The Best Side-scrolling Games

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #24.
1

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

2

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

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92
Review score
Logo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Android Nintendo Switch

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is an action-packed adventure game from Dotemu, a company well-known for reviving classic titles with modern touches. Featuring gorgeous graphics, voice acting from the original cartoon actors, and a powerful soundtrack featuring Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, this game is sure to bring back the joy of the original games while still feeling fresh. With side missions and hidden characters to discover, you'll be sure to keep coming back for more.


What we like:
  • Gorgeous graphics and animation
  • Original voice cast
  • Variety of moves
  • Variety of power-ups
  • Deep cuts of characters from the original series
  • Powerful soundtrack by Wu-Tang Clan
What could be improved:
  • Can be difficult to master controls at times

  • fight
  • arcade
  • brawler
  • ninja
  • cooperative
  • side-scrolling
  • four-player
  • boss
  • action
  • combat
  • classic
  • remake
  • beat-em-up
  • local
  • online

3

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.


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

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

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

6

Valfaris: Mecha Therion (2023)

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89
Review score
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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

7

The Legend of Tianding (2021)

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89
Review score
Logo of The Legend of Tianding Screenshot of The Legend of Tianding Screenshot of The Legend of Tianding Screenshot of The Legend of Tianding

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.


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

8

Armed with Wings: Rearmed (2017)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows

You are the sword; cut down your foes with steel and thunder. You are the wings; explore the skies and uncover unreachable mysteries. Embark on a journey through a vicious world ruled by darkness and imperial tyranny - the lands of Blackmist.


  • 2d
  • swordplay
  • hack-and-slash
  • puzzle
  • side-scrolling
  • beat-em-up
  • stylized
  • exploration-driven
  • scroller
  • platform
  • ninja
  • action
  • assassin
  • non-interactive
  • combo

9

Robin (2018)

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86
Review score
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Xbox 360 Xbox One PC Windows

Robin is a short slice of life game that was made to give some visibility to an invisible illness - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.


  • side-scrolling
  • platform
  • fight
  • film
  • electronica
  • animation
  • simulation
  • casual
  • action
  • amusement
  • 1980s
  • supernatural
  • surreal

10

Azure Striker Gunvolt: The Anime (2015)

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86
Review score
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Nintendo 3DS Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 PC Windows

A 2D action game featuring a young man with the power of lightning who stands for freedom against the evil ambitions of a massive organization. When lightning strikes, a new legend is born.

Buy

  • 2d
  • platform
  • side-scrolling
  • anime
  • hardcore-platform
  • action
  • man
  • scroller
  • manipulation
  • pixel
  • spin-off
  • boss
  • battle
  • flight

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