Silksong, Cuphead, And Other Great Hand-Drawn 2D Games

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Over the past few years, independent game studios have been making a significant impact on the gaming industry by demonstrating impressive levels of skill and creativity. Games like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Cuphead, developed by Team Cherry and Studio MDHR respectively, are prime examples of this. Although these games took several years to be released, they delivered exceptional visual quality and gameplay that truly impressed the fans.

Here are two remarkable tales of triumph from the independent gaming realm, boasting animations so realistic they defy belief. However, there are many other exceptional hand-drawn 2D games worth exploring. For enthusiasts of animation seeking a visual treat beyond the ordinary, these games evoke memories of the golden age of 2D animation in a world increasingly captivated by 3D.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Drawing Soulsvanias

The game titled “Hollow Knight: Silksong” is swiftly climbing the ranks among 2025’s highly-acclaimed video games. With a significant amount of anticipation preceding its release, it has not disappointed many enthusiasts so far. What was already impressive animation in the original game shines even more vibrantly in this sequel. The colors are so striking that they seem to make character outlines leap from the backgrounds, as if they were drawn on traditional artist animation cells from yesteryear. In essence, “Hollow Knight: Silksong” offers a challenging Metroidvania gaming experience that is equally captivating when you’re playing it and when you pause to admire it.

Cuphead

This Match Will Get Red Hot!

Initially, when Cuphead was first revealed in 2013 through a teaser trailer, it seemed surreal and unlike any other game. As more footage from Studio MDHR emerged, the surreality intensified, leaving many questioning if it was indeed a video game. However, after several years of anticipation, fans eventually received an answer to their curiosity.

The game felt like a dream, yet it was more of a harrowing experience, given its focus on boss battles that could be extremely challenging. The animations were exceptionally fluid, which was crucial as the game required precise timing; otherwise, players would quickly lose. To date, nothing quite compares to the unique charm of Cuphead, although there are several games vying for its title in the near future.

Ori And The Blind Forest

A Haunting, Sad Tale

Exploring “Ori and the Blind Forest” is a solitary journey that often leaves players feeling poignantly sad and haunted. However, the game’s beauty lies not only in its emotional depth but also in its stunning visual aesthetics. The artwork comes alive when it’s put into motion, creating a visually captivating experience.

As the adventure begins in a gloomy atmosphere, the small character, Ori, will eventually discover breathtaking locales such as pristine ponds that seem inviting enough to take a sip from. It’s another demanding Metroidvania title, requiring players to remain alert to dodge perils and adversaries throughout the journey.

Indivisible

A Turn-Based Metroidvania

Indivisible is an extraordinary fusion of Metroidvania-style adventure and turn-based role-playing games. As the main character, Ajna, you’ll traverse lush 2D landscapes and acquire allies by manipulating their minds. During combat, Ajna can summon spectral companions to join her fight, with each character associated with a face button. Players can execute combos reminiscent of fighting games, an apt feature given that the developers, Lab Zero Games, have previously created a hand-drawn fighting game known as Skullgirls, which is also worth checking out.

Disney Illusion Island

A Chill MickeyVania

Disney’s Illusion Island – A Friendly Metroidvania for Beginners

Disney’s Illusion Island serves as an excellent entry point into the Metroidvania genre for those new to it, featuring cooperative gameplay. Although there are adversaries in the game, they can’t be directly fought; instead, players must concentrate on navigating intricate platforming levels. However, boss battles provide opportunities for combat. Despite some hazards along the way, this adventure is relatively gentle, reflective of its Disney roots.

In this game, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy all play similarly but have unique-looking abilities. For instance, Mickey’s wall-climbing skill appears as a pencil, while Donald uses a plunger for the same function.

Sundered

Deep, Dark, And Colorful

The movements in Sundered are among the smoothest found in games on this roster, whether it’s during combat or exploration. It seems as though the character, Eshe, and her adversaries are constantly changing, fluid ink creatures that respond to the player’s actions.

This game can be categorized as a Roguevania, a unique blend of roguelike and Metroidvania genres. In roguelikes, the game world alterations occur between playthroughs, while Metroidvanias offer an expansive, interconnected environment to explore. Whether you prefer playing solo or with companions, prepare to be astonished by its captivating gameplay.

Greak: Memories Of Azur

Switch Between Siblings

The game titled “Greak: Memories of Azur” might not be widely recognized yet, but let’s hope that recognition comes swiftly. This captivatingly designed world revolves around three siblings, each with distinct powers and skills. Once unlocked in the brief prologue, players can then seamlessly switch between them to combat adversaries or tackle puzzles. The adventure may be short, but it promises to be immensely gratifying as you slash skeletons with swords, traverse chasms by swinging on ropes, open doors for your comrades by turning wheels, and engage in a host of other exciting activities.

The Cruel King And The Great Hero

A Cute, But Challenging RPG

As a devoted fan, I’d like to highlight one overlooked masterpiece that deserves more recognition – “The Cruel King and the Great Hero” by NIS, a studio renowned for their epic creations like the Disgaea series. This gem of an RPG tells the story of a brave young girl named Yuu, embarking on a thrilling journey to aid her dragon companion. The gameplay involves turn-based battles where Yuu engages in combat against monsters and enlists new allies to join her in the fight.

The visual aesthetic of this art style resembles a raw, sketch-like quality, giving it an appealingly incomplete yet refined appearance. It’s challenging to describe until one experiences it firsthand through gameplay. While not as whimsically eccentric as EarthBound, it shares a similar offbeat flavor within the RPG genre.

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2025-09-11 15:37