Why 2D will never die

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Flat gameplay shines on, even on next-gen machines

So what's the future for 2D? Current trends show it's likely to be sidelined, at least in its purest state,for quite a while, at least on the more powerful consoles. Capcom's decision to release a redrawn, HD version of Super Street Fighter II Turbo on XBLA and PlayStation Network saddens us a little. Not because it's an old game rehashed. We actually think it's great to see a remake of such an icon (especially when the source code is reportedly unchanged - only the aesthetics are being redone) and we welcome the vastly reduced price. The problem is that downloadable games on these services are never going to be as appreciated or taken as seriously by the mass market as full-price releases in DVD cases. Some gamers will appreciate, for sure. Others will turn their noses up. And Street Fighter deserves better than that.

But the story doesn't end there, no matter how bleak the horizon may seem at first. Developers will always tuck 2D gameplay into their 3D creations, whether it's to increase accuracy of movement or to show you something they want you to see... or just to tip their caps to the golden age of gaming. The best developers will always opt for the best gameplay experiences, despite how risky such moves may be. So 2D could well make a comeback, at least in a roughly recognizable form, sooner than you think.

Mario, Sonic and NiGHTS - the flat canvas is yours.

Justin Towell
Justin Towell

Justin was a GamesRadar staffer for 10 years but is now a freelancer, musician and videographer. He's big on retro, Sega and racing games (especially retro Sega racing games) and currently also writes for Play Magazine, Traxion.gg, PC Gamer and TopTenReviews, as well as running his own YouTube channel. Having learned to love all platforms equally after Sega left the hardware industry (sniff), his favourite games include Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, Zelda BotW, Sea of Thieves, Sega Rally Championship and Treasure Island Dizzy.