Many of the latest and greatest games are 3D marvels that push the technical boundaries of our PCs and Consoles. While impressive, only a fool would see them as a replacement for 2D games.
Countless incredible titles are planted firmly in the 2D realm, covering every genre you can think of. If you want to indulge in some side-scrolling action, here’s a selection of the best included with your PS Plus subscription.
This was a difficult list to make, as there are far more than ten incredible 2D games on PS Plus. I’ve tried to hit a wide range of genres, but don’t be offended if I’ve missed your favorites!
10Worms WMD
A Formula As Old As Time
Worms W.M.D.
TheWormsgames have been around since 1995, offering turn-based strategy gameplay that’s remarkably accessible.Worms WMDis the latest installment in the series, with plenty of modern features and updated visuals.
The core gameplay loop remains unchanged from the original. Teams of worms take turns blasting each other off the map with ridiculous weapons like exploding sheep and bazookas. It’s fun and addictive, and there’splenty of skill involved.
Whether you’re a fan of the series or a newcomer,Worms WMDis agreat entry point to the franchise. There’s enough to keep casual players interested and a lofty skill ceiling if you want to take the game more seriously.
9Rogue Legacy 2
A Brutal 2D Roguelite
Rogue Legacy 2
Rogue Legacy 2is a fantastic adventure game with a hearty dose of humor. AsRogue Legacy 2isa Roguelite,the map changes each time you play, and death is inevitable. Whenever you die, an heir takes your place, and you can buy upgrades to make your following attempts easier.
There’s a generous assortment of fantasy archetypes, like mages and archers, to play as. Each has strengths and weaknesses, but your heirs often have ridiculous traits to play around.Your next character may be colorblind or have IBS, so they damage enemies with farts!
Underneath all these whacky mechanics is a solid 2D adventure with a unique identity of its own.
8Towerfall Ascension
Old-School Multiplayer Action
TowerFall Ascension
Towerfall Ascensionis a fast-paced party game withgood old-fashioned couch multiplayer. Gameplay is simple: try and shoot your opponents before they do the same to you, and if you die, you’re out until the next round.
The controls are precise, and landing bow shots on a moving target takes a surprising amount of skill. There are plenty of environmental hazards to mix up gameplay, and the stage is often set for intense 1v1s.
Towerfall Ascensionisbest played with a group of friendshuddled around the screen. If you frequently meet up for local gaming sessions, this is a superb title to add to your list.
7Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
The Turtles Have Never Looked Better
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Shredder’s Revengeis easily one of the best Turtles games of all time, offeringaddictive combat, vibrant pixel art graphics, and the gang’s trademark humor. The franchise is perfect for a 2D arcade beat-em-up and there are plenty of nods to the source material.
Players are spoiled for choice witha respectable assortment of playable characters, and it’s a real treat toface off against iconic foeslike Rocksteady and Krang.
You can have tons of fun mindlessly button-mashing through every fight, but battles can be surprisingly nuanced.Shredder’s Revengeis wonderfully accessible and proves there’s still some gas in the tank for the 2D Brawler genre.
6Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tasty
This Is How You Do A Remake
Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tastyis a faithful remake of the originalOddworld: Abe’s Oddyseeon the PlayStation. While the graphics look 3D, the gameplay is strictly on the 2D plain.
New N' Tastyis afantastic puzzle platformerthat forces you to use your brain and reflexes in equal measure. Abe isn’t a fighter, but he’s surprisingly agile, a trait you can use to your advantage.
Given the opportunity,Abe can possess the minds of his enemies. This mechanic opens up many gameplay possibilities, and the levels are perfectly crafted for Abe’s abilities.
Your journey will take you from industrial meat factories to paramite-infested ruins. It’s a never-ending quest to stay off the menu, and there’s never a dull moment in this quirky 2D adventure.
There’s nothing quite like theOddworldgames, andNew N' Tastyis easily one of the best.
A Genre-Defining Roguelite
Dead Cells
Dead Cellsis a phenomenal 2D Roguelite with branching paths, stunning locales, and some of the tightest controls in the genre. Combat is fast-paced, with wellover 100 weapons to try out.
Your Dodge Roll helps with the blistering pace as you’re briefly invincible while performing it. Avoiding devastating attacks with a well-timed dodge feels incredibly satisfying, and there’s rewarding meta-progression between runs.
Maps inDead Cellsareprocedurally generatedand encourage exploration. Beware,Dead Cellsis savagely difficult, but you’re always getting stronger and earning unlockables even during runs where nothing goes your way.
10 Best Kid-Friendly Indie Games
For children and big kids alike.
4Mega Man 11
Classic 2D Platforming
Mega Man 11
TheMega Mangames are known for their slick controls, savage difficulty, and distinct approach to boss battles.Mega Man 11is a love letter to the NES and SNES classics. The high-quality 2D platforming you expect fromMega Manis here, complete with abanging soundtrack and creative-level design.
You can tackle stages in any order, andeach boss rewardsMega Manwith a new ability. This feature makes the game incredibly replayable, as some attacks work better against specific opponents.
Mega Man 11feels like a game from the 90s in all the right ways. If you’ve never played before, maybe it’s time to experience why the series is so beloved.
Boss battles are a big part ofMega Man, and some of the classics areso tough they are borderline unfair.
3Undertale
Right In The Feels
Undertaleis a stellar RPG with multiple endings, a memorable cast, and a unique combat system. There’s plenty of humor but also somedownright tear-jerkingsections. Conversations are beautifully written, and you genuinely feel for the characters.
The Underground is a bizarre place, and the world can change so dramatically from screen to screen you never know what’s coming next.
Even battles are notable, as you cantalk your way out of combat. You can even talk your way out ofBoss Battles, but it’s much tougher than it sounds.
It’s hard to be a pacifist, but if you enjoy RPGs, I daresay you will want to explore everythingUndertalehas to offer.
A 2D Sandbox Masterpiece
Terrariais an incrediblesurvival crafting gameyou can easily spend hundreds of hours on. The game has existed for well over a decade, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it lasted a decade more.
For a long time,Terrariawas often referred to as “2DMinecraft,” which is unfair, even though the titles share similarities.Terrariaencourages combat, and you’re able to use boss battles to track your progress. You’re always working toward something, whether new gear or a base-building project.
Thegameplay loop is addictive, and the 2D-pixel art graphics are beautiful, especially when you start exploring new biomes.
Terrariahas something for everyone and even hascollab contentwith other superb games, likeCore Keeper.
1Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
All The Preparation You Need For Silksong
Hollow Knight (Dupe)
Hollow Knightis a beautiful Metroidvania with gorgeous graphics,stunning world design, and a haunting soundtrack.
The world of Hallownest comes to life with an incrediblehand-drawn art stylethat stands out against the more popular pixel art. Hallownest is sometimes pretty bleak, but you will find yourself marveling at the background and scenery.
AsHollow Knightis a Metroidvania, exploration is encouraged, and the map opens up as you learn new abilities. You’re left to explore many of the game’s intricacies on your own, and it’s a great feeling when everything falls into place.
Countless Metroidvania’s are on the market, andHollow Knightrubs shoulders withthe best of the genre.
10 Best Platformers on PS Plus
Run, jump, and Smash Some Crates. You know the drill…
