Games that copied the original have always been part of the gaming industry, whether developers admit it or not. Some titles borrow mechanics, visuals, or even entire gameplay loops so heavily that players instantly notice the similarities. While a few manage to improve the formula, others end up feeling like near-identical replicas of the games that inspired them.
From battle royales to survival adventures and sandbox worlds, these releases pushed the line between inspiration and imitation. In some cases, the copy became successful enough to build its own fanbase despite the obvious comparisons. Here are 12 games that looked a little too familiar from the very beginning.
1. Games That Copied the Original Like Saints Row Did to GTA
When Saints Row launched in 2006, the comparisons to Grand Theft Auto were immediate. Open world crime, gang wars, stolen vehicles, and city chaos made it feel extremely familiar, although the franchise later leaned harder into absurd humor and over the top action.
2. Temtem Looked Like Pokémon With Online Features
Creature collecting, elemental battles, and colorful monster designs made Temtem feel heavily inspired by Pokémon from the start. Released in 2020, it added MMO style multiplayer systems, but the similarities were impossible for players to ignore.
3. Palworld Turned Pokémon Into Survival Shooter Chaos
Few modern titles generated as much controversy as Palworld because several creature designs looked strikingly close to Pokémon. Many Games That Copied the Original rely on adding a new mechanic to disguise the influence, and in this case it was guns, crafting, and survival gameplay.
4. Genshin Impact Borrowed a Lot From Breath of the Wild
Genshin_Impact/via Reddit.com
From climbing systems to stamina management and environmental exploration, Genshin Impact instantly reminded players of Nintendo’s Zelda formula. Even its art direction created constant comparisons after the game’s first reveal.
5. Bayonetta Felt Like Devil May Cry in Different Clothes
Fast combo systems, giant bosses, stylish combat, and cinematic action sequences made Bayonetta feel very close to Devil May Cry. The comparison became even more obvious considering Hideki Kamiya worked on both franchises.
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6. Freedom Planet Was Basically Sonic With Extra Speed
Everything about Freedom Planet screamed classic Sonic inspiration, from the fast side scrolling movement to loop heavy levels and colorful enemies. Games That Copied the Original often become cult favorites because they recreate gameplay styles abandoned by larger studios.
7. Immortals Fenyx Rising Followed Zelda’s Blueprint Closely
Ubisoft’s open world adventure borrowed heavily from Breath of the Wild with gliding mechanics, puzzle shrines, stamina systems, and cartoon inspired visuals. The Greek mythology setting helped it stand apart slightly, but the influence remained obvious.
8. Yooka-Laylee Recreated Banjo-Kazooie Almost Perfectly
Created by former Rare developers, Yooka-Laylee intentionally revived the exact style of 90s mascot platformers. The characters, collectibles, humor, and world structure felt almost identical to Banjo-Kazooie.
9. Sleeping Dogs Started as a GTA Alternative
Driving through a giant city while completing criminal missions immediately reminded players of GTA, but Sleeping Dogs slowly built its own identity through martial arts combat and Hong Kong inspired storytelling. Many Games That Copied the Original survive because they eventually find unique strengths.
10. Crash Team Racing Followed Mario Kart’s Formula Closely
Colorful tracks, drifting mechanics, item boxes, and chaotic multiplayer battles made Crash Team Racing feel extremely familiar to Nintendo fans. Even so, its tighter controls and faster pace eventually gave the series its own reputation.
Games that copied the original have always existed in the gaming industry, especially when a successful formula suddenly becomes impossible for other studios to ignore. Some of these titles stayed remembered only as obvious clones, while others slowly evolved into respected franchises with their own identity and fanbase. Looking back at them now, it’s interesting to see how many developers borrowed ideas, mechanics, and visual styles from games that were already dominating the market. In the end, games that copied the original are also part of gaming history because they show how influential certain titles became across entire generations of developers.
