Even today, players enjoy the nostalgic appeal of side-scrolling games. Even though they are primarily focused on nostalgia, side-scrolling games can offer interesting perspectives and distinct experiences.
The top ten side-scrolling games on the Switch are listed below.
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Super Punch Patrol
Super Punch Patrol, a beat-’em-up game, is first on the list. A 2D beat ’em up, the game features an intriguing, comic book-inspired visual style.
The game starts off with a straightforward premise, but it quickly becomes apparent that players will enjoy its addictive gameplay. One of the top side-scrolling games available right now on the Nintendo Switch is SPP because it does the genre justice.
The game incorporated classic beat-’em-up gameplay elements like punch and kick attacks that can be combined. You can also grapple foes and seize weapons from the ground to dispatch foes quickly.
The Messenger
The Messenger gives gamers that satisfyingly nostalgic feeling, and it will undoubtedly transport you back to the NES and SNES era of gaming. It is an action platformer with a retro aesthetic because it alternates between an accurate 8-bit and a meticulous 16-bit visual style.
The Messenger is a good or, should I say, the perfect Ninja Gaiden clone from the 80s era of video gaming. Additionally, despite using a pixelated aesthetic, the game has fluid animation, which is absolutely captivating to watch.
The game’s approach to platforming mechanics, from straightforward to intricate level designs, is, of course, where it shines the brightest. Not to mention a special feature that lets you switch between 8-bit and 16-bit looks while keeping the level’s layout.
Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack
Side-scrolling video games have always felt like the perfect fit for the chaotic run-and-gun genre. The intensity is turned up to eleven with Azure Striker Gunvolt. This game is a 2D pixel run and gun side scroller that reminds you of difficult games like Megaman X in terms of design and premise.
The game successfully combines challenging platforming and shooter mechanics into one action-packed extravaganza. Gunvolt is a fantastic pixel game that further evokes gaming nostalgia.
You can fire regular and charged projectiles at enemies in the game, which features the usual run and gun elements. However, the game also included fascinating and eye-catching abilities that are useful for taking down opponents, like the flash field and dragon sphere.
Gynoug
The demons have risen to power in a time between the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Era by feeding on the sinister aspirations of mankind. They prepare their attack under the direction of a being known as The Destroyer.
In defense of the tribe’s overall survival, the angel Wor travels to Iccus to stop the spread of the evil spirit.
Take command of Wor and kill all hideous foes in your way. To move on, you must defeat the demon boss at the end of each area.
Final Vendetta
A hard-hitting, action-packed beat ’em up in the style of vintage arcade games is called Final Vendetta. Featuring gorgeous pixel art and an energetic soundtrack with exclusive Utah Saints songs!
Fight through hazardous environments while engaging in brawls with bad guys and tough girls.
Clockwork Aquario
After 30 years, the fabled Westone team’s long-supposed lost arcade treasure is at last made public. The incomplete ROM has been dug up and finished with input from the original developers’ thanks to Strictly Limited Games.
Jump, run, pick up, and throw your way through a vivid fantasy world while racking up points by hitting multiple targets at once to receive multipliers.
Kingdom: Two Crowns
Building their kingdom and defending it from the threat of Greed are the players’ two main objectives in Kingdom Two Crowns’ brand-new solo or co-op campaign mode.
Experience the latest advancements in the acclaimed micro strategy franchise’s units, enemies, mounts, and secrets!
Mayhem Brawler
Mayhem Brawler is a beat ’em up with an urban fantasy theme that revives the arcade feel from the 1990s. It offers a distinctive experience that you can complete alone or in co-op with friends while determining the course of the story with your decisions.
It features comic book-style art and epic soundtracks. Hero Concept Studios created the game.
Smelter
Smelter is an additional indie title to be added to this list. It will impress you with its entertaining gameplay. It is an excellent action platformer with a dash of strategy components.
The game embraces the retro look and performs better on a modern system, bringing out the wonders of the 16-bit experience. On top of that, Smelter has fluid animation complete with a lively soundtrack that also reminds you of the Megaman X games from the 90s.
Smelter is a breath of fresh air because it offers players an activity other than side-scrolling entertainment. The action-packed run-and-gun platforming and tower defense-style mechanics are available to players in the game’s two segments.
Smelter can support that level of fervor if you’re a die-hard chaotic platforming enthusiast. The game features a challenging platforming sequence with intricate level layouts.
Icey
Icey offers a unique interactive story and action-packed gameplay. This game will be an instant hit for most players as the game showcases fast-paced action with an innovative storyline similar to The parable of Stanley.
Despite having what you might call a generic visual style, Icey’s engaging hack-and-slash gameplay captures players’ attention. The dynamic narrator in Icey will try to guide you to the main plot but will also comment on your choices if you choose to ignore him.
Additionally, Icey provides a number of conclusions, each one more captivating than the previous. Players can influence Icey’s choice, which could have an impact on the entire game, thanks to the game’s novel storytelling technique.
The game features fluid action sequences that incorporate hack-and-slash elements to complement the side-scrolling perspective. You can dash and jump through obstacles like platforms and enemies while making light to heavy attacks.