Before high-end graphics cards and open-world epics, the 1990s were ruled by pixel-perfect jumps, blazing-fast reflexes, and unforgettable heroes moving left to right across CRT monitors. This was the golden age of side-scrolling games on PC—a time when clever level design, tight controls, and quirky characters defined an entire generation of gamers.
The Golden Age of Side-Scrolling: Top 10 PC Platformers of the 1990s
From floppy disks to shareware disks, PC gamers explored alien planets, battled mutants, and hopped across lava pits, all in glorious 2D. These games didn’t just fill afternoons—they became icons. Whether it was Commander Keen’s pogo stick acrobatics or Jazz Jackrabbit’s warp-speed antics, these titles carved out a permanent place in gaming history.
Here are the top 10 most beloved PC side-scrollers of the 1990s, complete with nostalgic quotes and fan reflections that capture the spirit of a simpler, pixel-powered time.
10. Jill of the Jungle (1992)
Developer: Epic MegaGames
Publisher: Epic MegaGames
Epic MegaGames’ female-led platformer starred Jill, a warrior navigating forests and castles, transforming into creatures and throwing daggers.
Epic MegaGames gave away Jill of the Jungle: Episode 1 as shareware—if you liked it, you had to mail-order the rest of the episodes. It was Epic’s first hit before becoming the giant we now know as Epic Games.
Fan Perspective:
Admired for its gender twist, catchy music, and well-designed levels, Jill became a symbol of early girl-power in gaming.
“Who says only men can save the world?”
9. Halloween Harry / Alien Carnage (1993)
Developer: Interactive Binary Illusions
Publisher: Apogee Software
This game featured Harry, a flamethrower-wielding hero saving Earth from alien zombies. Players loved the mix of horror and humor.
The game was originally released as Halloween Harry, but was rebranded as Alien Carnage just months later due to low sales—fans still argue over which title sounds cooler.
Fan Perspective:
It was praised for smooth gameplay, colorful sprites, and silly but engaging plot. It became a hidden gem in Apogee’s catalog.
“Time to light ‘em up!”
8. Bio Menace (1993)
Developer: Apogee Software
Publisher: Apogee Software
A run-and-gun shooter from Apogee Software, featuring secret agent Snake Logan fighting mutants in Metro City using big guns and power-ups.
Bio Menace was developed using the same game engine as Commander Keen, licensed from id Software, showing how small dev teams reused tools creatively in the 90s.
Fan Perspective:
Remembered for its explosive action and gore, Bio Menace had a distinct ‘90s charm. Fans saw it as a spiritual sibling to Duke Nukem.
“Mutants! This city’s toast unless I act fast.”
7. Liero (1998)
Developer: Joosa Riekkinen
Publisher: Independent
A real-time, Worms-style shooter where two worms battle underground using over 40 crazy weapons. It became a local multiplayer sensation.
Despite being developed by one Finnish teenager in his bedroom, Liero became an international cult hit—and laid the foundation for future real-time “Worms-like” games.
Fan Perspective:
Though niche, it gained a cult following for its chaotic, fast-paced fun. Fans adored its LAN-playability and endless modding potential.
“Reloading banana bomb…”
6. Earthworm Jim (1995)
Developer: Shiny Entertainment
Publisher: Playmates Interactive
Originally a console hit, the PC port of Earthworm Jim brought its bizarre humor, slapstick animation, and surreal levels to a broader audience.
The game’s wacky art style was influenced by 1990s comic books and cartoons—its artist, Doug TenNapel, even voiced Jim in the animated series that followed.
Fan Perspective:
Fans love its absurdity and artistic flair. Jim’s exaggerated movements and the game’s irreverent tone made it a standout.
“Grooooovy!”
5. Abuse (1996)
Developer: Crack dot Com
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Abuse combined side-scrolling platforming with mouse-controlled shooting. Set in a dark sci-fi prison facility, it blended horror elements with fast action.
Abuse was one of the first action games to use mouse aiming in a 2D environment, a control scheme years ahead of its time.
Fan Perspective:
Cult-classic status stems from its innovative controls and gritty, atmospheric setting. Fans still praise its tension and unique mechanics.
“Something’s coming… and it’s not human.”
4. Duke Nukem (1991)
Developer: Apogee Software
Publisher: Apogee Software
Before becoming a 3D action star, Duke Nukem debuted in a side-scroller where he blasted robots and aliens in a dystopian future.
In the original Duke Nukem (1991), Duke was a clean-cut action hero with pink armor—his gruff personality and sunglasses came after the series went 3D.
Fan Perspective:
Fans admired its no-nonsense attitude and vibrant levels. It showed early glimpses of Duke’s cocky charisma that later defined the franchise.
“I’m back… and I’m all outta bubble gum.”
3. Prince of Persia (1990)
Developer: Brøderbund (by Jordan Mechner)
Publisher: Brøderbund
A cinematic platformer created by Jordan Mechner, Prince of Persia featured rotoscoped animation and time-based puzzle-solving in dungeons filled with deadly traps.
The character animations were based on real-life footage of creator Jordan Mechner’s younger brother performing the moves—making it one of the first games to use rotoscoping for realistic motion.
Fan Perspective:
Renowned for its realism and difficulty, fans appreciated the fluid animations and timeless challenge. It influenced countless action-adventure games afterward.
“You have 60 minutes to rescue the Princess…”
2. Jazz Jackrabbit (1994)
Developer: Epic MegaGames
Publisher: Epic MegaGames
Epic MegaGames’ answer to Sonic, Jazz Jackrabbit was a high-speed, colorful platformer starring a gun-wielding green rabbit battling the evil turtle Devan Shell.
Cliff Bleszinski, who later became famous for Gears of War, co-designed Jazz Jackrabbit when he was just 19 years old.
Fan Perspective:
Loved for its energetic pace, catchy techno soundtrack, and vivid graphics, fans regard it as one of the fastest and most exciting DOS platformers ever made.
“Eat shell, turtle scum!”
1. Commander Keen (1990–1991)
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Apogee Software
Developed by id Software, Commander Keen was a groundbreaking PC platformer that introduced smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals on MS-DOS, mimicking the console experience. You play as Billy Blaze, an 8-year-old genius saving the galaxy with his pogo stick.
The game’s legendary smooth scrolling was a breakthrough on PC—achieved by John Carmack’s custom engine, which later laid the groundwork for Wolfenstein 3D and Doom.
Fan Perspective:
Fans remember Commander Keen as their introduction to PC platformers. Its humor, bright colors, and quirky alien enemies set it apart from other games at the time. It has a cult following to this day.
