15 NEW Side Scroller Games of 2022

Side-Scrolling video games used to be practically all we got during the early days of gaming. However, there are still many fans for the genre, and each year we get a few side-scrolling games that we can’t wait to add to the mix. In this list, we will highlight a few side scrollers that we’re eager to play in 2022. With that said, lists are always opinionated. So don’t look too much into how these games are ranked. They easily can get swapped around after they launch or when new games are unveiled.

Disclaimer: Hollow Knight: Silksong was removed as it’s no longer expected in 2022.

#15 Endling – Extinction is Forever

• Publisher: HandyGames
• Developer: Herobeat Studios
• Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Release Date: July 19, 2022

If the recent success of titles like Stray is anything to go by then people love playing as animals in games. Endling – Extinction is Forever takes on a similarly intriguing tale having you guide your cubs to safety and teaching them numerous survival skills as the last mother fox on Earth. Boasting a phenomenally colorful yet bleak art style Endling – Extinction is Forever will be sure to grip you in its narrative paws from start to finish.

#14 Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series

• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Developer: MONKEYCRAFT Co. Ltd.
• Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, PC
• Release Date: July 8, 2022

Every game seems to be getting a remaster these days. Whether they’re complete reworks or just brushing up on classic titles to appeal to modern consoles there isn’t a game safe. Fortunately for Klonoa fans eager to dive back into the classic PlayStation 2 days of their favorite series Klonoa Phantasy Reverie brings Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil to modern hardware in one remastered collection.

#13 Axiom Verge 2

• Publisher: Thomas Happ Games LLC
• Developer: Thomas Happ Games LLC
• Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
• Release Date: August 11, 2022

Following the successful release of Axiom Verge, Axiom Verge 2 has a lot to live up to. Combining side-scrolling adventures with Metroidvanias, Axiom Verge 2 offers a tone of amazing ways to approach situations with numerous gameplay mechanics to perfect. Alongside the gameplay mechanics, Axiom Verge 2 bolsters some amazing pixel art visuals and smooth animations. Definitely, one to check out on release.

#12 Azure Striker GUNVOLT 3

• Publisher: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
• Developer: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
• Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Release Date: Winter 2022

Similar to previous entries in the series, Azure Striker GUNVOLT 3 drops you straight into the action with some added mechanics. Azure Striker GUNVOLT 3 has you switching between characters including a new series addition, Kirin who unlike previous entries has quite a different playstyle than staple characters which offer loads of new ways to play the game. Fans of the series are sure to be in for a treat with this one but it’s also the perfect time to jump in for the first time.

#11 9 Years of Shadows

• Publisher: Freedom Games
• Developer: Halberd Studios
• Platform: Nintendo Switch, PC
• Release Date: November 2022

9 Years of Shadows is definitely beautiful to look at but don’t let that drag you away from the addictive gameplay and level design. Designed as a Metroidvania, 9 Years of Shadows has you fighting countless enemies as you learn the story of Europa, a noblewoman journeying the lands to restore color to what was otherwise a black and white abyss. amazing visuals, stunning gameplay, and animation. What’s not to love?

#10 Far Changing Tides

• Developer: Okomotive
• Publisher: Frontier Developments plc
• Platform: X/S, PC, XBO, PS4, PS5, NS
• Release: March 1, 2022

In the world of Far Changing Tides…well…actually…the world is kind of dead. Yes, you are a young man braving a world who has gone through an apocalyptic event, and now, on your ship with no name, you must venture forth to try and find a new place to call home.

But that’s only the start of things to come, as there are many mysteries aboard Far Changing Tides in terms of not just the world and what happened to it, but who you are, and why you woke up alone on this vessel.

Plus, what is the hidden depths of the ship itself? You’ll find out as you venture into it to solve puzzles and continue your journey.

What will you find in the world, and with your ship?

#9 OlliOlli World

• Developer: Roll7
• Publisher: Private Division, Take-Two Interactive
• Platform: X/S, PC, XBO, PS4, PS5, NS
• Release: February 8, 2022

OlliOlli World is the perfect game for those who want to have a fun time in a deep world…and happen to love skateboarding too!

In the title, you’ll play as a new skateboarder who is trying to find the gods of his sport on the way to Gnarvana.

If this sounds silly, don’t think too much into it. The real fun here is going to be you creating your own character, and then skateboarding through deep areas with multiple paths to completion, all sorts of challenges and quests for you to take, and new moves to learn as you grow.

This is a skateboarding game like no other, so definitely go and give OlliOlli World a try!

#8 Trek to Yomi

• Developer: Flying Wild Hog, Leonard Menchiari
• Publisher: Devolver Digital
• Platform: X/S, PC, XBO, PS4, PS5
• Release: May 5, 2022

If you haven’t noticed, there have been a lot of attempts as of late to go and make unique Samurai titles. Not the least of which is because people are eager to see what new spins on them that developers big and small take.

Enter Trek to Yomi, a game about a samurai who must fulfill a promise to protect a village, but in the process, go on a journey to multiple worlds to learn his truth worth, and atone for past crimes.

Between the setting, unique monochrome color palette, and the battle mechanics, you’re going to find a lot to enjoy here. And while we won’t spoil anything major, the story and game aren’t going to go the way you think.

#7 Infernax

• Developer: Berzerk Studio
• Publisher: The Arcade Crew, Dot Emu
• Platform: X/S, PC, XBO, PS4, PS5, NS
• Release: February 14, 2022

If you’re hungry for a title that has deep routes that you can take, battles that you can have, and a style that is old-school at its core, then Infernax is one to take a look at.

In the game, you are a knight who has returned home from battle only to find that your homeland is corrupted by dark magic! Now, you are on a quest to not just find the source of it, but destroy it before more harm is done.

But the choices and quests that you take on your journey will define both you and your journey. How many people will you help on your way? How many lives will you take for your goal? Infernax will weigh every decision to see how worthy of a knight you are!

#6 Planet of Lana

• Developer: Wishfully
• Publisher: Thunderful Publishing, Thunderful Group
• Platform: X/S, PC, XBO
• Release: 2022

Planet of Lana is a bit like Inside or Limbo but a lot more colorful. However, it’s not a game that throws players into a bleak world. Instead, Planet of Lana is taking the role of a young girl and her companion as they soon find their bright, colorful world invaded. Now a robotic army has invaded and seeking to take control. However, players will begin a journey to fight back these beasts and attempt to keep this world in harmony. So far, the game looks to be filled with puzzles and quick reflexes to survive.

#5 Replaced

• Developer: Sad Cat Studios
• Publisher: Coatsink
• Platform: X/S, XBO, PC
• Release: 2022

Replaced throws players into an alternate 1980s America. In this science fiction title, players are stepping into the role of an AI that is unwillingly put inside a human body. Against its will, the AI is forced into adjusting to its new human life. Unfortunately, it’s not easy in this world as a catastrophic event has made it to where crime and greed rule. If you’re not in the top tier of life, you’re nothing more than easily replaceable grunts to harvest organs and any other useful currency the elites can rip away from you. Visually, this game looks like a pixelated cinematic experience, but we’re still waiting to see just when the game will come out into the marketplace this year.

#4 Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef

• Developer: Rogueside
• Publisher: Rogueside
• Platform: NS, X/S, PS4, PS5, XBO, PC
• Release: 2022

From the developers behind Guns, Gore & Cannoli comes a new side scroller shooter called Warhammer 40,000: Shoots, Blood & Teef. This is also a game set within the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. In Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef, players are tossed into the role of an Orc. With several different classes to pick from, each bringing their own unique playstyle and attributes. Overall, we know that this game will have players charging through a hive city as you gun down all your enemies. Seeking revenge, players are battling it out to claim their hair squig along with their warlord. The Warhammer 40,000 franchise is massive, and there are all kinds of different games available, so this could potentially be a new gateway for newcomers to the franchise.

#3 Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

• Developer: Night School Studio
• Publisher: MWM Interactive
• Platform: NS, PS4, PSS5, PC
• Release: 2022

Oxenfree tossed players into a supernatural horror narrative, where a mysterious entity is tormenting a group of youth who decided to party at a nearby island. Fans now have an upcoming sequel. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals will be set in the same world but with different protagonists. The gameplay will be like the original installment, where players present dialogue choices and puzzles. There’s even some connection to the first game, so if you haven’t played the game yet or it’s been a little while, it might be time to go back and enjoy it. Just how this will connect remains to be seen, but players can get ready to battle the otherworldly entity and strange radio signals again sometime later on this year.

#2 Salt and Sacrifice

• Developer: Ska Studios, Devoured Studios
• Publisher: Ska Studios
• Platforms: PS4, PC, PS5
• Release: 2022

Fans of Salt and Sanctuary have a sequel called Salt and Sacrifice currently in the works. It’s another side-scrolling action RPG. Players can expect more platforming and brutal combat in this dark fantasy world. We know that this new installment will be putting players into a new era and a brand new location. There’s also a brand new character you’ll be stepping into called the Marked Inquisitor role. Our protagonist starts out as a condemned criminal within the game but finds their life spared. In exchange for their life, the Masked Inquisitor is bowing down to a lifetime of service as you venture through a war of Mages.

#1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

• Developer: Tribute Games
• Publisher: DotEmu
• Platforms: PS4, NS, PC, XBO
• Release: 2022

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had a few notable beat ‘em up games back in the day. The games offered a thrilling time, whether it was the classic arcade cabinet or the various home console releases. Now we’re getting another chance to dive back into yesteryear and enjoy a brand new adventure with our favorite ninja turtles. In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, players are stepping into the role of either of the four turtles or even April O’Neil. You’ll have to fight off the infamous Foot Clan along with iconic enemies like Krang, Bebop, and Shredder. Developed to mimic the classic TMNT games, those of you who enjoyed playing through games like Teenage Mutant Turtles: Turtles in Time might get that nostalgic itch to pick this game up at launch.