For a particular generation of gamers, there remains an unbridled joy in the challenging but simplistic design of a good side-scrolling game. Detailed level design, hidden areas ripe for discovery, repetitive but iconic music, random difficulty spikes, gaming mascots, and limited lives, all frustrate and delight in equal measure.
Thankfully, the side-scroller has not been forgotten, and in more recent years, indie developers have tapped into its potential with the likes of Dead Cells, Hollow Knight, and Katana Zero. While developers such as DotEmu have brought back classic titles with Streets of Rage4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, to rousing accolades. The side-scrolling renaissance continues, and in light of that, here are seven titles in need of a brand-new entry.
7 Shinobi
It’s disheartening to think the last Shinobi entry was back in 2011 for the Nintendo 3DS. Despite ditching the wonderful sprite work in lieu of 3D graphics, the side-scroller still managed to retain its ninja identity. Many would argue that Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master remains the gold standard of this side-scrolling franchise, so the possibility of a fourth entry that could go back to its roots is an enticing prospect, even if it is unlikely to happen soon.
Admittedly indie titles like The Messenger and Cyber Shadow manage to scratch that Shinobi itch and also evolve core mechanics, but it may be time for Joe Musashi to be brought back and for this classically challenging franchise to be rejuvenated for a whole new generation. Or at least for those clamoring for another go-around with the legendary ninja.
6 Bionic Commando
As a franchise, Bionic Commando has had a bit of a rough time from Capcom over the years, which could explain why it's been on a gaming hiatus for well over a decade. After the poorly received edgy reboot in 2009, also called Bionic Commando, the next entry would be a download-only title for a remake of Bionic Commando 2: Rearmed, the sequel to the previous 2008 remake Bionic Commando: Rearmed. Despite the simplistic gameplay, there’s a lot to enjoy with the Bionic Commando series, particularly when factoring the grappling hook and traversal mechanics into a 2.5D space.
Bionic Commando 2: Rearmed had the right idea by bringing the gameplay back to the more classical side-scrolling, run-and-gun platforming with 2.5D graphics and enticing visual aesthetics. Once again, Bionic Commando is a Capcom property that continues to gather dust in its vaults, despite being one of many of the company’s diverse properties which deserves a new lease of life.
5 Splatterhouse
Excusing the 2010 reboot, which mostly ditched the side-scrolling action outside of a few sequences, the Splatterhouse series is in dire need of rejuvenation. What better way to do that than with a call back to its classical side-scrolling roots? During the 16-bit era, Splatterhouse felt like a pioneer, both in terms of its animations after splattering demons and zombies against walls and with its more mature content.
Given the 2010 version of Splatterhouse was a reboot, it makes sense to kick off from that game’s cliffhanger ending while at the same time bringing the series back to its side-scrolling roots. While there is plenty of diversity within modern side-scrollers, few, if any, seem to dive into the gory video nasty excess that Splatterhouse spearheaded. The time is right to bring back Rick, the demonic mask, and the old faithful 2x4 weaponry.
4 Gunstar Heroes
It's hard not to talk about side-scrollers without mentioning Sega. Many gamers of the 1980s and 1990s grew up with a plethora of Sega’s side-scrolling output, whether it was classic entries like Streets of Rageor Shinobi.Gunstar Heroes is another prime example of Sega's side-scrolling legacy, albeit with an added run and gun mechanic.
Looking back at Sega’s dent in the games industry during that time, it's mind-boggling to think Gunstar Heroes only had one entry compared to some titles from Sega. A perfunctory glance at Gunstar Heroes would reveal nothing more than a family-friendly Contra, but it is so much more than that. With its great co-op, brilliant character designs, and its finally tuned and addictive gameplay, Gunstar Heroes remains an absolute blast to play. High time it was brought back for a new generation.
3 Earthworm Jim
Barring a disastrous descent into the realm of 3D platformer with its third entry, Earthworm Jim has predominantly been a 2D side-scroller. Outside of a minor HD port during the 7th generation, the super-suited worm hasn’t been seen on consoles or gaming platforms in well over a decade, and that’s just not good enough.
Admittedly there are parts that are very much stuck in the 1990s, such as crude jokes and certain pop-culture references, but there’s still life in the old worm yet. Looking back at the mechanics, such as the use of his head as a whip for some inventive platforming and some iconic levels, it still feels as fresh and interesting as it did when first released in 1994. Let’s hope the long-rumored Earthworm Jim 4 isn’t dead yet, as it would be groovy to bring Earthworm Jim back for another bite of the side-scrolling apple.
2 Comix Zone
Despite superhero fatigue setting in over the last few years, comic book movies remain bigger business than ever before. With that in mind, maybe the time is right to bring back one of Sega’s almost forgotten properties, Comix Zone. Nearly 30 years on and this single-entry game still feels intelligently meta and wholly genre-defining in its simplicity. Your character, comic artist Sketch Turner, being sucked into his work, still feels like a concept ripe to be explored further within this genre.
Granted, it may be a variation of the isekai idea, but it’s no less interesting, especially when Comix Zone continues to innovate during its gameplay. It's consistently a joy to play; whether it's the ability to destroy the sides of comic panels, choose multiple paths at certain junctures, or fight off enemies that are sketched in front of you, it feels delightfully meta and ahead of its time. A new installment could allow for some entertaining pot-shots at the current state of the modern comic book movie.
1 Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles Of Mystara
Once again, another set of games from the Capcom vault that are in desperate need of rejuvenation. Given the increased popularity of Dungeons & Dragons and side-scrollers, it makes it the perfect time to strike while the cultural zeitgeist is still hot and indulge fans of the original Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara series with a new entry. Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara is also a unique entry on this list, as it’s the only inclusion to combine side-scrolling with RPG elements.
While Metroidvania games can include RPG-like mechanics with power-ups and character skill progression, it is rare to find a side-scroller that embraces the RPG side. Players who have yet to experience Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara can thankfully do so via backwards compatibility on Xbox. Once players sample the D&D goodness on display, they’ll soon hunger for a new entry.