The Best 2D Games

Update : Gradius Origins added at rank #8.
1

Anomaly Agent (2024)

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89
Review score
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Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Windows Nintendo Switch j Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Step into the neon-soaked shoes of Agent 70 in 'Anomaly Agent,' a thrilling ride through a cyberpunk world beset by anomalies. Arm yourself with a collection of anomaly weapons and unleash mayhem with fluid combat that blends shooting, melee, and acrobatics. Shape the story with your actions, explore a rich narrative, and face off against uniquely challenging bosses. It's a sci-fi adventure filled with action, choice, and style!

Buy

What we like:
  • Innovative combat system blending melee and ranged attacks
  • Engaging story with meaningful choices
  • Unique and challenging boss fights
  • Rich, cyberpunk aesthetic with a captivating soundtrack
  • Customizable gameplay with character upgrades
What could be improved:
  • Steep initial difficulty curve
  • Some sections have frustrating platforming

  • cyberpunk
  • 2d
  • platform
  • pixel
  • scroller
  • action-adventure
  • sci-fi
  • action
  • fight
  • hack-and-slash
  • boss
  • conversation
  • choices
  • boss-fight
  • brawler

2

Heian City Story (2024)

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95
Review score
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IOS iPhone PC Windows Android Nintendo Switch

A city-building sim with a historical twist


  • city-building
  • 2.5d
  • effects-strategy
  • 2d
  • pixel
  • building
  • simulation
  • casual
  • colourful
  • top-down
  • cute
  • strategy
  • platform
  • historical
  • demons

3

Kalinur (2023)

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97
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows Xbox One

Defeat the mage Kalinur and bring peace back to the kingdom in this mini metroidvania with a lot of action.


  • metroidvania
  • 2d
  • swordplay
  • retro
  • fantasy
  • platform
  • demons
  • pixel
  • dark
  • adventure
  • exploration
  • medieval
  • action
  • nonlinear

4

Level Devil (2023)

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91
Review score
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PC Windows IOS iPhone Android web browser

“Troll” is such a strong word for this 2D platformer with nearly 200 uniquely inventive levels. Don’t let screaming YouTubers convince you that this game is unfair. It’s fair. Sure, there are buzzsaws but they’re NICE buzzsaws. You will curse the guy who made Level Devil (Me😈) then ask for more.


  • platform
  • humor
  • 2d
  • minimalist
  • funny
  • dark
  • pixel
  • retro
  • colourful
  • puzzle
  • local

5

KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT (2024)

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88
Review score
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Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch

A cat with the body of a bodybuilder fights against aliens in this 2D platformer with anime aesthetics.

Buy

  • anime
  • platform
  • comic
  • 2d
  • 2.5d
  • scroller
  • cartoony
  • book
  • action-adventure
  • hand-drawn
  • metroidvania
  • arts
  • aliens
  • colourful
  • hack-and-slash

6

King of the Hat (2023)

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97
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Mac OS PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox One

A 2D party platformer where you fight with a hat! Throw your hat to attack, defend and bait opponents. But watch out! If someone jumps on your hat... you die!


  • party
  • 2d
  • competitive
  • memes
  • local
  • cooperative
  • 4-player
  • fast-paced
  • multiplayer
  • family-friendly
  • funny
  • cartoony
  • platform
  • fight
  • pixel

7

Square Off (2023)

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86
Review score
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PC Windows IOS iPhone Android

Square Off is a mayhem filled local party arena brawler where you must roll to move, move to aim, and aim to win by battling it out with up to 3 of your friends in short-chaos filled matches.


  • 2d
  • platform
  • character
  • cartoony
  • 4-player
  • arena
  • pvp
  • shoot-em-up
  • beat-em-up
  • bullet
  • customization
  • arcade
  • colourful
  • scroller
  • local

8

Gradius Origins (2025)

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81
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch

Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.

Buy

  • arcade
  • shooter
  • scrolling
  • 2d
  • compilation
  • 1980s
  • 1990s
  • retro
  • spin-off
  • platform
  • boss
  • shoot-em-up
  • pixel
  • space
  • vertical

9

Katana ZERO (2019)

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97
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Mac OS Nintendo Switch

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.


  • platform
  • 2d
  • pixel
  • cyberpunk
  • assassin
  • violent
  • instant-death
  • manipulation
  • time
  • hack-and-slash
  • story
  • action
  • ninja
  • fast-paced
  • gore

10

Blue Wednesday (2023)

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84
Review score
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PC Windows Linux Nintendo Switch Android IOS iPhone Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One

LOVE cozy games? BLUE WEDNESDAY is a narrative adventure cozy game about jazz and love, and about failure. Explore Evans City, chat with various people, and enjoy unique mini-games that connect naturally.


  • rhythm
  • wholesome
  • interactive
  • 2d
  • music
  • walking-simulator
  • choices
  • colourful
  • hand-drawn
  • scroller
  • narrative
  • stylized
  • cinematic
  • romance
  • fiction

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