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The Great GAF Guide to Side Scrolling Adventures

Enk

makes good threads.
SamusP_run_east.gif


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.

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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

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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...



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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:





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(Metroidvanias, Zelda II's, and the unorthodox)

List A (right below)
List B
List C
List D



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(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

379-1.jpg
Marsport.jpg


Screens
TirNaNog.gif
Marsport-1.gif

(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
xc.jpg


Screens
x7.jpg
x1.jpg

(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!
271-1-1.jpg


Screens
Cauldron202.jpg
cauldron_ii_02.gif

(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!
1199319185-00.jpg

1212094315-03.png
DC3Shield2.jpg

(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!
256px-Dizzy_inlay.jpg


Screens
1198275261-01.png
1147989487-00.png

(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
metroidt.jpg


Screens
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(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
220995-milon_s_secret_castle_large.jpg

1149742963-02.png
milonscastle_02.png

(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
roc.jpg


Screens
ro1.jpg
ro3.jpg

(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
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Screens
1133994525-04.png
Valis-TheFantasticSoldierJ_001.jpg

(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
578478_18266_front.jpg


Screens
dan.jpg
1170393075-04.png

(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
250px-Chester_Field_box_artwork.jpg


Screens
chester3.png
chester4.png

(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
xc2.jpg


Screens
a6.jpg
x4.jpg

(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
lc.jpg
a1-1.jpg


Screens
l1.jpg
l3.jpg

(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
as1.jpg


Screens
as2.jpg
as3.jpg

(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
galcov1.jpg
galcover2.png


Screens
gal4.png
gal2.png

(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
dc.jpg


Screens
d3.jpg
d2.jpg

(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
587594_58217_front.jpg


Screens
1061991193-00.gif
rygarnes-8.png

(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
wb2.jpg


Screens
wb2-arcade.png
wb2arcade-1.png

(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!
zelc.jpg


Screens
zel4.jpg
Zel1.jpg

(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
xc3.jpg
soc.jpg


Screens
so2.jpg
x5.jpg

(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
gs.jpg


Screens
g4.jpg
g3.jpg

(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
cc.jpg


Screens
c1-1.jpg
c4.jpg

(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
zc1.jpg


Screens
z2.jpg
z3.jpg

(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
zombie.jpg


Screens
zomb-01b.png
1129944479-00.png

(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
 

Enk

makes good threads.
Battle of Olympus (1988 NES)
by Infinity
oc1.jpg


Screens
o2.jpg
o3.jpg

(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
blastercover.jpg


Screens
blaster1.gif
blaster2.png

(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
577551_17685_front.jpg


Screens
cosmo1.gif
cgal-02b.gif

(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
xzrc.jpg
exc.jpg


Screens
xzr.jpg
a3-1.jpg

(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
boy_and_his_blob_cover.jpg

blob.png
1102369764-00.png


(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
cadcover3.jpg


Screens
cad3.jpg
cad9.gif

(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
ShadowOfTheBeastcover-1.jpg


Screens
ShadowBeast1.png
ShadowBeast2.png

(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!
1158511744-00.jpg


Screens
turrican.gif
1203194608-00.png

(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
250px-Gargoyles_Quest.jpg


Screens
GargoyleQuest1.png
demonscrest.png

(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
yc.jpg


Screens
y4.jpg
a8.jpg

(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
wc1-1.jpg
wc2.jpg


Screens
wb1.jpg
wb2.jpg

(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
actc.jpg


Screens
act1.jpg
act2.gif

(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
bac.jpg


Screens
ba1.jpg
ba2.jpg

(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
206090-u_for_ia_large.jpg


Screens
uf.gif
uf2.gif


(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

pc.jpg


Screens
p1-2.jpg
p2-1.jpg

(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
wc3.jpg


Screens
w1.jpg
w2.jpg

(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
Evo_search_eden_box.jpg

(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
wwc.jpg


Screens
ww1.jpg
ww2.jpg

(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
snes-alien-3-box-front.jpg


Screens
1134149588-00.gif
1134149660-00.gif

(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.
 

Enk

makes good threads.
Adventure Island IV (1994 Famicon)
by Hudson Soft
FC66-HFC-TT-TAKAHASHI4-01.gif


Screens
1156152545-03.png
1156152764-03.png

(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
mwc.jpg


Screens
mw1.jpg
mw2.jpg

(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
lxc.jpg


Screens
lx1.jpg
lx2.jpg

(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
wonder.jpg


Screens
1099254532-02.gif
1099254532-05.gif

(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
ac.jpg


Screens
a3.jpg
a4.jpg

(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
1228828693-00.jpg


Screens
gfs_50215_2_9.jpg
castle2.gif

(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
pcc.jpg


Screens
a7.jpg
a2-1.jpg

(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
lipcover1.jpg


Screens
lip1.jpg
lip2.jpg

(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
252px-Vpbox.jpg
74_ja.jpg


Screens
456542.jpg
valkyrie-profile-2-silmeria631716.jpg

(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!
akujititle.gif


Screens
akuji1.gif
akuji10.gif

(Metroid-style, Slasher, Shooter, Fantasy)

-Video
-Kinda reminds me of Kid Dracula
-Grab for free HERE









Eternal Daughter (2002 Windows)
by Blackeye Software
FREE!
eternaldaughtertitle.gif


Screens
ed2.jpg
eternaldaughter1.jpg

(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
mmztitle.jpg


Screens
mega_man_zero_4_image2.jpg
mega-man-zx-20060911104143302.jpg

(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
611411-51st9krscnl__sl500_aa280__la.jpg

shantae_screen004.jpg
shantae_screen002.jpg

(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
msc.gif


Screens
ms3.jpg
ms1.jpg

(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!
seiklus_title.png

seiklus_promo01_320.png
seiklus_promo03_320.png

(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
spiritengine.gif


Screens
tse04.gif
tse2_01.jpg

(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!
cstitle.gif


Screens
cavestory060909.gif

(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
Ainevoltas1.jpg
aine2scr1.png

(RPG, Slasher, Fantasy)

-Video
-Indie developed
-Grab for free HERE







Within a Deep Forrest (2005? Window)
by Nicklas Nygren
FREE!
wadfhead.jpg
wadf1.png

(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
 

Tiktaalik

Member
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.

4t3pt3.png
 

bounchfx

Member
holy shit. huge list. I, however, am overwhelmed and am assuming that most of these are probably ass. Where's the Best Of section?
 

Momar

aka Ryder
Holy canoly, this thread is awesome.

Also, this may sound random, but Enk, did you ever play FFXI?
 

Tiktaalik

Member
bounchfx said:
holy shit. huge list. I, however, am overwhelmed and am assuming that most of these are probably ass. Where's the Best Of section?

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.
 

AppleBlade

Member
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!
 

Haunted

Member
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.
 

Tiktaalik

Member
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. :lol
 

Natetan

Member
Demon's crest is like moving art. such amazing pixel art and beautiful music. any random screen still from that game is just gorgeous

gfs_40172_2_13_mid.jpg
gfs_40172_2_2.jpg


Demon%27s%20Crest%200041.png
demonscrest2.png
 

Vizeroth

Neo Member
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.
 
I keep thinking of starting up Cave Story, but since the Wii version is nearly here I'd prefer to play it from the couch (and pay for what seems to be a game well deserving of it).

Would Flashback qualify for this list?
 

Natetan

Member
Does E.V.O. Search for eden fall into this category? you don't really backtrack, but you don't really in some of the games posted in the OP either...

hqdefault.jpg
 

O.DOGG

Member
SiegfriedFM said:
I keep thinking of starting up Cave Story, but since the Wii version is nearly here I'd prefer to play it from the couch (and pay for what seems to be a game well deserving of it).

Would Flashback qualify for this list?

I think so. And if it does, then Blackthorne needs to be mentioned as well.

Blackthorne_3.png


[edit] Oh, OK.

The Lost Vikings removed.
 

Catalix

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.
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 :)
 
Great OP! This is one of my favorite genres of all time. Currently playing Popful Mail and Legacy Of The Wizard right now. Glad to see I am not the only one who cherishes this genre. Nice work. :D
 

Easy_D

never left the stone age
This thread reminded me that I haven't finished Dynastic Hero (Wonderboy in Monsterworld port) yet! But I can't find out where to go, last ability I got was the ability to go under water, but I can't find shit D:
 
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.
 

ixix

Exists in a perpetual state of Quantum Crotch Uncertainty.
Does the original Rygar count, or do the top-down bits disqualify it?

Awesome thread, either way.
 
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.
 

Enk

makes good threads.
Knytt series (2006 Windows)
by Nicklas Nygren
FREE!
juni-thumb.jpg


Screens
knytt1.png
knytt2.png

(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
aquariatitle.gif


Screens
aq-screen01.jpg
aq-screen02.jpg

(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
finalvision2.gif
finalvision3.gif

(RPG, Slasher, Fantasy)

-Video
-Indie developed
-Grab for free HERE








Hurrican (2007 Windows)
by Poke53280
FREE!
hurricantitle.gif


Screens
hurrican1.jpg
hurrican2.jpg

(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!
as4.jpg


Screens
as5.jpg
as7.jpg

(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
odin-sphere-cover.jpg


Screens
odinsphere1.jpg
odinsphere4.jpg

(RPG, Slasher, Fantasy, Atmospheric)

-Video
-Stunning hand drawn animation
-Limited in exploration
-Play through five characters








Super Paper Mario (2007 Wii)
by Nintendo
PMT.jpg


Screens
PM2.gif
PM1.gif

(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!
iffermoontitle.gif


Screens
iff05.jpg
iffermoon.jpg

(Fantasy)

-Indie developed
-Grab for free HERE







Aztaka (2009 Windows)
by Citeremis
30ee9733e9029a7899c9f7fe8e504ed1be7.png


Screens
0122325n9.jpg
untitled-1.jpg

aztakascreen01.jpg
aztaka-2009-02-02-20-57-38-85.jpg

(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
Shadow_Complex_Cover.jpg


Screens
shadow2.jpg
shadow-1.jpg


(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!
undersidetitle.gif

underside1.png
underside2.png

(Shooter, Fantasy, RPG)

-Video
-Very similar to Cave Story in style and gameplay
-Grab the preview HERE






COMING SOON!



Dust
by Noogy
-Video
dust.jpg






Legend of Iya
by Darkfalzx
-Video
iya.png










Muramasa: The Demon Blade (2009 Wii)
by Vallinaware
-Video
mura.jpg




MassimoRE
- shameless plug :-/
 
Wow, amazing thread. I need too check out almost of all of these games. Never was a huge fan of side-scrollers except Metroid and the occasional Castlevania.
 
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.
 

Blizzard

Banned
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.
 

RurouniZel

Asks questions so Ezalc doesn't have to
Reading the OP made me shed a tear (metaphorically). I miss this style of gaming, there simply isn't enough of it these days.
 

Momar

aka Ryder
Enk said:
Why yes, yes I did. I played on the PC for several months and then again on 360 during the free trial period. Haven't touched the game since. Were you in my party at some point?

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. :)
 

JaseMath

Member
Nosferatu (SNES) was/is an excellent side-scolling action/adventure game. Think Prince of Persia meets Double Dragon with vampires and foul Hell beasts!

f1501dk2.jpg


Nosferatu_SNES_ScreenShot1.jpg
Nosferatu_SNES_ScreenShot2.jpg
 
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.
 
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