Let’s take a second to appreciate how awesome Xbox is for making multiple genres of games, including side-scrolling ones, available. Yep, players can now access the diverse library of classical 2D-style side-scroller games digitally. Unless you’re an avid collector and just gotta have the physical version by selling an arm and a leg for outrageous scalper rates, you’re good.
Anyway, if you’re feeling nostalgic but want a more modern rendition of classic Xbox side-scrollers, today’s games list is for you. It’s got the vibe of retro games with the polish of modern indie gems, so you get the best of both worlds here. Some former exclusives from rival consoles are now making their way to Xbox. Boy, it’s an exciting time to be a gamer!
Which Xbox Side-Scrolling Games Are the Best?
With an Xbox Game Pass subscription and backward compatibility, it doesn’t matter which console you got. Whether it’s Xbox One, Xbox X|S, or if you’re on PC, you’re golden. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection, and you can get any game that’s on the service. This means all those sweet side-scrolling titles or other classic Xbox games now they’re yours to play.
Alright, we’re not gonna take up more of your time and dive right in. It’s a whooping long list, too, with 12 spots to fill. On the bright side, we’ll have plenty of recommendations for you to check out. So strap in, grab a drink and a light snack, and let’s go!
12. Cuphead – Classic Visuals, Addictive Combat, and Fun Co-op Await Players
We’re kicking off the party with a game that best exemplifies fun with a learning curve, Cuphead. If you love classic Disney cartoon visuals in your side-scrolling Xbox games, then Cuphead is( wait for it) your cup of tea… Alright, enough clowning, So, what’s Cuphead about? Well, it’s about as absurd a concept as you can get. A sentient humanoid cup must go through a series of trials to prevent the devil from taking his soul.
The trials in question are actually enemy bosses that players must beat. In essence, Cuphead is a boss-rush mode. The 2D movement is fluid, and the animations are crisp. The sound design feels straight out of our childhoods. The protagonist, Cuphead’s main ability is that he can shoot projectiles, and he has a special parry attack. Using these two primary moves, players must fight and win.
There are upgrades that add super moves and add a layer of complexity to the gameplay. Cuphead is notorious for its challenging gameplay. Each boss fight is different, not only visually, but their attacks and difficulty are intense. Thankfully, Cuphead is one of the Xbox side-scrolling games with co-op, where you can play together with a friend to even the odds somewhat.
11. Sonic Mania – A Glorious Return to Form for the Blue Blur in this 2D Side-Scrolling Xbox Game
Sonic Mania returned the series to its roots. We’re grateful for Sega’s mascot to be still thriving today, despite them exiting console space, which, if you’re curious about, check out our top Sega Dreamcast games.
Anyway, Sonic Mania is the 2D style of gameplay that’s timeless. You run around as Sonic, jumping over chasms, speeding across obstacles and enemies using his dash ability. Alternatively, there’s also Knuckles, who can climb walls and glide short distances while pounding the enemies in his way. Tails can fly indefinitely and swim along bodies of water. Each character’s play style in Sonic Mania feels authentic and fun.
The gorgeously detailed levels as you clear each stage are a throwback to the original Sonic game. At the end of each level, players will fight bosses that are super tough to beat. However, players can amp up their selected character with chaos emeralds and unlock their super forms to even the odds. Sonic Mania’s fun-filled side-scrolling traversal easily makes it one of the most exciting games to play on your Xbox.
10. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series – Retro Platforming Fun is an Absolute Delight in this Remaster
Keeping the trend of classic side-scrolling games on Xbox going, we’ve got Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series. If that’s not ringing a bell, that’s because it’s a former PlayStation 2 exclusive. It got a remaster, and now it’s on all major platforms. Anyway, here’s a little crash course on Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series. It’s not one game, actually, but two, Klonoa: Door to Phantomville and Klonoa: Lunatea’s Veil.
Both titles feature the lovable anthropomorphic protagonist Klonoa as he navigates 3D environments with 2D movement. The gameplay revolves around using Klonoa’s wind bullet projectile attack to incapacitate enemies, then using them to solve environmental puzzles. The traversal in Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is super fun, especially every time you use Klonoa’s double-jump.
The colorful aesthetic of Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series has a certain charm that reminds us of adventure games like Stray. The goal isn’t about being a powerful figure and eliminating everything standing in your way; no, it’s about getting past the obstacles in your way. In fact, the game encourages and sometimes requires Klonoa just to use enemies as literal stepping stones and move on ahead. It’s one of the most enjoyable side-scrolling games on Xbox.
9. Ghost ‘n Goblins Ressurection – Capcom’s Fun Side-Scrolling Series is Brilliant
We have an actually awesome, relatively newer side-scrolling Xbox game on our list, by Capcom, no less. Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrected is one the best games in the side-scrolling genre, past or present. Its presentation style is unique and gives the vibe of fantasy games. The game features Ser Arthur, a chivalrous knight, as he trots about the hellish landscape and slays nightmarish foes, including Hades himself.
Players must quickly memorize the appearance and corresponding attack pattern of the boatload of enemies. Otherwise, our dear Ser Arthur is a glass canon. He can throw his signature lance to obliterate enemies, but one hit from his enemies, and he loses a piece of his armor. A few more strikes will end him. Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection requires some serious platforming skills and mastering button-timing.
Players also get access to some magical abilities. A new weapon, a hammer, can slightly give players the edge by causing tremors, disorienting enemies. There are also shadow stages in Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection. They’re basically a repeat of the stages you’ve already cleared but with a more complex layout, and enemies appear more frequently and in different spots. Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection is a tremendous Xbox side-scrolling game, so play it!
8. Shadow Complex – An Intriguing Former Xbox 360 Exclusive Still Holds Up
The next choice of side-scrolling Xbox game on our list is actually a former Xbox 360 exclusive. The remaster ensures you don’t have to use backward compatibility if you don’t want to. Anyway, the game in question is Shadow Complex, and it’s freaking awesome! The game’s storyline is full of suspense, as it involves themes of espionage and conspiracy.
Shadow Complex has an immersive metroidvania style of gameplay, where you’ll do a lot of backtracking for puzzle solutions. Enemies will require a deft and strategic touch to eliminate since they can come at the player from all sides. Thanks to the auto-aim function, however, you’ll not have much trouble if you can handle the pressure and quickly fire at enemies.
Shadow Complex has got a 2.5D view for players to explore the game’s environments. It is one of the more engaging side-scrolling games on Xbox consoles. If you want something within the same ballpark, take a gander at our excellent Xbox 360 stealth games.
7. Dead Cells – One of the Best Modern Side-Scrolling Metroidvania Games Ever
Dead Cells is the best take on the Metroidvania and rogue-lite formula in recent years. The procedurally generated dungeons and side-scrolling elements go hand-in-hand so well in this Xbox game. The level of intricacy in stage designs, from an aesthetic perspective and gameplay-wise, is phenomenal.
There’s a mystical allure to Dead Cells we can’t put into words. Perhaps it’s the Dark Souls’ inspiration within the rapid-paced combat. There’s a learning curve and the complex progression system in Dead Cells that we find so appealing. Or maybe we’re just enamored with the possibilities of weapon customization and other upgrades.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with Dead Cells if you’re willing to put in the grind for this amazing side-scrolling Xbox game. The plot resolution will leave you windblown, and the DLCs are also worth it, given the twists they add to the narrative. If you like captivating plotlines, you’re in for a treat with Dead Cells and our collection of fantastic story-driven games.
6. Ori And The Will Of The Wisps – The Beautiful Side-Scrolling Xbox Game is Majestic
We’re kicking off the upper half of our list of awesome Xbox side-scrolling games with Ori And The Will Of The Wisps. The magnificent follow-up to its predecessor ups the ante and the charm to deliver one of the most satisfying and accessible platforming Metroidvania games ever. It’s fun for the whole family, like our favorite Oculus Rift games for kids.
The adorable Ori returns once again as he embarks on an epic quest to save the forest and help out NPCs in need. Ori And The Will Of The Wisps is a fantastic depiction of how simplicity in gameplay doesn’t necessarily mean it’s boring or not fun. Quite the opposite, in fact, as the game’s a true masterpiece.
Ori And The Will Of The Wisps has auto-save! One feature that was severely lacking in the prequel. Also, non-linear upgrades are a nice touch as well. Players will still feel the familiar thrill in combat situations, and side-scrolling platforming makes the game a phenomenal addition to the Xbox library.
5. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night – A True 2D Castlevania Successor Impresses
Entering the top-tier category of Xbox side-scrolling games, we have Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night. The graphical presentation, gorgeous attack animation and character designs, intriguing map layout, and intense boss fights are the hallmarks of this indie gem.
What’s truly inspiring about Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night is that its funding was entirely by fans. The game is free from the corporate mandate of most companies, and its gameplay is more polished or on par with the best vampire games.
The freedom to traverse and explore the levels via platforming and side-scrolling element gives us old-school Castlevania vibes. The character customization of Miriam, the protagonist, not only alters her look but also changes the play style and weapons. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night is one of the most awe-inspiring side-scrolling games on Xbox.
4. Bro Force – One of the Most Outlandish and Hilarious Side-Scrolling Games With Depth
Broforce is the perfect break in the list of outstanding Xbox side-scrolling games, as it injects a healthy helping of humor into the mix. If you’re wondering why Broforce is so high up in the rankings, it’s simple, the game’s a parody of action movies. You’ll be laughing your head off as it stacks up with the funniest games around.
Play as your favorite 80’s hollywood action hero or heroine, from Terminator, to Rambo, or Amanda Ripley if you prefer, though we kind of prefer Snake Plisken. Broforce is over-the-top, it’s loud, and has some of the most enjoyable and wacky side-scrolling gameplay you’ll ever experience.
You play as a random character, but if that character falls in battle, then you can continue as another from the unlocked ones. Oh, did you know the game also has Chuck Norris? That’s it, it’s curtains for your enemies. Speaking of enemies, they’re aliens, yep not at all ripping off of Contra. Still, we can’t complain, because Brofore is a great side-scrolling game on Xbox.
3. Mark Of The Ninja – An Outstanding Side-Scrolling Stealth Game
Coming in hot is perhaps the most compelling stealth side-scrolling game on Xbox, Mark Of the Ninja. It’s visuals alone are enough to catch most gamer’s attention, but the gameplay is on a whole other level.
The use of shadow cover is an essential game mechanic in Mark Of The Ninja that compliments the gameplay. Stealth is vital to ensuring you get the perfect score, and it adds to the enjoyment. The ninja’s movement are such a delight to view, especially when you carry out an assassination.
The game may look simple, but the enemy placement and security measures against the ninja give the game it’s challenge. You can’t power through and expect to come out unscathed. The biggest strength of the Xbox side-scrolling game is the freedom if offers to players with multiple opportunities and skills to clear a level.
2. Shing! – The Addictive Hack-and-Slash Side-Scrolling Xbox Game is Our Runner-Up Pick
Oh, look! Another ninja game? Must be a coincidence right? Nope, we’ve got a soft spot for them. Hence, why Shing! happens to be our runner-up choice for the best Xbox side-scrolling games.
This one’s short and sweet, you play as one of the 4 playable characters, and each one’s skillset varies. The one aspect everyone can gree on is that the combat of Shing! is beyond epic. Seriously, the sound effects and the impact of each attack that lands, the parry system, and even the special moves all feel incredible and immersive.
The cutscenes and animations are superb, you can easily mistake it for an anime. And if you know anything about us, we love our anime in gaming, like Fornite anime skins! Shing! is everything we can hope for in an indie side-scrolling game on Xbox and so much more, we highly recommend it.
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – The Best Xbox Side-Scrolling Game Ever
Oh, yeah! This is the top pick for our list , and we couldn’t be more ecstatic. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is aside from the best Ninja Turtles game, is also the best side-scrolling Xbox game ever.
Playing as the fearsome foursome as well ss Master Splinter, April O’Niel, and Casey Jones, in a 6 player co-op setting? This is a fan’s dream come true game. The fights are intense, the music is mesmerizing, and the animations are a joy to view.
The enemies are straight out of the Saturday Morning Cartoons show. If you’re a fan of that, you love all the Easter Eggs the game’s packing. If you remotely have a passing interest in co-op games, then Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is for you.
Final Thoughts About the Best Side-Scrolling Games on Xbox
Hey, look at that; our list’s done. Oh, thank goodness, too, we’re beat. So, what do you think about our 12 favorite Xbox side-scrolling games? They’re some of the best in the genre, and we love’em. They balance the fine line of the classic formula, paying homage but then also adding a modern edge. If you feel the same way, tell us about it in the comments below. Or, you know, feel free to disagree.
After all, not everyone’s gonna have the same taste as us. If that’s the case, then don’t forget to mention which side-scrollers not on here are your favorites. If you want a different genre of classic Xbox titles to check out, we point you toward our top Xbox 360 racing games. Well, that’s it for today; we’re jetting off, as Jimmy Neutron would say, gotta blast!
