharsis in overcoming challenges."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Engaging audio-visual design with memorable soundtrack and humorous sound effects."

    • Status
      -4

      "Focus is on cooperative experience rather than social recognition or leaderboards."

    • Story
      2

      "Narrative is minimal but quirky and humorous, supporting gameplay without heavy immersion."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Requires problem solving and planning to use abilities and navigate puzzles effectively."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Players experience tension and relief from challenging physics and timed sequences."

    • Value
      3

      "Players feel the game offers good entertainment and challenge for its price, especially in co-op."

    • Violence
      -3

      "Gameplay focuses on cooperative platforming and puzzle solving rather than combat or destruction."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must avoid hazards and manage risks to progress through difficult levels."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026