The 10 Best 2D Games of 2023

Platformer games are exquisite wonders that can be found on many consoles, smartphones, PCs, and other platforms. Look at Subway Surfers, it has been a household staple ever since it made rivals choke in 2012. Kids, teens, youths, and adults can bond over this game because of its simplicity. 

Nowadays, platformers have gotten a lot more complex. Remember Mass Effect? Well, Starbound is a 2D platformer version of Mass Effect, so it comes complete with a spaceship, solar systems, and an extensive collection of planets with unique biomes and life. Thus, we’re dedicating this listicle to the best 2D games available. Enjoy!

Also Read: Top 10 Rarest Biomes in Minecraft

Top 10 2D Games of 2023

We weren’t too picky when we selected these 2D games. But players’ reviews mattered a lot during the selection stage. The less toxic the game community is, the better. Yes, 2D games are multiplayer now. 

#1: Cuphead | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PCs

Cuphead is a cartoonish 2D game that was released by Studio MDHR in 2017. You follow the adventures of a cup with human emotion and features such as shoes and shorts. Cuphead lost a bet against the Devil, so he’s sent on quests to claim the souls of all the other casino’s debtors.

Naturally, since Cuphead is just another debtor, the Devil eventually tries claiming his soul too. This doesn’t end well because our protagonist has acquired many abilities on his quests. We love Cuphead because of its fast-paced gameplay, jazzy soundtracks, and comical art style. Also, boss fights are tough as heck! The highlight is that it has a two-player mode. 

#2: Hollow Knight | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PCs, PlayStation, and Xbox

Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania 2D video game that was released by Team Cherry in 2017. The game’s hook was that every new biome contained new abilities for players to unlock. Hollow Knight became a hit because of its unique art style, immersive soundtrack, combat, atmosphere, and difficulty level. 

Simply put, players won’t be able to progress to the next area if they don’t defeat a boss. In fact, the game has sold more than 2.5 million copies worldwide. Hollow Knight has multiple endings depending on the player’s choices. Hollow Knight Silksong and other games are currently underway for a 2024 release. 

#3: Mark of the Ninja | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PCs, Xbox, and PlayStation 

Mark of the Ninja is more stealth-based than fast-paced. As the name sounds, you’re a Ninja, so sticking to the shadows and slitting throats when your opponents slack off is the rule of the day. Of course, you can go in guns blazing but remember that you’re bringing a knife to a gunfight. So, only pro-level players should try slaying enemies upfront. Players will have to beat traps, cameras, and more in their bid to conquer Mark of the Ninja. 

#4: Ori and the Blind Forest | Supported Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox

Ori and the Blind Forest is a 2D platform game in the Metroidvania category. You’ll be able to control two protagonists in this game. The first one is Ori, a small white spirit while the other protagonist is Sein, the light and eyes of the Forest’s Spirit Tree. This game is memorable because of the limited resources that players start with.

It also focuses on exploration and beating puzzles. However, the game does have its fair share of enemies for players to eliminate. Luckily, Ori and Sein can unlock new abilities and skills to beat the monsters of the Forest. Opponents in Ori and the Blind Forest ranged from nimble and deadly to slow and crushing. You should check out the sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps once you’re done with this one. 

#5: Celeste | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PCs, Google Stadia, and Nintendo Switch

In Celeste, you’ll take control of Madeline, a young lady who’s battling depression and anxiety. To cure herself, she takes on a mission — climbing Celeste Mountain. Madeline encounters both friends and foes on her way up the mountain. Naturally, the game would be boring without some fantasy elements.

So, Madeline can run, dash, and even climb walls for a short period. Heck, our protagonist can even dash midair, so her extreme level of manoeuvrability is addicting. There are also accessibility features like turning Madeline invincible. 

#6: Shovel Knight | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and PCs

Shovel Knight was released by Yacht Club Games in 2014, but even though the game is more than 8 years old, the gameplay is as addicting as ever. As the name sounds, you’re controlling a knight whose primary weapon is a shovel. It’s a comical way to fight but using a shovel isn’t too bad when this 2D game also features a looting system. 

Players will be able to dig for treasures using the bladed part of the weapon. This is similar to the Drill Spear in Starbound because it can be used to mine too. But the highlight of Shovel Knight is relics that players can purchase from Chester, a salesman that can be found in all of Shovel Knight’s levels. 

#7: Spelunky 2 | Supported Platforms: PCs, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

Spelunky 2 was released in 2020 by Mossmouth and BlitWorks. It’s a roguelike title that takes place on the Moon where you have to dig for treasures with your family. You’ll experience puzzles, enemies, and many other challenges throughout the campaign.

This new game features more maps, traps, characters, and items than Spelunky 1. 

What’s more? You can tame and ride animals which add tons of depth to the experience. But the biggest reason why we love Spelunky 2 is because of its experimental gameplay. The number of items you can craft is practically limitless!

#8: Limbo | Supported Platforms: PCs, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch 

Limbo’s art style is as dark as its theme since the graphics are black and white. It’s one of the few horror games on our list and for good reasons. The whole reason why you’re in Limbo is because a boy is uncertain about his sister’s fate, so he goes into the land between heaven and hell to find his sister.

You’ll beat puzzles, evade monsters, and innovate to explore undiscovered locations. Overall, the journey into this unknown is weird, freaky, and straight-up genius. So, no matter how uncomfortable you get, this masterpiece unfolds nicely. 

#9: Super Meat Boy

The weird part about Super Meat Boy is its resemblance to Super Mario 64. For one, both games are 2D titles. The other reason is that Meat Boy, like Mario and Luiji, is trying to rescue his one true love as well. But if you can ignore those points, you’ll enjoy playing Super Meat Boy.

The challenges in this game are difficult, although progressing through the campaign is simple. But the reason why Super Meat Boy is so good is because of the precise control that players have over the protagonist. Still, your experience will be a tale of perseverance and hard work. 

#10: Mortal Kombat X | PCs, Xbox, PlayStation, Android and iOS

Ever since Mortal Kombat was released by Midway Games in 1992, each new iteration has been better than the last. Unlike other games on this list that take you on an adventure through the universe, Mortal Kombat forces players to save their realms by fighting. The last standing man or woman wins the tournament. 

So far, Warner Bros., Avalanche Software, NetherRealm Studio, and other developers have worked on the title. The next iteration is Mortal Kombat 1 and it’ll come with an all-new campaign, sleeker animations, more gore, and powers to experiment with. Hopefully, there will be more combos to try out than the last Mortal Kombat X.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Platformer a Genre?

Platformer refers to jump-and-run games like Super Mario and Dead Cells. It’s not a genre of video games. Instead, it’s a subgenre of action video games. 

What Is the Most Successful Platform Game?

Super Mario 64 is likely to be the most successful platformer ever! It ushered in a new era of video games, specifically, 3D games. To this day, Super Mario 64 remains a classic! 

What Is the Most Downloaded Android Game of All Time?

The most downloaded Android game of all time is Subway Surfers, which was released in 2012. It has crossed the 1 billion mark for downloads — all hail the king.