The Best Side-scrolling Games for PC Windows

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #7.
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

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

3

The Legend of Tianding (2021)

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89
Review score
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IOS iPhone PC Windows

The Legend of Tian Ding takes you on a journey into the depths of Taiwanese history and culture, through fast-paced combat and platforming. This game puts its own spin on the legend of Liao Tian Ding, a Taiwanese Robin Hood-like character, while remaining true to his character. With its mix of kung fu combat and platforming, this game is sure to satisfy any itch for an action-packed adventure set in Taiwan's past.

Buy

What we like:
  • Fast-paced combat and platforming
  • Rich story based on real events
  • Charming manhua aesthetic
  • Atmospheric soundtrack
  • Freedom to chain abilities in combat & movement
  • Variety of secrets hidden throughout levels
What could be improved:
  • Cutscenes can be too long & unskippable at times
  • Uneven progression with upgrades only available later in the game
  • Difficulty spikes during some boss battles

  • historical
  • platform
  • spectacle
  • fight
  • side-scrolling
  • comic
  • boss
  • martial
  • boss-fight
  • beat-em-up
  • combat
  • scroller
  • action
  • hack-and-slash
  • book

4

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

5

Trek to Yomi (2022)

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72
Review score
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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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

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

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