Best Side Scrolling RPGs
Best Side Scrolling RPGs
Side-Scrolling RPGs: Embark on Epic Adventures!
Side-scrolling role-playing games have been captivating gamers for decades. They blend the immersive storytelling and character development of traditional RPGs 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.
Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night (Platform: PlayStation 1, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PSP, Android, Sega Saturn, Xbox 360, and iOS)
Considered one of the PlayStation One’s best games, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night reached the pinnacle of 2D gaming with its smooth animations and unmatched style. The synthesized music may sound old-school, but it 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 translation may not be exceptional, but it holds iconic value with its over-the-top and cheesily delivered lines. With remarkable depth, precise controls, and solid gameplay, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night easily secures its position as the best game available on the PlayStation Store.
Super Metroid (SNES) (Platform: Nintendo Switch, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, Wii U, New Nintendo 3DS)
Super Metroid, a legendary action/adventure title for the SNES, sets the standard for 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. Throughout six distinct regions of Zebes, players must acquire specific abilities to access each area. Super Metroid provides 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.
Hollow Knight (Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android)
Hollow Knight surprises players with its engaging gameplay and immersive 2D world. The game features intense combat and clever platforming puzzles. Each area showcases stunning visuals and introduces unique enemies. As players acquire new abilities and power-ups, they can 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. With a substantial amount of content, including a 30-hour main quest and free DLC updates, Hollow Knight offers a lasting and fulfilling experience.
Blasphemous (Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch)
Blasphemous impresses 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. Follow the journey of the Penitent One, a silent hero tasked with achieving the Cradle of Affliction. The pixel art is stunning, and the animations are detailed and spine-chilling. The reactive combat requires precise timing and strategic thinking, with parrying and finisher moves adding satisfaction to the experience. Boss fights inject excitement with engaging encounters and creepy designs. The game excels in its atmosphere and animations, where many others fall short.
- Pokemon GO: September 2023 Community Dates
- Kick Exec on SGameTopicing Dr Disrespect for Insane Money
- Destiny 2: Returning Destiny 1 Exotics in The Final Shape
Fury Unleashed (Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Android)
Fury Unleashed takes inspiration from games like Metal Slug and Contra, 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 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.
Dex (Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Playstation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Wii U)
Dex takes inspiration from games like Blackthorne and Flashback. 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. Dex will appeal to RPG and Metroidvania fans, offering a thrilling experience for those willing to exercise patience.
Dead Cells (Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android)
Dead Cells showcases incredible game design with its ever-changing levels, diverse weapons, and fast-paced gameplay. The game 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 structure, while dynamic layouts and enemy placements keep each run tense and surprising. 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, Dead Cells is a fusion of instinct, foresight, enjoyment, and learning from failure.
Darkest Dungeon (Platform: PC, PlayStation VIta, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch)
Darkest Dungeon lures 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 weaving Lovecraftian story elements into 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, Darkest Dungeon is an immersive and merciless strategy game with a captivating atmosphere. Its complexity and tense gameplay make it a unique and challenging experience.
Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night (Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android)
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night successfully recreates the magic of classic Metroid and Castlevania games. 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, provide thrilling encounters. Excellent voice acting, including David Hayter’s involvement, enhances the experience. The soundtrack, composed by industry veterans, captures the essence of classic Castlevania adventures.
Eastern Exorcist (Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch)
Eastern Exorcist follows 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 RPG demands 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. Eastern Exorcist captivates players with tight controls, well-balanced difficulty, captivating visuals, and rich lore.
Embark on these captivating and unforgettable side-scrolling RPGs. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or a curious newcomer, these games will surely satisfy your gaming cravings. Get ready to immerse yourself in visually stunning worlds, engage in thrilling combat, and uncover epic quests. Let the adventures begin!
More: Grand Strategy Games Good For Beginners
