Indie gamesand Triple A titles come in many different art styles that make you want to pick it up before hitting you with some killer gameplay. Some try to be hyper realistic in their presentations, while others try a more artistic approach. 2D games offer a rich and stimulating experience filled with vivid colors, character designs, and animations.
Some games use 3D models but the art style is so perfected, that it creates the illusion of 2D as they switch between both styles. These innovative games prove that something truly eye-catching will stand out above all the rest. These are the ten best games that use 2D animation to give gamers a treat.
10Hollow Knight
2D Metroidvania
Hollow Knight shrinks you down to the size of an insect and throws you deep underground to discover a world long forgotten. Metroidvania, Hollow Knight has you exploring different segments of the map, from mossy caves to lost cities.
You can defeat large bosses with the help of your trusty needle and unlock new abilities that let you access different areas. There are also colorful characters that will assist you on your journey. Just make sure to learn your map well, or you might just end up lost as well.
9Cuphead
Rubber Hose Animations
Cuphead is a spectacular sight to behold. Taking the form of old rubber hose cartoons from the 1930s, every frame of animation is fluid, allowing foreach boss to show off their quirks and personalitiesas you fight them.
Once you reach certain thresholds on their invisible health bars, bosses transform into even more dangerous forms. The Cupdead DLC, The Delicious Last Course, expands the game with even more bosses, from mountain giants to literal Cow Boys. Cuphead is one of the most ambitious games with 2D designs.
8Darkest Dungeon
A 2D Roguelike
Do you dare enter the Darkest Dungeon? With a gothic 2D style, Darkest Dungeon challenges players to stitch together a party of travelers and journey into various Lovecraftian dungeons. Characters and enemies have their own unique animations for their specific move sets.
Be warned once dead, party members rarely return, so consider your losses permanent and plan out your team according to need. This mechanic keeps you on your toes as you take on dungeon bosses and enter the final dungeon known only as the Darkest Dungeon.
7Sundered
Die Respawn Die
Sundered is a Metroidvania that gives you a unique challenge each time you spawn. With a Lovecraftian 2D art style, it offers a unique horror experience that brings to life the many environments and enemies of the world.
In Sundered, you will die over and over again. Each time you do, the layout of the map changes, and the enemies spawn in new locations. Luckily, you may collect shards and permanently upgrade your character, allowing you to make it further each time.
6Skull Girls: Second Encore
A Hand-Drawn Fighting Game
Skull Girls has one of the most unique art styles fora modern-day fighting game. With tag team-based fighting mechanics and a hand-drawn look, Skull Girls gives everyone a character they might enjoy. So mix and match to find out the best combinations that will help you win more games.
Every character is uniquely designed with various inspirations from different genres and time periods. These include Peacock, who takes her look from the classic rubber hose cartoon, the zombie-like Squigly, and Egyptian-style Eliza.
5Ori And The Blind Forest
Tug At Your Heartstrings
Ori and the Blind Forest will make you cry. This Metroidvania has a whimsical 2D art style filled with vibrant colors and frightening darks. Turn down the lights and put your headphones on to fully immerse yourself in the sounds of the forest.
Checkpoints can be created at will using energy cells, which is great for exploring the map at ease. However, with limited energy cells to go around, players are forced to think about where their next checkpoint will work best for them. So choose wisely.
4Cookie Cutter
Futuristic Eye Candy
In a dystopian future, an android loses the love of her life. Now it’s time for some payback. The over-the-top fighting moves and killer combos complement the hand-drawn art style to create something that is anything but cookie-cutter.
You can smash through enemies in over ten different zones and even deal some truly creative finishing moves on enemies. Use chainsaws, electrifying weaponry, and even your motorcycle to reconnect with your true love. If you enjoy Sci-Fi and dystopian worlds with a splash of neon, then this is the Metroidvania for you.
3Spiritfarer
Prepare To Cry
Spiritfarer isa real tear-jerker. What better way to give you a gut punch than by getting you emotionally invested in characters and then forcing you to say goodbye? Spiritfarer puts you in the role of Stella and her cat Daffodil as they ferry spirits toward the afterlife.
Each spirit has its own set of last wishes that need to be fulfilled before they can cross over. In the meantime, they will call your ship their home. So make sure you upgrade your ship with amenities to make them feel at home.
2Indivisible
Platforming Meets RPG Combat
Indivisible is an action RPG with 2D character designs and animations. It also borrows various platforming mechanics to keep the gameplay varied. This will have you learning new moves to use in the overworld which will help you explore the world faster than before.
To engage in battle, simply touch an enemy and the game will shift gears and gameplay style. There are more than 20 unique characters to play, each with their own animations and abilities. They can even be controlled individually during combat.
1Battletoads
The Perfect Blend Of 2D And 3D
Battletoads (2020) rebooted the Ninja Turtles lookalike into the modern era. With unbeatable co-op action, you may take the toads out of retirement in this side scrolling beat-em-up. Some levels even have you riding their iconic hoverbikes in a blended 3D and 2D environemnt.
Every character’s design and personality is perfectly cartoony, meshing well with the world around them. Even smaller enemies have distinct behaviors that make them memorable as you beat them up. Each toad also has unique animations for each of their special moves.
