Look, side-scrolling games have been around forever and there are some absolute classics. We all know Super Mario and Sonic basically invented the platforming genre. Then you've got games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Hollow Knight that are huge and incredibly atmospheric. But I recently played an absolute gem of a game, Tails of Iron, that surpasses them all. It takes the best bits of what makes these games great and mixes them into something special that just works so well.

The biggest thing is the combat. A lot of side-scrollers have fighting, sure, but Tails of Iron makes it feel heavy and weighty, kind of like Soulslike games, but in 2D. You can't just jump around wildly like in Ori or spam attacks. Every swing matters and feesl important. You must block, you have to dodge, and you really have to learn how enemies move. They even give you little color flashes – red for attacks you have no choice but to dodge, yellow for ones you can parry. It makes you feel godlike when you nail it. It’s not just about fast fingers; it's about paying attention and respecting even the weakest little grub. Plus, the gear you wear actually changes how you play – heavy armor makes you tough but slow, light armor makes you quick but squishy. Finding the right balance is key, which adds a strategic layer a lot of other side-scrollers don't really bother with. Every fight feels like a real challenge, not just filler.

And the look of this game? It's gritty to say the least. Hollow Knight is gorgeous and spooky, Ori is like a glowing fairy tale, but Tails of Iron looks like a dark storybook come to life. Everything is hand-drawn, and it’s got this vibe that’s both endearing and brutal. The world feels real and alive, even though it's rats and frogs fighting each other. One of the absolute best parts of the game is that you get this amazing narration by Doug Cockle – yes, Geralt from The Witcher series! His deep voice tells the story and explains events using little images, and it just adds so much depth to everything happening. The whole vibe – the art, the sound, the narrator – fits together perfectly and pulls you right in.

Tails of Iron is also smart about how you get stronger. Games like Hollow Knight or Metroid are awesome, but sometimes you can get lost running around huge maps looking for the next jump upgrade or missile pack. Tails of Iron keeps things tighter. You progress mostly by finding blueprints and materials to craft better weapons and armor. Beat a tough boss? Get parts for a sweet new axe. Explore a side area? Find a recipe for stronger armor. It makes exploring feel rewarding because you know you're getting something that directly helps you fight better. The world connects smartly, but it doesn't feel like a giant maze just for the sake of it. Everything pushes you forward, keeping the game exciting without feeling padded out.

Don't get me wrong, Mario's platforming is legendary, Symphony of the Night basically created its own genre, and Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of mood and bosses. Those games are untouchable in their own ways. But Tails of Iron manages to grab challenging combat, a totally unique art style, a focused, satisfying way to get stronger, and blends it all together ina smoother fashion than almost any other game. It doesn't just copy ideas; it makes them work together in a way that feels both classic and new. It trusts you to figure things out, rewards you for playing smart, and looks fantastic doing it. That's why, when you really break it down, Redgi and his little rat kingdom make a seriously strong case for being the best side-scroller out there. The little guy earned that crown. What is your favorite side scroller? Tell us in the comments.