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Video games were essentially born largely in a two-dimensional format. While some games have reverted to their flat setup, a few could have worked just as well, if not better, in a three-dimensional platform. In addition, the three-dimensional format allows players to see more of the world they are playing in.


RELATED: 10 3D Video Games That Would Have Been Better in 2D

Of course, two-dimensional graphics don’t always take away from the setting, but throwing players into a 3D world emphasizes the hard work of developers and better immerses the gamer. From monochromatic landscapes that make it hard to see, to jumping over expansive trenches and those in between, some video games could work better in 3D.

10 Night In The Woods is a beautiful game

Called an adventure game, Night in the forest takes players through a comprehensive story that does exploration well. While the animation and story are undoubtedly perfect, a 3D shot would further immerse players in the world.

The game doesn’t fall victim to a lack of depth or quality like an older 2D game, but a 3D format would add an exciting dimension to the universe in which the story takes place. It’s not hard to imagine how much more of the weird and colorful world players could see if it expanded outwards.

9 Castlevania could be better improved in 3D

Although specific iterations of the Castlevania franchise have been developed in 3D, there is a certain nostalgia about the former that the recent additions do not have. The original and first Castlevania game is an icon of the franchise, despite its campy feel. The playthrough would be flawless if the original were ever recreated as a 3D game.

RELATED: 10 Mistakes That Still Haunt KonamiHighly regarded for his rich knowledge, 1986’s Castlevania and his characters would be remarkably well made today. Simon Belmont and his climb to Dracula’s castle, taking down several enemies and a boss in each block, would translate better in 3D.

8 Zelda 2 Is Overshadowed By Its 3D Offspring

The Zelda franchise has already proven how well the universe translates into a 3D format. But the second game Link’s Adventures, has potential but is faulted by its composition. From the somewhat simpler navigation in Ocarina of Time to the breathtaking landscapes of Breath of the Wild, Zelda seems to work better in 3D.

There’s a grace to walking freely around the world in 360 instead of being forced to jump up and down and side to side. Unfortunately, while the second game’s story is excellent, the gameplay is too frustrating at times.

7 Metroid Dread Wasn’t the Game Players Expected

Metroid Dread, released in 2021, is a highly anticipated game that sat on the shelf for 15 years before being released. The action-adventure game puts players in the shoes of Samus Aran, a space-focused bounty hunter. It took advantage of the side-scrolling traditionalism of its predecessors. Fans were somewhat taken aback by the throwback 2D format.

While the game is the perfect tribute to its original form, the recycled elements do not improve the gameplay for players; if anything, it becomes the only point of frustration. Wash it in 3D; the game would have allowed users to see more of ZDR.

6 Cuphead may be 2% less frustrating in 3D

cup is an incredible game worth at least a few tries, but it remains infamous for being extremely difficult. The side-scrolling gameplay only makes the battles more challenging. While some may argue that 3D gameplay doesn’t make gameplay more manageable, there’s a possibility it would help in this case.

RELATED: 10 Hard Video Games Anyone Can Learn To BeatThe lovely vintage-esque animation would be further enhanced, and players would have a better chance of moving more freely. Even on the easy difficulty setting, gamers will find the boss battles insanely grueling.

5 Inside would be a little scarier

For everyone who likes puzzle games, Inside is the perfect 2D platformer. While the game works well in this format, it would be interesting for gamers to see how much darker the world would look in 3D. The dystopian and horror elements of the story constantly warn the players and create a sense of unease.

However, the side-scrolling aspects of the game don’t allow gamers to fully step into this bizarre world. From the factory to the lab, there’s always frustration with players having no idea what happens if they let the boy run behind a wall or through a crack.

4 Ori and the Will of the Wisps has breathtaking art

Like most games released in the last decade, Ori and the will of the wisps is a moving artwork that players can virtually walk through. However, the only downside of the game is that it is a 2D platformer. While the format works well for the game and there haven’t been many complaints so far, players can only imagine how much more of the breathtaking artwork would be rendered if it were in 3D.

The glowing and fantastic elements of the scenery and characters are incredible, but they would no doubt be emphasized beyond the two dimensions.

3 Limbo is fun but literally too dark

Like his cousin game, Inside, limbo is a 2D horror puzzle platformer that takes players on a journey through monochromatic landscapes. The goal of the player is to find the main character’s sister by bypassing various large and small death traps.

The gameplay is at its most basic and works well for such a short game, but the lighting is arguably the point of contention for most. The grayscale color scheme of the art and dark shadow figures can make finding and solving the puzzles challenging.

2 Super Mario Bros. proves that the 3D formats work well

Like a handful of other NES games, Super Mario Bros. evolved and stepped foot in the 3D territory. However, it also started as a 2D series of games until Super Mario 64. With the successful release of later 3D Mario games, it is clear to most fans that Mario in 3D works incredibly well for the game, if not better.

RELATED: 10 Best 2D Mario Games, Ranked by MetacriticThe nostalgic side-scrolling format of the early rosters is to be admired, but these were also some of the most challenging games in the franchise. Something is frustrating about maneuvering Mario through a two-dimensional landscape and being limited in that frame.

1 Little Nightmares already has enough 3D elements to make the transition

Although some would consider Little nightmares and its prequel to be more of a 2.5 platformer doesn’t take away from the fact that the game is primarily a 2D puzzle game. The game puts the player in the shoes of Six, a hungry little girl whose only weapon is mostly stealth.

The disturbing characters and dark setting of the story make the game a nail-biting experience, but players have wondered how much more of this world could be seen in 3D. Most 3D graphics and art could be easily translated without compromising their originality too much.

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