2D is a style of games many of us will gladly defend to the death. A lot of the time, they tend to be simpler, tighter and it’s well-documented that the amount of effort that goes into a 2D game is magnanimous. In today’s world of 3D gaming, 2D games are considered somewhat of a rare treat.
Whenever they are released, collectors want them — even if they aren’t interested in the actual game itself — sometimes based solely on the artwork or the box or the pre-order bonus the game comes with. In today’s Facebook Files, we’re discussing our favourite 2D genres and why we love them.
Dominik wrote:
My most favorite 2D Genre is.. I just call it Metroidvania nao.
There is nothing better than roaming a gigantic area, where you need certain skills at certain places to get further. Metroid, being the first one with this epic genre, is obviously my most favorite 2D Title. But i also love the classic Mega Man a lot..
Oh and the best Fighter are 2D Fighters, period. What about you ladies and gentlemen? What are your favorite genres? :I
Steven wrote:
This is an easy one for me.
My favorites are: Metroidvania, RPG, Action, Adventure, Shmups, Run n’ Gun, and Platformers. Examples of favorites in these genres are: Super Metroid, Final Fantasy VI, Megaman X, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Gradius Galaxies, Contra 4, and Super Mario Bros 3.
I guess that means I pretty much love most 2D genre. Of course I love 2D games in general.
Ishaan wrote:
Someone explain the “Metroidvania” thing to me. I’ve played both Castlevania (can’t play most of them for over a few hours) and Metroid (I will defend every single one to the death!), and I can’t see the similarities at all. That isn’t to say they aren’t there…maybe they are! I just can’t see them for myself.
After the first hour or so, the Metroid experience (any Metroid experience, sans Hunters perhaps) quickly turns to a well-practised obstacle course sprint where you’re following a routine you’ve got memorized. Castlevania, on the other hand, never felt like that. There’s a much greater emphasis on minute-to-minute combat, rather than Metroid’s drawn out exploration.
Adam wrote:
The term “Metroidvania” should die in a month. (Not a big fan of the term) That would please me… As far as 2D genre, is there anything that doesn’t look good in that style? I think 2D games are great and we need more this gen. I say more 2D love in general. Ah, the good ol’ days. =)
Matty wrote:
3D is great, it has come a LONG ways and will continue to move forward, but there is something about 2D games that are timeless.
Fighting games are the best examples of this for me. Growing up, I’d play any 2D fighter for hours just to look at the characters and the background art. I still have a few pictures I drew a pencil of my “reimagining” of the background art for Eternal Champions. Background art in a 2D fighter tells the whole story sometimes; a family looking from a distance while in the snow, a half naked man dancing next to a boom-box, a downed chopper in the jungle – good stuff!
The original Sonic games, too, to an extent. They always fascinated me in style and being part of the “story”; HydroCity, Star Light Zone, Azure Lake.
What are your favourite 2D genres? Fire away in the comments below! And you can read the rest of the Metroidvania discussion here.
