Games like Iconoclasts

[SSJ Rick ム]

Any suggestions?

[Penguinator]

Pretty much everyone compares this game to Owlboy, and yes, they are pretty similar in many regards: they're both plot-heavy and more streamlined in terms of progression, have very few upgrades, but lots of secrets to find and explore for, features a silent protagonist and a cast of colourful characters, and, of course, have absolutely stunning visuals and music. Even their stories have some similar motives: they both have that upbeat and innocent start that, as the game progresses further, dissapears and changes into something much more sombre, dark and at times even depressing in tone that results into dealing with the whole world collapsing around heroes.
Though, in my opinion, Owlboy is still more tame and lighthearted compared to Iconoclasts. It feels more like a fairytale with more naive undertones, but nonetheless it's a great adventure and interesting game with its own mechanics and quirks.

On a similar note, I also would suggest a game called "Pharaoh Rebirth" - a horribly underrated (in my opinion) gem, that is also a metroidvania-esque (devided into levels instead of open world) game with emphasis on a humorous but at the same time pretty serious plot and tons of secrets and collectibles, fantastic pixel-art, music, great boss-fights, characters, etc.

[x-calibar]

I might suggest Iji and Cave Story, both are free; both are indie classics made by one person. (Or Cave Story+ on Steam.)
They focus on combat gameplay with story, so if you want something different...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33mxD4FjD3w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHQh6gfFm-o

Wuppo was a surprisingly good game made by two people. Focuses on non-combat quests, AI NPCs and has a detailed world with a ton to see. It's a gem made over 7 years. Some oddly tough bosses though!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fDseO5FdKQ

Owlboy... is pretty good. Really wonderful production values, though somehow it didn't stick with me like Iconoclasts. Can't pin down my issue... It's definitely worth trying though!
Probably the most similar to Iconoclasts overall?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoJT2LH96C4

@Rick Sanchez - "Heart Forth, Alicia" looks interesting. Can't wait for it to be released!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP0meyGFDYs

[inappropriately_gendered_fungus]

I can second Wuppo. Utterly charming, but completely different tonally.

[Shirsh]

You can try Monster World 4, to see one of inspiration sources for Iconoclasts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wftmK7aedWs

[Lumiknight]

You could look for emulators and play the namesakes of the genre
Metroid and Castlevania

[almozayaf]

Search top 10 metroidvania games on google or youtube add PC or steam to get what you want.

and you can just go to the game page and click on the metroidvania tag

[Joe]

Axiom Verge is pretty similar in gameplay

[Rick]

Momodara: Reverie Under the Moonlight is another metroidvania game with a cute art style and dark atmosphere.

[Lost Marbles]

Ghost 1.0 is very similar.

*Metroidvania style gameplay with guns
*Bright, colorful graphics
*Synth-y music
*Story starts off seemingly simple but gets darker undertones the more it's developed
*Lots of secrets
*Some pretty humorous and tongue-in-cheek moments
*Female protagonist

The big difference I can remember is that Ghost 1.0's main character isn't a silent protagonist like Robin.

I'm pretty sure you'll like Ghost 1.0 if you loved Iconoclasts.

[Oguzhan]

I recommend Momodora Reverie Under the Moonlight. Pretty great.

[SSJ Rick ム]

These games are also interesing

https://youtu.be/MQUcjcQpshc

https://youtu.be/MR9wr3Fpu9Y

https://youtu.be/5Nz5D53zNnI

https://youtu.be/-Ihs1Sd9ILk

https://youtu.be/n2dn1Batpxs

[Yotokan]

Originally posted by Canitopr8:

You could look for emulators and play the namesakes of the genre
Metroid and Castlevania

Metroid yes castlevania no unless we're talking about symphony of the night. The original castlevania was more akin to a side scrolling beat em up in essence an arcade game. Truth be told though the original metroid is not that fun play super metroid instead.

[Clueless]

Hollow Knight, absolutely!

[UselessFoetus]

I'd recommend Momodora Reverie Under the Moonlight as well as Alwa's Awakening (which was my personal 2017 game of the year)

[R.Heart]

Originally posted by Lost Marbles:

Ghost 1.0 is very similar.

I disagree with this recommendation. I played Ghost for like an hour and I will say, it has nowhere near the texture or creativity that Iconoclasts has. Gameplay is bland, combat is bland, the environments are repetitive, it's not the same by a longshot. Play Ghost if you don't want to think too much. Otherwise it's a snooze.

I will second Momodora: RutM. That game is much shorter but still very full of atmosphere and just fun to play.

Surprised no one brought up Ori and the Blind Forest? I guess because it's older and everybody KNOWS that one, but why not. Visually, Ori is absolutely stunning, but it's surprisingly hardware intensive. Requires almost no skill to shoot enemies, but your upgraded abilities make interactions way more interesting.

Super Metroid. I actually call Iconoclasts "heir apparent" to Super Metroid, not because of anything but 'how' it plays. The different beams, item/ability gating, the grapple hook mechanics (my kryptonite), even the way Robin moves is very similar IMO. And to some extent the music too. I truly feel that Iconoclasts gameplay captured, distilled, and refined, all the best parts of what made Super Metroid a legend, and created a new one that is so much more.

Chronicles of Teddy looks similar too, but I haven't actually played it.... yet. It's... y'know, on the list.