2-D Sidescrolling platoform RPG's . . . someone help me find some!

[Arctica121]

Hey guys! Probably my favorite NES game ever was Faxanadu. I loved everything about it except the level up system was for pass codes only. Does anyone know of any other games exactly like this one? Where you can buy new weapons and also level up but it's side scrolling 2d platform?

I mean as close to faxanadu as possible, I wasnt that big a fan of Zelda II.

I;ve already played Rygar and this wizard or magician game in NES was too detailed lol. Thanks in advance! Also preferribly anything before n64/ps1

[Sunnyvale]

If you have a Sega Master System, Wonder Boy 3 sounds like it would fit your bill.

[Arctica121]

Interesting, thanks. I think I've heard of the series but I'll give it a shot. More games would be welcome too

[Aussie2B]

The Wonder Boy/Monster World series is great. Personally, I recommend the TG-16/PC Engine versions. The final game, and quite possibly the best, is Genesis-only (technically Mega Drive-only).

Give Battle of Olympus a try if you haven't already. Maybe Castlevania 2 also.

[c0ldb33r]

isn't one of the Ys games a side-scroller?

[Amon_Re]

isn't one of the Ys games a side-scroller?

Yes, Wanderers of Ys. I'd recommend the SNES version, but it's the weakest of the whole series

[old_skoolin_jim]

Popful Mail is a fantastic example of this type of game as well, if you can get ahold of it for the Sega CD somehow- great 2d action and Working Designs' trademark mid-90s sense of humor.
I second the voting for Wonder Boy 3 The Dragon's Trap (or Dragon's Curse on TG-16), and a hearty thumbs-up to Wonder Boy in Monster World on the Genesis/MD.
Ys 3 is pretty decent too; and it's on SNES and Genesis.

Also, these are technically traditional RPGs, but Valkyrie Profile 1 & 2 play like side-scrolling action-RPGs anytime you're not in battle.

[Nikademus1969]

Black Tiger is a good one.

[Black_Tiger]

The so-called "Metroidvanias" are pretty much the same as Faxanadu.

Shapeshifter for TurboDuo.

Lord of the Sword SMS.

Wonderboy V/MWIII Genesis/SMS.

Legacy of the Wizard, Clash at Demonhead and Rambo for NES are similar, but like Zelda II they are not so much exactly the same.

You might like Sorcerian for MD or PCE.

[Zebbe]

Golvellius for Master System has some side-scrolling stages, but mostly it plays like Legend of Zelda.

[kupomogli]

Valkyrie Profile and Valkyrie Profile 2 Silmeria(3D on 2D plane.)

Also, "technically," Wild ARMs 4 could fit in this category as well. There are some parts that have side scrolling platforming. 3D but on a 2D plane.

[old_skoolin_jim]

Rambo for NES

I think I may have been one of the only kids I know of who was able to play this game through to the end (and actually sort of enjoyed it).
Of course, I haven't played it now since I was 8, so I wonder if it's still as challenging and incomprehensible as I remember it being...
Better believe I recorded that ending on VHS tape, too!

[kainemaxwell]

Give Battle of Olympus a try if you haven't already. Maybe Castlevania 2 also.

Battle of Olympus gets really hard near the end though.

[Amon_Re]

Popful Mail is a fantastic example of this type of game as well, if you can get ahold of it for the Sega CD somehow- great 2d action and Working Designs' trademark mid-90s sense of humor.
I second the voting for Wonder Boy 3 The Dragon's Trap (or Dragon's Curse on TG-16), and a hearty thumbs-up to Wonder Boy in Monster World on the Genesis/MD.
Ys 3 is pretty decent too; and it's on SNES and Genesis.

Also, these are technically traditional RPGs, but Valkyrie Profile 1 & 2 play like side-scrolling action-RPGs anytime you're not in battle.

I'll cast my vote in for Popfull Mail as well, excellent game!

[TurboGenesis]

I'll cast my vote in for Popfull Mail as well, excellent game!

I will also suggest Popful Mail - Sega CD version… (the PCECD version is a bit different as it features a similar tap/touch attack system as used in the first couple Ys games)

and speaking of Ys... may I suggest Ys III: Wanderers from Ys

one thing in common of these games, they are all games from Falcom

[TurboGenesis]

another game just came to mind… it actually have it's origin as an arcade game, and saw release on Genesis and Turbo Grafx-16…

Cadash by Taito (published by Working Designs on the TG-16)

[understatement]

Working Designs had a good bit of these type games in the early days I see Popful Mail and Cadash are here there was also:

Exile for the Turbo CD (it's on the Genesis too, but it's not as good IMO) and if you want to spend some cash Exile: Wicked Phenomenon.

[Dred]

Princess Crown (Saturn/PSP). Reminds me of Valkyrie Profile...

[kupomogli]

Princess Crown (Saturn/PSP). Reminds me of Valkyrie Profile...

Reminds me of a crappy version of even the worst Tales of game. Atleast the battle system.

[j_factor]

They don't fit this board's classic gaming category, but Odin Sphere and Muramasa fit the bill, and are highly recommended.