2D Platformers, will they ever be big again?

[StrainedEyes]

I miss 2D platforming games. The old games are still loads of fun to play, and I hope it gets to be cool again to make new 2D games.

New Super Mario bros. was a fantastic game. Wario Land: Shake It looks like it's going to be loads of fun.

Video Game technology, today, is incredibly advanced. Imagine how good a new-age 2D platformer would look and play if a company put as much time and resources into it as any of the 3D games coming out.

I really hope Little Big Planet does well and sends a message that it's OK to make big budget 2D games if you want to. It's a great genre that deserves a comeback in a big way.

 

[Havok83]

Nope. Most 2D games stopped being big once the technology for more complicated 3D games rolled in. It isnt just limited to platformers, but other genres like fighters as well. For the most part, the 2D platformers will rule on the handhelds, (namely DS) or on PSN/XBLA/WiiWare. I think for the home consoles, the latter is the best platform for them to be released on. I dont really see big 2D platform releases in stores anymore, at least not for the 360 and PS3

 

[StrainedEyes]

Little Big Planet is a big 2d platformer release for the PS3. That's why I said I hope it does well and gives the genre a little life for designers.

 

[Havok83]

Little Big Planet is a big 2d platformer release for the PS3. That's why I said I hope it does well and gives the genre a little life for designers.

its a PSN downloadable title that will happen to get a disc version as well. I think the system's online services are how games like this will be distributed now since they arent as big as they once were. LBP is getting tons of buzz and press so hopefully it will change things in the industry. Im not completely sold on it though. That title defiently needs a demo

 

[StrainedEyes]

its a PSN downloadable title that will happen to get a disc version as well. I think the system's online services are how games like this will be distributed now since they arent as big as they once were. LBP is getting tons of buzz and press so hopefully it will change things in the industry. Im not completely sold on it though. That title defiently needs a demo

Oh really? I didn't know it was a PSN title. It's getting a lot of press for a downloadable game.

XBLA is trying to reinvent the top-down shooter, which I hope they stop trying to do soon.

 

[Havok83]

Oh really? I didn't know it was a PSN title. It's getting a lot of press for a downloadable game.

XBLA is trying to reinvent the top-down shooter, which I hope they stop trying to do soon.

Yeah, LBP is going to be like Warhawk and GT5 Prologue in that its going to be downloadable and get a retail BR version. Sony is planning on doing the same with Socom

 

[Fading]

I wish 2D games would make a comeback. To me it's a genre all to itself, and can provide great gameplay. 2D fighters usually have better controls than a 3D fighter as you don't have to worry about hitting back or up and face a different direction (tho Naruto UNS seems to have 3D fighting down nice).

As for platformers themselves, I def love 2D platformers. I think repurchasing Castlevania SoTN off of the PSN is amongst the best $10 I've spent in a long time. That game even today still holds up and has great gameplay. I still love the Megaman X series. I think the old 2D Sonic's are better than the 3D ones as well.

However I'm not sure that's what developers care for anymore. They see shiny uber 3D graphics as a selling point, and many ppl new to gaming see the eye candy and agree. A lot of new gamers see 2D as 'boring' and restrictive. I wish I could say 2D was around to stay, but I have my doubts of it staying alive in any form outside of downloadable content from the PSN or Live, or on a handheld system.

 

[AlteredEgo]

i dont think the 2D platform will be back big anytime soon. but i dont think thats a bad thing, i mean, when good platform scrollers come out, they are really good platformers and thats how i prefer it. better that then it just becoming a fad or the "in thing" to do like FPS seem to be nowadays where companies just pump out games in that genre just to have more games in that genre.

 

[Addendum]

As far as them coming out as actual games to purchase in stores, instead of simply on Liva Arcade or the PSN, I don't see that anytime soon.

But there's still some life in them: Bionic Commando Rearmed, Castle Crashers, Braid, Little Big Planet just to name a few. There are also some good homebrew games available on the PC: N, Knytt, Within a Big Forest, Cave Story, La-Mulana.