Shantae 2002
Why it still holds upAn open world that unlocks as she learns new dances and forms still gives you reasons to return to earlier places.
Side-view games that still hold up
Everything in profile, and usually heading right
Games
Shantae 2002
Why it still holds upAn open world that unlocks as she learns new dances and forms still gives you reasons to return to earlier places.
In a bundle
Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 1990
Why it still holds upA pair of chipmunks throwing crates is a game for two players that is still easy to share.
Jazz Jackrabbit 2 1998
Why it still holds upRunning, shooting and stomping through four episodes still make a plain side scroller to pick up.
In a bundle
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The HyperStone Heist 1992
Why it still holds upFive long levels and a run of bosses still make a full afternoon for two.
The Great Giana Sisters 1987
Why it still holds upEvery level is still a small dash against a running clock, in plain platforming.
Space Quest II: Vohaul's Revenge 1987
Why it still holds upThe world carries on while you type, so a dangerous room is still a race between your fingers and whatever is coming.
On sale
Mega Man 11 2018
Why it still holds upLearning each stage until you can run it cleanly is still part of the series' appeal.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2018
Why it still holds upQuick runs and a party to swap still make a short game easy to return to.
In a bundle
Mega Man 3 1990
Why it still holds upThe order of stages is yours to choose, which is still a reason to keep returning.
Lode Runner 1983
Why it still holds upDigging traps for the guards is still a puzzle worth trying.
Trials HD 2009
Why it still holds upA bike that tips with every small mistake still gives each course a clear target.
In a bundle
Mega Man X3 1995
Why it still holds upClinging to walls while charging a shot is still a way of fighting worth trying.
Ultimate Chicken Horse 2016
Why it still holds upEvery piece you lay is still a bet on your own legs today.
Wario Land 4 2001
Why it still holds upEven now, four distinct themes let you pick your own path.
On sale
Gorogoa 2017
Why it still holds upWith no language to read, every image is still something to study.
In a bundle
Castlevania 1986
Why it still holds upA whip with a short delay and a running clock make every stage a careful one, and that is still the case.
Golden Axe II 1991
Why it still holds upThree fighters with their own magic still make each run a choice.
Silk Worm 1988
Why it still holds upTwo different vehicles to share still make it a natural game for two players on one screen.
On sale
Gato Roboto 2019
Why it still holds upIt still plays well for the switch between the armed suit and the fragile cat, each reaching places the other cannot.
Skullgirls 2012
Why it still holds upSimpler inputs and a way out of long combos still make it a friendly place to learn fighting games.
New Super Mario Bros. U 2012
Why it still holds upBoost Mode still lets a fifth player build the floor today.
On sale
Mortal Kombat X 2015
Why it still holds upThree variations per fighter still make the roster feel three times its size.
LittleBigPlanet 2009
Why it still holds upA new campaign to play on a handheld still keeps the series' creative side.
Tomba! 1997
Also known as Tombi!
Why it still holds upThe tasks handed out as you go still give the island a reason to keep exploring.
Botanicula 2012
Why it still holds upAlmost everything in the tree still reacts when prodded today, with a seed to carry out of it.
On sale
BlazBlue: Central Fiction 2015
Why it still holds upA story mode of around forty hours and a roster of 37 characters still give it plenty to play today.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories 2004
Why it still holds upA hand of cards that shapes each room is a plan that is still worth drawing.
Rampage 1986
Why it still holds upSmashing a city down with two friends is shared chaos, and it is still fun.
Land of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse 1993
Why it still holds upFinding new items to reopen old stages still gives it a pace of its own.
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP 2011
Why it still holds upA concept album you can walk around in still gives its music a leading role.
In a bundle
Mega Man 5 1992
Why it still holds upEight stages with tricks of their own, such as switching gravity or riding a vehicle, are still there to be picked in any order.
On sale
Tekken 7 2015
Why it still holds upToday, a move that absorbs hits and one that spends your Rage make every round a question of when to use them.
Kirby's Dream Land 1992
Why it still holds upSimple controls and a short game still leave little to learn.
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders 1988
Why it still holds upIt is still an adventure played as a team, with the world's oddest places to send them.
Boulder Dash 1984
Why it still holds upEvery move loosens rocks and frees creatures, so a cave still changes while you work it out.
Mega Man III 1992
Why it still holds upTwo sets of four Robot Masters and E-Tanks to help with the hard parts still make a compact Mega Man game.
The Revenge of Shinobi 1989
Why it still holds upA ninja who can throw eight shuriken in the air is still a good reason to play.
R-Type 1987
Why it still holds upEven now, a charged cannon and an orb you place yourself make each stage a puzzle of positioning.
Joust 1982
Why it still holds upOne button and one rule, the higher lance wins, are still quick to understand.
In a bundle
Castlevania: Bloodlines 1994
Why it still holds upTwo heroes with different ways of moving still give each stage two ways to be played.
Sonic Rush 2005
Why it still holds upA boost button in place of built up speed still changes how a level is played.
Tekken Advance 2001
Why it still holds upTwo buttons and a side step still keep its fights quick to learn.
In a bundle
Super Castlevania IV 1991
Why it still holds upA whip you can aim in eight directions and swing from rings still gives you plenty to do in each room.
Oxygen Not Included 2019
Why it still holds upIndirect orders still turn a simple wish for a wire into a chain of small problems.
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin 2006
Why it still holds upA single map still has several settings, thanks to portals that lead to deserts and towns from inside a castle.
The World Ends with You 2007
Why it still holds upShort chapters and a combat system that uses both screens still fit a handheld.
On sale
TowerFall Ascension 2013
Why it still holds upAn arena fight that fits on one couch still asks for friends beside you.
Kirby: Canvas Curse 2005
Also known as Kirby: Power Paintbrush
Why it still holds upToday, drawing the ground under him as he rolls makes every level a small puzzle of lines.