Top 5 Best Side Scrolling MMORPGs
Like all other sub genres of the ‘Free MMO’ / ‘Free MMORPG’ industry, Side Scrolling MMORPG games have grown considerably over the last few years. Even though Side Scrolling games are still much more popular in places like Japan and South Korea – they’re beginning to ‘grow’ on North American gamers as well – as more and more side scrolling MMORPGs are being released here in the West. The top 5 Side Scrolling MMORPG games list below was compiled using review data from across the internet and from our own reviews here on MMOHut. If you’re looking for the best side scrolling MMORPG to play, you’ve arrived at the right place.
Top 5 Best Side Scrolling MMORPGs
Dragonica is a 3D side scrolling fantasy themed action MMORPG published by THQ Ice. This was a tough pick as Dragonica Online is still a relatively new game – so it doesn’t have nearly as much content as the more ‘established’ side scrolling MMORPGs, but anyone who has played the game can agree with me that it’s one of the best free to play games out there. The gameplay is fast paced and fun, it’s extremely well localized (Good translations), and it has an extremely fun and rewarding ‘instanced’ dungeons. If you haven’t played Dragonica Online yet, go download it right away – it’ll be worth it.
#2 MapleStory
MapleStory is a 2D fantasy themed side scrolling MMORPG published by Nexon and it was a very close ‘second’. Even though MapleStory is one of the ‘oldest’ side scrolling MMORPGs out there – it’s still one of the best, as Nexon has a done a great job with the game in terms of keeping it fresh, as the game has enjoyed countless major content updates since release. It has without a doubt the most ‘content’ of any side scrolling MMORPG and arguably some of the most content of any free to play game – as there are many, many playable ‘classes’ and an enormous game world to explore. If you haven’t played MapleStory yet and don’t mind the ‘childish’ graphics – do check it out.
Dungeon Fighter Online, called DFO for short, is an incredibly unique 2D side scrolling action MMORPG by Nexon. The game both looks and plays a lot like old school arcade beat em’ ups like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage. The game has plenty of content, many playable classes and some extremely addictive gameplay. Anyone looking for a solid action MMORPG to play and isn’t too picky about graphics should certainly give DFO a try. Out of all the side scrolling MMORPGs out there – Dungeon Fighter Online is definitely the most ‘unique’, as the gameplay and graphics are both genuinely different than the competition.
#4 LaTale
LaTale is a 2D Side Scrolling MMORPG that looks and plays a lot like MapleStory – but with a slightly less ‘childish’ look. The game has plenty of unique ‘jobs’ as well as enough content to keep players entertained. One interesting feature that LaTale has that MapleStory doesn’t, is an interesting arena based PvP system. Anyone who has already played MapleStory and Dragonica Online and is looking for something similar yet ‘different’ enough to be fun should give LaTale a try.
#5 Wind Slayer
Wind Slayer is Outspark’s ‘take’ at the 2D side scrolling MMORPG market. The game both looks and plays a lot like LaTale except with only a few minor differences. Unlike Maplestory – Wind Slayer has a solid PvP system and an in depth crafting system. The game’s character customization options are also quite good compared to other side scrollers. Choose from one of the game’s six playable classes and explore the large game world of Wind Slayer. The game is certainly worth checking out but I recommend playing Dragonica Online or MapleStory first.
By, Jake Bismarck
Keep in mind, this top 5 Side Scrolling MMORPGs list was compiled in late 2009. If a new game comes out tomorrow, it won’t be included in this list. MMOHut will release an updated list later in 2010 if many new games are released.
January 28, 2010
#
I like all games that u put , but i prefer more LaTale than MS and Dungeon and Fighters online . But all the game are amazing .
August 2, 2011
#1
gay game gay games! all of u are gay!
March 16, 2012
#2
for reals
March 13, 2010
#3
I dissagree.
Windslayer goes off, Maple and Latale go down, And Grand Chase goes to #2 :3
July 21, 2011
#4
I Agree…. i mostly hate maplestory now.. because with all the updates.. it’s boring, too easy… and it’s just not like it use to be… spending hours.. talking to random people… talking to your friends.. and mostly.. it was difficult.. and challenging.. it was fun.. and addicting.. i just wish they would put it back the way it was before… nexon needs to make the original maplestory for people who hate all these updates.. and patches…
May 18, 2010
#5
I see they’re still saying Maple Story is an “excellent” game, but to me and most people, it’s a grindfest that is dependant on the cash shop.
May 18, 2010
#6
Glazed, if you play the game now, it’s completely different. You can get to level 40 in a few days. The game has LOTS of quests now that make leveling very easy. Even at level 30ish, a single quest can give you upwards of 30%+ experience. The game used to be very grind oriented, but it’s not anymore, at least until level 45+.
December 5, 2010
#7
Apparently, You’ll be able to get to Level 50 really easily when the Big Bang patch comes. It’s already in Japan and Korean Maplestory… But from what I’ve SEEN, monsters have so much more HP now…
July 21, 2011
#8
I mostly hate maplestory now.. because with all the updates.. it’s boring, too easy… and it’s just not like it use to be… spending hours.. talking to random people… talking to your friends.. and mostly.. it was difficult.. and challenging.. it was fun.. and addicting.. i just wish they would put it back the way it was before… nexon needs to make the original maplestory for people who hate all these updates.. and patches…
October 21, 2011
#9
its not dependant on the cash shop anymore. maplestory is way too easy its not worth time or money anymore. Maplestory is going to die soon that i can promise you
June 20, 2010
#10
Well actually not, maplestory has many many party quests that help you level up to a great 100+.
The big problem about maplestory is that the commuity is bull sh**
December 5, 2010
#11
Sadly true
May 19, 2011
#12
if u would have played maplestory from the beta until now it would be a whole lot more fun than y’all think it is now
i had to play it when it was boring but i still kept playing it because i knew it would get better as the years went on and on and on
so u ppl didnt know what y’all were missing
August 28, 2011
#13
I’ve played maplestory for 3 years b4 I quit a year ago. For the first 2 years I LOVED it. Then all I saw was Nexon was out for money. If you don’t want to spend IRL money, don’t bother with that game, you can’t win. And if you want to go bossing, well, you better pay to play that too, the player based guilds have monopolies on everything.
February 6, 2012
#14
yeah. i agree. i hade a pretty high character and it was hacked. and the only way to report a problem is by submiting a ticket through an account. so theirs no way they were going to believe me when i said the other account was mine…
June 24, 2010
#15
It’s true Maplestory is actually better than long time ago.There are new quests and classes.The new class that is coming out on July 14th is Dual Bladers.One of the quest in Maplestory gives a weapon more powerful than the regular,but it is only a rental.My point is Maplestory is now easier to level.My friend got most of his characters to lv.120+ in less about four days!Me,I can only get my character to lv.32 in a day.There’s also going to be a patch that Exp. to level will be reduced,but monster levels increase without increasing their experience points.For example,a lv.90 character only needs about 1.5 million exp.Right now a lv.75 needs about 2.3 million exp.
July 21, 2010
#16
i think that maplestory is the best 2d mmo but u do need to use cash shop and gachapon to get good items , and people without NX are usually broke all the time
August 1, 2010
#17
Wonderking should be 3…. ;P
August 12, 2010
#18
I have to say, I went back to try maple again today and I couldn’t even try. The whole thing where if you have a partner character, you can get up to +20 weapon attack(the highest level people only have a few hundred weapon attack max) so 20 is a TON, especially at level 1!!! Along, with the new class being completely OP and the community absolutely….. **** I’m looking for a game where cash items don’t affect the gameplay at all, just how a character looks. If anyone knows of a game like this (2d side scrolling mmorpg’s only please) Find me!!
November 15, 2011
#19
Wonder king. It’s nearly the same as maplestory but cash shop items dont affect gameplay except how your character looks
February 6, 2012
#20
Wonderking’s down man
sux
August 20, 2010
#21
Maplestory’s communtity is full of idiots who think their better than you because they can press a button or two faster. All they do every single day is call new goers noobs.
August 20, 2010
#22
I cannot sign up for La Tale because even a random number generator cannot come up with a user I.D. that isn’t already taken. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.
August 22, 2010
#23
Maple is tha best game evar but wind slayer still great
August 24, 2010
#24
I LOVE Maplestory, but I run on Windows 7… Any Help??
August 25, 2010
#25
MapleStory works fine for me on Windows 7. Just install it like you normally would.
October 30, 2010
#26
Their going to close latale( or they closed it already ) and my character there is pro. So, Everytime I play Latale, it remembers me of my character so I play Maple. I know, there’s another latale site which is not closed but still remembering my char( xGirlx ). In maplestory, I play at cassopiea , (iiStoryx). Lvl 34 now in 3 days. 9mil cash
!!
October 30, 2010
#27
LaTale is up on OGPlanet
December 27, 2010
#28
LOL im a big fan of u well not like i prasie u or anything oh yeah about that maple story thing i got to lvl 44 in 3 days
July 26, 2011
#29
lol maple is so easy now that i can get lvl 75 in two days…. its not even a challenge to get lvl 100.
November 26, 2010
#30
erm….guys can we cooperate and call for the ghost online to be back on agn?i like tat game=]
January 8, 2011
#31
if you guys havnt already realized, maplestory big bang has come out, quite a while back, my computer never works during end year school holidays on maplestory. it says error. when see the comments being mean to maplestory I cried, even though it wont work until the next patch, hopefully in 8 days, I seem to think that Maplestory is the most ultiamte game possible. it WAS the oldest 2d mmorpg. it was the first one made, so shove a sock in it. up yours
February 2, 2011
#32
All these games are good. But mapelstory has become a great lag since the Big Bang patch. But I still vote MS the top because it’s the oldest, yet most successful.
February 5, 2011
#33
Honestly i think all those games have come and gone, its time for some new games, im a bored nigga.
February 15, 2011
#34
i think grand chase should be 1
and kung fu fighters 2nd
February 16, 2011
#35
Yah I agree….Grand Chase has to be on there! xD
February 16, 2011
#36
I think Lunia should be on there. I think Dragonica has earned its place, because it has truly amazing gameplay.
March 4, 2011
#37
Can one of ur choices for top side-scrolling mmos be Wonderking, I find it more better than maple and I hav a lvl 93 knave and i hav a lvl 162 Battle mage and 153 Mechanic. Maples fun and all but it gets boring after a while. However, Wonking would keep me playing cause of the cool events and stuff, can you update ur current best.
March 12, 2011
#38
Ive tryed all games there (exept DFO) There placing is right.
but i really hated windslayer. because u had to pvp to advance in class, i suk at pvp, others kill me easy. so i think grand chace should be up there.
March 12, 2011
#39
o and dragonica does get boring. espesially if u want to see which 2nd class is the best.
March 19, 2011
#40
well i say dragonica got its place its kind of realy awesome but still idk if its for evryone but i kind f have some weird lags.for example im runing away from a boss and the boss hits on its place and i get hit same thing with trash mobds they hit and even if they are in the end of the map and im at enterace they still toaly hit me.its just like they hate me i just cant get alive out of a high level dungeon -.-
May 26, 2011
#41
My list would go like this:
1) Maplestory (its been highly popular for the last 8 years)
2) Grand Chase
3) Dungeon Fighter Online
4) Dragonica Online
5) LaTale
July 21, 2011
#42
I mostly hate maplestory now.. because with all the updates.. it’s boring, too easy… and it’s just not like it use to be… spending hours.. talking to random people… talking to your friends.. and mostly.. it was difficult.. and challenging.. it was fun.. and addicting.. i just wish they would put it back the way it was before… nexon needs to make the original maplestory for people who hate all these updates.. and patches….
May 30, 2011
#43
I got to lvl 77 in MS in like 2 days
ever since big bang came MS is one the best games out there
EAsy to lvl
More quest and classes
Ms RULEZ
June 12, 2011
#44
My list would go like this:
1.Latale
2.Latale
3.Latale
4.Latale
5.Latale
June 12, 2011
#45
My list would be like this: 1. Grand Chase 2. Dungeon fighter 3. Dragonica 4. Latale 5. MapleStory
June 16, 2011
#46
Why isn’t Grand Chase on here?????!!! It should be #1!
June 24, 2011
#47
gc sucks
June 29, 2011
#48
all the games are fine… but seriously guys take a good look at dfo… especially with our new patch. the game is exciting, strategic, yet action packed, and full of chars with uniqueness to them.. i’d rate it one.. ive played all others and yet nothing like dfo i promise
July 14, 2011
#49
Just That I Played Maple, Got To Lvl 50 in 1 Day Because of Big Bang. But I Reached lvl 104 (I really wanted the lvl 120 job advance), but I couldn’t make it because I was doing pirates for days and days. IT IS LIKE SO BORING at lvl 100-120. If you read other forums, 99.9% will say 100-120 is another word for “please quit”
July 18, 2011
#50
I say MapleStory is the best side-scrolling MMO. All of those that you listed are good except Wind Slayer in my opinion. Should be:
1. MapleStory
2. Dungeon Fighter Online
3. Elsword
4. Dragonica
5. Grand Chase
6. WonderKing
July 26, 2011
#51
I think Maplestory should be the best side scroller. With Chaos, they’ve added a new system of PvP, new worlds and better balancing of the strength of each class. It gets a bit tedious at times.. you have to train and train.. and the community isn’t nearly half as good as it was when it first started but overall, it’s a really good game once you’ve gotten yourself a few friends who can help you along the way.
August 27, 2011
#52
Latale is the best sidescrolling game ^^
September 16, 2011
#53
well maplestory was the best 2d side scrolling till “BigBang” the biggest change in mapleshistory came. lots of lvl 200 quitted bcuz of the new classes coming that are overpowering them, for example the dualblades,the resistance class wildhunter/battlemage/mechanic, oh yah especially mechanic by the way,and maybe on 2012 maplestory LEGENDS patch will come out giving maplestory 3 brand new classes Mercedes another hero/Cannonshooter also known as the AoE king another Explorer/ and DemonSLayer another resistance. nexon did try to fix by balancing every class; but almost non of the 200′s came back. for me i also missed the old maple.Heck! maplestory is the worlds first 2d siedscrolling mmorpg and got famous in so many ways.for example when it was on Fox11.
September 16, 2011
#54
i agree with redpotato. maplestory should be first. i played wonderking year 2007-08 but the community is low. finally i found maple. it change my life. once dont have friends, now thanks to chinese and koreans genius they made a game for me. maplestory isnt all about lvling its about the community and making friends around the globe.
September 16, 2011
#55
Maplestory is boring as hell. All those games are boring as hell. LaTale and Wonderking characters movements are too choppy and the collision detection is shit on them. Maple is the best designed and coded game but I think DFO has the funnest gameplay. I’m bored of everything. Something new please.
September 16, 2011
#56
I tried all of these and more. Personally, I love maplestory (I’ve been using it before pirates were even released) and each new patch adds so many new features so there’s so much to do. The community actually has improved since big bang and quests and partying has gotten more fun. However, I have to admit that after 100 there’s quite a bit of grinding.
I’d say maple gets #1.
2. la tale (there’s no doubt that this is good)
3. dragonica (best side scrolling gameplay but my computer lagged too much. not as fun after a while though).
4.dfo!
5.grand chase.
wind slayer i didn’t like because it doesn’t have many skill options or a good community, not to mention the required pvp. If anyone is looking for a good mmorpg, a new AMAZING one is Dragon Nest, developed by nexon (dfo and maple makers) Voted by E3 best pvp. It’s got action, amazing plot, great gameplay, and with friends is great.
September 26, 2011
#57
THERE IS NO GRAND CHASE U BASTARDS(also no Elsword T.T)
October 14, 2011
#58
im beggining to love this thread or post or some– anyways…. i played wonderking for 1 year, got bored bcuz of low community getting friends is hard. in maple even if ur lvl 14 lots of 50+ wants to hang out with you.
October 14, 2011
#59
Yes some of u Maplers are right Nexon is now after for money, wanna know why? thisi s the truth.1 everything they put on maple it costs money lots and lots of money. 2 theyre trying to get money cuz they need more for upcoming events and updates. i met this lvl 200 bishop that hes 2nd degree cousin work for nexon. and he said that once they finish getting enough money theyre going to fix those problems when people started thingking that nexon is after for money.
October 25, 2011
#60
all boring
November 4, 2011
#61
Nexon killed maplestory.
the maplestory that made number 2 on this charts is a totaly diferent maplestory that is being played today. The first big boss out of beta was zakum. The first zakum solo took a little over 4 hours. Before potentialing gear, the fastest speed run took 30 of the godliest lvl 200 people 3 minutes and 2 seconds. As of sep. 15 2011 the fastest SOLO kill was 36 seconds by a brand new lvl 200 class. Pink bean couldnt be killed by groups of 30 people for over a year in maplestory, now the same 36 second zakum soloer can kill it by himself in 37 minutes. Also the experience curve has gone way down. it takes less than a third the exp to get to lvl 200 now, and you do more dammage to weaker monsters that now give more exp.
December 1, 2011
#62
You guys are ****ing dumb @$$s if you think Nexon ruined maplestory. If you think its all based on cash how did I get 2 bil with out using cash and only playing for 2 months. Nexon is not out for money. If you have been following them they are quite rich compared to most MMORPG companies. The cashshop barely helps if you are out for money because first you have to get a rare item to even get money from the cash shop. To get a rare item you gotta level. Also maplestory it not all about grinding get passed level 10 and talk to me. I am level 128 and there is a lot of partying and questing. and to Billy, guess what you know how long it takes to get to 200 still??!?! It still takes over a year of playing. So I don’t wanna hear it about you saying “OMG it takes a third of the exp to get to 200 now” Who cares have fun with the MMO its not meant to last a life time. People Maplestory is a good game stop whining because their out for money and shit god if you don’t want to spend cash dont fucking spend cash. Its not hard to earn money its called playing the game. Get some friend, have fun thats all. MMORPG’s are not meant for lasting a life time and taking all your money. Its for fun experience.
December 6, 2011
#63
Maplestory is now Hacker story. The game has had many many security breaches where hackers bypass the password & crack the pin. Nexon’s GM’s are overloaded in dealing with hackers that have been steadily destroying the market. The best suggestion is not even waste your time since chances are you’re going to get your account back hacked at one point or another.
December 26, 2011
#64
Side scrolling/ action MMOs are my favorite style of games. Two games that have had very little mention here Elsword and Rusty Hearts. I know Elsword was mentioned briefly above, but not to the extent that it deserves. It is a very fast paced, combo heavy game (single button mashing will not win the day) with a very vibrant community. Elsword’s cash shop does not ruin the game, but to be fair, there are some nice goodies there that can add stats to your toon…but not much stats. You could for sure find/craft the same stated gear without cash. My only complaint…stress only… is the dang stamina system. You can only run a certain amount of play-time per day before you run out of stamina. The only way around this is to make alt-characters and play them. So if you don’t mind running 3 separate toons you could play all day if you wanted.
Next is Rusty Hearts. This game rocks! I love love love the animation style and the super quick combo attack system is very addictive. It is fun to grind on this one. It is fairly new and they are adding content, so it is fun to get in while it is less than a year old. Cash shop is mostly cosmetic only so you wont feel left out if you don’t fork out the wallet. Give this one a go if your an action nut!
February 22, 2012
#65
Rusty Hearts is really good.
January 17, 2012
#66
this would actually make sense if you regularly updated your content, which you don’t considering other side scrollers are very outdated like… Elsword per say? Terrible MMO reviews let alone choices seem to be bland based on your lack of knowledge of the games you choose. I won’t bash any MMOs up but I will stand on you don’t know what you’re doing and can’t manage your site properly.
February 3, 2012
#67
Maple Story is probably the most amazing game ever (this might be my nostalgic side speaking) but it’s amazing!! and I run on windows 7 and live in Europe, so I found MapleStory Europe Big Bang and sadly found out it contains a virus… so I downloaded it on a shitty computer i don’t care about and played my ass off .D
April 20, 2012
#68
I SO dis agree… i say windslayer stays the same, wonderking goes to #2, grand chase goes to 1, MS is off Lost saga goes to 3 and LaTale is 4.