The End Is Nigh similar games & best alternatives

The End Is Nigh

Mac, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Linux • 2017

Should you play it?

The End Is Nigh is a sprawling adventure platformer where you die a lot, but thats ok because you are probably already dead anyway.

What works
  • Tight and responsive controls
  • Challenging and rewarding gameplay
  • Extensive content and secrets
  • Unique dark art style and atmosphere
  • Excellent soundtrack with classical remixes
Things to keep in mind
  • Very high difficulty may frustrate some players
  • Backtracking can be tedious due to level structure
  • Some visual clarity issues in dark areas
  • Lack of boss fights and narrative depth
  • Optional content can be grindy and punishing

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Wings of Vi

  • GRIME

  • La-Mulana

  • Hollow Knight: Silksong

  • Environmental Station Alpha

  • Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus

  • ZERO Sievert

  • Odallus: The Dark Call

  • Pronty

Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Chronicles of the Wolf

  • Taimumari: Definitive Edition

  • Zexion

If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Competence

    Guacamelee! 2

  • Growth

    La-Mulana 2

  • Autonomy

    Ion Fury

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

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

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • 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 (hidden on purpose).

The End Is Nigh: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Fellowship, Violence, Survival, Cooperation. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Competence. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Relaxation, Leadership.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    4

    "Players have freedom to explore large, complex levels with multiple paths and secrets, requiring self-directed navigation and decision-making."

    Capsule for Ion Fury Ion Fury

    "Players can explore interconnected levels, choose paths, and discover secrets at their own pace, indicating high personal control and freedom."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    5

    "The game offers challenging platforming and combat that require skill mastery and precise inputs, with feedback through progression and achievements."

    Capsule for Guacamelee! 2 Guacamelee! 2

    "The game demands precise platforming skills, tight controls, and overcoming difficult challenges with immediate feedback, emphasizing mastery."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    -3

    "Focus is on personal challenge and self-improvement rather than direct competition or leaderboards."

    Capsule for SchoolBoy Runaway SchoolBoy Runaway

    "Focus is on personal challenge and self-improvement rather than direct competition or leaderboards."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    4

    "Many players report addictive gameplay with long sessions and desire to keep playing despite difficulty."

    Capsule for Garlic Garlic

    "Many players report long play sessions, addictive trial-and-error gameplay, and strong motivation to keep playing despite difficulty."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    -5

    "The game is a single-player platformer with no cooperative multiplayer or teamwork elements."

    Capsule for Yooka-Replaylee Yooka-Replaylee

    "The game is a single-player precision platformer with no cooperative multiplayer or teamwork elements."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    3

    "Players explore and discover secrets, unlocking new abilities that open new paths, encouraging creative problem solving within level design."

    Capsule for Odallus: The Dark Call Odallus: The Dark Call

    "Players explore secrets and unlock hidden areas; modding and level creation support add creative engagement."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -5

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

    Capsule for Dead Cells Dead Cells

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

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "Players use the game as a fun distraction and immersive experience away from real-life stress."

    Capsule for Hadean Tactics Hadean Tactics

    "Players use the game as a challenging distraction and immersive experience away from real-life stress."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and love for precision platformers, not due to obligation."

    Capsule for RITE RITE

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and love for challenging platformers, not obligation."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    3

    "Game introduces new mechanics gradually, encouraging players to explore and adapt strategies."

    Capsule for Slayaway Camp Slayaway Camp

    "The game introduces new mechanics and level designs regularly, encouraging players to learn and adapt."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    4

    "Open world with multiple areas and hidden secrets encourages curiosity-driven discovery."

    Capsule for Taiji Taiji

    "The semi-open world and numerous secrets encourage curiosity-driven discovery and backtracking."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    2

    "Some customization through character choice and modding; limited cosmetic personalization noted."

    Capsule for Meme Mayhem Meme Mayhem

    "Some customization through modding and character identity (Ash) exists, but limited cosmetic personalization."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    4

    "The game features imaginative post-apocalyptic, surreal, and sci-fi fantasy elements with bizarre characters and settings."

    Capsule for Doomsday Hunters Doomsday Hunters

    "The game features a dark, post-apocalyptic fictional world with surreal and macabre themes."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement within gameplay."

    Capsule for Supraland Supraland

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement during gameplay."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    5

    "Players develop skills in puzzle solving, note-taking, and platforming through challenging gameplay."

    Capsule for La-Mulana 2 La-Mulana 2

    "Players develop platforming skills, muscle memory, and problem-solving abilities through challenging gameplay."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -4

    "Game involves sedentary play with no physical activity or health benefits."

    Capsule for Chernobylite Complete Edition Chernobylite Complete Edition

    "The game involves sedentary play with no physical activity or health-related benefits."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -4

    "Requires constant attention and focus due to precise platforming and instant death traps."

    Capsule for Castle In The Darkness Castle In The Darkness

    "Requires constant focus and attention due to precision platforming and fast respawns."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional sharing within the game."

    Capsule for Assault Spy Assault Spy

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional sharing within the game."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; purely individual gameplay."

    Capsule for Slay the Spire Slay the Spire

    "No leadership or group management roles; purely individual gameplay."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    4

    "Players accumulate collectibles, cosmetics, and unlock new levels and mini-games, showing clear progression."

    Capsule for POPUCOM POPUCOM

    "Players collect tumors, cartridges, and unlock new levels and secrets, showing clear progression."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    -3

    "Game induces frustration and tension due to difficulty, though some find satisfaction and flow after mastery."

    Capsule for Bloody Trapland 2: Curiosity Bloody Trapland 2: Curiosity

    "The game induces tension and frustration due to difficulty, though some find flow in mastery."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    3

    "The game features appealing visuals and music that enhance the sensory experience without overwhelming stimulation."

    Capsule for Öoo Öoo

    "The game offers strong sensory stimulation through music, visuals, and satisfying controls."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    -3

    "Achievements and progress are mostly personal; social recognition is limited and not a major focus."

    Capsule for Cadria Item Shop Cadria Item Shop

    "Achievements and bragging rights exist but social recognition is limited and not a core focus."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    2

    "Minimal narrative with environmental storytelling and lore, but gameplay focus is primary."

    Capsule for AMID EVIL AMID EVIL

    "Minimal narrative with dark themes and some lore, but gameplay is the primary focus."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    3

    "Players must plan routes and timing carefully to navigate obstacles and enemies effectively."

    Capsule for Will Glow the Wisp Will Glow the Wisp

    "Players must plan precise movements and routes, especially when exploring secrets and collectibles."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    4

    "High suspense and thrill from challenging platforming and risk of failure."

    Capsule for Electronic Super Joy Electronic Super Joy

    "High tension and suspense from challenging platforming and risk of repeated failure."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    4

    "Players perceive high value due to abundant content, replayability, and quality gameplay."

    Capsule for Rayman® Legends Rayman® Legends

    "Players perceive high value due to extensive content, replayability, and quality gameplay for price."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    3

    "Contains themes of death, suicide, and some disturbing content, though not focused on combat gameplay."

    Capsule for If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers

    "The game features deaths, gore, and macabre themes consistent with combat and destruction motifs."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    3

    "Players must avoid hazards and manage limited lives in some modes, emphasizing survival."

    Capsule for LOVE LOVE

    "Players must avoid hazards and manage limited lives in later stages, emphasizing survival elements."

Last update: 01/06/2026