Sometimes imitation can be more than flattery.
If a video game is critically acclaimed and a huge success, a series is almost guaranteed. If the first movie is a big hit, sequels, prequels, and spin-offs could follow.
But a beloved title can also spawn something else: copycats. Once a platformer, sim, or beat-em-up becomes a pioneering icon, it doesn't take long for a slew of doppelgangers to ride its tailwind and come out of the woodwork.
However, spiritual successors should not be classified as unoriginal simply because they draw inspiration from another source. In fact, some “rip-offs” manage to go beyond the former.
What's interesting is that spiritual successors are sometimes released at the same time as sequels to their counterparts. Everyone expected mainstream IP to prevail, but clones end up being swept away. In moments like this, it seems like the original series is going downhill while new brands breathe new life into the genre.
The 10 entries on this list may hold their inspiration close to their chest, but they managed to crush it spectacularly when launched alongside their competitors. There is no doubt about it.
10. Blazing Chrome (Contra)
Contra has had a few decent sequels over the past decade or so, but none have matched the classic series. In fact, Konami's bullet hell shooter has been surpassed by many spiritual successors, including Metal Slug and Vampire Survivor.
Next is Blazing Chrome. JoyMaster's side-scrolling platformer is so deft at emulating its inspirations that if played without any context, many players will think this is a forgotten run-and-gun from his SNES/Genesis era. You'll really believe it's cancer. The trailer also perfectly nails his cheesy '90s vibe with his T-shirt.
As you attack screen-filling bosses and listen to catchy chiptunes, it's easy to forget that this isn't an official Contra sequel. Critics were outraged by the brutal difficulty curve and outdated controls, but these elements further emphasize how well this great clone captures the spirit of Contra.
Blazing Chrome couldn't have come at a better time, as it was released in the same year as the abominable Contra: Rogue Corps. This twin-stick shooter screams “bland” in every aspect, including the graphics, bosses, and boring mission structure.
The recently released Contra: Operation Galuga was a huge improvement, but it still fell short when compared to Blazing Chrome.
