The Best Side-scrolling Games for Playstation 4

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #4.
1

Valfaris: Mecha Therion (2023)

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89
Review score
Logo of Valfaris: Mecha Therion Screenshot of Valfaris: Mecha Therion Screenshot of Valfaris: Mecha Therion Screenshot of Valfaris: Mecha Therion

PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch

Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell!


  • side-scrolling
  • shoot-em-up
  • shooter
  • sequel
  • gore
  • scroller
  • sci-fi
  • bullet-hell
  • aliens
  • gothic
  • shoot
  • on-rails
  • 2.5d
  • colourful
  • arcade

2

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

3

The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors (2019)

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79
Review score
Logo of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Screenshot of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Screenshot of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Screenshot of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors

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!

Buy

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

4

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

5

Dawn of the Monsters (2022)

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80
Review score
Logo of Dawn of the Monsters Screenshot of Dawn of the Monsters Screenshot of Dawn of the Monsters Screenshot of Dawn of the Monsters

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

6

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.

Buy

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

7

Fight'N Rage (2017)

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90
Review score
Logo of Fight'N Rage Screenshot of Fight'N Rage Screenshot of Fight'N Rage Screenshot of Fight'N Rage

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

Fight'N Rage is a classic beat 'em up game with satisfying punches, varied, intelligent enemies, an array of characters with unique playstyles, and reams of fun unlockables. Every hit feels satisfying and the game offers a variety of music styles to keep players entertained.


What we like:
  • Satisfying punches
  • Varied and intelligent enemies
  • Array of characters with unique playstyles
  • Reams of fun unlockables
  • Variety of music styles
What could be improved:
  • Spamming special moves can be too easy if not monitored carefully
  • SP gauge can be difficult to check during intense fights
  • Some tutorial elements are confusing

  • side-scrolling
  • cooperative
  • local
  • classic
  • beat-em-up
  • arcade
  • combo
  • old-school
  • retro
  • martial
  • multiple-endings
  • brawler
  • 2d
  • ninja
  • fight

8

Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath (2022)

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82
Review score
Logo of Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath Screenshot of Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath Screenshot of Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath Screenshot of Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath

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

9

Jets'n'Guns 2 (2020)

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95
Review score
Logo of Jets'n'Guns 2 Screenshot of Jets'n'Guns 2 Screenshot of Jets'n'Guns 2 Screenshot of Jets'n'Guns 2

Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.


  • shoot-em-up
  • shoot
  • side-scrolling
  • shooter
  • unique-playing
  • scrolling
  • vertical
  • action
  • stage
  • 2d
  • colourful
  • scroller
  • bullet-hell
  • retro
  • local

10

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.


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

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