As a gamer and an art enthusiast, I find myself deeply moved by the breathtaking beauty and emotional depth that these 2D platformers offer. Each of them has left an indelible mark on me, but among them, GRIS stands out as an extraordinary piece of art that transcends the boundaries of gaming.
With the progression of video game technology, developers globally have been skillfully crafting gaming experiences that transcend simple pixelated shapes and effective game mechanics.
Even though entertainment remains a core part of the industry, more elements partake in the crafting of a good title, many of them related to the visual aspect.
The role of aesthetics, encompassing both design ideas and artistic styles, has become crucial in determining a game’s prosperity. This is particularly significant in the realm of 2D platformers, a genre known for its unique visual approaches.
Therefore, following the guidelines set earlier, we showcase the top 10 visually stunning 2D platformers, recognizing them as the most artistically impressive jump ‘n’ run games.
10 Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Wonderful Indeed
Among the top-tier platform games in 2023, Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands out as a prime demonstration of Nintendo’s expertise in creating visually stunning experiences.
In the past decade, this particular installment marks the first traditional 2D side-scrolling game for our franchise. It embodies all that we cherish in Mario – a vibrant, imaginative, and creative visual style.
As a gamer, diving into Super Mario Bros. on my Nintendo Switch feels like stepping into a vibrant dreamscape. The seamless animations, captivating backgrounds, distinct shapes, and intricately designed platforms create an immersive world that effortlessly draws me in. It’s a lively, fluid, and atmospheric realm, which is part of the reason it stands among the finest modern platformers on my Switch today.
9 Braid
Timeless Beauty
Despite the passage of many years since Braid, the trailblazing indie game, first graced us, its vintage has not diminished the stunning aesthetics that define its gaming journey.
Without a doubt, the artwork in Jonathan Blow’s creation exudes a captivating, almost impressionistic quality. The color scheme, meticulously crafted, is so subtle yet rich that it’s hard not to be smitten by its charm.
By employing vibrant visuals against its somber narrative, Braid cast a resplendent glow that significantly contributed to the evolution of the gaming medium, making it a worthy inclusion on this list.
8 Rayman Legends
Moving Painting
Since 1995 up until the present day, the Rayman series has consistently showcased groundbreaking creativity. However, it reached its peak of polish and perfection when Rayman Legends made its appearance on our screens.
The newest installment in this series is not just acclaimed as one of the greatest platform games ever made, but it’s also a breathtaking explosion of vibrant colors set against a rich mythology brimming with original concepts.
Every element – particles, characters, animations, settings, and essentially all details – are meticulously positioned to create the impression of a moving canvas, an art piece that breathes, captivating us with each new stroke.
7 Owlboy
Sky High Production Value
Despite not being as widely known as some other games, Owlboy is frequently appreciated for being one of the most meticulously crafted and unanticipated tributes to pixel art within the independent gaming world. And it’s quite clear why this is so.
The title’s fantasy setting is superb. It showcases engaging folklore that manifests itself through genuinely fascinating areas and characters, overflowing with imagination in every single fragment.
The game captivates you with its creativity, reminding one of childhood feelings, which is why it could be likened to Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces. In essence, you can’t help but notice Owlboy’s exceptional quality.
6 Shovel Knight
8-bit Perfection
Instead of adopting the styles seen in other recent titles, Shovel Knight opts for an 8-bit aesthetic that is both timeless and endearing, showcasing one of the most memorable and pristine visuals from the last few years.
The unique style of Yacht Club Games’ masterwork is instantly recognizable, blending a distinct character and identity that bridges the divide between classic nostalgia and complex modern design elements.
Shovel Knight boasts a visual depth and precision thanks to its pixel art, which is both intricate and effortless to observe, making it an excellent choice among platformer games on Steam Deck, capable of keeping your eyes engaged for long gaming sessions.
5 Celeste
Brutally Gorgeous
Although Celeste is known as one of the toughest platforming journeys in video game history, it’s clear that Madeline’s climbing adventure also presents an impressive, challenging feat to conquer.
It’s quite likely that you’ll be so engrossed in navigating its meticulously crafted stages, you might not even notice the breathtaking, intricate, and mesmerizing backdrop – a sight to behold among all gaming landscapes.
As a devoted admirer, I’d say Celeste transports me through a breathtaking panorama, from verdant forests to snow-capped mountains, from mysterious sanctuaries to fiery hearts, from abandoned towns to the cosmos above. Every scene offers a captivating backdrop that complements my adventure beautifully, truly hailing a tribute to two-dimensional splendor.
4 Neva
A Watercolor Wonder
Although Neva was just recently unveiled when this text was written, it undeniably merits its place and the acclaim it receives, given its stunning visuals that are so breathtaking they might even bring tears to your eyes.
Alba’s touching narrative seems almost divine, written with such elegance that describing it without using high praise seems disrespectful.
No words or descriptions beyond ‘divine’ seem adequate to convey the visual spectacle this game presents before your eyes.
It might seem over-the-top, but the beauty of its title alone stirs emotions within you as you watch it. And though there may be other masterpieces out there, nothing compares to the feelings I experienced while engaging with Neva.
3 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
The Ultimate Fantasy World
Despite the belief that Ori and the Blind Forest had set a high visual bar, Ori and the Will of the Wisps astonished everyone, leaving gamers utterly speechless.
The uncanny blend of corruption and purity in its portrayal of nature is unprecedented. At each moment, it evokes a multitude of feelings, drawing you into its realm as it reveals the contrasting aspects of its splendor.
In its brilliant hues and profound contrasts, the sequel skillfully communicates intense feelings using color and special effects. It elevates Ori’s journey to the loftiest ranks among the most impactful and meaningful indie games in recent memory.
2 Hollow Knight
Beautifully Bleak
Without a doubt, whenever we talk about top-tier platformers, metroidvanias, soulslikes, or independent games as a whole, Hollow Knight tends to be mentioned frequently. Similarly, it’s no surprise that Team Cherry’s masterpiece finds itself on such distinguished lists.
The crumbling realm of Hallownest boasts some of the most captivating visual elements found in 2D video games, featuring a rich variety of ecosystems, adversaries, and creatures that breathe life into its realms, serving as stark contrasts to the desolation that pervades it.
Venturing my way to the iconic White Palace, I found myself standing before the grand entrance to Godhome. Battling against the formidable Radiance, every strike and parry felt like a momentous clash of wills. Soaring high above Crystal Peak, the wind rushing past me as I flew, was an exhilarating experience. Dashing swiftly across the verdant expanse of Greenpath, I crossed paths with the enigmatic Dreamers, their wisdom and guidance guiding my journey further.
In Hollow Knight, there are numerous instances that will make you leap out of your seat and applaud, regardless of whether it’s the seventh time you encounter them.
1 GRIS
A Life-changing Piece Of Art
In contrast to Neva’s approach to art that embraces maximalism, Gris opts for a more minimalist style. The Nomada Studio has effectively demonstrated success by adopting two distinctly opposing strategies, yet Gris stands out in its unique expression.
GRIS’ visuals seem unique, either due to their poignant theme that powerfully portrays loss like no other game, or because of its minimalistic design following the philosophy “less is more.” However, GRIS’ graphics stand out in a distinct way.
GRIS expresses one of the most poignant narratives in gaming predominantly by means of aesthetics, venturing into a domain seldom traversed by others, almost reaching divine realms.
Ultimately, deciding the most beautiful 2D platformer boils down to personal opinion. However, what GRIS accomplishes and symbolizes is a remarkable feat for the entire video game industry.
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2024-10-25 16:09