The Future of 2D Gaming, A Review

Ah, my childhood. It started with Nintendo, and it started with the series of Sonic games. Back when I was 9 or so, I didn’t know anything about video games, about camera angles, about genres or narrative. To me this was a game about a blue hedgehog that you controlled, running around on a small screen. I remember my brother and I loved it so much that we’d fight over the Gameboy console and who’d get to play. They’re nostalgic for me.

Now, looking back on my childhood, I realize that I’ve stopped playing 2D side-scrollers almost completely. Kirby and Sonic, remain in my past, and my one 2D on-and-off love is with the anime game Elsword. Perhaps because the characters are more human, grow, and their development is your choice?

I agree with what the article, “The future of 2D gaming” by Russell Kay. Despite my current lack of interest in 2D games, I admit that they are ridiculously accessible. As a gamer, I wonder if I’d have been able to pick up gaming if I hadn’t successfully encountered Sonic and Kirby. I’ve tried to introduce video games to so many of my other female friends, but so far none have really been able to pick up and understand modern game controls. People need to start with something simple, something like a 2D game.

Having to make 2D games in class, I find myself understanding that non-only are 2D games easier to understand for gamers, but also (maybe?)easier to make for developers. At least compared to the modern 3D games.

And Compared to 3D games, the immersion of 2D games suffers. Its simply not what they’re meant to do. Yes, they can tell a story, but its much weaker, and the struggle in the game isn’t yours, its the characters.

I agree that 3D and 2D games are regarded differently in the eyes of the public. In my eyes as well. They simply provide a different experience. I love 3D games, but 2D games, if done right, Like Hollow Knight, are absolutely amazing. These games show development, they show growth in a genre that is simple, intense and fun.

More and more people nowadays have access to the tools to make games. This means that more video games enter the markets, and more people show new skills that broaden and develop the 2D game industry.