The Best Side-scrolling Games - Page 2

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #22.
11

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

12

The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors (2019)

View Similar Games
79
Review score
Logo of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Screenshot of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Screenshot of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Screenshot of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors

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

13

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

14

Natsuki Chronicles (2019)

View Similar Games
78
Review score
Logo of Natsuki Chronicles Screenshot of Natsuki Chronicles Screenshot of Natsuki Chronicles Screenshot of Natsuki Chronicles

Playstation 4 PC Windows Xbox One

New dramatic horizontal shoot ’em up that takes place in the same setting as Ginga Force. An immersive story that follows protagonist Natsuki. Discover the story of her past as a rookie pilot up to present day with events that are parallel to those in Ginga Force.

Buy

  • shooter
  • shoot
  • horizontal
  • arcade
  • side-scrolling
  • shoot-em-up
  • boss
  • story
  • vertical
  • shoot-ups
  • steadily-paced
  • bullet-hell-type
  • hard-as-heck
  • smoke
  • action

15

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

16

Contra Anniversary Collection (2019)

View Similar Games
76
Review score
Logo of Contra Anniversary Collection Screenshot of Contra Anniversary Collection Screenshot of Contra Anniversary Collection Screenshot of Contra Anniversary Collection

PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch

The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.


  • classic
  • boss
  • side-scrolling
  • shooter
  • run
  • cooperative
  • arcade
  • run-and-gun
  • action
  • platform
  • gun
  • old-school
  • retro
  • hardcore
  • boss-fight

17

Shing! (2020)

View Similar Games
74
Review score
Logo of Shing! Screenshot of Shing! Screenshot of Shing! Screenshot of Shing!

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

18

Trek to Yomi (2022)

View Similar Games
72
Review score
Logo of Trek to Yomi Screenshot of Trek to Yomi Screenshot of Trek to Yomi Screenshot of Trek to Yomi

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

19

Clockwork Aquario (2021)

View Similar Games
71
Review score
Logo of Clockwork Aquario Screenshot of Clockwork Aquario

Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X 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.

Buy

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

20

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

Not seeing your game?