The Best Side-scrolling Games - Page 2

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #28.
11

Azure Striker Gunvolt: The Anime (2015)

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86
Review score
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Nintendo 3DS Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 PC Windows

A 2D action game featuring a young man with the power of lightning who stands for freedom against the evil ambitions of a massive organization. When lightning strikes, a new legend is born.

Buy

  • 2d
  • platform
  • side-scrolling
  • anime
  • hardcore-platform
  • action
  • man
  • scroller
  • manipulation
  • pixel
  • spin-off
  • boss
  • battle
  • flight

12

Soda Crisis (2022)

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84
Review score
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PC Windows

Soda Crisis is a fast-paced platform shooter game with stunning visuals and excellent ratings on Steam. You play as a mysterious character outfitted with high-tech gadgets and combat skills, using them to get rid of enemies. The game combines hellish gunplay with action-packed platforming, creating an enjoyable and unique experience.

Buy

What we like:
  • Fast-paced gameplay
  • Enjoyable combat
  • Unique art style
  • Powerful electronic soundtrack
  • Variety of tools to overcome difficulties
  • Mini-games for added fun.
What could be improved:
  • Difficulty can be overwhelming for some players
  • Story is somewhat lacking in comparison to visuals and gameplay.

  • side-scrolling
  • scroller
  • platform
  • shoot-em-up
  • runner
  • shooter
  • gun
  • parkour
  • 3d
  • hard-hitting
  • training
  • colourful
  • combat
  • customization
  • action-adventure

13

Shadow Complex Remastered (2016)

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84
Review score
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Playstation 4 Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One

ChAIR’s fresh twist on classic side-scrolling design with modern gameplay is amplified in Shadow Complex Remastered. 10+ hrs of exploration and fast-paced combat from award-winning original game, updated with graphical enhancements, dynamic melee take-downs, and new Master Challenges.


  • platform-adventure
  • side-scrolling
  • metroidvania
  • platform
  • exploration
  • military
  • classic
  • political
  • war
  • boss-fight
  • narrative
  • action
  • shooter
  • non-linear
  • fast-paced

14

Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath (2022)

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82
Review score
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Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows Playstation 5

ZERO 2 is an ARPG with intriguing storytelling, an unpredictable battle system, and endless heartfelt adventure. The story includes multiple subtle metaphors for the relationship between God and humans.


  • story
  • metroidvania
  • side-scrolling
  • arpg
  • scroller
  • rpg
  • drama
  • hack-and-slash
  • exploration
  • action
  • post-apocalyptic
  • anime
  • 2d
  • 3d
  • innovative

15

ICEY (2016)

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82
Review score
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PC Windows Android IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Mac OS

ICEY is a 2D side-scrolling action game and a META game in disguise. As you follow the narrator's omnipresent voice, you will see through ICEY's eyes and learn the truth about her world. The narrator will constantly urge you in one direction, but you must ask, "Why? Why am I following his directions?“ Obey? Rebel?


  • side-scrolling
  • hack-and-slash
  • 2d
  • narration
  • brawler
  • action
  • anime
  • villain
  • combo
  • meta-narrative
  • combat
  • scroller
  • narrative
  • electronica
  • boss

16

Dawn of the Monsters (2022)

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80
Review score
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stadia Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 4

Dawn of the Monsters is an action-packed kaiju game that puts you in control of powerful fighters to battle a horde of giant monsters known as Nephilim. Customize your fighter with Augments and unlock devastating Rage Attacks and Cataclysm attacks. Face off against challenging bosses, appreciate beautiful visuals and captivating music, and embark on a riveting story with interesting characters.


What we like:
  • Complex combat system
  • Unique characters with different playstyles
  • Rich story with interesting characters
  • Beautiful visuals and captivating music
What could be improved:
  • Stages start to feel similar after a while
  • Lack of clarity in the ranking system
  • Training room could use more options

  • cooperative
  • 2-player
  • beat-em-up
  • side-scrolling
  • two-player
  • action
  • scroller
  • fight
  • beat'em
  • brawler
  • boss
  • action-adventure
  • combo
  • local
  • 2d

17

The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors (2019)

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79
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 4

Alluring audio! Pixel art perfection! Beat-em up beauty! Discover how hard a 32,000kg ninja hits with The Ninja Saviours!


  • ninja
  • brawler
  • arcade
  • side-scrolling
  • cooperative
  • remake
  • two-player
  • robots
  • boss
  • classic
  • dystopian
  • retro
  • action
  • online
  • local

18

Hollowed (2017)

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79
Review score
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PC Windows

Hollowed tells the story of a woman who will do anything to bring her perished loved one back to the world of the living. Control Halia and her spirit Oco simultaneously on a single controller in this side-scrolling puzzle platformer.

Buy

  • side-scrolling
  • platform
  • scroller
  • stylized
  • adventure
  • puzzle
  • controller-support
  • action
  • 3d

19

9 Monkeys of Shaolin (2020)

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78
Review score
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Xbox One Nintendo Switch Linux PC Windows

9 Monkeys of Shaolin is a beat-em-up game with deep combat mechanics and varied level designs. The story follows Daokong, a man who joins a Shaolin order to seek revenge on the Japanese pirates that attacked his village. With generous parries, special attacks, seal moves and skill points to customize your abilities, you will feel like an unstoppable warrior!


What we like:
  • Deep combat mechanics
  • Varied level design
  • Generous parries and special attacks
  • Plenty of voice acting options
What could be improved:
  • Relatively short runtime
  • By-the-numbers plot

  • cooperative
  • beat-em-up
  • martial
  • fight
  • pirates
  • side-scrolling
  • local
  • brawler
  • online
  • ninja
  • arts
  • combat
  • old-school
  • hack-and-slash
  • action

20

Natsuki Chronicles (2019)

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78
Review score
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Playstation 4 PC Windows Xbox One

New dramatic horizontal shoot ’em up that takes place in the same setting as Ginga Force. An immersive story that follows protagonist Natsuki. Discover the story of her past as a rookie pilot up to present day with events that are parallel to those in Ginga Force.

Buy

  • shooter
  • shoot
  • horizontal
  • arcade
  • side-scrolling
  • shoot-em-up
  • boss
  • story
  • vertical
  • shoot-ups
  • steadily-paced
  • bullet-hell-type
  • hard-as-heck
  • smoke
  • action

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