Biota

Name: Biota
Rating: 8 (261 reviews)

Developer: small bros

Publisher: Retrovibe

Apr 12, 2022

Visual

8-Bit
pixel
side scroll

Structure

ability gated
interconnected map
Has Hub
Semi-Linear

Features

cosmetics
equipment
multiple characters
multiple endings

Themes

mining
Sci-Fi

Summary

Intense 2D action-platformer set in a mining colony infected by an alien plague. In B.I.O.T.A. you can choose your hero, fight gruesome monsters, and customize your 8-bit retro experience with swappable 4-color palettes.

Last updated August 17, 2026

Where to play

- Windows
- Steam Deck
- Steam
- Demo
- itch.io
- GOG
- Humble

Resources

Links

Ghostly Matter

Developer: small bros

Publisher: Milestone S.r.l.

2018

67%

Mixed

49 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- pixel
- side scroll
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- exploration
- action
- puzzle heavy
Mega Man ZX Advent

Developer: Inti Creates

Publisher: Capcom

2007

76%

Mostly Positive

2,739 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- pixel
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- equipment
- multiple characters
- Sci-Fi
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- exploration
- boss gated
- action
- post apocalyptic
Double Focus

Developer / Publisher: AQUA STYLE

2014

74%

Mostly Positive

91 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- equipment
- multiple characters
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- exploration
- action
- difficulty options
- fantasy
Bookbound Brigade

Developer: Digital Tales

Publisher: Intragames

2020

69%

Mixed

36 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- multiple characters
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- hand drawn
- third person
Frontier Hunter: Erza's Wheel of Fortune

Developer / Publisher: IceSitruuna

2024

83%

Very Positive

2,095 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- Demo Available
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- cosmetics
- equipment
- multiple characters
- Sci-Fi
- Differences
- exploration
- non linear
- 2.5D
- boss gated
- fantasy
- RPG
Aussie Bogan Hero

Developer / Publisher: Snag Swag Studios

Coming soon

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- Demo Available
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- equipment
- Semi-Linear
Shantae

Developer: WayForward

Publisher: Limited Run Games, WayForward

2021

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- equipment
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- fast travel
- fantasy
Echoes of the Unread

Developer: Clever Cat Games

Publisher: 8-Bit Legit

Dec 31, 2026

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- Demo Available
- ability gated
- 8-Bit
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- multiple endings
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- exploration
- no combat
- puzzle heavy
Infinitevania

Developer / Publisher: JHT Games

Jul 24, 2026

92%

Very Positive

119 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- pixel
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- equipment
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- new releases
- exploration
- fantasy
- first person
Gastova: The Witches of Arkana

Developer / Publisher: MechWolf Productions

2022

76%

Mostly Positive

71 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- pixel
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- cosmetics
- equipment
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- exploration
- boss gated
- story gated
- companion combat
- fantasy
- RPG
SteamWorld Dig 2

Developer / Publisher: Image & Form

2017

95%

Overwhelmingly Positive

9,054 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- pixel
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- equipment
- mining
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- exploration
- hand drawn
- fast travel
- action
- contact damage
- steampunk
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

Developer: WayForward

Publisher: WayForward, XSEED Games

2016

90%

Very Positive

2,421 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- cosmetics
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- hand drawn
- vector
- contact damage
- fantasy
- discrete levels

Biota

Summary

Where to play

Resources

Other games to love