Side-scrollers are a video game genre that will always be timeless. From the very beginning with classics like Super Mario Bros. to modern games that bring back bouts of nostalgia, these games are thrilling adventures that anyone can enjoy. Using a format where you have limited movement and can see the virtual world through a side-view camera, these games follow you wherever you go.
What makes these games so entertaining is how many directions they can go in. Not to mention how influential these games have become in video game history as a whole. Most of the time, you’ll find that these side-scrollers are also platformers. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet exciting game that you can lose yourself in, then these masterful side-scrollers are the way to go.
10 Mega Man 2
In this continuation of Mega Man’s battle against Dr. Wily and his robots, Mega Man 2 was a great step up from the first game. In other words, the sequel was the first time that the Mega Man franchise saw major success.
Using floating platform items as you go through eight stages to fight bosses, the side-scrolling mechanics in this game are incredible. Not to mention how the sequel introduced many defining elements that would be seen in future games, such as the iconic Energy Tank. And, of course, how could we forget its masterful soundtrack that so many have remixed?
9 Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a thrilling gothic horror. Using both side-scrolling and RPG elements, it’s reminiscent of classic games like Castlevania. This comparison isn’t shocking either, as the former Castlevania producer, Koji Igarashi, led the development of the game.
Throughout the exploration-focused game, you play as Miriam. You must battle through a demon-infested castle in hopes of killing the master. This is all done in hopes of saving both yourself and humanity, all due to an alchemist cursing you. With Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night’s nostalgic elements and gorgeous art style, it’s a unique side-scrolling and paranormal adventure worth going on.
8 Spelunky
If you love diving into games focused on mining, then it’s without a doubt that Spelunky would be right up your alley. More particularly if you’re a big fan of the Indiana Jones franchise. With randomized levels that each offer a new and challenging experience, it’s a thrilling adventure that leads you to beautiful treasures.
Inspired by classic games and roguelikes, Spelunky is a side-scroller like no other. You never know what to expect, as each level gives you a new challenge to overcome. At the end of the day, it’s endlessly fun and offers unforgettable secrets to explore.
7 Shovel Knight
Being a rather tricky game, Shovel Knight is a side-scroller that will remind players of NES platformers. It’s an engaging game that keeps you glued to it for hours on end, mainly through how it includes both traditional and modern gaming design.
From merely looking at the game alone, its vibrant color schemes and quick-paced gameplay make it look enticing. Even though it is a bit on the harder side of things, Shovel Knight still caters to beginners by giving them a great experience while appealing to veteran players at the same time. Overall, its levels are crafted to keep you wanting to play them again and again.
6 Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Nearly every classic Sonic the Hedgehog game is a work of art. But it’s the third installment in the series that takes the cake for being the most interactive. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 maintains its iconic nature of running swiftly in a gorgeous 2D environment — all while including longer story sequences and more interactions between the characters as well.
This game also helps to establish Knuckles’ importance in the franchise. On top of this, we also get to see a detailed look into the dynamic between Sonic and Knuckles. In terms of improved game mechanics, the third game gives Sonic and Tails brand new unique abilities.
5 Super Mario Bros. 3
Regarded as the best game on the NES, Super Mario Bros. 3 can be considered the “bigger and better” version of the original Super Mario Bros. There are a lot more levels compared to previous games, all of them showcasing an impressive variety of themes and designs.
Within the Super Mario fan community, the third game seems to capture everyone’s hearts the most. There was a plethora of new and exciting additions added to the game, such as enemies with new skills and the ability to fly. In short, what makes Super Mario Bros. 3 such a perfect game is its revolutionary innovation to the series.
4 Terraria
Terraria is still known today as one of the greatest-selling sandboxes of all time. Largely reminiscent of Minecraft, the world in Terraria feels expansive. Using beloved elements such as crafting and exploration, this game leaves its land of adventure and mystery all up to you.
There are hours upon hours of available content in Terraria. You’ll find that there’s never a dull moment as everything gets more eventful the more you play it. Even though it may appear like it would be a laid-back game, Terraria is far from it. Setting you out in a world full of harsh enemies as you try to get materials, this game is excitedly heart-pumping.
3 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
As one of the most iconic games in the Castlevania franchise, this game was the first (since Simon’s Quest) to use RPG-like elements. Your objective is to explore Dracula’s castle to defeat a mysterious entity named Shaft. With that said, the gothic storyline and elements are wildly entertaining.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a timeless video game. It holds up as a memorable piece of Castlevania history. The enemy and level design are also magnificent even to this day. Let’s also not forget the gorgeous soundtrack that accompanies you through the whole game. To put it simply, Symphony of the Night is a game that every Castlevania fan needs to play at one point in their lives.
2 Super Metroid
Super Metroid is an innovative game in so many beautiful ways. With a timeless art style and impressive bosses, this game created the Metroidvania genre after it was released. The genre has influenced incredible side-scrollers and platformers. Fantastic examples of these games are Cave Story and Hollow Knight.
So much detail is jam-packed into Super Metroid. The weapons and level designs only scratch the surface of what makes this game such a SNES masterpiece. It popularized platforming, on top of combining it with storytelling. The game also took away simplicity from the side-scrolling genre. Super Metroid lets you take everything at your own pace and features an exhilarating atmosphere to get lost in.
1 Hollow Knight
Showcasing sad lore beneath its gorgeous appearance, Hollow Knight is one of the greatest side-scrollers out there. You only have your wits and survival skills to depend on, using simple combat to get by. It’s surprisingly challenging, the bosses being one of the strongest parts of this game.
Overall, Hollow Knight is more than just a cutesy-looking game. Each world that you enter is vastly different, introducing you to unique yet (sometimes) horrifying areas. The challenges that it throws at you are nothing to scoff at, either. Hollow Knight uses the basis’ found in the Metroidvania genre and twists it into a hauntingly beautiful game that will be remembered for many years to come.
