Is It Challenging For You to Go From 3D to 2D Video Games?

Gaming is an interesting hobby because it largely can break down into two categories: 2D and 3D.

Game developers have gotten really creative with how they make games into these two categories and many have a lot of fun with them. That said, I’ve found the two sometimes have difficulty coinciding.

That’s not to say one or the other is better. I think we all have our preferences based on our gaming experiences, but what I’m suggesting is it can be difficult to transition between the two styles.

So, is it a challenge for you to go from 3D games to 2D ones?

I think there is a challenge when it comes to retro games. I’ve had many recommend I play older titles in a long-running franchise because it can be difficult to go back after experiencing the modern titles.

This shaped my decision to start with Final Fantasy VII as my first game instead of jumping into FFX or FFXII first.

But we’re talking about 3D to 2D.

I grew up with 3D gaming as I was born in 1991 so my first console was the Nintendo 64. My first games included Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Years after the fact, I returned to play A Link to the Past and it never clicked for me. Another example is Metroid Prime was my first Metroid title and it took me a bit to get into Super Metroid.

A comparison of 2D and 3D Mario platformers. — **Image Credit:** Games Cover

I think when we grow up determines how hard it is to go back to retro 2D games. That’s not to say that’s always the case. I have no problem playing 2D Mario titles.

Also, I prefer 2D Sonic games over 3D ones because my first games were the original Sonic the Hedgehog titles.

In recent years, 2D games have made a huge comeback as indie developers embrace the retro style. Bigger companies have as well as they launch 2.5D games such as Metroid Dread or Octopath Traveler.

I haven’t had much difficulty hopping into a game like that or even 2D indie titles. I thoroughly enjoy Hollow Knight and had no problem switching between 2D and 3D titles.

Again, everyone has their own experience and that has prompted the question. As for me, I do enjoy both styles of gameplay but jumping back to 2D games most of the time is a challenge. I think that’s the case because I largely did not grow up with 2D titles.

What about you? Do you have challenges jumping back to 2D after playing 3D games? What about the other way around? Do you think your gaming pedigree influences that learning curve? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.

The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of Boss Rush Media and The Boss Rush Network. Each week, Corey, LeRon, Stephanie, Edward, and their friends from around the internet come together to talk their week in games, entertainment, and more while also bringing topics for conversation, answer listener and community questions, and cover major news and events happening in the video game industry. Watch The Boss Rush Podcast live on Wednesday Nights on Twitch at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT or on Monday mornings at 7 a.m. ET on YouTube and podcast services everywhere. Thanks for listening! You can also get this episode one week early on Patreon.