Introducing Rocket Knight: the classic 16-bit side-scrolling action-platformer that first graced our computer screens in 1993. Rocket Knight follows the story of Sparkster, an anthropomorphic opossum, who uses his trusty jetpack to battle the evil Devotindos Empire and rescue the princess, Princess Sherry. With its fun and challenging levels, dazzling graphics, and memorable soundtrack, Rocket Knight has been captivating gamers for decades.
And if you’re looking for more games like Rocket Knight, here are 10 options you should check out.
1. Gubble
Gubble is a side-scrolling action-adventure game from ICOM Simulations, Inc. and released in 1998. Players take on the role of a little robot named Gubble D Gleep, who must rescue his family from the evil aliens. Like Rocket Knight, Gubble features fast-paced levels filled with enemies and obstacles. Players can shoot enemies with their laser, collect power-ups, and use their jetpack to fly. The game also has an interesting puzzle-solving element, as players must explore each area to find the keys they need to advance.
Where Gubble differs from Rocket Knight, however, is its cartoony art style and lighthearted humor. Fans of classic platformers will find plenty to love in Gubble.
2. Yoshi’s Island
Yoshi’s Island, released in 1995 by Nintendo, is another classic side-scrolling adventure that follows the quest of Yoshi and Baby Mario. The game is known for its unique art style and memorable soundtrack. Like Rocket Knight, it features fast-paced levels with various enemies and obstacles. Players must use Yoshi’s unique abilities, such as egg throwing and flutter jumping, to traverse the levels.
What distinguishes Yoshi’s Island from Rocket Knight is its unique power-ups and bosses. Unlike Rocket Knight, where the power-ups and bosses are generally the same throughout the game, Yoshi’s Island has an ever-evolving set of power-ups and bosses that increase in difficulty as the game progresses.
3. Gleylancer
Gleylancer, released in 1992, is a classic side-scrolling shoot ‘em up from NCS Corporation. The game follows the story of the Gleylancer, a starfighter pilot who must save the galaxy from an alien invasion. Like Rocket Knight, Gleylancer features fast-paced levels filled with enemies and power-ups. Players can upgrade their Gleylancer ship with new weapons and abilities.
Where Gleylancer differs from Rocket Knight is its top-down perspective and increased focus on ship-to-ship combat. Gleylancer’s unique combat system and large boss fights make it a must-play for fans of shoot ‘em ups.
4. Blaster Master
Blaster Master, released in 1988 by Sunsoft, is a classic 8-bit side-scrolling action-adventure. Players take on the role of Jason, who commands a tank named Sophia III to explore various dungeons and defeat the evil Plutonium Boss. Like Rocket Knight, Blaster Master features fast-paced levels with various enemies and obstacles. Players must navigate their tank through the dungeons and use its powerful weapons to defeat enemies.
Where Blaster Master differs from Rocket Knight is in its top-down exploration segments. In between levels, Jason must explore the dungeons to find the exit. This added exploration element gives Blaster Master an exciting twist and makes it a must-play for fans of classic action games.
5. Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Alex Kidd in Miracle World, released in 1986 by Sega, is a classic action-adventure platformer. Players take on the role of Alex Kidd, a brave young hero who must rescue his brother from the evil Janken the Great. Like Rocket Knight, Alex Kidd in Miracle World features fast-paced levels filled with enemies and obstacles. Players must use Alex Kidd’s special abilities, such as punching and rock-breaking, to traverse the levels.
Where Alex Kidd in Miracle World differs from Rocket Knight is its setting and tone. Alex Kidd in Miracle World is set in a magical world full of colorful characters, while Rocket Knight is set in a more traditional fantasy setting.
6. Gunstar Heroes
Gunstar Heroes, released in 1993 by Sega, is a classic side-scrolling run and gun. Players take on the role of Gunstar Red and Gunstar Blue, two heroes fighting against the evil Colonel Red and his robot army. Like Rocket Knight, Gunstar Heroes features fast-paced levels filled with enemies and obstacles. Players must use their guns and special abilities to defeat enemies and progress through the levels.
Where Gunstar Heroes differs from Rocket Knight is in its focus on co-op gameplay. Players can play the game alone or with a friend, allowing for some exciting and frenetic action.
7. Wonder Boy in Monster Land
Wonder Boy in Monster Land, released in 1987 by Sega, is a classic action-adventure platformer. Players take on the role of the titular Wonder Boy, who must save Monster Land from the evil King Dragon. Like Rocket Knight, Wonder Boy in Monster Land features fast-paced levels with various enemies and obstacles. Players must use Wonder Boy’s special abilities, such as sword slashing and bouncing, to traverse the levels.
Where Wonder Boy in Monster Land differs from Rocket Knight is its more open-ended gameplay. Players can explore the world, collect items, and upgrade their weapons and armor. This added exploration and customization element gives Wonder Boy in Monster Land an exciting twist and makes it a must-play for fans of classic action games.
8. Mega Man X
Mega Man X, released in 1993 by Capcom, is a classic action-platformer. Players take on the role of X, a robotic hero who must save the world from the evil Sigma and his Maverick army. Like Rocket Knight, Mega Man X features fast-paced levels filled with enemies and obstacles. Players must use X’s special abilities, such as his X-Buster and wall jumping, to traverse the levels.
Where Mega Man X differs from Rocket Knight is its 2D-slash-3D perspective. The game features a mix of 2D and 3D levels, giving it an exciting and innovative twist. Fans of classic platformers will find plenty to love in Mega Man X.
9. Ristar
Ristar, released in 1995 by Sega, is another classic side-scrolling action-adventure. Players take on the role of Ristar, a star-shaped hero who must save the Galaxy from the evil Greedy, who has corrupted its planets. Like Rocket Knight, Ristar features fast-paced levels filled with enemies and obstacles. Players must use Ristar’s unique abilities, such as his extending arms and star spins, to traverse the levels.
What makes Ristar stand out from Rocket Knight is its unique art style. The game has a bright and colorful cartoonish art style that stands out among other classic games. Fans of classic platformers will find plenty to love in Ristar.
10. Battletoads
Battletoads, released in 1991 by Rare, is a classic beat ‘em up. Players take on the role of the titular Battletoads, who must rescue their friends from the evil Dark Queen. Like Rocket Knight, Battletoads features fast-paced levels filled with enemies and obstacles. Players must use the Battletoads’ special abilities, such as their powerful uppercuts and tail whips, to traverse the levels.
What makes Battletoads stand out from Rocket Knight is its focus on multiplayer. Players can join forces with up to three other players for some exciting and frenetic action.
Whether you’re a fan of classic platformers, shoot ‘em ups, action-adventures, beat ‘em ups, or any other genre, there’s something here for you. From Gubble’s lighthearted humor to Battletoads’ frenetic multiplayer action, these 10 games like Rocket Knight are sure to keep you entertained for hours.
Conclusion
Rocket Knight has been captivating gamers for decades with its fun and challenging levels, dazzling graphics, and memorable soundtrack. If you’re a fan of this classic side-scrolling action-platformer, then you’re sure to love these 10 games like Rocket Knight. From Gleylancer’s ship-to-ship combat to Alex Kidd in Miracle World’s magical setting to Mega Man X’s innovative mix of 2D and 3D level design, these games have something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore some of the best classic action games of all time.