Side scrolling melee combat sucks! What is a good example?

[Kyuu]

I disagree with the notion that games with simple fundamental actions can't have an engaging or strategic flow. But otherwise you're probably right that most melee side scrolling are rather simple when it comes to your number of actions, and rely more on movement and timing. In a sense, Soulsborne games are similar. Souls movesets are shallow compared to say Devil May Cry.

Vanillaware games like Odin Sphere Leifthrasir might be what you're looking for. Check out its free playable demo.