PixelJunk SideScroller

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2011
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Jan 2, 2012
    74
    PixelJunk has become a synonym for great PSN-games, but this time round it's better to check out the demo first. Visually this is a stunner, but when it comes to gameplay this is a lot simpler than we are used from previous PixelJunk-games. Just fly and shoot. [December 2011, p.101]
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  2. games(TM)
    Jan 9, 2012
    70
    If you recognised the clever retro nods in the visuals without having them pointed out then this will appeal. If not, scroll on. [Issue#117, p.119]
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  3. Gamestyle
    Dec 5, 2011
    70
    PixelJunk SideScroller is definitely a gem in the arcade shooter genre's crown. A bold visual and space age soundtrack are definitely the games selling point but for PixelJunk lovers, the experience is simply too short.
  5. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Dec 3, 2011
    70
    A well-executed game. [Christmas 2011, p.98]
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  6. Level7.nu
    Nov 14, 2011
    70
    Pixeljunk Sidescroller flirts with the golden days of arcade gaming. Vector based visuals gives the game a unique look, and the challenging gameplay demands concentration and fast reflexes.
  7. ZTGD
    Nov 3, 2011
    68
    If you enjoy difficult bullet-hell games then you will probably enjoy SideScroller. On the other hand, if constantly dying and repeating the same sections of the level over and over again makes you want to quit, this game probably isn't for you.
  8. GameTrailers
    Nov 1, 2011
    67
    The impulse to go back in time for inspiration serves this SideScroller well in creating an attractive visual identity. But failure to properly consider what makes shoot'em ups fun, past and present, holds this PixelJunk project back from greatness.
  9. IGN
    Oct 26, 2011
    65
    Based on an unlockable mini-game in PixelJunk Shooter 2, PixelJunk SideScroller is unfortunately not much more than a mini-game itself. While a perfectly competent arcade shooter, it nails the arcade experience perhaps too well.
  10. GameOver.gr
    Nov 11, 2011
    60
    Although PixelJunk Sidescroller is a decent, "retro" shoot'em up, the flawed checkpoint system and the "cheap deaths" have a significant negative impact on the overall experience.
  11. GameSpot
    Nov 10, 2011
    60
    A neon retro sheen doesn't mask the flaws in this short and basic shooter.
  12. Machinima
    Nov 7, 2011
    60
    Despite the fact that PixelJunk Sidescroller isn't that bad, it isn't that good either. It's a mildly-entertaining-but-shallow offering from a studio that's usually at the pinnacle of PSN development.
  13. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Nov 1, 2011
    60
    The difficulty alone is enough to keep you busy for a long time, even despite there being three sectors. But if you're a glutton for punishment, you could give a go at topping the leaderboards. Aside from that and few cheats that let you change the visual filter, there's really not a lot of replay value here.
  14. The A.V. Club
    Nov 7, 2011
    58
    SideScroller is like a butter knife from a master bladesmith, a meticulous game whose modest ambition only hints at its creators' talent.

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best PS3 Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. Wesbi
    Oct 27, 2011
    9
    PixelJunk Sidescroller is just a touch short but pure fun all the way through, and hard mode is very cool. I'm not sure IGN got that far...PixelJunk Sidescroller is just a touch short but pure fun all the way through, and hard mode is very cool. I'm not sure IGN got that far... PixelJunk wins again.… Full Review »
  2. ianriker
    Oct 26, 2011
    9
    PixelJunk Sidescroller is possibly the best PixelJunk game released so far, with retro arcade graphics and several similarities with thePixelJunk Sidescroller is possibly the best PixelJunk game released so far, with retro arcade graphics and several similarities with the PixelJunk Shooter. I started it on casual, the easiest difficulty, and it is still crazy hard. In most games you are relieved to have beaten the game or boss, but in PixelJunk Sidescroller, I feel like jumping for joy after reaching a CHECKPOINT. Co-op is great, except for the fact that you share the two one-ups that are provided. (Rage quit city) All in all, it was definitely worth ten dollars I forged to buy it.… Full Review »
  3. airsick
    Oct 29, 2011
    10
    Classic side scrolling shooter gameplay with the usual Pixel Junk polish. Not every game they make is a masterpiece but every single one isClassic side scrolling shooter gameplay with the usual Pixel Junk polish. Not every game they make is a masterpiece but every single one is worth your time and money. This latest effort once again puts terrific audio and video at the forefront. The gameplay doesn't break any ground, but it's fun and solid. I was shocked at how low IGN rated it. Are they jaded, biased, or just ignorant?… Full Review »
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