About Side Scroller Games

Space. Time. Direction. These are the cornerstones of reality; they are also the building blocks of Side Scroller games. In a nutshell, side-scrolling games are unique computer applications designed to navigate their virtual reality in such a way that game progress is displayed on the screen by scrolling. Space is limited, time is linear, and direction is typically horizontal - in the form of left or right scrolling. It's like turning the pages of a book, each page representing a new frame that makes way for the next - taking the player on a journey. We can trace their origins back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is interesting to note that these games appealed and continue to appeal to everyone, regardless of age or gender - such is the beauty of their simplicity.

What types of Side Scroller games are there?

The diverse sub-genres of Side Scroller games demonstrate the explosion of creativity sparked by this seemingly simple navigation mechanism. Groundbreaking games of the 90s such as Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog introduced the platformer genre of side-scrolling games. The beat 'em up genre, epitomized by classics like Streets of Rage, expanded the vocabulary of the Side Scroller mechanism by adding vertical movement - allowing players to move their characters forward, backward, left or right in the game environment. It's worth noting that developers often add bonus elements that make these games more engaging.

What you can learn from Side Scroller games

More than just entertainment, Side Scroller games are also excellent tools for developing cognitive skills. By requiring players to constantly adapt and react to changing game environments, they train the brain's ability to process information, develop strategy, and improve hand-eye coordination. In addition, many side-scrolling games incorporate puzzles and riddles - making them fantastic ways to hone problem-solving skills.

Best Online Side Scrolling Games

  • Super Mario Bros - Nintendo's legendary game that single-handedly popularized the side-scrolling platformer genre.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog - Sega's answer to Super Mario, a genre-defining game that focuses on speed and precision.
  • Streets of Rage - A classic side-scrolling beat 'em up game known for its intense action and memorable characters.
  • Castlevania Symphony of the Night - An adventure RPG side-scrolling game that also incorporates elements of the platformer and beat 'em up genres.
  • Scramble - A classic side-scrolling shooter game popular for its intense action and addictive gameplay.

Conclusion

Side Scroller games undoubtedly hold a prominent place in the annals of video game history. With their rich heritage, dynamic adaptability, and timeless appeal to players of all ages, side-scrolling games prove that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. They are a beautiful testament to how a seemingly simple concept of moving left or right can create unforgettable gaming experiences that continue to reverberate throughout the interactive entertainment realm. With constant innovation and evolution, it's clear that Side Scroller games are here to stay and will continue to influence generations of games to come.