Video games were essentially born in a two-dimensional format for the most part. While some games have returned to their flat arrangement, 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're playing in.
Of course, two-dimensional pictures don't always take away from the setting, but throwing players in a 3D world headfirst emphasizes the hard work that developers put out and better immerses the gamer. From monochromatic landscapes that make seeing difficult to leaping across vast trenches and those in between, some video games could work better in 3D.
10 Night In The Woods Is A Beautiful Game
Dubbed an adventure game, Night in the Woods takes players through an expansive story that does exploration well. While the animation and story are undoubtedly perfect, a 3D take would further immerse players in the world.
The game is not a victim of lack of depth or quality, like an older 2D game, but a 3D format would bring an exciting dimension to the universe the story takes place in. It's not difficult to imagine how much more of the weird and colorful world players could see if it were expanded outward.
9 Castlevania Could Be Better Improved In 3D
Though specific iterations of the Castlevania franchise have been developed in 3D, there's a particular nostalgia about the first that the recent additions don't have. The original and first Castlevania game is an icon of the franchise, despite its campy feel. The playthrough would be immaculate if the original ever should be remade as a 3D game.
Highly regarded for its rich lore, 1986's Castlevania and its characters would be remarkably well-made today. Simon Belmont and his ascent into 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 Descendants
The Zelda franchise has already proven how well the universe translates in a 3D format. However, the second game, The Adventures of Link, has potential but is faulted by its composition. From the somewhat easier navigation in Ocarina of Time to the stunning landscapes of Breath of the Wild, Zelda seems to work better in 3D.
There's a gracefulness about roaming the world freely in 360 versus being constrained to hopping up and down and left to right. Unfortunately, while the second game's story is excellent, the gameplay is sometimes too frustrating.
7 Metroid Dread Was Not The Game Players Expected
Metroid Dread, released in 2021, is a long-awaited game that spent 15 years on the shelf before its release. The action-adventure game puts players in the shoes of Samus Aran, a space-centric bounty hunter. It utilized the side-scrolling traditionalism of its predecessors. Fans were slightly surprised at the throwback 2D format.
While the game is the perfect tribute to its original form, the recycled elements don't improve the gameplay for players; if anything, it becomes the one point of frustration. Were it in 3D; the game would have allowed users to see more of ZDR.
6 Cuphead Might Be 2% Less Frustrating In 3D
Cuphead is an incredible game worthy of at least a few tries, but it remains notorious for being beyond difficult. The side-scrolling gameplay only makes the fights all the more challenging. While some might argue that 3D gameplay doesn't make playing any more manageable, there's a possibility it would help in this case.
The lovely vintage-type animation would be further expanded, and players might have a better chance to move around more freely. Even on the simple difficulty, gamers find the boss fights infuriatingly grueling.
5 Inside Would Be Slightly Scarier
For anyone who enjoys puzzle games, Inside is the perfect 2D platformer. Though 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 put the players on edge and create a sense of unease.
However, the side-scrolling aspects of the game don't allow gamers to step fully into this bizarre world. From the factory to the lab, there's always frustration with the fact that players have no idea what's happening when they run the boy behind a wall or through a crevice.
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 work of moving art that players get to walk through virtually. The only downfall to the game, however, is that it's a 2D platformer. While the format works well for the game, and there haven't been many complaints thus far, players can only imagine how much more of the breathtaking artwork would be displayed if it were in 3D.
The glowing and fantastical elements of the landscape and characters are incredible, but they would undoubtedly be emphasized outside the two dimensions.
3 Limbo Is Fun But Literally Too Dark
Like its cousin game, Inside, Limbo is a 2D horror puzzle platformer that takes players on a journey through monochromatic landscapes. The player's objective is to find the main character's sister by making it around several large and small deadly traps.
The gameplay is in its most simple form and works well for such a short game, but the lighting is perhaps the point of contention for most. The grayscale color scheme of the art and dark shadowy 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 into the 3D territory. However, it too started as a 2D series of games until Super Mario 64. With the successful release of later 3D Mario games, it's clear to most fans that Mario in 3D works incredibly well for the game, if not better.
The nostalgic side-scrolling format of the first selections can be admired, but these were also some of the most challenging games in the franchise. Something is frustrating about maneuvering Mario across a two-dimensional landscape and being limited in that frame.
1 Little Nightmares Already Has Enough 3D Elements To Make The Transition
Though some would consider Little Nightmares and its prequel to be more of a 2.5 platformer, this 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, for the most part, is stealth.
The story's disturbing characters and dark setting make the game a nail-biting experience, but players have questioned how much more of this world could be seen in 3D. Most 3D graphics and art would easily translate without taking too much away from its originality.