PixelJunk SideScroller

Shoot 'em ups are burdened with the weight of the hardcore and while PixelJunk SideScroller obeys that command, its art, music, and basic gameplay are attractive enough to lure in anyone who might remember walking into an arcade. Simply put, SideScroller carries the sentiment of its genre predecessors without the standard prescription for rose tinted glasses.

At this point you should be playing SideScroller, because despite it walking a well-worn path down shmup lane, it's just as compelling as any of Q-Games' more experimental titles.

SideScroller is not a glorified minigame. It's shorter than the Shooter series the first time through, but that just means it's properly modeled after the old games that inspired it. In other words, it's a PixelJunk game, and that also means a well-executed visual style, smooth gameplay, and an impressive soundtrack.

Along with Deathsmiles and Gradius V, SideScroller is one of the few side-scrolling gems of the past decade.

PixelJunk SideScroller is a title that I could sit and play it for hours if wasn't for the need to sleep and other necessities. The simplicity of the game's design and the ease of use controls make it an easy game for anyone to pick up and play. Though it's totally up to the player if they have the determination to make it through 13 levels of enemy filled levels and creative bosses. If that's not enough then there are Leaderboards to top and trophies to earn for those looking for more of a challenge. IF you haven't already started downloading PixelJunk SideScroller you should be. Fun starts with the drop of a few coins.

Fast, furious and smothered in old-school cool. [Jan 2012, p.91]

PixelJunk SideScroller delivers and intense, exciting shoot'em-up experience. It's so stylish in everything it does and it's definitely a game fans of the genre can't miss.

A great game, which is very approachable at first, but then spikes in difficulty. It has a special charm that veteran players will love and appreaciate. Its gameplay is robust, modern and full of references to previous entries, but also includes some classic elements.

SideScroller's final stages are arguably among the best things Q-Games has ever done, but be warned: if you're used to the puzzley pace of Shooter, you won't find its playful nature here.

Accentuated by some splendid-looking, challenging boss fights, it's a steal for fans of the genre. [Holiday 2011, p.74]

A simple Scrolling Shooter, taking us back directly to the 80's.

Slipping into their finest retro attire, Q Games has once again proven their ability to step into any genre and own it.

We knew about "game design", but with PixelJunk SideScroller, we can now talk about Designer Games. The tasty neo-modern look of this Q-Games shoot'em up isn't everything there is to it: the game itself is a very good one, maybe a little light though, for shoot'em up pros or otherwise.

Overall this is a wonderful addition to the PixelJunk stable and the pick of the bunch in terms of executing a single minded approach.

It's not perfect, but it's shooter purity in an electric-glowing bottle that may not go down easy, but it sure tastes delicious with every gulp.

With the exception of the high production values, I feel like I've played a lot of games like PixelJunk SideScroller before. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does feel like a departure for a studio that I normally look to for unusual and exciting innovations. For anyone looking to enjoy an old school shooter with a few surprise twists, Q-Games delivers the goods.

Harder than a cage fighter on Viagra. [Issue#213, p.97]

Familiar boss battles and a few frustrations don't cloud this typically addictive and visually outstanding PixelJunk shooter.