The Best Side-scrolling Games - Page 2

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #7.
11

Fight'N Rage (2017)

View Similar Games
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

12

LASERPITIUM (2023)

View Similar Games
70
Review score
Logo of LASERPITIUM Screenshot of LASERPITIUM Screenshot of LASERPITIUM Screenshot of LASERPITIUM

Nintendo Switch PC Windows

Free the galaxy by destroying the EVA program and its artificial planet HELOS. In this 2D shoot'em up, take control of one of the three ships of your choice and go to the different planets to eliminate each threat. 1 or 2 Player coop.


  • hand-drawn
  • multi-directional
  • 2d
  • side-scrolling
  • boss
  • shoot-em-up
  • military
  • cooperative
  • action
  • sci-fi
  • scroller
  • shooter
  • arcade
  • management
  • horizontally-scrolling

13

Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath (2022)

View Similar Games
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

14

Actraiser Renaissance (2021)

View Similar Games
76
Review score
Logo of Actraiser Renaissance Screenshot of Actraiser Renaissance Screenshot of Actraiser Renaissance Screenshot of Actraiser Renaissance

Android PC Windows IOS iPhone

ActRaiser Renaissance is a video game where you play as God rebuilding human civilization destroyed by evil. With two main parts, simulation and sidescrolling action, guiding and defending your village against monsters is incredibly fun. The challenge ramps up gradually with time, making it addicting. The combat system is competent, with various enemy types, hidden power-ups, and expanded controls. The game is meticulously crafted, genuinely improves on the original game, and maintains the spirit of what made it special. ActRaiser Renaissance is a dark horse to become game of the year and is suitable for players who love simulation and sidescrolling games.


What we like:
  • Fun tower-defense style missions
  • Meticulously crafted simulation and sidescrolling parts
  • Addictive gameplay
  • Great combat system
  • Gradual difficulty ramp-up
What could be improved:
  • The game can be overly easy on normal mode
  • Hard mode is brutally difficult
  • Magic can be overused during boss fights

  • platform
  • city-building
  • remake
  • simulation
  • side-scrolling
  • action
  • boss
  • tower-defense
  • strategy
  • hack-and-slash
  • 2d
  • classic
  • real-time
  • tower
  • rpg

15

Jets'n'Guns 2 (2020)

View Similar Games
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

16

9 Monkeys of Shaolin (2020)

View Similar Games
78
Review score
Logo of 9 Monkeys of Shaolin Screenshot of 9 Monkeys of Shaolin Screenshot of 9 Monkeys of Shaolin Screenshot of 9 Monkeys of Shaolin

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

17

Clockwork Aquario (2021)

View Similar Games
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.

Buy

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

18

The Karate Kid: Street Rumble (2024)

View Similar Games
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

19

Gynoug (2021)

View Similar Games
70
Review score
Logo of Gynoug Screenshot of Gynoug

Nintendo Switch Xbox One

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!

Buy

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

20

Robin (2018)

View Similar Games
86
Review score
Logo of Robin Screenshot of Robin Screenshot of Robin Screenshot of Robin

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

Not seeing your game?