Key takeaways
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2D games offer something for every audience.
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Titles like Worms WMD, Rogue Legacy 2, and Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tasty are notable examples.
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These games showcase the enduring appeal and innovation of 2D gaming amidst new 3D wonders.
Many of the latest and greatest games are 3D marvels that push the technical limits of our PCs and consoles. While they are impressive, only a fool would see them as a replacement for 2D games.
Countless incredible titles are firmly rooted in the 2D realm and cover every genre you can imagine. If you want to enjoy side-scrolling action, here’s a selection of the best ones included with your PS Plus subscription.
This was a difficult list to make, as there are over ten amazing 2D games on PS Plus. I’ve tried to cover a wide range of genres, but don’t be offended if I missed your favorites!
10
WMD Worms
A formula as old as time
He worms The games have been around since 1995 and offer turn-based strategy gameplay that is remarkably accessible. WMD Worms It is the latest installment in the series, with many modern features and updated graphics.
The main game loop remains unchanged from the original. Teams of worms take turns knocking each other off the map with ridiculous weapons like exploding sheep and bazookas. It’s fun and addictive, and there are a lot of skill involved.
Whether you are a fan of the series or a newcomer, WMD Worms it’s a great entry point to the franchise. There’s enough to keep casual players interested and a high skill ceiling if you want to take the game more seriously.
9
Rogue Legacy 2
A brutal 2D roguelite
Rogue Legacy 2 It is a fantastic adventure game with a great dose of humor. As Rogue Legacy 2 is a roguelite, the map changes every time you playand death is inevitable. Every time you die, an heir takes your place and you can purchase upgrades to make your next attempts easier.
There is a generous variety of fantasy archetypes, such as wizards and archers, to play as. Each has strengths and weaknesses, but your heirs often have ridiculous traits to play with. Your next character may be colorblind or have IBSThat’s why they damage enemies with farts!
Beneath all these wacky mechanics lies a solid 2D adventure with its own unique identity.
8
Ascension to the fall of the tower
Old school multiplayer action
Ascension to the fall of the tower is a fast paced board game with good old fashioned couch multiplayer. The gameplay is simple: try to shoot your opponents before they do the same to you, and if you die, you’re out until the next round.
The controls are precise and landing bow shots on a moving target requires a surprising amount of skill. There are many environmental hazards that can mix up the game, and the stage is often set for intense 1v1 confrontations.
Ascension to the fall of the tower is best played with a group of friends huddled around the screen. If you frequently get together for local gaming sessions, this is a great title to add to your list.
7
Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Turtles never looked better
Shredder’s Revenge is easily one of the best Turtles games of all time, and offers addictive combatVibrant pixel art graphics and the gang’s signature humor. The franchise is perfect for a 2D arcade game and there are plenty of nods to the source material.
Players have many options to choose from a respectable variety of playable charactersand it is a real pleasure face iconic enemies like Rocksteady and Krang.
You can have a ton of fun mindlessly button-mashing every fight, but battles can be surprisingly nuanced. Shredder’s Revenge It’s wonderfully accessible and proves that there’s still gas in the tank for the 2D Brawler genre.
6
Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tasty
This is how to make a remake
Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tasty It is a faithful remake of the original Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee on the PlayStation. While the graphics appear 3D, the gameplay is strictly 2D.
New and tasty it’s a fantastic platform and puzzle game which forces you to use your brain and your reflexes in equal measure. Abe is not a fighter, but he is surprisingly agile, a trait you can use to your advantage.
Given the opportunity, Abe can possess the minds of his enemies.. This mechanic opens up many gameplay possibilities and the levels are perfectly designed for Abe’s abilities.
Your journey will take you from industrial meat factories to paramite-infested ruins. It’s an endless quest to stay off the menu, and there’s never a dull moment in this quirky 2D adventure.
There is nothing like it strange world games, and New and tasty It’s easily one of the best.
5
dead cells
A genre-defining roguelite
dead cells is a phenomenal 2D Roguelite with branching paths, stunning environments, and some of the tightest controls in the genre. The combat is exciting, with good more than 100 weapons to try.
Your Dodge Roll helps with the fast pace, as you are briefly invincible while performing it. Avoiding devastating attacks with a well-timed dodge is incredibly satisfying, and there’s rewarding meta-progression between runs.
Maps in dead cells They are procedurally generated and encourage exploration. Be careful, dead cells It is tremendously difficultbut you always get stronger and gain unlockables even during races where nothing goes your way.
4
mega man 11
Classic 2D platforms
He mega man The games are known for their slick controls, wild difficulty, and distinctive focus on boss battles. mega man 11 is a love letter to the NES and SNES classics. The high-quality 2D platforms you expect mega man is here, complete with a Shocking soundtrack and creative level design.
You can tackle stages in any order and every boss rewards mega man with a new skill. This feature makes the game incredibly replayable, as some attacks work better against specific opponents.
mega man 11 It feels like a 90s game in every way. If you’ve never played before, maybe it’s time to experience why the series is so beloved.
Boss battles are a big part of mega manand some of the classics are so harsh that they border on unfairness.
3
Undertale
Right in the feelings
Undertale is a stellar RPG with multiple endings, a memorable cast, and a unique combat system. There is a lot of humor but also something downright moving sections. The conversations are beautifully written and you really feel for the characters.
The subway is a strange place and the world can change so dramatically from one screen to the next that you never know what will come next.
Even the battles are remarkable, as you can talk your way out of combat. You can even talk your way out of boss battles, but it’s a lot harder than it looks.
It’s hard to be a pacifist, but if you like RPGs, I dare say you’ll want to explore everything. undertale has to offer.
2
Terrariums
A 2D sandbox masterpiece
Terrariums it’s an incredible survival crafting game you can easily spend hundreds of hours on it. The game has been around for over a decade and I wouldn’t be surprised if it lasted another decade.
For a long time, Terrariums It was often referred to as “2D minecraft,” which is unfair, even though the titles share similarities. Terrariums It encourages combat and you can use boss battles to track your progress. You’re always working toward something, whether it’s new equipment or a base-building project.
He The gameplay loop is addictive.and the 2D pixel graphics are beautiful, especially when you start exploring new biomes.
Terrariums has something for everyone and even has collaborative content with other great games, like Core Guardian.
1
Hollow Knight: Void Heart Edition
All the preparation you need for Silksong
hollow knight It is a beautiful Metroidvania with gorgeous graphics, stunning world designand a haunting soundtrack.
The world of Hallownest comes to life with incredible hand drawn artistic style which stands out from the most popular pixel art. Hallownest is quite gloomy at times, but you will marvel at the background and scenery.
As hollow knight It’s a Metroidvania, exploration is encouraged and the map opens up as you learn new skills. You have to explore many of the game’s intricacies on your own, and it’s a great feeling when everything falls into place.
There are countless Metroidvania on the market and hollow knight rubs shoulders with the best of the genre.