What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Side Scroller Games of 2015 depends on what you want from the genre. For the strongest all-around mix of precision platforming and exploration, start with Ori and the Blind Forest. Choose Broforce for run-and-gun action, or Super Mario Maker if building and sharing levels is part of the fun. This is a curated shortlist, not a single objective ranking: side-scrollers overlap with 2D platformers, Metroidvanias, run-and-gun games, and some 2.5D adventures.
How these 2015 side-scrollers differ
The picks below cover distinct kinds of play rather than competing on one common scale. Contemporary year-end lists, critic aggregations, and Steam user ratings each offer a different view. Release dates also vary by platform and region, so a game’s 2015 debut does not mean every version arrived that year.
| Game | Best fit | Structure and play | Evidence of recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ori and the Blind Forest | Precision platforming and exploration | Interconnected Metroidvania areas, traversal abilities, and demanding jumps | The Guardian year-end top 25; 88 Metascore on Metacritic’s 2015-filtered page |
| Broforce | Action-focused play, especially co-op-oriented sessions | Run-and-gun action rather than exploration-led platforming | 95.21% SteamDB user rating in its 2015 Side Scroller results filtered to games with at least 500 reviews |
| Super Mario Maker | Creating and sharing levels | Play platforming stages and make new ones | #1 in SuperPhillip Central’s personal 2015 platformer selection; 88 Metascore on Metacritic’s 2015-filtered page |
| Yoshi’s Woolly World | Polished, secret-rich Nintendo platforming | Crafted stages with secrets to uncover | #2 in SuperPhillip Central’s personal 2015 platformer selection |
| Freedom Planet | Fast-paced action platforming | Sonic-like lineage and a brisk action focus | #3 in SuperPhillip Central’s personal 2015 platformer selection |
| Adventures of Pip | A smaller-scale platforming adventure | Transformation mechanic tied to level challenges | #4 in SuperPhillip Central’s personal 2015 platformer selection |
| Axiom Verge | Retro-flavoured exploration | Metroid-inspired exploration | Included in PC Gamer’s 2015 PC list and Tier’s 2015 platformer ranking |
| Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China | Stealth over precision jumping | 2.5D stealth-platforming | Included in PC Gamer’s 2015 PC list |
Best Side Scroller Games of 2015
1. Ori and the Blind Forest
For the best single starting point, pick Ori and the Blind Forest. Its vivid 2D presentation pairs precise, demanding platforming with a Metroidvania structure: new abilities open routes through an interconnected world. That makes it a better match for players who enjoy learning movement and revisiting places than for anyone seeking a sequence of simple, self-contained stages.
The challenge is part of the appeal, but it is real: expect careful jumps and timing rather than a relaxed stroll. GameSpot characterized the controls as fluid and precise while describing the game as demanding. The Guardian included it in its year-end top 25, writing, “Like the Rayman series, Ori shows there is plenty of life, depth and soul left in the 2D scrolling genre.” Tier’s August 2026 ranking lists an 88/100 critic score, and Metacritic’s 2015-filtered page shows an 88 Metascore.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
GameSpot lists March 11, 2015 as the game’s first release and names PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch among its platforms. Check the relevant regional store for the version you want; those platform listings do not establish current availability, format, or stock.
2. Broforce
Pick Broforce if you want a side-scroller built around explosive run-and-gun action rather than ability-gated exploration. It is the action-heavy alternative on this list, and its co-op orientation makes it a natural choice for players looking for shared, chaotic sessions. It is not an Ori substitute: the emphasis is combat, not methodical traversal through a connected world.
Rank #2
- Crafted from a unique 40 singles tri-blend fabric, offering a lightweight, ultra-soft feel
- Classic crew neck design with side-seam construction ensures both comfort and a flattering silhouette
- Lighter colors are semi-sheer
SteamDB’s page snapshot accessed October 8, 2026 shows a 95.21% user-rating figure for Broforce among 2015 Steam games tagged Side Scroller and filtered to at least 500 reviews. That is a Steam user-rating snapshot, not a critic score or a ranking across every platform.
3. Super Mario Maker
Super Mario Maker is the pick for players who want to create platforming levels as well as play them. Its defining draw is the ability to build and share stages, giving it a creative loop that the other recommendations do not offer. SuperPhillip Central placed it first in its personal 2015 platformer selection, and Metacritic’s 2015-filtered page shows an 88 Metascore.
Rank #3
- Hardcover journal with 240 line-ruled pages (120 sheets)
- Built-in elastic closure and ribbon bookmark
- Includes an expandable inner storage pocket and a pen holder
Nintendo Life records the Wii U release as September 10, 2015 in Japan and September 11 in the UK, Europe, and North America.
4. Yoshi’s Woolly World
Choose Yoshi’s Woolly World for carefully crafted Nintendo platforming with secrets to seek out. It ranked second in SuperPhillip Central’s 2015 selection. Nintendo Life records its Wii U release as June 26, 2015 in the UK and Europe, and October 16, 2015 in North America.
Rank #4
- Features 16-bit side-scroller video game scene design with Pixel art dragon, knight, castle, health bars, fireballs
- Great for anyone who loves Epic, nostalgic, action-packed style designs
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
5. Freedom Planet
Freedom Planet is the fast-paced option for players drawn to Sonic-like action platforming. It placed third in SuperPhillip Central’s year-end selection. Nintendo Life records its Wii U eShop release as October 1, 2015 in North America and October 29, 2015 in the UK and Europe.
6. Adventures of Pip
Adventures of Pip offers a smaller-scale take on the genre, built around a transformation mechanic that connects to its level challenges. It ranked fourth in SuperPhillip Central’s personal 2015 platformer list. It is a useful choice if you want a focused platforming adventure rather than a large interconnected world or a combat-first game.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best Value
- 🔥 Go viral with the hottest TikTok trend! This magic ring lets you scroll TikTok videos effortlessly - no more tired thumbs, just addictive endless scrolling fun!
- 📱 Works with ALL phones - iPhone, Samsung, any smartphone! Just connect via Bluetooth in 1 second and start scrolling. No apps, no setup, just pure TikTok fun!
- 👆 Scroll TikTok anywhere - in bed, walking, relaxing! Your thumb will thank you during those 3AM TikTok marathons. Comfort level: 100%!
- ⚡ One charge = 30 days of TikTok scrolling! Fast USB-C charging in just 1 hour. Never miss trending videos because of dead battery!
- 🎮 8 easy buttons for everything - scroll, like, share, pause! So simple your grandma could use it. Physical buttons = zero learning curve!
7. Axiom Verge
For retro-flavoured exploration, try Axiom Verge. Its Metroid-inspired structure makes it the closest fit here for players who want to explore, find upgrades, and open new paths. PC Gamer included it in its 2015 PC list, and Tier includes it in its 2015 platformer ranking.
8. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China is the 2.5D choice for players more interested in stealth than in precision jumping. It brings side-scrolling movement into a stealth-platforming format, making it a different kind of recommendation from the run-and-gun and exploration-led games above. PC Gamer included it in its 2015 PC list.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why rankings of 2015 side-scrollers differ
“Side-scroller” is a broad label, so lists can weigh different games and qualities. A platformer ranking may focus on movement and level design, while a broader side-scroller list may include stealth or run-and-gun action. The sources here also measure different things:
- Editorial selection: SuperPhillip Central’s December 31, 2015 list was one writer’s ranking, not a poll or industry-wide consensus. It placed Super Mario Maker first, Yoshi’s Woolly World second, Freedom Planet third, Adventures of Pip fourth, and Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash fifth.
- Critic aggregation: Tier’s ranking page, updated August 2026, covers 19 games and draws on critic and player ratings. Metacritic’s 2015-filtered page displays aggregator scores. These are not the same as a year-end editorial list.
- Steam user ratings: SteamDB’s October 8, 2026 snapshot shows 47 matching products under its Side Scroller filter with at least 500 reviews. In that filtered result, Broforce had a 95.21% user-rating figure and Ori and the Blind Forest 92.23%. These percentages describe Steam user ratings for the filtered results, not overall critical opinion or every platform’s audience.
Those distinctions explain why Ori is a strong all-around recommendation without being an uncontested number-one choice. The Guardian’s year-end recognition and critic aggregates support it, while SuperPhillip Central’s personal selection favored Super Mario Maker; SteamDB’s specified user-rating snapshot places Broforce above Ori.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
