If you were one of the lucky gamers out there that got to experience some (or all) of the consoles classed as retro today, such as the NES, the Sega Megadrive, or the original PlayStation, then you’ll have an idea of what we’re talking about with these memorable Retro side scroller games.
1. Retro side scroller games – Abe’s Oddysee – PlayStation
This was one of the very first games I ever bought for my PS1, it was definitely quirky and had a puzzle element for you to think about – a little bit different to your average side-scroller.
Abe, who works for Rupture Farms is on a quest to save his fellow Mudokons from being turned into the ingredient needed to create Mudokon Pops – did I mention the story is a little weird?
A little more graphically enhanced than some of the other games mentioned in this article, Abe would need to figure out the best way to save his friends by dodging deadly creatures (and taking control of them), as well as opening portals to send the Mudokons to freedom.
2. Retro side scroller games – Super Mario All Stars – SNES
Unless you’ve hid yourself under a rock you’ll almost certainly of heard of the famous Mario Brothers. Super Mario All Stars took the first four games from the NES and remastered them for the Super Nintendo with enhanced graphics and music.
The concept remained the same though, jump, run, and spit fireballs through the various worlds to save Princess Toadstool from King Koopa (or Bowser as he’s now known).
3. Retro side scroller games – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – NES
Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Splinter came to the NES in 1989 to battle the notorious Shredder in this addictive side scroller.
Players were given the option of playing as one of the four turtles, each with their own unique weapon (such as nun-chucks) to battle their way through the Footclan soldiers that came into their path. Bebop and Rocksteady obviously make an appearance to kidnap April in the process!
4. Retro side scroller games – Streets of Rage Sega Megadrive
During a period where Street Fighter was the closest thing to a beat em up, the future never looks so bright until Streets of Rage was released on the Sega Megadrive in 1991.
The idea that you no longer had to stand and fight your opponent in a restricted arena was awesome, as the name suggest you would be able to select from a range of playable characters to battle to streets against a variety of enemies.
Hitting bad guys with baseball bats was the norm, and of course every level ending provided a boss-fight to keep you on your toes. If you had friends over (and were able to afford a second controller) you could also play co-op.
5. Retro side scroller games – Donkey Kong Country SNES
If you were more of a Super Nintendo fan then you would be fortunate enough to experience Donkey Kong Country for the first time, jumping into barrels to launch you across the screen and monkeying around with various boss battles.
Across the 40 levels you’ll need to swing between vines, and even swim through water to progress through each level. This one took me a while to complete!
