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Toby: The Secret Mine similar games & best alternatives

Toby: The Secret Mine

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Wii U, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, Nintendo Switch, Linux • 2015

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Quick resume

A challenging puzzle platformer inspired by games like Limbo and Badland.

Global score

70/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Platform, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Charming atmospheric visuals
    • Engaging puzzle-platformer gameplay
    • Intuitive controls
    • Two alternate endings
    • Pleasant soundtrack

    Cons

    • Short game length
    • Limited replay value
    • Some bugs and glitches reported
    • Lack of originality compared to limbo
    • Some frustrating trial-and-error moments

    Analysis

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

    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
      3

      "Players control the character's movement and decisions in puzzle-platforming, with some freedom in exploration and puzzle solving."

    • Competence
      3

      "The game offers moderate challenge with puzzles and timing-based platforming requiring skill and reaction, but not overly difficult."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focus is on individual progress and puzzle solving without competitive or ranked elements."

    • Continuation
      -3

      "Short game length (~2-4 hours) and limited replay value reduce habitual or long session play."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer features."

    • Creativity
      2

      "Players engage in puzzle solving and exploration with some hidden collectibles, but limited creation or modification."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; purely single-player."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Atmospheric and immersive gameplay provides a relaxing escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment and challenge, not out of obligation."

    • Experimenting
      2

      "Some exploration and puzzle experimentation encouraged, though gameplay largely follows established platformer conventions."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Game includes hidden areas and collectibles encouraging curiosity-driven exploration."

    • Expression
      -3

      "Limited customization or self-expression; character and environment visuals are preset."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Imaginative, stylized world with a fictional story and fantasy elements."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No social or community features; strictly solo play."

    • Growth
      2

      "Players develop skills in timing and puzzle solving, though learning curve is moderate and game is short."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during play sessions."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No social or emotional relationship building; single-player experience."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements present."

    • Progression
      3

      "Progression through levels and rescuing friends, with collectible achievements and two endings."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Atmospheric music and visuals create a calming experience despite some challenging moments."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Enjoyable visual and auditory aesthetics with some emotional engagement."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social recognition or status systems involved."

    • Story
      2

      "Simple narrative with two endings, but minimal dialogue or deep plot."

    • Strategy
      2

      "Requires some problem solving and timing strategy, but puzzles are generally straightforward."

    • Thrill
      1

      "Some suspense from timing challenges and traps, but overall low risk and tension."

    • Value
      -2

      "Short length and limited replay value make full price questionable; better value on sale."

    • Violence
      -3

      "Minimal violence; focus on avoiding hazards rather than combat or destruction."

    • Survival
      1

      "Avoiding death and hazards is a core mechanic, but threats are predictable and manageable."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026