The Best Side-scrolling Games for Linux

Update : Reef Escape added at rank #7.
1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Ultima... (2022)

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90
Review score
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Android Linux PC Windows Xbox One

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reunites Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they kick shell in a beautifully realized beat ’em up.

Buy

  • arcade
  • cooperative
  • ninja
  • classic
  • pixel
  • beat-em-up
  • boss
  • side-scrolling
  • retro
  • brawler
  • combo
  • old-school
  • campaign
  • multiplayer
  • online

2

Streets of Rage 4 (2020)

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90
Review score
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Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One IOS iPhone

Streets of Rage 4 is the long awaited fourth entry into the classic Sega franchise. It features a blend of old and new, with classic characters such as Axel and Adam Hunter returning alongside a new main character, Cherry. All characters have unique playstyles, from Axel's powerful punches to Cherry's speedy strikes. There are tons of unlockables to discover and it has an amazing soundtrack.


What we like:
  • Satisfying combat
  • Incredible music and visuals
  • Tons to unlock
  • Simple yet rewarding combat mechanics
What could be improved:
  • Lack of 4 player online
  • Occasionally too easy to get cornered

  • brawler
  • boss
  • cooperative
  • beat-em-up
  • combo
  • retro
  • classic
  • side-scrolling
  • fight
  • old-school
  • arcade
  • online
  • hand-drawn
  • crime
  • combat

3

Broforce (2015)

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95
Review score
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PC Windows Playstation 4 Linux Mac OS

Broforce is an action-packed game that challenges you to battle terrorism with up to four players in cooperative mode or face each other in bombastic competitive modes. Unleash unique weapons and explosives in destructible terrain and a robust level editor to design your own playground of destruction. Play Broforce now and deliver your own brand of shock and awe.


What we like:
  • Fun and entertaining gameplay
  • Hilarious visuals and art style
  • Varied gameplay with different characters to play as
  • Co-op mode is very enjoyable
  • Good soundtrack and sound effects
What could be improved:
  • Generic story
  • Occasional bugs and glitches

  • cooperative
  • side-scrolling
  • platform
  • shooter
  • action
  • america
  • pixel
  • aliens
  • boss
  • run-and-gun
  • tongue-in-cheek
  • gore
  • parody
  • boss-fight
  • multiplayer

4

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

5

Shing! (2020)

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74
Review score
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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

6

Commander Keen: Keen Dreams (2023)

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ND
Review score
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wii u Nintendo Switch Mac OS dos PC Windows Linux

Commander Keen is back. In the modernised Definitive Edition of the lost episode "Keen Dream". The game structure has been reworked to make the game a more modern experience without sacrificing any of the original charm!

Buy

  • nostalgia
  • retro
  • side-scrolling
  • platform
  • cartoony
  • 2d
  • casual
  • scroller
  • adventure
  • compilation
  • non-linear
  • subscription
  • tile

7

Reef Escape (2023)

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ND
Review score
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Linux PC Windows Android

Travel the underwater dangers of the reef in a breathable air bubble. Test your reflexes as you avoid obstacles and carefully explore each stage to grab items essential for clearing each level.

Buy

  • scroller
  • 2d
  • underwater
  • side-scrolling
  • casual
  • platform
  • adventure
  • hand-drawn
  • controller-support
  • colourful
  • family-friendly

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