Nintendois the master of creating 2D games. Since theNES, Nintendo’s 2D adventures have been some of the most legendary, genre-defining video games ever. The classic 2D titles have inspired some of the most famous video games of the modern era, and the newer games maintain the same amount of quality and wonder.
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Nintendo has never let limitations get in its way. Even when restricted to two axes, Nintendo has produced some of the most fascinating worlds, breathtaking art styles, and genius game designs ever. It’s staggering how many of these titles have helped shape video games into what they are today.
10Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island Is A Breathtaking Platformer
Playing Yoshi’s Island feels like stepping into a picture book. The hand-drawn art style is gorgeous and highlights the game’s remarkable charm. Everything from the stunning backgrounds to the quirky enemies is a treat for the eyes and bursting with personality.
Yoshigames are generally known for being easy. Not this one. Yoshi’s Island offers a delightful challenge to test your platforming and exploration skills. Every level is distinct and memorable, with clever design and new twists around every corner. It is, by far,the best game in the Yoshi series.
9Earthbound Is A Delightfully Bizarre RPG
Most known for being the inspiration for Undertale,Earthboundis a cult classic that defies expectations of what an RPG should be. It combines a solid turn-based combat system with one of the most bizarrely captivating settings in the genre.
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You eat burgers and pizza to refill your health, get money from an ATM, and buy items from a convenience store. It sounds realistic until a time-traveling bumblebee warns you about an alien attack, and you get ambushed by a sentient circus tent. You never know what to expect, which makes this adventure all the more charming.
8Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze Offers Endless Creativity
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is a masterclass in platformer design. Whether you’re hopping across massive orange slices to escape a giant blender or dodging lightning strikes while being sucked into a tornado, these levels are some of the best in theDonkey Kongseries.
The art style is jaw-dropping, with rich colors and lush backgrounds. DK has never felt better to control, and with three other Kongs to take with you, the gameplay is more versatile than ever. It’s not just the best Donkey Kong game. It’sone of the best platformers ever.
7Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story Is An Incredible RPG
Have you ever wanted to explore Bower’s intestines? You can in Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story. The plot involves Bowser accidentally swallowing the Mario Bros. You traverse through his insides as the brothers in side-scrolling segments and explore the Mushroom Kingdom as Bowser from a top-down perspective.
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Don’t let the ridiculous premise fool you. This is an outstanding RPG with an epic story, fun original characters, and some of the most engaging turn-based combat in the genre. If you press the required button at just the right time, you can deal extra damage and even block attacks. This keeps you constantly involved, even when it’s not your turn.
How many other games were so influential that they created an entire genre? Super Metroid is what everyMetroidvaniastrives to be. It improved upon its predecessors in every way and introduced many genre staples.
Traversing the world feels intuitive, giving you the freedom to explore while dropping subtle hints that keep you from getting lost. The world is filled with secrets, intimating bosses, and diverse power-ups that feel satisfying to use. Since it’s on Nintendo Switch Online, it’s one ofthe best Metroidvanias on the Switch.
5Pokemon HeartGold And SoulSilver Are The Best Games In The Series
PokemonHeartGold and SoulSilver are the series at its best. Gold and Silver are two of the best titles on the Game Boy, and these remakes add much-needed quality-of-life improvements and tons of extra content.
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This generation is the only one that allows you to explore two regions, totaling a whopping 16 Gym Badges to collect. The Pokemon here make for one of the most iconic and solid lineups in the series, and the world building fleshes out the lore in new meaningful ways. These games are worth it just to experience one of the best final bosses in video games.
4Super Mario World Is One Of The Best Platformers Ever
It’s hard to imagine where the Mario series would be withoutSuper Mario World. This SNES classic is one of thegreatest retro 2D platformers everthanks to its incredible controls, outstanding level design, and the first appearance of many series staples.
The introductions of Yoshi and the Cape make platforming more fun and versatile than ever. Secrets, alternative exits, and special stages are hidden around every corner and reward you for exploring. Mario’s movement is so dynamic that it inspired entire communities of Rom hacks and Mario Maker levels that still go strong today.
Nominated for Game Of The Year at the 2021 Game Awards,Metroid Dreadsaw Samus’ triumphant return to consoles after a long absence. The game combines stunning visuals with heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping gameplay that will keep you enthralled from start to finish.
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Metroid Dread is a mix of exploration, thrilling combat, memorable boss fights, and horrifying stealth sequences where you avoid the relentless pursuit of the terrifying E.M.M.I robots. It’s one of the most suspenseful Nintendo titles and one of the best action games on the Switch.
2The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past Redefined The Series
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past isone of the greatest Zelda games ever. This classic title redefined theZeldaseries and helped form the iconic identity it has today. Series staples like Kakariko Village, parallel words, and even the Master Sword were introduced in this adventure.
Hyrule has never felt better to traverse, allowing you to explore while never getting lost because there’s something useful hidden around every corner. The items are fun and diverse, each boss is distinct, and the dungeons are some of the best in the series. If you’re a Zelda fan, this is a must-play.
1Super Smash Bros Ultimate Is The Best Crossover Ever
If you went back in time and told someone there would be a crossover between Kingdom Hearts, Banjo-Kazooie, Street Fighter, and Minecraft, they’d never believe you. And who could blame them? Something likeSuper Smash Bros Ultimateseems impossible. And yet, here it is.
There are 89 characters, over 100 stages, and over 1,000 music tracks from the most famous video games ever. This is the greatest roster in fighting game history, and everything feels balanced and perfect for both beginners and competitive play. It’s the most impressive thing Nintendo has ever done and something everyone should experience.
