The first video games were simple games that fit the game levels on one screen. The most famous early examples of these games are Pitfall! and H.E.R.O. As technology improved, game designers became able to make games that had sprawling levels that required some exploration. Two notable examples of this style of game are Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog. Over time these games came to be known as side-scrollers.
This genre’s popularity with gamers remains strong to this day; with many great side scrolling games being released in recent years. To make this list, a game needs to be have been published after 2010; meaning it is available for this console generation (PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch), or was available for the last two generations (PS3,PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, WiiU). So let’s examine the best modern side-scrolling games ranked from the not-so-best to the best. Lastly, we will focus on the sub-genre of side-scrollers known as platformers – games with a similar play-style to the previously mentioned Super Mario Bros.
Updated April 15th, 2021 by Jeff Drake: Though side-scrolling adventures are still not receiving as much love as they should these days, a few dedicated modern games still hold true to the genre’s style. If you’re a fan of side-scrollers, quite a few of these titles should appeal to you. In addition to that, certain platformers are also adhering to side-scrolling traditions that should make gaming nostalgia lovers pleased.
15 Strider Hiryu
Released by Capcom in 2014, Strider Hiryu (or just Strider) is the most recent offering of the Strider series. This franchise got its start in the arcades with the first Strider game in 1989. The game puts gamers in control of Strider Hiryu, a ninja armed with a plasma sword (called the Cypher) on his quest to defeat the Grand Master Meio and his army. This game features large interconnected areas that you will need to revisit as new abilities and tools allow access to new areas.
The controls are near perfect, with the only complaint being Stirder’s ability to cling to walls and ceilings. There are instances where getting away from a wall seems more difficult than it should be. This game is available for download, with physical copies only being released in Japan. The physical copy works with NTSC systems though, and even has menus and dialogue in English.
14 Cyber Shadow
Honestly, this game is similar enough to Strider Hiryu that the two games could switch rankings. Cyber Shadow is a a retro-themed 2D side-scrolling platformer that seems to blend elements of Castlevania: SOTN, Metroid, and Ninja Gaiden – and it blends them superbly. The game’s 16-bit era inspired graphics are vibrant; seriously this game looks like a game for the Sega Genesis. The game features eye-catching parallax backgrounds and Ninja Gaiden-esque cutscenes.
Those looking for a casual gaming experience might want to try another game; this game is easy at first, but it quickly becomes exceedingly, sometimes infuriatingly, challenging. Cyber Shadow is available for the PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, and the Xbox One.
13 Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition
In Guacamelee you play as Juan Aguacate as he attempts to save his girlfriend from the evil skeleton Carlos Calaca. During the first encounter with Carlos, Juan is killed and finds himself in the land of the dead. It is here that he is given a mystical luchador mask that returns him to the land of the living and imbues him with the power to defeat Carlos.
Much like Strider Hiryu, this game is a Metroidvania style game that allows the player to revisit previous areas. Along the way Juan can find, and buy, power-ups that give him new and powerful abilities. The visual style of Guacamelee is very cartoonish, with vivid colors and smooth animation. This game can also be played cooperatively by up to 4 players simultaneously.
12 Neversong
This game is so popular there will certainly be fans that can’t believe it wasn’t ranked higher on this list. Neversong is indeed a great game. It features a very surreal environment that always has the player expecting an attack at any moment, but will also produce many moments of levity. The controls are great too; if you die playing Neversong it’s hard to blame the controls.
This game was held back on this list due to it being a rather easy game. That in no way makes it any less enjoyable than the other games on this list; however, because it is such an easy game it is over far too quickly. One aspect of Neversong that makes it stand out on this list is its story. Players will find themselves drawn into the story of Pete, and most players will find the game’s cast of characters endearing. Neversong is available for PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
11 Ori And The Blind Forest
In Ori and the Blind Forest you play as Ori, a small cat-like guardian spirit, on its quest to restore the forest that you call home. To help you restore the forest is another forest spirit named Sein, who is a small blue orb that floats around Ori and attacks enemies. Starting off Ori is somewhat weak, but as you progress through the game you will acquire new abilities like a double jump.
The graphics in this game are absolutely beautiful, as are the lighting effects. This game can be a bit difficult at times, but never feels unfair or hard because of poor controls. This game was published by Microsoft, so it is available only for the Xbox One and PC. There is now a sequel titled Ori and the Will of the Wisps. This title was released in late 2020, and is just as good as the original. The original is still the better game though, since the sequel doesn’t do enough to differentiate itself from its predecessor.
10 Skul: The Hero Slayer
Skul: The Hero Slayer is a great game that sits on the shoulders of classic side-scrollers of the past. The gameplay is similar to the Kirby games in that the player can take on the appearance and powers of some of the creatures in the game – this is done by switching your character’s head for a different head (similar to Puppeteer). Switching to a new head not only changes your character’s appearance, but also their available attacks, running speed, and maneuverability. The player is free to change heads at any time. This allows for some impressive combos that give the player a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
The graphics are bright and colorful in Skul: The Hero Slayer, but the numerous on-screen explosions and enemy swarms can make it a little disorienting. Skul: The Hero Slayer is available for the PC, but since it was only recently released (Jan. 21, 2021) it will probably make its way onto consoles soon.
9 Yoshi’s Wooly World
Those gamers familiar with Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island will immediately notice the similarities with Yoshi’s Wooly World. However, instead of a world resembling a crayon drawing the world in this game is made of yarn. It is up to you to help the other Yoshis who have been turned into bundles of yarn by Kamek, an evil Koopa wizard working for Bowser. This time around there is no baby Mario crying every time he gets knocked off Yoshi. This is a much welcomed change.
The game is full of hidden areas, which are accessed by pulling on a loose string. Also, instead of eggs Yoshi throws balls of yarn this time around. These yarn balls can be used to fill in areas like platforms to jump onto, or they can be used as weapons. This game uses very bright colors that suit the yarn motif well. This is a very worthy sequel to Yoshi’s Island that even supports Nintendo’s Amibo figures.
8 The Pedestrian
The Pedestrian is not your traditional side-scroller. The player moves from street sign to street sign; solving puzzles and avoiding obstacles along the way. Many of the puzzles are focused on moving signs so their placement lines up and allows movement from one sign to the next. The graphics are very simplistic (similar to the early Lode Runner games), but this is not a negative with most players. The fun and addictive gameplay far outweighs the graphics. The Pedestrian is one of those games that is almost impossible to stop playing. The Pedestrian is available for PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
7 Trine 2
A sequel to 2009’s Trine, this time the goal is to defeat the goblin forces that have taken over the kingdom. The Trine is a powerful artifact that binds souls, and has once again bound the souls of a wizard, a thief, and a fighter together. The player assumes control of the three heroes; which can be quickly swapped out at any time while playing with the press of a button.
This game is full of puzzles which will require the player to switch back and forth between characters to solve. There is also quite a bit of hack and slash fighting to be found as well. Trine 2 is a visually beautiful game with solid controls and impressive graphics and lighting effects. This game was recently re-released for the Nintendo Switch – so give it a try. The series is now on Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince. Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power was blasted by critics for being fun, but also way too short. Trine 4 received overwhelmingly positive reviews, but its ratings were held back due to a lack of new gameplay options over the previous titles.
6 Terraria
Terraria is often compared to Minecraft. It has a retro, blocky, look to it, and while there is a fair amount of mining and crafting the two games are actually very different. Terraria creates randomly generated worlds for you to explore. How you play Terraria is entirely up to you. There is an objective driven story mode, but if you want you can ignore that and spend your time mining and building your fortress. You can even build a town that will come to be inhabited by people.
There are also a ton of items and weapons for the player to discover as you tunnel deeper into the ground. Constant updates have kept Terraria fresh in the eight years since its release. The only complaint most have regarding Terraria is the game drops you into the game world with very little instruction. If you’re a fan of Minecraft or open ended sandbox games then you should definitely give Terraria a try.
5 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Many consider the original Donkey Kong Country for the SNES to be the perfect side-scrolling platform game. The pre-rendered graphics were detailed, the control was perfect, and the soundtrack was fun and memorable. Nintendo continues this attention to quality with Tropical Freeze. In Tropical Freeze you control Donkey Kong as he tries to liberate Donkey Kong Island from the Snowmads.
Like the other games in this series, Donkey Kong has help; you have your choice of Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Cranky Kong. What sets Tropical Freeze apart from its competition is its level design. The levels are fast-paced, varied in theme, and well balanced with tons of hidden areas and items. The game is visually pleasing, with bright vibrant colors, and the soundtrack might be the best out of any videogame – ever.
4 Puppeteer
This criminally underrated game was published by Sony for the PlayStation 3 in 2013. Puppeteer is setup as a puppet show, with the player controlling Kutaro - the protagonist of the puppet show. At the beginning of the game Karuto has his head pulled off, but along the way he can find new heads that will give him new abilities. You are also helped out on your quest by a ghost cat named Ying-Yang and a fairy named Pikarina. These two helpers will direct the player to items and object with which you can interact.
The game has a great story, and the voice acting is very well done. One feature of the game that is cool is the audience reaction to the puppet show. This really adds more to the game than one would initially expect. The graphics are beautiful and do a good job of giving the game the feel of an interactive puppet show. If you haven’t given Puppeteer a try yet you are missing out on one of the best side-scrolling games to ever be released.
3 Inside
Inside is a deeply atmospheric title that is best described as scary and scary-good. The player must navigate through very creepy levels avoiding dangers like packs of dogs and robot sentries. The levels are so well done that at times they look like live-action videos.
The tension level experienced by players of Inside is heightened by the fact there is no music or in-game dialogue – just the sounds of the environment you are traversing. The color palette and visual style of Inside is similar to games like Journey. This game has a lot of platforming, but it also has quite a few puzzles that might force a few stop-and-think moments for players. Inside is available for the PC, PS4, Xbox One, as well as all modern consoles.
2 Shovel Knight
In Shovel Knight you control a knight armed with a shovel as he tries to rescue his beloved, Shield Knight, form an evil enchantress and her Order of No Quarter. This game has a very 8-bit retro feel to the graphics and sound. The shovel carried by the main character is used for attacking enemies, digging up treasure, and bouncing around like you would on a pogo stick.
Collecting treasure is a big part of the game since it is with this treasure that you can buy upgrades, like more health. Shovel Knight has excellent, precise controls that really make the game a blast to play. The only real complaint you will ever hear about this game is that it is a bit too easy. Shovel Knight is available for most game consoles (and PC), and was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017.
1 Cuphead
No doubt most people were expecting this game to occupy the #1 spot. There’s a good reason for that – this game is about as good as a side-scrolling game gets. The graphics in Cuphead resemble old cartoons like Disney’s Steamboat Willie. In the game you play as Cuphead (player 2 controls his brother Mugman) as he attempts to retrieve “soul contracts” for the devil to keep him from claiming Cuphead’s soul.
The game’s eye-catching graphics and animation are colorful and fluid. The ragtime style music in the game is also reminiscent of early cartoons and done very well. This game has a reputation for being somewhat difficult; the difficulty, however, will not keep you coming back for more. This is truly an addictive game that will constantly have you saying “just one more try” as you play it into the early morning hours. Cuphead is available for PC, Mac, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
