The Best Side-scrolling Games for Xbox One

Update : The Karate Kid: Street Rumble added at rank #11.
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
Logo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Ultima... Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Ultima... Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Ultima... Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Ultima...

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.


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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

Fight'N Rage (2017)

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90
Review score
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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

7

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

8

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

9

Clockwork Aquario (2021)

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71
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 4

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

10

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!


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

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