2D never aged: chiselled sprites, hand-drawn animation, perfect readability. This Top 50 pays tribute to the retro games that took 2D to its peak, from run and gun to RPG. RomWize ranks them by its re-evaluated scores and specifies each one's versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"Zelda no Densetsu - Kamigami no Triforce, known as A Link to the Past in the West, is probably one of the greatest adventure games ever crafted, and it still feels strikingly fresh today. The two parallel worlds, the nine dungeons with unique mechanics and the environmental writing have shaped the genre for thirty years. Link's controls stay precise, the Koji Kondo soundtrack is timeless. For anyone who has never finished Hyrule on this cartridge, an absolute priority."
"An indie 2D platformer by Yacht Club Games, Shovel Knight offers a retro 8 bit adventure where the shovel knight Shovel Knight explores dungeons to save his beloved Shield Knight. The sublime retro pixel art direction, precise NES tribute handling and memorable chiptune soundtrack make it an absolute indie platformer reference on Wii U. For anyone fond of retro platformers or seeking an absolutely essential indie, an absolutely essential recommendation today still without any hesitation truly here indeed."
"Metroid Dread masterfully closes the narrative arc begun on NES, and does so with a briskness rare for the series. The interconnected exploration keeps all its power, but the E.M.M.I. stalking sequences inject a tension close to survival horror. The handling is remarkably precise, and unlocked abilities keep reopening the map. Demanding bosses ask for reading and reflexes. Some players will regret occasionally directive guidance, but the balance stays superb. For Metroidvania fans and the curious alike, it is one of the genre's current peaks, completely up to date."
"Hoshi no Kirby Super Deluxe, known as Kirby Super Star and Kirby's Fun Pak in the West, is probably HAL Laboratory's peak on the Super Famicom. The cartridge gathers seven different mini adventures, namely a treasure rush, a boss rush duel, a helicopter mode and several platformers, all crossable in local two player co op. The absorbed abilities finally offer rich movesets. The tech is gorgeous. For Kirby lovers or anyone after a varied, accessible 16 bit platformer, without hesitation the priority cartridge."
"Hoshi no Kirby Super Deluxe, known as Kirby Super Star and Kirby's Fun Pak in the West, is probably HAL Laboratory's peak on the Super Famicom. The cartridge gathers seven different mini adventures, namely a treasure rush, a boss rush duel, a helicopter mode and several platformers, all crossable in local two player co op. The absorbed abilities finally offer rich movesets. The tech is gorgeous. For Kirby lovers or anyone after a varied, accessible 16 bit platformer, without hesitation the priority cartridge."
"The first clash between Capcom and SNK on this platform, this versus introduces the ratio system, letting players craft a team by balancing fighter strength against squad size. The Street Fighter and King of Fighters blend already works very well, carried by polished 2D art and an energetic soundtrack. Some balance quirks remain and the solo mode stays brief, yet the historical weight of the title and its authentic flavour still make for a thoroughly enjoyable session today."
"Capcom's adaptation of Hirohiko Araki's manga, this 2D versus develops a Stand system that doubles select fighters on screen. The art direction still bursts off the screen and stays faithful to the source, while replay value rests on the cast variety and the smooth Capcom engine of the era. The Dreamcast version pads the arcade out with a generous story mode. Less technical than Street Fighter III, it keeps a wild identity and pure charm that still delights fans of the manga today."
"The peak of Capcom crossovers, Marvel vs Capcom 2 blows the meters apart with its fifty six fighters, three character teams and controlled on screen chaos. Snapbacks, assists and chained hyper combos open a competitive playground of staggering depth that is still being played today. The Dreamcast conversion remains the reference home version for collectors. Visually uneven in places, the experience still carries an evocative punch and a fun factor rarely matched in the genre."
"A compilation of the Capcom Darkstalkers saga enriched with online matching options, Vampire Chronicle gathers content from the various series iterations. The unique monster cast, the chain combo system and the sumptuous 2D remain a reference of Japanese arcade versus. The ability to switch between character versions hugely enriches replay value. For sharp Capcom 2D fans and lovers of versus games with signature mechanics, this is an essential compilation to discover on the console."
"A Mega Drive adaptation of the famous Capcom versus, Street Fighter II Special Champion Edition offers the most complete version of Street Fighter II with all bosses playable and the refined handling of Champion Edition. The arcade faithful art direction, twelve playable fighters and polished animations make it an excellent conversion. For anyone fond of historical versus games or wishing to discover the Street Fighter II golden age on Mega Drive, an absolutely essential recommendation today still without hesitation for fans truly indeed here."
