The Messenger

Developer: Sabotage

Publisher: Devolver Digital

Aug 30, 2018

Visual

8-Bit
pixel
side scroll

Structure

exploration
interconnected map
item gated
discrete levels
Semi-Linear

Combat

action

Features

New Game+

Themes

time bending

Summary

As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.

Last updated August 17, 2026

1 DLC

2019

The Messenger: Picnic Panic

2019
- Windows
- Xbox One
- PlayStation 4
- Nintendo Switch
Steam

Where to play

- Windows
- Steam Deck
- Steam
- GOG
Nintendo
- Switch
PlayStation
- PS5
- PS4
Xbox
- Series X|S
- One

Resources

Links

IGDB

Janosik 2: Prologue

Developer: Onix Games

Publisher: Retrovibe

2024

100%

Positive

48 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth

Developer: Team Ladybug

Publisher: PLAYISM, WSS playground

2021

93%

Very Positive

7,399 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- New Game+
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- ability gated
- boss rush
- equipment
- fantasy
- leveling
- RPG
Powerglove

Developer: Lazycow

Publisher: RGCD.DEV

2014

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- Game Jam Entry
- post apocalyptic
- Sci-Fi
- Micro / Mini
Slime's Journey

Developer: lightUP

Publisher: lightUP, Ratalaika Games

2021

100%

Positive

32 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- difficulty options
- fantasy
- Micro / Mini
Mini Ghost

Developer / Publisher: @unepic_fran

2017

95%

Very Positive

421 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- boss gated
- Micro / Mini
Steel Legion

Developer: Aeon & Star Interactive

Publisher: Broke Studio

2024

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Differences
- non linear
- equipment
- post apocalyptic
Soul Keeper

Developer / Publisher: Yoto Games

2023

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
Prehistoric Dude

Developer: lightUP

Publisher: lightUP, Ratalaika Games

2020

86%

Positive

21 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- ability gated
- Micro / Mini
- Metroidvania Lite
The Legend of Tobimaru

Developer / Publisher: Mushin Games

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- fantasy
Odallus: The Dark Call

Developer: JoyMasher

Publisher: Digerati Distribution, JoyMasher

2015

88%

Very Positive

1,360 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- difficulty options
- equipment
- fantasy
- multiple endings
Metroid Prime Hunters

Developer / Publisher: Nintendo

2006

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- action
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- ability gated
- Ranged Combat
- Sci-Fi
- 3D
- first person
Wario Land 3

Developer: Nintendo

Publisher: Gradiente, Nintendo

2000

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- time bending
- discrete levels
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- Has Romhack
- ability gated
- boss gated
- no combat
- fantasy
- puzzle heavy
- Metroidvania Lite

The Messenger

Summary

The Messenger: Picnic Panic

Where to play

Resources

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