The Side Scroller Zone

Games where the action moves primarily across the screen from side to side.

Latest Standouts

Recent releases that landed well, newest first, filtered to games with enough reviews to trust the score.

Silver Pines - Silver Pines is a survival horror metroidvania set in small town America. Fight nightmarish terrors and solve puzzles, while carefully managing your scarce resources as you uncover the mysteries that could hold the key to redemption.
Volkolak: The Will of Gods - Volkolak: The Will of Gods is an epic 2D soulsvania in a dark Slavic fantasy setting, with hand-drawn animation. Explore an enchanted world full of secrets and enemies. Your choices will lead to several endings: become a warrior, a werewolf, or join the darkness.
Din's Champion - The evil goddess seeks to devour and remake the world… and you are what stands in her way. Fight and kill, expand your skill tree, craft and build, and lead the world’s people to victory in Din’s Champion, a multiplayer fantasy action-RPG where every choice matters, and the choices are endless.
SURA: Shattered Star - SURA: Shattered Star is a sword-fighting action platformer set in space. Play as Sura, a mercenary grieving the loss of her comrades, and cut down everything that stands in your way.
Future Knight - Frenetic action and LCD aesthetic! In this 2D Shoot 'Em Up, switch between a robot hero and his benign tumor to stop a bizarre cult. You have 8 hours to save humanity's memory: defeat grotesque bosses, ride the skies on your Future Board, and master the chaos in a retro-futuristic Tokyo.
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Aug 13, 2026
99% 👍
of 162
Akatori - A colorful action platformer with metroidvania elements and a staff that unlocks unique combat techniques and new ways to overcome obstacles. Explore beautiful worlds, fight monsters, and help Mako stop the amber storms that poison all living things.
Abyss Kitchen - Abyss Kitchen is a survival action game in which you play the role of Lop a cook who accompanies a party of adventurers, and guides them with the power of food. Feed yourself in the dungeon and eat whatever you can to keep from starving and falling down. Eat up anything that stands in your way!

On Sale Now

Discounted 25% or more right now, limited to well-reviewed games, steepest cuts first.

RIVE - Players say: Trapped aboard a mysterious starship, scavenger Roughshot pilots a spider tank through 360-degree shooting, platforming, and robot hacking. Players like: Fast Arcade Combat · Satisfying Controls · Shooter-Platformer Mix ·
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This 360-degree shooter/platformer hybrid lets you choreograph a ‘dance of destruction’ in insanely spectacular battles and set-pieces. RIVE feels like the explosive games of yore, pumping megapixels in true 21st century style.

Tower Hunter: Erza's Trial - Players say: As Erza, a demon-bound warrior, battle through tower stages, gather upgrades, and defeat bosses to earn a Hunter's License. Players like: Colorful Visual Style · Enjoyable Combat · Fluid Character Movement ·
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Tower Hunter: Erza’s Trial contains core elements of roguelite games, presented in a toon render style. The player explores a mysterious tower with Erza, vanquishes mutant monsters and defeats bosses to acquire a Hunter’s License and become the most powerful Battle Maiden.

DISTRAINT 2 - Players say: As Price confronts his past in a surreal 2D horror adventure, explore strange places, collect items, and solve puzzles. Players like: Emotional Narrative · Atmospheric Soundtrack · Pixel-Art Style ·
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You are Price, a man who sold his humanity to get a partnership from a leading company: McDade, Bruton & Moore. DISTRAINT 2 follows on from the events of the first game. It's a sinister tale about restoring hope and finding your purpose.

Teslagrad 2 - Players say: After her airship crashes in Wyrmheim, Teslamancer Lumina uses magnetic powers to platform, solve puzzles, and find a way home. Players like: Fluid Magnetic Movement · Hand-Painted Art · Music and Atmosphere ·
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Lumina, a young Teslamancer, finds herself stranded after her airship crash lands in Wyrmheim, a remote and treacherous land to the North. Embark on a dangerous adventure, exploring a gigantic, abandoned tower looming over a fjordside valley, on a quest to get Lumina home and back to her family.

A Juggler's Tale - Players say: Guide Abby, a circus puppet fleeing captivity, through a storybook world of string-based puzzles, platforming, traps, and pursuers. Players like: Storybook Art · Atmospheric Presentation · Puppet-String Puzzles ·
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Lead Abby the string puppet through a bruised, but beautiful fairy tale world in this cinematic adventure. Solve riddles, evade traps and shake off pursuers on the way to find freedom. Can Abby take control of her fate with all the strings attached?

ITORAH - Players say: As Nahucan’s last human, Itorah explores masked lands, platforming and fighting with a talking axe to stop a mysterious plague. Players like: Hand-Painted Visuals · Atmospheric Music · Distinctive Setting ·
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Discover the world of Nahucan in this 2D action platformer. You are Itorah, the only human in this strange place. Explore, fight and survive to uncover your past and save Nahucan from its biggest threat, a mysterious plague!

Feudal Alloy - Players say: Guide Attu, a fish-piloted farm robot, through an interconnected medieval world, fighting machines and unlocking new paths. Players like: Hand-Drawn Art · Fish-Robot Concept · Exploration And Secrets ·
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Feudal Alloy is an epic action adventure with fish-controlled medieval robots! Explore an unusual medieval world with a fish-controlled robot, Attu. Improve your combat techniques and skills by smashing many kinds of mechanical creatures in a beautiful hand-drawn world.

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Jan 17, 2019
71% 👍
of 972
Mind Spheres - Players say: Arrange and rotate platforms, then release a rolling sphere through 50 physics puzzles to reach each level’s goal. Players like: Relaxing Puzzle Sessions · Simple Physics Puzzles · Pleasant Piano Music ·
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Inspired by two not so different worlds, Mind Spheres brings you an exclusive and awesome experience. A physics puzzle with minigolf + pinball unique mashup. Figure out puzzles in order to proceed to the next level.

Kingdom: New Lands - Players say: As a monarch on horseback, spend coins to grow a kingdom by day, defend it from nightly raids, and sail to new islands. Players like: Pixel Art and Music · Resource Strategy · Island Exploration ·
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Kingdom: New Lands builds upon the award-winning gameplay and mystery of Kingdom by introducing an abundance of new content to the IGF-nominated title while maintaining the simplicity and depth that legions of monarchs have come to experience and enjoy.

Fury Unleashed - Players say: Shoot through shifting comic-book pages, chain kills, gather upgrades, and battle through roguelite runs solo or in co-op. Players like: Co-op Fun · Fast Combat Flow · Comic-Book Art ·
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Shoot your way through the pages of an ever-changing comic book in this fast-paced roguelike. Play solo, in local or online co-op, expand your weaponry, and upgrade your hero with each run. All that to find out why has your creator lost his faith in you and to prove him wrong.

Toby: The Secret Mine - Players say: Toby crosses a dangerous world of traps and puzzles to find the villagers kidnapped from his mountain home. Players like: Moody Visual Atmosphere · Varied Environments · Approachable Puzzles ·
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A challenging puzzle platformer inspired by games like Limbo and Badland.

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Oct 20, 2015
70% 👍
of 745
Slain: Back from Hell - Players say: Guide Bathoryn through six cursed realms in a gothic side-scrolling action platformer built around elemental weapons, parries, and traps. Players like: Dark Pixel Art · Heavy Metal Soundtrack · Challenging Combat ·
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Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.

Hidden Gems

Well-liked but under-played: strong scores, small review counts.

Piece by Piece - Piece by Piece is a literal puzzle platformer where each level is fragmented into puzzle pieces. Clear each puzzle by connecting and unconnecting each piece to make your way through each of our 100 handcrafted levels. Discover new themes and mechanics along the way!
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Mar 13, 2026
100% 👍
of 251
Myths are 100% True - Myths are 100% True is a Fast-Paced Combat-Platformer that feels like X-Files if it was made by 12 year olds in Movie Maker back in 2008.
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Nov 18, 2025
100% 👍
of 219
Platypus Reclayed - Players say: Pilot the F-27 Platypus in a clay-animated side-scrolling shooter, dodging enemy fire and cycling through oddball weapons. Players like: Handmade Clay Art · Nostalgic Remake · Quirky Weapon Variety ·
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22 years after its first appearance, the iconic Platypus is coming back, featuring updated gameplay, new weapons and additional content. Get ready to dive into the heart-pounding action of this fast, frantic, and incredibly fun arcade-style shoot-em-up!

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Sep 17, 2025
99% 👍
of 701
The Strongest TOFU - Be The TOFU. The one and only Tofu action game created by a real Tofu Meister. You choose one of three varieties, and in its endless journey it gradually softens, crumbles, stews, and acquires bittern to become TOFU.
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Oct 1, 2024
99% 👍
of 362
Advent NEON® - Hyperactive 2D action platformer with wicked fast attacks, omnidirectional dashing, and time-freezing! Play well enough to transform and unleash 100% power!
Yugo Puzzle - Yugo Puzzle is a minimalist, relaxing, and satisfying puzzle game. Move jelly blocks left and right to merge them with the same color. It may sound simple, but it’s deceptively challenging. Enjoy the satisfaction of solving each puzzle.
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Oct 14, 2021
99% 👍
of 337
Once Upon a Jester - Travel the kingdom as Jester with his best friend Sok to improvise theatre shows and perform on stages far and wide. Sing your hearts out, crack jokes and impress audiences to become the stars of the famous Royal Theatrical Spectacle!
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Nov 9, 2022
99% 👍
of 311
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo: Closure Edition - Help the cursed souls of Limbo escape their endless time loop in the afterlife. As Kulebra, a newly-deceased snake, witness their grief and guide them toward closure through point-and-click puzzles, light stealth, and empathy-driven boss encounters.
Super Puzzled Cat - Help Puzzled Cat use jetpacks, portals, bombs, gum, and more to conquer treacherous platforming stages. Play your own way using save states to explore a world full of challenges and secrets - but can you find the way through? Travel through time and space and reach enlightenment.
Go Slimey Go! - Go Slimey Go! is a fast-paced 2D platformer built around momentum, exploration, and satisfying movement. Featuring colorful pixel art, handcrafted levels full of secrets, and a highly energetic soundtrack.
Star Leaping Story - Players will help a white-robed girl and her friends uncover the truth of the planet using unique dash gameplay. The storyline is fully voiced by renowned actors, with meticulously designed levels and energetic music for you to enjoy!

Top Rated

Defining examples of the genre, all rated 85%+ across 1,000+ reviews.

Chrono Gear: Warden of Time - Players say: As timekeeper Ouro Kronii, slash and platform through varied stages, wield time powers, and recover gears to mend shattered timelines. Players like: Inventive Stage Design · Responsive Movement · Memorable Soundtrack ·
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Turn back the clock and fight to repair Time itself in this cinematic action platformer with fast sword combat and time-based powers. You are the Warden of Time, Ouro Kronii - be proud and fight hard!

A Taste of the Past - Players say: After her mother's death, Chinese-American teen Mei rides an afterlife train, meets her ancestors, and recreates family recipes. Players like: Emotional Story · Beautiful Artwork · Family and Culture ·
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What do you do when you lose someone you love? A Taste of the Past is an emotional sidescroller about reconnecting with your Chinese culture while navigating a train to the afterlife. Featuring a wholesome story, cooking minigames, and hope.

Broforce - Players say: Rescue captives as ever-changing action heroes, blasting through destructible side-scrolling levels solo or with up to four players. Players like: Co-op Chaos · Destructible Levels · Character Variety ·
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Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

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Oct 15, 2015
97% 👍
of 60k
Your Only Move Is HUSTLE - Players say: Plan each fighter’s moves in turn-based duels, then watch your tactical choices unfold in animated combat. Players like: Chess-Like Combat · Spectacular Fight Replays · Creative Character Mods ·
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Master your technique, execute flashy combos, and outsmart opponents across the world, frame-by-frame. Slow down the clock to fine-tune your fighting style in this innovative, turn-based combat simulator. Pulverize your friends and choreograph spectacular fight scenes. No training mode required.

Mark of the Ninja - Players say: Guide a tattoo-marked ninja through 2D levels, using shadows, sound, gadgets and varied routes to evade or silently defeat guards. Players like: Flexible Stealth · Clear Stealth Cues · Distinctive Art Style ·
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In Mark of the Ninja, you'll know what it is to truly be a ninja. You must be silent, agile and clever to outwit your opponents in a world of gorgeous scenery and flowing animation. Marked with cursed tattoos giving you heightened senses, every situation presents you with options.

Touhou Luna Nights - Players say: As maid Sakuya explores a strange mansion-like world, she uses time control, knives, and close-range dodges to fight through a 2D action adventure. Players like: Time-Stop Combat · Memorable Boss Fights · Detailed Pixel Art ·
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Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action.  Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.

Touhou Hero of Ice Fairy - Players say: Play Cirno in a 2D boss rush across Gensokyo, dodging bullet patterns and building a loadout to rescue her captured friend. Players like: Distinctive Boss Battles · Memorable Soundtrack · Polished Character Art ·
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Touhou Hero of Ice Fairy is an indie game developed by GAMEPULSE.Step into the shoes of Cirno, the Hero of Ice, as she embarks on a journey against evil, liberating Gensokyo and saving her dear princess.

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Apr 3, 2024
97% 👍
of 9.2k
Dungeon Munchies - Players say: As a revived zombie chef’s apprentice, hunt dungeon monsters, cook their ingredients into powers, and fight through an underground world. Players like: Story and Characters · Humorous Dialogue · Build Variety ·
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Hunt down monsters to cook and eat them! You’ve been revived in a massive underground complex and you must leave this bizarre facility. Aided by the undead Necro-Chef Simmer, you must stay safe, get fed, find a way to get out

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Jul 27, 2022
97% 👍
of 7.2k
The Pedestrian - Players say: Guide a stick-figure pedestrian through a 3D city by linking and rearranging signs, then solve platforming puzzles within them. Players like: Creative Sign Puzzles · 2D–3D Visual Contrast · Atmospheric Soundtrack ·
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I can see the signs in my sleep now, always guiding me closer. Will this really work? Have we almost achieved the impossible?

Tukoni: Prologue - Players say: Guide a forest spirit through a hand-drawn woodland, helping animals by exploring, collecting and combining items to solve visual puzzles. Players like: Hand-Drawn Art · Cozy Atmosphere · Relaxing Puzzles ·
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Tukoni: Prologue is a point-and-click puzzle adventure, based on a series of award-winning books by the Ukrainian artist Oksana Bula. Play as Tukoni, the forest spirits, as you meet unique characters, solve captivating puzzles, craft new items, and explore a magical world filled with kindness.

Tribal Hunter - Players say: As guardian spirit Munch, explore an island, fight through platforming zones, and manage a size that trades agility for power. Players like: Size-Based Combat · Platforming and Exploration · Art and Characters ·
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An action platformer with size-changing mechanics. Be quick and nimble or large and in-charge!