Side-scrolling role-playing gameshave captivated gamers for decades, blending traditional RPGs' immersive storytelling and character development with the action-packed gameplay of side-scrolling adventures. These games invite players to traverse visually stunning worlds, engage in thrilling combat, and uncover epic quests that unfold with every step.
These games range from classic titles that defined the genre, likeCastlevania: Symphony of the Night,to modern masterpieces that push the boundaries of storytelling, likeDarkest Dungeon. Delve into the rich tapestry of side-scrolling RPGs, and discover the gems that have enthralled players worldwide. Whether seasoned fans of the genre or curious newcomers, players will surely enjoy these captivating and unforgettable side-scrolling RPGs.
10Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Considered one of the PlayStation One’s best games, this game has reached thepinnacle of 2D gamingwith its smooth animations and unmatched style. Despite its synthesized nature, the game’s music captivates players with its fullness and range, adding to the superb atmosphere. It revolutionized gameplay by introducing the Metroidvania style, immersing players in Dracula’s castle, where many obstacles progressively unlock.
The game’s translation, while not exceptional, holds iconic value with its over-the-top and cheesily delivered lines.Castlevania: Symphony of the Nightretains everything great about 2D gaming while introducing remarkable depth, precise controls, and solid gameplay. It easily secures its position as the best game available on the PlayStation Store.
9Super Metroid (SNES)
Super Metroid, a legendary action/adventure title for the SNES, sets the standardfor all Metroid games. As bounty hunter Samus Aran, players navigate the intricate corridors of Planet Zebes, unlocking new areas by obtaining abilities and power-ups. The game’s interconnected world gradually opens up, offering a more engaging gameplay experience.
Related:Platformers That Are Actually Harder Than Cuphead
Throughout six distinct regions of Zebes, players must acquire specific abilities to access each area.Super Metroidprovides optional power-ups, allowing players to customize their experience and challenge themselves by completing the game without collecting all upgrades or attempting speed runs. The game’s flexible design has contributed to the emergence of the speedrunning sub-culture.
8Hollow Knight
Hollow Knightsurprises players with its engaging gameplay and immersive 2D world. The game features intense combat andclever platforming puzzles. Each area showcases stunning visuals and introduces unique enemies. As players acquire new abilities and power-ups, they access previously unreachable areas.
The combat in the game demands precision, timing, and strategic thinking, providing a challenging experience. Backtracking adds to the game’s difficulty but also contributes to a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Death carries consequences, requiring players to retrieve dropped currency and presenting additional challenges. With a substantial amount of content, including a 30-hour main quest and free DLC updates,Hollow Knight offers a lasting and fulfilling experience.
7Blasphemous
Blasphemousimpresses with its gruesome style, intricate combat animations, and twisted religious iconography. The game creates a chilling atmosphere through its unsettling visuals and melancholy tone. It takes place in a world filled with religious symbolism and cryptic storytelling. The game follows the journey of the Penitent One, a silent hero tasked with achieving the Cradle of Affliction. The game’s pixel art is stunning, and the animations are detailed and spine-chilling.
Related:Best Games With Stripped-Back Visuals
The combat is reactive, requiring precise timing and strategic thinking. Parrying and finisher move to add satisfaction to the combat experience. Boss fights inject excitement into the gameplay with engaging encounters and creepy designs. The game’s death mechanics are less punishing, with penalties focused on Fervour rather than currency loss. The game shines in its atmosphere and animations, where many games fall short.
6Fury Unleashed
Fury Unleashedtakes inspiration from games likeMetal SlugandContra,creating a modern roguelike experience. The game presents procedurally generated levels designed as comic book panels. Players can enhance their character through permanent upgrades purchased with the in-game currency, ink. The default difficulty is challenging, but players can unlock additional modes. The story revolves around a comic book character battling chaos while delving into the struggles of the comic’s creator.
The gameplay is solid, with shooting controlled by the right thumbstick and important actions mapped to the shoulder buttons. The combo system rewards skillful play by granting increasing rewards for quick kills without taking damage. Players can explore a high-skill ceiling with abilities like double-jumping, dashing, stomping, and melee attacks. The progression system provides incremental enhancements making this game worthwhile.
5Dex
Dextakes inspiration from games likeBlackthorneandFlashback. Players assume the role of Dex in a 2D world filled with conspiracies and class warfare. Combat requires players to utilize hand-to-hand skills, blocking, dodging, and stealth takedowns. XP can upgrade skills, offering tangible benefits beyond standard damage and health improvements. While firearms are available, melee attacks prove to be more effective. Exploration plays a significant role, with an open world to navigate and side missions to undertake.
The game features atmospheric pixel art, and performance is generally smooth. The synth-based music sets an appropriate tone, and the voice acting is usually good. The compelling story is further expanded through additional missions that delve into the game’s adult-themed world. This game will appeal to RPG and Metroidvania fans, offering a thrilling experience for those willing to exercise patience.
Dead Cellsshowcases incredible game design with its ever-changing levels, diverse weapons, and fast-paced gameplay. The game’s core revolves around risk and reward as players progress through levels, learn from deaths, and use acquired knowledge to advance. The levels' placement and order provide a structure, while the dynamic layouts and enemy placements keep each run tense and surprising.
Related:Best Konami PS1 Games, Ranked
Its smooth movement and combat mechanics fuel the game’s momentum, encouraging fast and agile playstyles. The game incorporates layered strategy and tactics, evident in immediate choices and the overarching metagame. Ultimately, the game is a fusion of instinct, foresight, enjoyment, and learning from failure.
3Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeonlures players in with its seemingly simple appearance, but beneath the surface lies a deep and challenging game. The hand-drawn art and scrolling backgrounds create an immersive experience. Battles are filled with tension and unpredictability, thanks to the significant role of randomness. The narration in the game is exceptional, providing grim warnings and weavingLovecraftian story elementsinto the gameplay.
One notable aspect of the game is its perma-death system, where characters that fall in battle stay dead. Quirks also significantly impact the effectiveness of heroes, adding another layer of complexity to manage. Stress management is crucial in the game, both in the field and the hamlet. Overall, it is an immersive and merciless strategy game with a captivating atmosphere. Its complexity and tense gameplay make it a unique and challenging experience.
2Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Nightsuccessfully recreates the magic of classicMetroidandCastlevaniagames. The game introduces a new world with unique characters and gameplay mechanics. Players control Miriam, an orphan girl with the power to wield demon abilities. Exploring a vast castle filled with demons, monsters, and strange loot is central to the game. The extensive content offers around 20 hours of gameplay.
Customization options allow players to personalize their play style using various weapons and powers. The randomness of loot drops adds excitement, and the diverse and entertaining monsters and bosses, including familiar faces from the prequel. Excellent voice acting, including David Hayter’s involvement, enhances the experience. The soundtrack, composed by industry veterans, captures theessence of classicCastlevaniaadventures.
1Eastern Exorcist
Eastern Exorcistfollows the story of Lu Yunchuan, a skilled swordsman and exorcist seeking vengeance. The game’s intriguing mythos adds complexity to the encountered demons. With tight and responsive controls, this 2D side-scrolling RPGdemands patience, strategy, and precise timing. While challenging, the game maintains a sense of fairness. Players can unlock and upgrade various Exorcism Arts, granting them different offensive and defensive abilities.
The hand-drawn art style and dynamic cutscenes, reminiscent of Chinese opera, contribute to the game’s stunning visual design. The sound design features convincing combat sounds and an outstanding score. This game captivates players with tight controls, well-balanced difficulty, captivating visuals, and rich lore.
