Way of the Turtle

Developer / Publisher: Illusion Labs

Sep 19, 2019

Visual

2.5D
side scroll

Structure

ability gated
exploration
interconnected map
Has Hub
Semi-Linear

Features

multiple characters
relaxed

Sub-Genre

RPG
MV Lite / Adjacent

Summary

In this charming adventure platformer, join two turtles on their journey to reunite stranded on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere. An island not so innocent as it might look at first glance. Cursed by evil magic, corrupting elements of the earth transforming them into vicious monsters and difficult obstacles.
However, not everything on the island is working against you. Become friends with the native gophers that inhabit the island, who will try and help you in your quest to get back home again.

Last updated August 02, 2026

Where to play

- Mac
Mobile
- iOS

Resources

Links

IGDB

Ariana and the Elder Codex

Developer: Hyde

Publisher: Compile Heart, Idea Factory, Idea Factory International, Inc.

2025

79%

Mostly Positive

138 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- RPG
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- Demo Available
- action
- fantasy
In Other Waters

Developer: Jump Over the Age

Publisher: Fellow Traveller

2020

87%

Very Positive

2,577 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- Has Hub
- relaxed
- Semi-Linear
- MV Lite / Adjacent
- Differences
- story gated
- no combat
- top down
Magical Delicacy

Developer: Skaule

Publisher: Whitethorn Games

2024

79%

Mostly Positive

287 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- relaxed
- MV Lite / Adjacent
- Differences
- Demo Available
- pixel
- no combat
- accessibility
Kirby & the Amazing Mirror

Developer: Dimps, Flagship, HAL Laboratory

Publisher: Nintendo

2004

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- multiple characters
- Semi-Linear
- MV Lite / Adjacent
- Differences
- pixel
- boss gated
- Co-op
- companion combat
Cally's Caves 3

Developer / Publisher: VDO Games

2015

81%

Very Positive

556 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- side scroll
- Has Hub
- multiple characters
- RPG
- Semi-Linear
- MV Lite / Adjacent
- Differences
- Demo Available
- pixel
- boss gated
- Ranged Combat
- equipment
- leveling
- multiple endings
- New Game+
- discrete levels
Sunken Sky

Developer / Publisher: Codenightly

Apr 9, 2026

93%

Positive

14 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- multiple characters
- relaxed
- RPG
- Differences
- Demo Available
- non linear
- hand drawn
- action
- difficulty options
- fantasy
Thorn Demon Hunter

Developer / Publisher: LIN YUANHUI

2022

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- RPG
- Semi-Linear
- MV Lite / Adjacent
- Differences
- pixel
- action
- fantasy
- gothic
- puzzle heavy
Growmi

Developer: carlospedroso

2023

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- Has Hub
- relaxed
- Semi-Linear
- MV Lite / Adjacent
- Differences
- pixel
- no combat
- Micro / Mini
- puzzle heavy
- isometric
Intertwined

Developer / Publisher: VoidNode

May 1, 2026

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- multiple characters
- RPG
- Semi-Linear
- Differences
- Demo Available
- action
- multiple endings
Frontier Hunter: Erza's Wheel of Fortune

Developer / Publisher: IceSitruuna

2024

83%

Very Positive

2,134 reviews

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

Developer: lightUP

Publisher: lightUP, Ratalaika Games

2023

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- relaxed
- RPG
- Semi-Linear
- MV Lite / Adjacent
- Differences
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- difficulty options
- equipment
- fantasy
- leveling
- medieval
- yokai
- Micro / Mini
Double Focus

Developer / Publisher: AQUA STYLE

2014

74%

Mostly Positive

91 reviews

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

Way of the Turtle

Summary

Where to play

Resources

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