Since the early days of gaming history, side-scrolling games have played an important role in shaping the gaming world we know today. Initially, this genre focused mainly on gameplay, but over time, it has donned many new coats to look more appealing. In addition to gameplay, modern side-scrolling games also emphasize storytelling, allowing gamers to immerse themselves more deeply into the virtual world. At the same time, they encourage players to continue searching for the hidden wonders within the game. To illustrate this further, here are the top 8 side-scrolling games with captivating stories that gamers will never forget.
Oddworld
Released in 1997 for PlayStation, Oddworld received widespread acclaim from critics and became one of the best-selling games. Oddworld is also a very challenging game, and this is one of its main attractions. Our protagonist, Abe, can perish after just one hit. Therefore, to play this game, you must make the most of your speed and cunning.
Oddworld is a side-scrolling game with a story about oppression. Abe belongs to the slave class and is forced to work in factories for a large corporation. Although the story told in each moment may not be particularly exciting, when viewed as a whole, the tale of freedom and standing up against oppressors and exploiters is deeply and consistently expressed throughout the game. For this reason, Oddworld deserves a place in the list of top side-scrolling games with great stories.
Inside
Playdead initially rose to fame with Limbo – a top-tier side-scrolling game where the protagonist doesn’t need to utter a single word, and the game’s primary color scheme consists of only black and white. Limbo offers a fresh and unique experience, which is why it became so popular. Inside follows a similar path, but this time, instead of a 2D side-scrolling environment, the game shifts to a 3D setting. Naturally, Inside still borrows the best aspects of Limbo, immersing players in a puzzle-solving experience to survive.
Inside will never tell you anything, or more specifically, it won’t give you any clear guidance. You will need to run around, collecting evidence and clues to figure out where to go next. However, the difficulty in solving puzzles is not the only strength of this game; the story itself is also a highlight.
After escaping the forest and venturing deeper into the island, you will encounter bizarre and horrific phenomena, such as walking corpses, machines resembling mind control devices, a wild boar infested with parasites, and a mysterious creature lurking in the water, always waiting for the moment to attack you. However, this is not all. There are many more mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Is this just a natural phenomenon, or the failed products of an experiment? If you enjoy side-scrolling games with great stories and gameplay that stimulates your reasoning skills to find the answers, then Inside will be an ideal choice.
Mirror’s Edge
Mirror’s Edge is one of the top side-scrolling games featuring excellent parkour mechanics. The characters in the game possess unique movement abilities that not every game can successfully exploit. For instance, the Dying Light series attempted to embrace Mirror’s Edge’s parkour style but did not quite succeed (or more accurately, it still cannot compare). Despite having such a great parkour mechanic, what players remember most about this game is the story.
In Mirror’s Edge, you must move quickly. Fast enough to save yourself from deadly situations, which is why almost everything in the game is coded with colors for immediate recognition. Our protagonist is an outlaw, being hunted for her rebellious actions. The world has lost its color, a stark landscape masquerading as a paradise, and the fleeting colors that appear here are the motivation to help you push further.
Thomas Was Alone
Thomas Was Alone is a very special side-scrolling game, if not among the best. It is a prime example of how a game with an engaging story does not need a huge budget. This game also does not require cutscenes yet remains captivating every second. Thomas Was Alone shows that with the right investment and pleasant voice acting, even simple shapes can become endearing characters.
Essentially, this is an adventure journey about rectangular blocks. Of course, the story of this game goes much deeper than that. These shapes know how to work together to overcome challenges, leveraging each individual’s strengths to benefit the entire group. In many instances, you can even view these shapes as tools, with the only difference being that they have emotions that make players increasingly fond of these characters even after the game ends.
Source: GVN360