The Best Side-scrolling Games - Page 3

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #28.
21

Actraiser Renaissance (2021)

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76
Review score
Logo of Actraiser Renaissance Screenshot of Actraiser Renaissance Screenshot of Actraiser Renaissance Screenshot of Actraiser Renaissance

Android PC Windows IOS iPhone

ActRaiser Renaissance is a video game where you play as God rebuilding human civilization destroyed by evil. With two main parts, simulation and sidescrolling action, guiding and defending your village against monsters is incredibly fun. The challenge ramps up gradually with time, making it addicting. The combat system is competent, with various enemy types, hidden power-ups, and expanded controls. The game is meticulously crafted, genuinely improves on the original game, and maintains the spirit of what made it special. ActRaiser Renaissance is a dark horse to become game of the year and is suitable for players who love simulation and sidescrolling games.


What we like:
  • Fun tower-defense style missions
  • Meticulously crafted simulation and sidescrolling parts
  • Addictive gameplay
  • Great combat system
  • Gradual difficulty ramp-up
What could be improved:
  • The game can be overly easy on normal mode
  • Hard mode is brutally difficult
  • Magic can be overused during boss fights

  • platform
  • city-building
  • remake
  • simulation
  • side-scrolling
  • action
  • boss
  • tower-defense
  • strategy
  • hack-and-slash
  • 2d
  • classic
  • real-time
  • tower
  • rpg

22

Contra Anniversary Collection (2019)

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76
Review score
Logo of Contra Anniversary Collection Screenshot of Contra Anniversary Collection Screenshot of Contra Anniversary Collection Screenshot of Contra Anniversary Collection

PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch

The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.


  • classic
  • boss
  • side-scrolling
  • shooter
  • run
  • cooperative
  • arcade
  • run-and-gun
  • action
  • platform
  • gun
  • old-school
  • retro
  • hardcore
  • boss-fight

23

Shing! (2020)

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74
Review score
Logo of Shing! Screenshot of Shing! Screenshot of Shing! Screenshot of Shing!

PC Windows Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Linux Mac OS

Experience the most exciting and immersive beat-em-up combat system ever – become a kickass ninja and slice some demons in style!


  • beat-em-up
  • demons
  • cooperative
  • ninja
  • fight
  • rogue-like
  • swordplay
  • hack-and-slash
  • 2.5d
  • spectacle
  • scroller
  • character
  • side-scrolling
  • colourful
  • arcade

24

Trek to Yomi (2022)

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72
Review score
Logo of Trek to Yomi Screenshot of Trek to Yomi Screenshot of Trek to Yomi Screenshot of Trek to Yomi

PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 4 Xbox Series X/s Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch

Trek to Yomi is a stunningly beautiful black and white game with smooth combat, multiple story paths and endings, and an engaging storyline. You'll be immersed in the mysterious world of Yomi as you battle through a variety of settings, learning more about the characters and their motivations along your journey.


What we like:
  • Smooth combat system
  • Breathtaking art style
  • Three story paths with multiple endings
  • Engaging storyline
What could be improved:
  • Short playthrough time on normal difficulty
  • Limited attack options in combat

  • side-scrolling
  • combat
  • fight
  • combo
  • boss
  • narrative
  • mythology
  • exploration
  • swordplay
  • classic
  • puzzle
  • kurosawa
  • action-adventure
  • supernatural
  • action

25

Clockwork Aquario (2021)

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71
Review score
Logo of Clockwork Aquario Screenshot of Clockwork Aquario

Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One Xbox Series X

The long thought lost arcade treasure by the legendary Westone team is finally being brought to light after 30 years. In cooperation with Strictly Limited games, the unfinished ROM has been dug up and finished with the input of the original developers. Jump and run through a colorful fantasy world, pick up and throw your enemies, hit multiple at the same time to get a multiplier and rack up your high score.

Buy

  • platform
  • arcade
  • side-scrolling
  • boss
  • retro
  • cooperative
  • classic
  • sprite
  • boss-fight
  • old-school
  • pixel
  • action

26

LASERPITIUM (2023)

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70
Review score
Logo of LASERPITIUM Screenshot of LASERPITIUM Screenshot of LASERPITIUM Screenshot of LASERPITIUM

Nintendo Switch PC Windows

Free the galaxy by destroying the EVA program and its artificial planet HELOS. In this 2D shoot'em up, take control of one of the three ships of your choice and go to the different planets to eliminate each threat. 1 or 2 Player coop.


  • hand-drawn
  • multi-directional
  • 2d
  • side-scrolling
  • boss
  • shoot-em-up
  • military
  • cooperative
  • action
  • sci-fi
  • scroller
  • shooter
  • arcade
  • management
  • horizontally-scrolling

27

Gynoug (2021)

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70
Review score
Logo of Gynoug Screenshot of Gynoug

Xbox One Nintendo Switch

In an era between the Middle Ages and the early modern period, the demons have grown in power by feeding on the evil ambitions of the people. Led by a being known as The Destroyer they plan their attack.

The angel Wor stands up for the survival of the entire tribe, and heads to Iccus to prevent the spread of the evil spirit.

Take control of Wor and shoot down every grotesque enemy in your path. Defeat the demon boss at the end of each area to advance onward.

Features:
* Improved modes available with accessibility features and modern controls
* Glorious and grotesque art and sound
* Epic mid-stage and end-stage bosses
* Multiple power-ups to increase your shot
* Legacy title from the 1990s!

Buy

  • boss
  • side-scrolling
  • demons
  • shooter
  • retro
  • classic

28

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra (2024)

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65
Review score
Logo of G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra Screenshot of G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra Screenshot of G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra Screenshot of G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra

PC Windows Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch j Playstation 4 Xbox One

Yo Joe! Cobra returns once again with its most fiendish plot yet and it's up to G.I. Joe to defeat them once more! Pick one of the real American heroes, gear up, and get straight into the fight in this retro side-scrolling beat 'em up - and make Cobra RETREAT yet again!


  • side-scrolling
  • beat-em-up
  • retro
  • boss-fight
  • 1980s
  • arts
  • martial
  • arcade
  • cooperative
  • boss
  • ninja
  • scroller
  • combo
  • colourful
  • pixel

29

Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues (2020)

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65
Review score
Logo of Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues Screenshot of Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues Screenshot of Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues Screenshot of Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues

PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch

The game was announced on August 25, 2020.[1] A trailer for the game was released the same day.[2]


  • beat-em-up
  • arts
  • fight
  • martial
  • side-scrolling
  • 2.5d
  • character
  • top-tier
  • narration
  • arcade
  • brawler
  • combo
  • boss
  • multiple-endings
  • customization

30

The Karate Kid: Street Rumble (2024)

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57
Review score
Logo of The Karate Kid: Street Rumble Screenshot of The Karate Kid: Street Rumble Screenshot of The Karate Kid: Street Rumble Screenshot of The Karate Kid: Street Rumble

j PC Windows Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Playstation 5 Xbox One

Dominate the dojo in The Karate Kid: Street Rumble, a pixel art beat ‘em up adventure. Grab your friends for local co-op multiplayer and dive into the classic The Karate Kid journey with retro-style gameplay, dynamic combat, and epic boss battles.


  • side-scrolling
  • martial
  • retro
  • 2d
  • beat-em-up
  • cooperative
  • brawler
  • chiptune
  • arts
  • scroller
  • 1980s
  • fight
  • arcade
  • local
  • action

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