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makes good threads.
(08-16-2009,
08:53 PM)
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The Great GAF Guide to Side Scrolling Adventures
#1
 With the release of Shadow Complex and the upcoming releases of Cave Story and La Mulana Wii, people will probably ask "Gee golly wilikers GAF, I like this frashizzle! What other games are there that are like these"? So here you go you nose picking, basement dwelling, sweaty bags of wasted nerd flesh! Here is a revamp of an older thread of mine that will try to emcompass the all amazing sub genre of Side Scrolling Adventures! Where as the old thread only had slashing adventure games, this one will focus on the shooters and offbeat ones as well. While the task at making a list like this seems arduous, the amount of games in this subgenre is relatively small compared to other genres.  If you somehow drunkenly stumbled into this thread, unknowing of what the hell I'm talking about, I will describe Side Scrolling Adventures to you in simple, easy to understand bulletpoints: -They're 2d -They move on a horizontal plane (that means the character moves left and right) -Emphases on exploration and usually has backtracking -Character building which usually results in opening up new areas  So that's the gist of it. If you know of any games missing from the list let me know and I'll be sure to add it. I have also included some simple description key words to help you quickly CTRL+F the type of game you're looking for. Here's the description list: RPG - Contains building of experience points Metroid-style - Like Metroid where you collect items to build character and open new areas Persian - Like Prince of Persia with a seemless world, tricky platforming, fluid animation, but lacks character building. MMO - Massive Multiplayer Online game TurnBased - You and the enemies take turns in attacks (Final Fantasy style) Atmospheric - Game gives off a good, moody atmosphere Slasher - Game's combat is dealt with mostly sharp or blunt objects Shooter - Game has an emphasis on projectile combat Fantasy - Fairies, gnomes, giant mushrooms, and shit Sci-fi - Bald space marines, lasers, robot, and shit TopDown - Has bird's eye view gameplay segments Platforming - Has segments that involves timed jumps FREE! - hmm... I wonder...  UPDATE: Apparently 3 posts wasn't enough for the list so I had to hijack some of my other posts to continue on. I've also decided to separate the Persians from the rest of the list since they didn't quite fit with the others. I might do the same for some of the old C64/Spectrum adventures. Here's a table of contents to help you navigate around:  (Metroidvanias, Zelda II's, and the unorthodox) List A (right below) List B List C List D  (The Prince of Persia's and Another World's) List A The Guide of Side Scrolling Adventures The list is in chronological order: Tir Na Nog Trilogy (1984 ZX Spectrum, Amstrad, C64) by Gargoyle Games   Screens   (Slasher, Sci-fi, Fantasy) -Tir Na Nog Video ; Dun Darach Video ; Marsport Video none :-( -One of the pioneers of side scrolling adventures -Notable for its groundbreaking features like: ---Large, well animated main character ---Animated backgrounds ---Parallax Scrolling -Dun Darach is considered to possibly be the first prequel in gaming history -Marsport took a more sci-fi route -Was later to be remade by Psygnosis but was later canceled -Series has a LucasArts styled item collection system; Marsport even allowed you to combine items More info HERE and HERE Xanadu (1985 PC 88, MSX, Saturn) by Falcom  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Second in the Dragon Slayer series -Side scrolling adventure with top down Hylide style combat -MAZES! -Remade for Saturn More info here! Cauldron I & II (1985 C64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad) by Steve Brown FREE!  Screens   (Shooter, Platforming, Fantasy) -C1 Video ; C2 Video -A very early attempt at making an openworld adventure -First game has a mixture of platforming a shmup like fliying sequences -Sequel lets you take control of the bouncy, evil pumpkin and explores the witch's castle -A 90's sequel, Super Cauldron, was made by the infamous Titus Software (Superman 64) -Cauldron II can be play via flash HERE -Cauldron remake can be found for free HERE More info HERE Dark Castle series (1986 Mac, Amiga, DOS, Gen, C64, CD-i, MSX) by Silicon Beach Software FREE!    (Atmospheric, Platforming, Shooter, Fantasy) -Video -Defeat the evil Black Knight! -Friggin hard -A sequel, Return to Dark Castle, was just released in 2008 for the Mac -Play the original Dark Castle through an emulator HERE -Get Return to Dark Castle HERE More info HERE Dizzy seires (1986 ZX Spectrum, C64, NES) by The Oliver Twins FREE!  Screens   (Platforming, Fantasy) -Video -Play as an egg! How eggciting! (groan) -The series in now abandon ware. Grab them free HERE More info HERE Metroid series (various platforms starting in 1986) by Nintendo  Screens   (Metroid-like, Atmospheric, Shooter, Sci-fi) -Compilation Video -No explanation is really needed for this classic shooter adventure series Milon's Secret Castle (1986 NES, GB, Wii) by Hudson Soft    (Metroid-style, Platforming, Shooter, Fantasy) -Video -Blow deadly bubble to destroy your foes -Find the Hudson Bee! -Sequel came to the SNES but was more level based than an adventure game More info HERE Romancia (1986 PC88, MSX2. Win 98) by Falcom  Screens   (Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Third in the Dragon Slayer series (aka Dragon Slayer Jr.) -Harder than the hardest of wood -30 minute time limit! -The king cuts that in half if you talk to him too much! -A man in a cloud will kill you if you talk to him twice! -Wonky combat system! -Cursed items which force you to start over! -Remade for PC in 99. -For masochists only! More info here! Valis: The Fantastic Soldier NES (1986 NES) by Telenet Japan Co  Screens   (Shooter, Fantasy, Kinky) -Video -Play as the scantly clad Yuko who battles evil minions with her sword, Valis. -Unlike the other versions, the NES one has a more of an openworld, mazelike design -Not very good -Get a fan translation HERE -More recent entries of the series evolved the series to include touching moments of lesbian sex and tentacle rape. More info HERE Bio Senshi DAN aka Bio Warrior DAN (1987 NES) by Atlus  Screens   (Platforming, Slasher, Metroid-style, Sci-fi) -Video -Travel back into time to the year 1999 to save the world from the vicious Increaser -Was localized but never released overseas (as Bashi Bazook) -Get a fan translation HERE More info HERE Chester Field (1987 NES, C64) by Vic Tokai  Screens   (Platforming, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Very Zelda II-esque -Was finished for localization but never ended up getting released overseas -Get a fan translation HERE -More info HERE Faxanadu (1987 NES) by Falcom and Hudson Soft  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Tough as nails -Side game from the Xanadu/Dragon Slayer series More info here! Legacy of Wizard / Dragon Slayer IV (1987 MSX, MSX 2, NES) by Falcom   Screens   (Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy) -Video -Play as multiple characters including a pet dragon, each having a unique characteristic. -Another tough game -Mazes, mazes and mazes More info here! The Maze of Galious (1987 MSX, NES) by Konami  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Lots of mazes! -Also known as Knightmare II: Maze of Galious -Was later reprogrammed for the PC. You can get it here! More info here! Golvellius I & II (1987 MSX, Sega Master System) by Compile   Screens   (Slasher, Fantasy, TopDown) -Video -Seek out Golvellius and rescue the beautiful Princess Rena! -Contains both top down and side scrolling combat. More info here! Dr. Chaos (1987 NES) by Marionette  Screens   (Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy, Atmospheric) -Video -Richard Moll reprises the undead Vietnam buddy from House! -Sidescrolling action, intercut with first person navigation -Very similar to Goonies 2. -Pretty durn tough! More info here! Rygar NES version (1987 NES) by Tecmo  Screens   (Metroid-style, Slasher, Platformer, TopDown, Fantasy) -Video -Unleash the powa of disc armor! -Unlike the arcade, the NES version was a more open world adventure -Has a mixture of topdown and sidescrolling action More in HERE Wonderboy II aka Wonerboy on Monster Land (1987 Arcade, SMS, Amiga, PCE, C64, Wii) by Sega  Screens   (Metroid-style, Fantasy, Slasher, Platforming) -Video -First in the Wonderboy series to go the adventure game route -Monster World II ditched the adventure elements for a more SHMUP like experience -The sequels after MWII went back to the adventure game style More info HERE Zeliard (1987 Ms-Dos) by Game Arts FREE!  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -By Game Arts! You know, the company that brought us Lunar! -Play as the Duke! -Has been labeled as abandonware. -If you grab a DosBox you can get the game here! More info here! The Sorcerian Series (started in 1987 for many consoles) by Falcom   Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Fifth in the Dragon Slayer series. -Only game on this list to have a part system. -Probably the most complex of the SSSrpgs on this list -A 3d version was made for Dreamcast, but looks horrid More info here! Goonies 2 (1987 NES) by Konami  Screens   (Metroid-style, Fantasy, Slasher) -Video -It’s Goonies! -It’s the unofficial sequel to Goonies! -No truffle shuffle :( -Fight evil bugs and pirates with a yoyo! -Cyndi Lauper music! -First person sections! -Varied environments! -Very similar to Dr. Chaos! -It’s Goonies! Simon’s Quest: Castlevania 2 (1987 NES) by Konami  Screens   (RPG, Atmospheric, Slasher, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -First Castlevania RPG -Not stuck in a castle -Day and night cycles -One boss -Poor translation with vague clues -Memberable and eerie music Adventures of Link: Zelda II (1987 NES) by Nintendo  Screens   (Metroid-style, RPG, Slasher, Fantasy, TopDown, Platforming) -Video -It’s Zelda -I guess the CD-I ones can be added to this list but…nah. Zombie Hunter (1987 MSX, NES) by- Hi-Score Mediawork  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -Grinding is a must -Unfortunately it is easy to overpower -Not as cool as the pictures and title make it out to be -Never released overseas -Get a fan translation HERE Last edited by Enk : 08-29-2009 at 09:21 PM. |
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makes good threads.
(08-16-2009,
08:54 PM)
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#2
Battle of Olympus (1988 NES)
by Infinity  Screens   (Metroid-style, RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Zelda 2 clone -Colorful and varied graphics for the NES -Variety in locations More info here! Blaster Master (1988 NES, GB, Genesis) by SunSoft  Screens   (Metroid-style, Shooter, Sci-fi, TopDown, Platforming) -Video -Vehicle combat -Catchy music -Top down shooting segments -Hard difficulty -Other console followups are not nearly as good More info HERE Cosmo Police Galivan (1988 NES) by Nihon Bussan  Screens   (RPG, Metroid-style, Slasher, Sci-fi) -Video -Unlike its arcade brother, this version was more of an adventure game -Never released overseas -Get a fan translation HERE XZR (XZR 1988 on MSX, XZR2 1988 on Genesis, MSX, TurboGrafx CD) by Renovation Games   Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy, TopDown) -XZR1 Video (only the intro) XZR2 Video -Intriguing plot involving the muslim world and assassinations. -Take drugs like cocaine, LSD and heroin to help you on your adventure! -Top down world map that goes side scrolling when in battles or dungeons. -First game not released outside of Japan. -Second game released here as Exile More info here! A Boy and His Blob (1989 NES, GB) by David Crane    (Fantasy, Platforming) -Video-Turn you buddy blob into many object with the power of jellybeans! -From the creator of Pitfall -Pretty durn tough -A semi sequel came out on Gameboy -A remake is coming to Wii but it seems more level based than an adventure game More info HERE Cadash (1989 Arcade, TurboGrafx, Genesis/MegaDrive) by Taito  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy) -Video -Originally an arcade game them ported to consoles -Localization by Working Designs -Multiplayer -Choose from four classes: Fighter, mage, priestess, and the almighty ninja ! -Genesis port excluded the priestess and the ninja, making it the greatly, inferior version. More info here! Shadow of the Beast series (starting in 1989 on many systems) by Psygnosis  Screens   (Metroid-style, Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy, Atmospheric) -Video -Uber difficult -Thick in atmosphere with an amazing score by David Whittaker -Known for its early use of insane parallax scrolling (up to 12 levels!!!) More info HERE Turrican I&II (1989 C64, Amiga, ZX Spectrum, NES, Gen) by Rainbow Arts FREE!  Screens   (semi Metroid-style, Shooter, Sci-fi, Atmospheric, Platforming) -T1 Video ; T2 Video -It's Metroid's twisted and relentless cousin -While level based, the size of them are giant enough to have lots too explore -Has one of the great unknown classic kickass soundtracks of gaming -Creator Manfred Trenz both programmed and did the music for the NES version by himself -From Turrican III and onward (including the SNES ones) the levels were massively scaled back -Play the Aimga version of Turrican HERE (music/effects sounds really off in this version) -Also check out Hurrican, a free game tribute to the series HERE More info on Turrican plus free games (check out Turrican 2002) HERE Gargoyle's Quest series (1990 GQ1 GB, 1992 GQ2 NES, 1994 GQ3 SNES) by Capcom  Screens   (Metroid-style, Atmospheric, Shooter, Fantasy, TopDown, Platforming) -GQ 1 Video; GQ 2 Video; Demon's Crest Video -Play as the troublesome Red Arremer from Ghosts n' Goblins! -Pretty difficult, but not GnG levels of roughness More info HERE Ys III (1989 on many consoles, remade in 2005 for Windows) by Falcom  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy, Atmospheric) -Video -First and only Ys that was sidescrolling. -Great music by Mieko Ishikawa. -Later remade (and rather poorly) for the PS2 ; Video -Even later remade (and rather greatly) for the PC as a top down game; Video More info here! Wonderboy IV aka Dragon’s Curse (1989 Master System, TurboGrafx) by Sega   Screens   (Metroid-style, Slasher, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -Little Nemo style character switching with varied abilities -Known as Adventure Island on the PC Engine More info here! Actraiser (1990 SNES) by Quintet  Screens   (Slasher, Fantasy, TopDown, Atmospheric, Platforming) -Video -An interesting hybrid of side scrolling action, rpg gameplay and god-sim elements -Music by Yuzo Koshiro -Side scrolling parts are divided into levels, and have little exploration -Most exploration is done in the god-sim areas of the game. -Sequel removed the god-sim elements and was a straight up hack and slash platformer. More info here! Barbarian II (1991 Amiga and Atari ST) by Pandamonium Entertainment  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy, Atmospheric) -Video -Has that wonderful Psygnosis look -Sequel to the point and click slasher (not the arcade fighter) -Play as Hegor the Barbarian More info here! Hebereke (aka Ufouria) (1991 NES) by Sunsofe  Screens   (Metroid-style, Shooter, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -Considered to be one of the better adventure games of the 8bit era -Play as different characters -Only released in Europe and Japan More info HERE Popful Mail (1991 PC Engine CD, 1994 Sega Cd, SNES) by Falcom  Screens   (Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Translation by Working Designs -Good difficulty -Vibrant graphics and colorful characters -Personal favorite. -A villain named Muttonhead More info here! Wonderboy V aka Wonderboy in Monsterworld (1991 Genesis/Megadrive, Master System, PC Engine) by Sega and Westone  Screens   (Metroid-style, Slasher, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -Fifth in the Wonderboy series -Vibrant spritework -Fair difficulty -Varied level design More info here! E.V.O. Search for Eden (1992 SNES) by Almanic  (RPG, Slasher) -Video -Evolve from fish to amphibian to mammal to human -Lots of ways to define your characters evolving look -Created by the designer of Actraiser -Music by Koichi Sugiyama of Dragon Quest fame More info HERE Wizards & Warriors III- Kuros Visions of Power (1992 NES) by Rare  Screens   (Slasher, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -First game in the series to break from the level structure. -Become a knight, thief and wizard. -Though the game is easier than the others, there is no continue system. -Journey through a vertically built town supported only by a few boards! Alien 3 SNES (1993 SNES) by LJN  Screens   (Shooter, Sci-fi, Platforming, Atmospheric) -Video -Take on missions and help rescue the survivors from the xenomorphs! -Genesis/Amiga versions are slightly similar but more linear in design. Last edited by Enk : 08-29-2009 at 08:51 PM. |
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makes good threads.
(08-16-2009,
08:55 PM)
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#3
Adventure Island IV (1994 Famicon)
by Hudson Soft  Screens   (Metroid-style, Shooter, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -Last game in the 8bit series -First game in the series to become an adventure game -Never released outside of Japan More info HERE Monster World IV (1994 Mega Drive) by Sega and Westone  Screens   (Metroid-style, Slasher, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -Semi sequel to the Wonderboy series. -Has an Arabian setting. -Spunky, green haired girl as the main character. -Ride a magic carpet! -Some of the most vibrant graphic seen on the Mega Drive -Never released overseas but a tanslation patch is available More info here! Legend of Xanadu series (1994 Pc Engine Super CD, Windows 95) by Falcom  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy, TopDown) -Remake of Xanadu -Contains Ys top down style battling mixed with side scrolling elements -Side scrolling has little exploration More info here! Wonder Project J (1994 SNES) by Almanic  Screens   (RPG, Sci-fi) -Video -Raise and train a robot boy to do your bidding -Mixes adventure with life simulation elements -From the makers of E.V.O. -The sequel, Wonder Project J2, still had 2d sprites but the exploration parts were in 3d -Never released overseas -Grab the fan translation of WPJ1 HERE -Grab the fan translation of WPJ2 HERE More info HERE Super Adventure Island II (1995 SNES) by Hudson  Screens   (Metroid-style, Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -Last (relevant) entry in the Adventure Island series -Colorful graphics, varied locations, and big bosses -Moderate difficulty Iga Castlevanias (starting on 1997 on many platforms) by Konami  Screens   (RPG, Metroid-style, Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy, Atmospheric, Platforming lol) -Video -From Symphony of the Night on, nearly every Castlevania has fused adventure with RPG elements Princess Crown (1997 Saturn, PSP) by Atlus  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Prequel to Odin Sphere. -Gorgeous sprite work for its time. -Lacks exploration/platforming elements. -Never released outside Japan More info here! Last Imperial Prince (1997 PC-FX) by NEC  Screens   (Slasher, Fantasy) -You know, other than this review I can’t find much info on this game. So consider this one really obscure! Valkyrie Profile Lenneth & Silmeria (1999 PS1, PSP, PS2) by tri-Ace   Screens   (RPG, TurnBased, Fantasy, Platforming, Atmospheric) -VP1 Video ; VP2 Video -Fused Metroidvania style exploration with semi-turnbased battles -Deep character customizations -Gorgrous locales and music -Recuit an wide variety of einherjar to join your party More info HERE Akuji the Demon (2002 Windows) by Buster (E. Hashimoto) FREE!  Screens   (Metroid-style, Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy) -Video -Kinda reminds me of Kid Dracula -Grab for free HERE Eternal Daughter (2002 Windows) by Blackeye Software FREE!  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Free indie game! Grab it HERE -Made with Multimedia Fusion -From the creator of Aquaria More info HERE Mega Man Zero, NT, and ZX series (Zero 2002 on GBA, NT 2003 on GC, ZX 2006 on DS) by Capcom  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Shooter, Sci-fi, Platforming) -Zero Video; NT Video; ZX Video -MMZero is more like the classic series but with more emphaisis on exploration and character building. -MMNT has character building as well as an extensive item gathering element -MMZX is more like Zero but with more of an open world exploration Shantae (2002 GBC) by WayForward    (Metroid-style, Slasher, Platforming, Fantasy) -Video -From the makers of Contra 4 and A Boy and His Blob Wii -Colorful, bouncy visuals and smooth animation -Play as a half-genie in a battle against pirates! -Transform into monkey, elephant, spider and harpy More info HERE Maple Story(2003 Online PC) by Wizet  Screens   (MMO, RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -An online Korean SSSrpg. -Play with your friends online! -Play with the idiots online! -Apparently it’s free! -DS version is supposed to be a more straight forward SSSrpg. More info here! Seiklus (2003 Windows) by cly5m FREE!    (Platforming, Fantasy) -Video -Very much in the style of Knytt (in fact it inspired Knytt) -No violence for all you pacifist pansies out there -Collect 100% to open a bonus level -Made with gamemaker -Get if for free HERE More info HERE The Spirit Engine series (2003 Windows) by Natomic Studios  Screens   (RPG, TurnBased, Fantasy) -Video -Indie developed -Side scrolling turn base RPG -Created with Multimedia Fusion -Grab the game and demo HERE More info HERE Cave Story (2004 Various platforms) by Studio Pixel FREE!  Screens  (Metroid-style, Shooter, Sci-fi, Platformer) -Video -Catchy soundtrack -Charming world -Enhanced version coming to the Wii! -Grab for free HERE More info HERE Ainevoltas series (2005 Windows) by SilverNova FREE! Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Indie developed -Grab for free HERE Within a Deep Forrest (2005? Window) by Nicklas Nygren FREE!   (Platforming, Sci-fi, Atmospheric) -Video -For the creator of Knytt -Play as a bouncy ball in the post apacolpse future! -Grab for free HERE More info HERE Last edited by Enk : 08-29-2009 at 08:53 PM. |
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Member
(08-16-2009,
09:03 PM)
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#4
We still don't know much about the gameplay, but it's possible that Fez might fit into this category as well. It seems like there will be puzzles relating the 2D and 3D planes, but there have also been screens depecting the Fez character talking with other characters, so maybe there are adventure elements as well.
While we're talking about indies, there's also the heavily Cave Story influenced "The Underside" which I believe is still in development.  |
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(08-16-2009,
09:04 PM)
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#6
So I take it we may comment now?
Then: Wow. Massive OP. I like. |
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Member
(08-16-2009,
09:04 PM)
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#8
Originally Posted by bounchfx:
Actually I'm pretty sure most of these are pretty damn good. Certainly I know that the Castlevania's, Metroids, and Monster Worlds are good. I'm not as familiar with some of the NES ones, but I know people love Zelda 2 and Faxanadu. |
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Member
(08-16-2009,
09:08 PM)
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#9
Awesome thread, I've tinkered around with some indie game development here and there and a side-scrolling adventure/RPG is always the type of game I toy around with.
This thread is great for me because now I want to get all these games to use as a reference/inspiration. Thanks! |
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(08-16-2009,
09:12 PM)
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#10
Enk always makes nice threads.
Of course, that list only touches the surface, there's so much good stuff out there. William and Sly is a free, short flash game in the same vein I played recently. |
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Member
(08-16-2009,
09:15 PM)
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#13
I recall reading that the guy who designed Shadow Complex wanted to make that game because really really loves the Metroid genre and he is hoping that Shadow Complex is a success so that will it inspire people to make more Metroidvanias so that he can play them.
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Junior Member
(08-16-2009,
09:19 PM)
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#18
Yeah, that pretty much is the best of list, it just covers close to 30 years and many platforms. There's also quite a variety of game styles in that list, as while every one I played on the list I can see as being good in its own way, I didn't enjoy all of them.
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Junior Member
(08-16-2009,
09:44 PM)
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#22
Originally Posted by SiegfriedFM:
I think so. And if it does, then Blackthorne needs to be mentioned as well.  [edit] Oh, OK. The Lost Vikings removed. Last edited by O.DOGG : 08-17-2009 at 05:44 AM. |
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And on the sixth day the LORD David Bowie created man and woman in His image. And he saw that it was good. On the seventh day the LORD created videogames so that He might take the bloody day off for once.
(08-16-2009,
10:00 PM)
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#25
Wow, that OP is incredible. Some I've never even heard of. This is easily one of my favorite genres.
I would also add the Tomba series to the mix. Great games :) |
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(08-16-2009,
11:44 PM)
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#30
Great job, OP.
I submit this as one of my favorite free ware 2D adventure games: http://nifflas.ni2.se/index.php?main..._a_Deep_Forest Within a Deep Forest. By the same guy who made Knytt. It's about a ball that saves the world. |
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Member
(08-17-2009,
12:26 AM)
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#31
I tried out the Aquaria demo, pretty damn cool. Its massive, I am about an hour and 20 minutes into it and I dont know where it will end. The game starts off simple you are this fish woman and you swim around avoiding bad fish and the like. You have this ring of songs, when you play them in a certain order you use a power, like create a shield. You explore this huge underwater world, many areas seem blocked off, classic Metroid presentation. Soon you gain the power to move objects, this gives you access to more areas. Finally i get to this temple area where I find a power to transform into an energy form which allows me to shoot out fire balls. Finally the action kicks off and its great. You are swiming around a maze like underwater setting shooting fireballs at any enemies that come at you. The full game has many more forms to turn into. I am impressed.
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Molasses Jones X
(08-17-2009,
12:41 AM)
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#34
Great thread. These types of games are my favorites. It's a shame that so few of them make it to retail these days, but thankfully indie devs are doing a good job carrying the torch. I'm pretty damn psyched about A Boy and His Blob coming out this year.
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(08-17-2009,
12:44 AM)
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#36
Jesus damn, great stuff. I miss shit like this.
Dust and Legend of Iya look awesome. |
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makes good threads.
(08-17-2009,
02:17 AM)
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#37
Knytt series (2006 Windows)
by Nicklas Nygren FREE!  Screens   (Metroid-style, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Atmospheric, Platforming) -Video -What it lacks in graphics it makes up for in thick 'n delicious atmosphere -Has an extensive game editor -Download for free HERE More info HERE Aquaria (2007 Windows, Mac) by Bit Blot  Screens   (Metroid-style, Shooter, Fantasy, Atmospheric) -Video -Created by Derek Yu of Eternal Daughter -Under water exploration! -Soothing atmosphere -Comes with a game editor More info HERE Final Vision (2007 Windows) by Alspal FREE! Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy) -Video -Indie developed -Grab for free HERE Hurrican (2007 Windows) by Poke53280 FREE!  Screens   (Shooter, semi Metroid-style, Sci-fi, Atmospheric, Platforming) -Video -Excellent tribute to the Turrican series -Weapon building -Comes with a game editor -2nd place winner of the Indie Game Showcase contest 2008 -Grab for free HERE La Mulana (2007 Windows) by GR3 Project FREE!  Screens   (Metroid-style, Slasher, Fantasy, Platforming) -Video -Freeware PC game -Tribute to The Maze of Galious -A whip wielding adventure! -Download the game here! -An enhanced version is coming to the Wii! More info here! Odin Sphere (2007 PS2) by Vanillaware  Screens   (RPG, Slasher, Fantasy, Atmospheric) -Video -Stunning hand drawn animation -Limited in exploration -Play through five characters Super Paper Mario (2007 Wii) by Nintendo  Screens   (RPG, Platforming, Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy) -Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flQTSrq7n_A -Platformer RPG starring a short, fat plumber -Play as multiple characters -Able to switch the view from 2d to 3d on the fly -Easy difficulty Iffermoon (2008 Windows) by ScottGames FREE!  Screens   (Fantasy) -Indie developed -Grab for free HERE Aztaka (2009 Windows) by Citeremis  Screens     (RPG, Metroid-style, Slasher, Platforming, Fantasy, Atmospheric) -Video -Kinda like a land based Aquaria -Uses a hybrid control method of keyboard and mouse -Has a Western RPG-styled inventory/quest system -Gorgeous hand drawn 2d visuals -Use essences to manipulate the envirnment -Has a nice, sizable demo -Grab the demo and game HERE More info HERE Shadow Complex (2009 XBLA) by Chair  Screens   (Metroid-style, Sci-fi, Shooter) -Video -Pretty much a direct tribute to Metroid -Uses the Unreal 3 engine -Has segments where the player can shoot into the background More info HERE The Underside (Windows) by Insignificant Studios FREE!    (Shooter, Fantasy, RPG) -Video -Very similar to Cave Story in style and gameplay -Grab the preview HERE COMING SOON! Dust by Noogy -Video  Legend of Iya by Darkfalzx -Video  Muramasa: The Demon Blade (2009 Wii) by Vallinaware -Video  MassimoRE - shameless plug :-/ Last edited by Enk : 08-29-2009 at 08:58 PM. |
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Junior Member
(08-17-2009,
02:37 AM)
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#39
Amazing thread Enk, definetly bookmarked for future reference.
It brings back so many memories, I remember playing a version of Wonderboy on my Amiga 500 and loving it to death. I also remeber buying shadow of the beast and being in complete awe of it's graphics, it was so far ahead of it's time it's not even funny, I remember beating it as well so I must have been a pretty hardcore little toddler( got it when i was 7 or 8). I urge people to check out Derek Yu's games Aquaria and Eternal Daughter as well as his new effort Spelunky (roguelike sidescroller). That guy is shaping up to be one of my favorite game designers ever. I would also like to add a few games to the list like Another World and it's pseudo sequel Flashback, they're both sidescrollers and fabulously designed games, in fact Another World was a watershed title in gaming in terms of animation ( I think it uses the same technique as the original prince of persia) and graphics and both stand the test of time and are extremely playable today. Once again thank you for this amazing thread, It's one of the few (like the Why the Ds rocks thread) that I bookmark and return from time to time to see what's up and check out some amazing games i've never even heard of before. |
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Member
(08-17-2009,
04:01 AM)
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#43
OP is missing the Prince of Persia games, like the one on the old black-and-white Mac (similar to the SNES version I think?)
There were also fun sidescrolling jump/shoot games on the black-and-white Mac -- dark castle and beyond dark castle, though I imagine hardly anyone here would have ever heard of them. |
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(08-17-2009,
05:11 AM)
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#45
Wonderful thread, I wasn't aware of some of the freeware games listed here. I definitely will check them out.
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aka Ryder
(08-17-2009,
05:21 AM)
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#47
Originally Posted by Enk:
Hmm... couple months, eh. Was it on Leviathan? I knew a guy named Enk in my linkshell, and he was a cool guy, and you're a cool guy, and that's that. :) |
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(08-17-2009,
05:39 AM)
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#50
A few lesser known ones from the handhelds:
Shantae for the Game Boy Color really needs little in the way of introduction and definitely deserves to be on any list of quality sidescrolling adventures. Scorpion King: Sword of Osiris for the GBA (from the same developer as Shantae) had a lot of adventure elements to it and is quite a good, if short, romp. Spyro: Eternal Night for the Game Boy Advance is another good side-scrolling adventure that is a little on the short side. It's notable for having a superb combat system. Finally, the criminally underappreciated Spider-Man: Web of Shadows for the DS. Spider-Man + Metroidvania + an evolved version of the combat from Spyro: Eternal Night. It's also a little short, but it's a blast to play. |
