Some of the best video game franchises may have started in 2D but became even more popular once they became 3D. Almost every early video game started in some 2D space, whether a side-scroller, a shoot-'em-up, or a fighting game.
As video games begin to grow and evolve, many of these established franchises that were 2D from the beginning eventually made the jump to 3D. While not every game would survive that jump, the franchises became even better and more popular over time. Arguably the jump two 3D is what ensured these franchises lasted over the years.
10 Fallout- Technically Not 2D, But Their Jump To A Three-Dimensional Space Vastly Improved The Game
Many hardcore Fallout fans have fond memories of both Fallout 1 and Fallout 2. However, it was not until Fallout 3 that the franchise started picking up the pace when Bethesda decided to jump to more third-person/three-dimensional action games.
Since the jump to 3D, Fallout has become one of the best franchises in Bethesda’s library. It has spawned a series of similar games stemming from the Fallout Style. One can say this game is quite a shelf life.
9 Ninja Gaiden- Tough-As-Nails In 2D And 3D
Ninja Gaiden is famous for its insane difficulty curve and fast-paced ninja action. Though Ninja Gaiden might have remained in the 8-Bit World along with titles such as Battletoads or Contra, Ninja Gaiden became a Powerhouse when they jumped to a 3D action hack and slash style.
Team Ninja's attempt at bringing the challenging side-scroller into the 3D World solidified Ninja Gaiden as a reliable franchise for brutal action and challenging gameplay. The franchise has even released a master collection of Ninja Gaiden 1 through 3, so new players can get a taste of Ryu HayabusaNinja prowess
8 Harvest Moon- Farming Has Never Looked Better Since It Switched To 3D
Harvest Moon is one of those game franchises that has sustained a dedicated audience throughout its many iterations. It is a simple game. It focuses on farming, relaxing, and doing daily chores.
Although Harvest Moon was doing well in its 2D space, when the series jump to 3D, many gamers welcomed the change of pace. In addition, adding that extra dimension provided a lot of satisfaction when creating farmlands.
7 Metroid- One Of The Most Surprising Jumps From 2D To 3D
When Nintendo announced that Metroid would have a first-person 3D platformer on the GameCube, many fans and gamers were scared of the change. However, Metroid has existed within the 2D space for so long- to the point where they created a genre of video games. So to see that shifting could have made for a terrible video game.
However, when Metroid Prime was released, it became a massive hit. Many old and new fans of the franchise fell in love with Metroid Prime. While the series would go off and on and its 2D and 3D spaces, Metroid Prime proved that this game series could work in the 3D World.
6 Grand Theft Auto- It Is Hard Not To Think Of The Series In A 3D Space
Grand Theft Auto is one of the most recognizable franchises. So much so, that even people who are not interested in video games know of or have played it. The first two titles in the series had top-down two-dimensional playgrounds with the same concept and idea behind the other titles but focused on this top-down perspective.
Once Grand Theft Auto 3 was released in full 3D open world, the series started picking up pace. From that point on, Rockstar found the ideal formula for their Grand Theft Auto series.
5 Mario Kart- With So Many Titles In The series, It Is Easy To Forget Its Origins
Everyone has either played or has watched someone play Mario Kart. However, the very first iteration was an 8-bit two-dimensional racer with limited stages but familiar characters.
Although the game started in this 8-bit two-dimensional Style, the actual gameplay and formula have not changed. It is still a kart racer. There are still all of the Mario characters to play as, and there are still item blocks to grab. So when it made the jump to 3D, it's no wonder it became even more popular with each subsequent title.
4 Metal Gear Solid- A Titan Of A Game Franchise With Humble Beginnings
The Metal Gear Solid series has grown and evolved over the decades that it has existed. A unique game franchise with complex storylines and some of the most innovative gameplay in any stealth-action series.
However, in its early days, it was not originally called Metal Gear Solid. On the NES, there was Metal Gear. The game still had Solid Snake stealthing his way through enemy bases with cardboard boxes. Gamers would agree that the series is better in the 3D World.
3 Final Fantasy- Delved Into Complex Storylines After Going 3D
Final Fantasy is one of the most invigorating and recognizable game series within video game culture. Several movies, mangas, toys, spin-offs, nearly everything under the sun has been made from this video game series.
In its very early days, it was much like any other turn-based JRPG. 8-bit Style, 2D worlds, all of it was still very much in the sphere of 2D games. Then along came Final Fantasy 7, and the rest is history.
2 The Legend Of Zelda Has Come So Far
The Legend of Zelda as a video game series is a monument to successful video games. So many gamers have fond memories playing through this wonderful and whimsical action video game franchise.
Looking back on The Legend of Zelda and its early days, it is clear that the game series does better within the 3D World. It is not to say that the 2D Legend of Zelda games were not good games. The games are simply far more entertaining and engaging in a 3D space.
1 Super Mario- Is The All-Time King, No Matter If It Is In 2D Or 3D
The best thing any gamer could say about the Super Mario series is it's consistent. Across the board, Nintendo has put out many successful titles repeatedly within the Super Mario franchise.
Furthermore, many gamers and game companies often pay their respects to the 2D iterations of the Super Mario series. However, it was not until Super Mario 64 that the video game market shifted to making more 3D games. Super Mario 64 is why Mario is always leading the pack to innovation in video games.