Poll: Would you buy 2D games for next-gen systems?

by Blake Snow { Dec 14th 2006 at 5:20PM }

Though still around, 2D games are hardly the majority dwarfed in number by bigger, badder, and more glitzy 3D games. But with a significant amount of gamers having cut their teeth on the perspective, how many titles will find a home on next-gen consoles? As a bonus to developers -- given the demand -- 2D games cost significantly less to make with the potential of a better ROI. So...
[via Slashdot]

Technical mumbo jumbo: this is not a scientific or rigorous poll and is only intended to capture the general consensus of Joystiq readers. Results will be posted approximately one week after the poll is opened for votes. Sure, you probably could hack this poll if you worked at it, but it's more fun for everyone if poll results accurately reflect the opinions of all readers, so please refrain from tampering with poll results.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

pete @ Dec 14th 2006 5:25PM

there is a future for 2d look at alian hominid ps2 or metal slug series on wii, and with virtual console, xbox live and sony marketplace its only a matter of time before smaller developers throw everythign they got into 2d goodness then throw it out there for the masses.

cypherspace @ Dec 14th 2006 5:27PM

Would I buy a 2D Halo? No. Would I buy a 2D Sonic? Hell yes.

AoE @ Dec 14th 2006 5:29PM

Would I? I already do!

rhork. @ Dec 14th 2006 5:32PM

A game's a game. So long as it's good, there's replay value, and i've got the time/money to waste... It's worth picking up.

fwacce @ Dec 14th 2006 5:33PM

Anything that plays even remotely like Super Metroid has my money.

AoE @ Dec 14th 2006 5:33PM

@cypherspace,

check out Halo Zero before you say no to a 2D Halo (it's free): http://www.halozero.new.fr/

Peacefuloutrage @ Dec 14th 2006 5:38PM

Just like rhork says, if it's any good, i'll buy. I remeber gorgeous looking 2-D games for the Saturn and the Dreamcast. And if some of the more technically draining aspects from game design are removed, maybe they'll have more time to focus on gameplay. :)

matthew @ Dec 14th 2006 5:38PM

There's some good 2D platformers on the handheld systems.

I really, really wish they'd make a 2D console version of Sonic, with a stripped down cast of characters, no guns or tanks or other people-world crap. Dr. Eggman needs to be flying around in silly contrations turning bunnies into robot monsters.

Sonic on the DS is good, but the screen's size is limiting.

Agent MOO @ Dec 14th 2006 5:39PM

Yes, definitely, adding a 3d camera makes every game play the same.

Goldrush @ Dec 14th 2006 5:39PM

Not at the $50-$60 price range.

Hizpanick @ Dec 14th 2006 5:41PM

Love the photo caption.

Super Metroid was badass.

Steve @ Dec 14th 2006 5:43PM

I would definitely buy a quality 2D game, but the production values would have to be much greater considering that game power has increased a lot since the death of the 16 bit era. I also think that the poor animation that was fairly common in the 16 bit era must not repeat itself.

I enjoy a 2D handheld platformer from time to time, but I'd really prefer the 2D-3D hybrids: most of the 2D Castlevania games in the past decade have had some degree of 3D backgrounds, and the poorly named "New Super Mario Bros." showed how a traditional 2D sidesroller with 3D models can really improve the experience. Not only was the animation and graphics of that game superior to the SNES games on Super Mario All-Stars, but the use of polygons opened up gameplay possibilities that would have been difficult or impossible using traditional sprites. The mega Mario, and the rockin' boppin' giant mushroom platforms may not have been possible.

Sizer @ Dec 14th 2006 5:45PM

I just bought Assault Arms for X360 for $10. It's the way they should do 2D games that satisfies the 3D nazis. A 2D game with classic 2D gameplay but with 3D models so everyone's happy.

MattyB @ Dec 14th 2006 5:46PM

I already bought Trauma Center for the Wii. Does that answer your question?

Konchu @ Dec 14th 2006 5:46PM

Really interesting thoughts I could definatly see myself buying good 2D games but I would like the price point to reflect both the depth of the game and the difficulty to make it.

Really cant compare the cost to make a sidescroller to the cost to making say Gears of War or Resistance Fall of Man. The Dreamcast had lots of 2D games that were worth the money like Bangai-O and tons of other Shooters and Fighting games.

KineticOnline @ Dec 14th 2006 5:52PM

2d or 3d doesnt matter that much, it all depends of if it fits the game.
A 2D card game is just a good as a 3D one, hell i like texas hold'm more than i like WSOP:TOC. Ok it was done in a 3d engine but other than the pointless standup/sit down animation its basically 2D

hyperion @ Dec 14th 2006 5:52PM

two words:
Assult Heros

hyperion @ Dec 14th 2006 5:54PM

*assault heroes
lol i suck

Ed @ Dec 14th 2006 5:56PM

Hell I love a good 2D game. Mario, Castlevania, zelda, Wizards and wariors, Metroid Fusion. Not only do I love these games, but I own them. Hence the Vitual Consoles on Wii and the like isn't really going to interest me much. If I already own a hard copy of the game I'm not paying to buy it again. Now if they did something cool like adding new material to say.. the original Zelda, or new levels to the original Mario, now that would be kick ass I I'd really be happy.

NintendoFanbot @ Dec 14th 2006 5:56PM

Depends if they are good or not.

That said, I own Alien Hominid and plan on getting Metal Slug Anthology.

Thank goodness Wii is inexpensive to develop for.

Vegasadelphia @ Dec 14th 2006 5:57PM

Of course! Graphics come after the quality of gameplay.

Ben Friesen @ Dec 14th 2006 6:06PM

I think it depends on whether you mean 2D as in "two-dimensional" or 2D as in "sprite-based graphics". The Super Smash Bros. series is 2D in the first sense, and it's obviously got lots of fans, so I think that's proof positive that people will buy 2D games. If you're just talking about sprite based graphics, I think most people will rebel against them in true next gen systems because the technology is so old (and it arguably detracts from the sense of immersion).

There are certainly platforms that 2D works better for - platformers are great for 2D, most fighters still barely take into account the Z axis (except for the occasional dodge movement), and most RTS games haven't changed their formula at all with the move to 3D graphics.

Ed @ Dec 14th 2006 6:14PM

Gameplay always comes before graphix. I'm sure everyone here's played a game at one time or another that looked awsome, but quit soon after, because of the gameplay... Now that thats said I'd also like to add I've seen many 2D video games with beautiful graphics. Castlevainia symphony of the night, Actraiser, I'm sure 2D graphics on the knew systems would look even better.

NeverSage @ Dec 14th 2006 6:16PM

I've been hoping for years they'd make a new 2D castlevania for a console. I don't get why they keep trying to force it into 3D when the 2D ones are so good. The DS/GBA ones are good, but they could do so much more on a more powerful system.

Mo @ Dec 14th 2006 6:17PM

Game doesn't have to be in 3D to be fun, who cares if it's 2D as long as the gameplay is good. Would I buy it on a next gen console? Yes, I am eagerly waiting for Vector Man, Donkey Kong Country series, Super Metriod (all for the Virtual Console by the way).

Peacefuloutrage @ Dec 14th 2006 6:20PM

Evan @ Dec 14th 2006 6:23PM

I would love a game with high-definition 2D sprites drawn by someone like Frank Miller. You could pull off some really styled work in 2D that is not possible with 3D models.

DeezNuts420 @ Dec 14th 2006 6:27PM

Maybe it's Nostalgia talking. But 2D games will always have a special place in my heart.

Kazi @ Dec 14th 2006 6:28PM

Guilty Gear anyone?

MosquitoControl @ Dec 14th 2006 6:28PM

Unquestionably. In fact, I've been pining for these.

I don't see why companies are so loathe to do it. They can be done like that New Super Mario Brothers. 3D models, 2D levels.

Take a look at Castlevania. There has yet to be an entertaining 3D Castlevania. But SOTN is still a high priced PS game, and the GBA/DS games sell boatloads.

Would I take a 2D Castlevania on a new console? Yes. Make Simon 3D. Give it some effects. But keep the 2D gameplay.

These games did not die. They're less common and less popular, but the good ones are not less fun, particulary if they are multiplayer.

This is why I'm so torn over Metal Slug anthologies. On one hand, I've played them all to death. On the other, I want companies to know we'll buy these damn things so they'll make more.

generaldane @ Dec 14th 2006 6:30PM

as funny as this may sound i actually prefer a lot of 2d games more than 3d for example i usually hate 3d fighters with a few exceptions like smash etc. so my answer should be obvious

Kevin @ Dec 14th 2006 6:31PM

I like the Metroid Prime series and all, but I'd love it if Nintendo would give us a new 2d Metroid game that isn't on a handheld.

jakbar @ Dec 14th 2006 6:33PM

Damn Right. There's nothing wrong with 2D, or hybrid 2D/3D games like the New Super Mario Bros. and Viewtiful Joe. I really wanted the Y's remake for PS2 to come out here, but Sony's attitude is 3D only, so it never made it here, although Y's 6 did, but that was 3D.

cybereality @ Dec 14th 2006 6:37PM

They should definately make more 2D games. With the technology they have now they can do anime quality game animation. For example, look at how smooth the animation was in Gealty Gear vs. Any Capcom Fighter(besides SFIII). Imagine SF4 with the animation of the Street Fighter Anime, OMFG! Also, the best Dragon Ball Z game was Legends (PS1/Saturn) since they used the real art from the show. Even the new cel-shaded versions don't capture the essence as well. There are some games that should stay 2D (like Metroid, wtf is this FPS nonsense).

They also really need to bring back the adventure genre. Theres so much more they can be doing now and it wouldnt even be that expensive. Anyway, I think 2D games (or even 2.5D games like New Super Mario DS) are just more fun than fully 3D camera games. I dont know why, but they are.

DirtDevil @ Dec 14th 2006 6:42PM

Yes I would pay for them all, 'cuz I never got a chance to play all of them when I was young, my mom could not even afford to buy me games.

NintendoFanbot @ Dec 14th 2006 6:44PM

@ Mosquito Control

Sometimes sprites have their advantages compared to models, maybe that can shed some light on the awkwardness towards 3D chars in 2D.

A big example would be MK's Shang Tsung. In 2D, he can easily transform and characters can load easy. In 3D, he can't transform and the wide variety of 3D models and movesets wouldn't load as fast, if at all possible.

To be honest I would prefer sprites because of gameplay elements such as transforming.

But sprites in a 3D enviroment could be explored nicely (ex: Paper Mario).

I want to buy MSA not just for the games but hopefully extend SNK support. Samurai Showdown man.

pattyblades @ Dec 14th 2006 6:45PM

i would like to see a 2D/3D ala "Metroid Dread"

Strobie @ Dec 14th 2006 6:47PM

as easy and short as it was, Yoshi's story is one of my all-time favorites. Id kill for another one. I wish Yoshi's Island DS had used the Yoshi's Story visual style, Im sure the DS is powerful enough.

eskimo @ Dec 14th 2006 6:48PM

Fact of life: 2-Dimensional games are usually much easier to make than 3-Dimensional ones.

Thus, you can take all the time you just saved making a 2D engine into ACTUALLY DESIGNING A GOOD GAME. Reason number eighty-three-and-a-half that I still prefer Final Fantasy 1 and Super Mario World over any crappy Sonic 3D game, WoW, etc. etc.

Case in point.

Ian @ Dec 14th 2006 6:59PM

If they are cheaper, definately, but don't sell me Castlevania @$60 and expect me to be happy.

Castlevania for the DS = That's what I'm talking about.

Symphony of the Night was amazing. Super Mario World is still one of the best games ever. I really REALLY hope they don't keep churning out more and more powerful handhelds, that's the one thing that's so great about the GBA, even the DS, is that they aren't powerful enough for stellar graphics, so they have to make fun games. And a lot of them are side-scrollers.

Rubang @ Dec 14th 2006 7:04PM

Seriously. Somebody should just make a game that plays like an old Mario or Metroid or Metal Slug or something, and all you do is jump and shoot and maybe use a couple items. Then they can put the rest of their effort into making an assload of levels and a cuntload of enemies that are all different (not just the same guys with different colored hairdos Final Fight, etc.). Then throw in an easy to use level editor that works like Mario Paint or something.

jchensor @ Dec 14th 2006 7:18PM

I don't think it's even an issue of graphics, really. I think it's an issue of gameplay. Kirby on the N64 and Viewtiful Joe and (the paragon of this example) Super Smash Bros. Melee, for example, ARE 2-D games with 3-D graphics. If they made a new console Castlevania, and deicded to create 3-D backgrounds with 3-D characters for better looks and animation, but made the gameplay essentially 2-D (though you could expand on it and make corridors that curve or, like Viewtiful Joe, have areas that automatically turn into the background while still only moving left or right), that would be incredible. That way, you could get awesome graphics and animations while still getting classic platforming gameplay.

What we are missing is NOT the 2-D graphics, but the 2-D style of games. I'm frankly sick of playing games where I am moving the camera more often than moving my character.

juv3nal @ Dec 14th 2006 7:19PM

I think geometry wars has done well enough to prove that 2d can be successful on a next gen system. It's just a matter of having a good enough game at the right price point.

Tom @ Dec 14th 2006 7:23PM

Sonic the Hedgehog NEVER EVER should have gone 3D. The piece-of-crap Xbox 360 version is the best evidence of this so far. I grew up playing Sonic 3 (with S&K lock on! yeah!) and went back and played Sonic 1, Sonic 2... loved them all! Sonic Adventure was ok, but it just didn't have "it"... all other 3D Sonic games have sucked ass since then. I like the 2D Sonic games on GBA, but I really want that experience on the big screen. I'm thinking an epic 2D Sonic game, with 40 levels, each the size of a Sonic 3 level, 10 minute time limit, etc. No crappy voicework please. Really crisp visuals where the environments are actually composed of up to 1920x1080 pixels (think about how good New Super Mario Bros. looks compared to Super Mario World, but with the power of the Xbox 360/Ps3/Wii behind it). Lots of climbing, snowboarding, riding around in rail carts, shooting through tubes, etc. Sega would instantly recover from its current slump!

David4 @ Dec 14th 2006 7:27PM

It matters if they are cheaper. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat looks cool for the GC, Veiwiful Joe looks equally amazing. But if they don't take as long to make then they should be cheaper. If a 2D Mario for the DS is $35 then a 2D (not Paper Mario) Mario for the Wii should be cheaper too.