The Best Side-scrolling Games for Xbox Series X

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #2.
1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

Clockwork Aquario (2021)

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71
Review score
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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

6

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

7

Funtasia (2023)

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ND
Review score
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Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One Android

Funtasia, a colorful paradise being polluted by airborne garbage. Only a handful of heroes and their goofy wheel machinations can help fend off the trash. Push pedal to metal, drive fast, and survive the Furry Road in this physics-based, side-scrolling racing game for single and co-op shenanigans!


  • 2d
  • racing
  • local
  • side-scrolling
  • cooperative
  • scroller
  • hand-drawn
  • pvp
  • cartoony
  • multiplayer
  • colourful
  • platform
  • physics
  • funny
  • fantasy

8

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

9

Timberman The Big Adventure (2023)

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ND
Review score
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Playstation 4 l Xbox Series X Android IOS iPhone Xbox One PC Windows

Enter the Timberman universe! Enjoy the retro vibe of a 2D platformer with a classic 16-bit pixel art aesthetic.


  • 2d
  • platform
  • cooperative
  • pixel
  • 2-player
  • side-scrolling
  • local
  • action-adventure
  • cartoony
  • family-friendly
  • adventure
  • linear
  • colourful
  • boss
  • arcade

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