9 Monkeys of Shaolin similar games & best alternatives

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Strong emphasis on local 2-player co-op play; many reviews highlight fun experiences playing with friends or family.
• Both lean into fantasy Set in a whimsical fantasy world with exaggerated characters, goofy story, and imaginative weapons.
• Both build little anticipation Players engage voluntarily for fun and nostalgia; no indications of obligation or external pressure.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Strong emphasis on co-op multiplayer (online and local), sharing loot, and teamwork to overcome challenges.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong progression system with unlocks, upgrades, camp improvements, and character growth across runs.
• Both lean into fantasy Strong fantasy setting with imaginative monsters, magic, and heroic combat in a fairytale-like world.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Supports up to 4-player local and online co-op with teamwork elements and character revival mechanics.
• Both are violent Enjoyment of combat and dismemberment is a core feature, with blood and gore effects.
• Both reward mastery Combat requires skillful timing of parries, dodges, and directional attacks; mastering controls and enemy patterns is challenging.

Why it matches

• Both are driven by steady progression Clear progression through crafting, upgrading tools, unlocking blueprints, and advancing through dungeons.
• Both build little anticipation Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or pressure.
• Both pull you into another world Players use the game as a relaxing, immersive escape with beautiful visuals and calming music.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Core feature is online co-op multiplayer for up to 4 players with synergy mechanics and revive systems encouraging teamwork.
• Both are violent Combat-focused game with emphasis on fighting enemies and bosses; destruction and combat are core elements.
• Both are about getting better Players experience learning and skill development through mastering combat, builds, and progression systems.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Local and online co-op supported; shared loot and XP; co-op praised as a highlight of the experience.
• Both are violent Combat focused on destroying monsters with various weapons and powers; typical hack and slash violence.
• Both reward mastery Combat requires skillful timing, dodging, and build optimization; challenges and hexes increase difficulty and reward skilled play.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Designed primarily for 3-player co-op with scaling difficulty and teamwork essential for many boss fights and encounters.
• Both are violent Combat focused on shooting and defeating enemies and bosses; violence is a core gameplay element.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on acquiring and upgrading weapons, armor, traits, and mods; progression is core to gameplay.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Core gameplay involves combat, monster slaying, and destruction typical of hack and slash ARPGs.
• Both lean into fantasy Strong fantasy and steampunk setting with supernatural elements, monsters, and imaginative lore.
• Both are about getting better Character progression, skill trees, and crafting systems provide learning and development opportunities.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Supports local and online 2-player co-op with synergy and teamwork emphasized.
• Both are violent Combat focused on fighting and defeating enemies with impactful attacks and combos.
• Both lean into fantasy Strong fantasy setting with imaginative characters, lore, and mythical elements.