The Best Side-scrolling Games

Update : G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra added at rank #22.
1

Jets'n'Guns 2 (2020)

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95
Review score
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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

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

The Legend of Tianding (2021)

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89
Review score
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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

7

Armed with Wings: Rearmed (2017)

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88
Review score
Logo of Armed with Wings: Rearmed Screenshot of Armed with Wings: Rearmed Screenshot of Armed with Wings: Rearmed Screenshot of Armed with Wings: Rearmed

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

8

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

9

Dawn of the Monsters (2022)

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85
Review score
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Playstation 5 stadia Nintendo Switch PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 4 Android IOS iPhone

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
  • beat-em-up
  • 2-player
  • side-scrolling
  • two-player
  • action
  • scroller
  • boss
  • brawler
  • fight
  • beat'em
  • combat
  • combo
  • action-adventure
  • battle

10

Soda Crisis (2022)

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84
Review score
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PC Windows

Soda Crisis is a fast-paced platform shooter game with stunning visuals and excellent ratings on Steam. You play as a mysterious character outfitted with high-tech gadgets and combat skills, using them to get rid of enemies. The game combines hellish gunplay with action-packed platforming, creating an enjoyable and unique experience.

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What we like:
  • Fast-paced gameplay
  • Enjoyable combat
  • Unique art style
  • Powerful electronic soundtrack
  • Variety of tools to overcome difficulties
  • Mini-games for added fun.
What could be improved:
  • Difficulty can be overwhelming for some players
  • Story is somewhat lacking in comparison to visuals and gameplay.

  • side-scrolling
  • scroller
  • platform
  • shoot-em-up
  • runner
  • shooter
  • gun
  • parkour
  • 3d
  • hard-hitting
  • training
  • colourful
  • combat
  • customization
  • action-adventure

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