7 Best Upcoming Side Scroller Games of 2023

Side-scrolling games are honestly one of the backbones of video game society. They’re so good that you could argue they never really go out of style. As we’ll show you here with the best that we know are coming out next year.

#7 Gunbrella

• Developer: Doinksoft
• Publisher: Devolver Digital
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
• Release date: Sep 13, 2023

Welcome to the world of Gumbrella, which is actually a bit of a misnomer, we should actually be apologizing that you have to be in the world because it’s not the best of ones. It’s a world that’s struggling to survive due to a resource being critical, and that ties into the main character.

He’s on a quest for revenge and as he goes around this noir-punk-style world he’ll find out how the various groups and monsters of it are connected to one another and what’s going on with the planet.

You’ll wield the mysterious Gunbrella to get through it all and beat up the bad guys. Think you can solve the mystery and get your revenge?

#6 The Last Case of Benedict Fox

• Release date: Apr 27, 2023
• Developer: Plot Twist
• Publisher: Rogue Games Inc.
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

You are Benedict Fox, a very curious young man who has a curse upon him that also allows him a gift. In short, he’s bound currently to a demon, which is bad. But, as a self-proclaimed detective, he’ll be able to go and dive into the minds of people to learn the truth about a mystery surrounding a mansion where a couple died. Also one where a child went missing.

In this Metroidvania-style title, you’ll explore the ins and outs of the subconscious of the recently dead, and find clues to unravel the mystery that is all around you. Plus, there’s combat that you and your demon “companion” will be able to work together to take on!

#5 Teslagrad 2

• Developer: Rain Games
• Publisher: Modus Games
• Release date: Apr 19, 2023
• Platform: Microsoft Windows

In Teslagrad 2 you’ll play as a young girl named Lumina, she has crashed in the lands to the north and must find her way home. But doing so will not be easy at all, as the lands are remote, and dangerous are around you that you’ll have to overcome to get your airship up and running again.

You’ll travel around and explore various places, including a tower that looms large over the valley. Use your electromagnetic powers to solve all sorts of physics-fueled puzzles in order to move further on your quest and get home!

Push through the puzzles, beat the bosses, and learn more abilities along the way!

#4 Planet of Lana

• Release date: May 23, 2023
• Developer: Wishfully
• Platforms: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
• Publishers: Thunderful Group, Thunderful Publishing

A lot of side scrolling games have a very basic purpose of going from left to right and back at times and defeating a whole bunch of enemies. Planet of Lana however is not your typical platformer at all. It’s all about bringing balance to a world that has somehow lost it, and the journey to make it happen.

With a trusted companion by your side, you’ll go throughout a very unique world in order to take on the puzzles and challenges that await you.

The story and places you’ll be able to visit goes much deeper than you might realize, which is why Planet of Lana is something you’ll definitely want to check out when it arrives.

#3 Curse of the Sea Rats

• Release date: April 6, 2023
• Developer: Petoons Studio
• Publisher: PQube
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5

Now here’s one where the story isn’t going to be what you think. Curse of the Sea Rats is about four prisoners of the British Empire who are actually turned into rats because of a sea witch. Oops.

Now, they’re going to have to try and fight their way through many dangers as they go across the Irish coast and seek out the witch who cursed them, and force her to change them back.

The game was hand-crafted visually and they put a lot of care into every frame and thing they drew. Also, all four characters have their own unique personality and style of fighting. So try them all out as you explore the vast world!

#2 American Arcadia

• Publisher: Raw Fury
• Developers: Out of the Blue Games, Out of the Blue Games S.L.
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
• Release date: Nov 15, 2023

You ever watch The Truman Show? Ok, picture that movie, and put it across a whole city and suddenly you get American Arcadia.

Yes, in this spin on the 1970’s, you’ll play as a set of characters in a city that unbeknownst to those who live there is actually a living reality show. What’s more, the city’s population is tied to the ratings. If the ratings go down? The deaths go up!

Now, in a very special documentary-style of storytelling, you’ll need to go and escape the city at all costs. Filled with top-notch voice-actors and a great animation style, American Arcadia is definitely for those who want a different kind of game to play.

#1 Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe

• Developer: Nintendo
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Release date: February 24, 2023

Yes, the beloved Wii game that allowed you and your friends to control 4 different characters as you went through Dream Land is back! You’ll be able to control Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, and a Waddle Dee in order to traverse various terrain, defeat bosses, and more!

Plus, there are an assortment of side games for you to have fun with alongside your friends. Cue the Kirby victory dance!

Disclaimer: This article was updated on 11/9/23 as we continue to adjust this list with new entries or remove games due to delays or failure to captivate audiences.