7 Games Like Zelda – Playing Link Without Link

4. Binding of Isaac

The Binding of Isaac is the product of the mind of Edmund McMillen, who created the frustratingly difficult Super Meat Boy. Unlike other games on this list, which are mainly alike the later titles in the Legend of Zelda series, The Binding of Isaac is an homage to the original Legend of Zelda. Specifically—it has the same kinds of dungeons. 

The Binding of Isaac combines the dungeons of the earliest Zelda with the randomly generated challenges of roguelikes and dungeon crawls. It's a cruel, difficult game with no save files that challenges Isaac to escape the dungeon and defeat his mother, who cast him into the basement after hearing the voice of God. 

Rife with religious references and Tim Burton-esque in its gothic aesthetic, The Binding of Isaac offers an experience like no other.