PixelJunk SideScroller

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

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  1. ianriker
    Oct 26, 2011
    9
    PixelJunk 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 isPixelJunk 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.… Expand
  2. camiwaits
    Oct 27, 2011
    10
    Pixeljunk Shooter is a classic space shooter game with a few tricks up it's sleeve. It engages you with great visual flair inspired by the earlier video games (the display screen even looks like an old tv) and a fantastic soundtrack by usual collaborators High Frequency Bandwidth. The gameplay consists of shooting down waves of enemies, while avoiding dangerous fluids like fire and acid,Pixeljunk Shooter is a classic space shooter game with a few tricks up it's sleeve. It engages you with great visual flair inspired by the earlier video games (the display screen even looks like an old tv) and a fantastic soundtrack by usual collaborators High Frequency Bandwidth. The gameplay consists of shooting down waves of enemies, while avoiding dangerous fluids like fire and acid, among other environmental hazards like lasers and spikes. At the end of each of the three acts you face a screen-filling boss, that requires you to recognize their attack patterns to overcome, said battles are one of the highlights of the game.

    One of the coolest things about the game is seeing how recognizable enemies from Pixeljunk Shooter 2 are reintroduced to a different genre. You'll see a lot of familiar faces and scenarios (granted, in a different art style) and that will probably bring a smile to your face. However, if you're not familiar with the previous games, the references will go right over your head.

    To summarize, Sidescroller is a pretty good space shooting game with a lovingly created art style, that is specially charming for people who love the Pixeljunk Shooter series. The only negative aspect about it is it's very short lenght, but i think people who enjoy the genre or the precursors of this game will feel they got their money worth.    … Expand
  3. Notlob
    Oct 27, 2011
    9
    It's like the 80's made love to the 26th century and produced an arcade game. This game is such a labor of love to side-scrolling shoot-em-ups it's almost impossible to play this without a smile. It's challenging, inventive, and has has a sense of style beyond almost all other games on the market. It's the little touches like the slight burned in PJ logo while you play, the constantIt's like the 80's made love to the 26th century and produced an arcade game. This game is such a labor of love to side-scrolling shoot-em-ups it's almost impossible to play this without a smile. It's challenging, inventive, and has has a sense of style beyond almost all other games on the market. It's the little touches like the slight burned in PJ logo while you play, the constant smooth 60fps action, and brilliant level design (OK that last point isn't so little) that push this game from a competent/good shooter to a great one. Bravo Pixeljunk team, you remain one of the most consistently great developers this gen. Needless to say I'm a fan.… Expand
  4. 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 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?
  5. 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 wins again.
  6. nekrobator
    Feb 15, 2012
    6
    I felt quite ripped off, it was fun for the tiny amount of time it lasted, but it certainly doesn't compare to the pixeljunk shooter titles.
    If you do get this game don't play it on casual, even if you are dying constantly on normal thats because you are meant to die alot to make the game last a decent amount of time. I am currently going through the game again on normal and its more    I felt quite ripped off, it was fun for the tiny amount of time it lasted, but it certainly doesn't compare to the pixeljunk shooter titles.
    If you do get this game don't play it on casual, even if you are dying constantly on normal thats because you are meant to die alot to make the game last a decent amount of time. I am currently going through the game again on normal and its more satisfying even though there is lots of cheap deaths and areas with too long between checkpoints.
    Its a decent game but they are charging far too much for something so small and simple, wait for a sale and if you don't have pixeljunk shooter 1 and 2, definitely get them first.    … Expand
  7. 48448
    Nov 12, 2011
    9
    Amazing game. The only thing I didn't like was the color scheme for Hard Mode. But other than that the gameplay, art design and music are all wonderful.
  8. reson8er
    Oct 31, 2011
    9
    I have been playing, collecting, and appreciating Shooting games (SCHMUPS) since the original R-Type and Darius in the arcade (1980's). I only reference this to qualify my review, and score. I have played and own many shooters, including import only titles, arcade titles, and hard to find rare titles. PJ Sidescroller is a fantastic game, which harkins back to the days where people wouldI have been playing, collecting, and appreciating Shooting games (SCHMUPS) since the original R-Type and Darius in the arcade (1980's). I only reference this to qualify my review, and score. I have played and own many shooters, including import only titles, arcade titles, and hard to find rare titles. PJ Sidescroller is a fantastic game, which harkins back to the days where people would line up in arcades to see and play the latest shooter. Shooters in the arcades and at home have a tendency to push graphical capabilities of the time, and shooter does so with its trademark Pixel Junk Style, incorporating physics, and a fantastic neo-retro look. Many games today… Expand
  9. TheBrak
    Feb 23, 2014
    8
    There is not much to say about pixeljunk sidescroller. it has great leveldesign,music and visuals. The game is a bit short but the price is low and it does not feel like there is something missing.

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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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. Game Chronicles
    Jan 30, 2012
    85
    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.
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  2. Play UK
    Jan 9, 2012
    77
    Harder than a cage fighter on Viagra. [Issue#213, p.97]
  3. 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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