The PlayStation 5 is one of the most advanced consoles ever, enticing players with amazing technology and features that make for a great gaming experience. The PS5 does have a lot of gorgeous 3D games, but on the other hand, this Sony-made console also has recommendations for the best 2D games that are just as interesting despite their simpler visuals.
From side-scrolling platformers to top-down RPGs, 2D games remain a lucrative option for both indie and big developers on PS5.
Whether these games were originally released on PS4 or are PS5 exclusives, they all take us back to a simpler time while providing entertainment. What are these 2D games? Check out the list of recommendations below.
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Best 2D Games on PS5
10. Monster Boy and the Curse Kingdom
Monster Boy and the Curse Kingdom is an adventure game that follows Jin, a boy trying to save his kingdom from a curse that turns its citizens into animals.
Apart from having simple yet charming 2D graphics, the game also provides a wide array of skills and costumes that Jin can wear. For the uninitiated, this game is a sequel to the Wonder Boy series that was popular in the 80s and 90s.
9. Megaman 11
Next up is the Mega Man series. Mega Man 11 manages to celebrate the classic elements of the series very well, while still creating room for innovation after more than three decades.
The Double Gear system provides an added dimension of strategy to the gameplay, and the new roster of Robot Masters is one of the best in the entire series.
8. Dead Cells
The next best 2D game recommendation for PS5 is Dead Cells. Dead Cells is an action platformer game that integrates roguelike and metroidvania elements. In this 2D game, players will control a warrior trapped on an island inhabited by terrifying creatures.
Developed by Motion Twin, Dead Cells implements a permadeath mechanic, which requires players to restart from the beginning if they die.
7. Hollow Knight
Developed by Team Cherry, Hollow Knight is an adventure game with 2D graphics that tells the story of a knight exploring the underground world known as Hallownest.
During his journey, the nameless knight must face various enemies, bosses, puzzles, and secrets hidden within Hallownest. Hollow Knight is perfect for players who love the metroidvania genre, in addition to offering a story filled with mystery.
6. Cuphead
The next best 2D PS5 game is Cuphead. Cuphead is a 2D platformer game inspired by cartoons from the 1930s. In this game, players take on the role of Cuphead, a cup-headed figure who must pay off her debt to the devil.
Players will explore different levels full of challenging enemies and bosses. Cuphead is also notable for its high difficulty, requiring skill and patience to complete.
5. Final Fantasy: Pixel Remasters
The first six titles of the Final Fantasy series are not only considered the foundation of JRPGs, but also remain recognized as among the greatest in the genre. With the arrival of Final Fantasy: Pixel Remasters, gamers on the PS5 can now enjoy this classic game with the same quality as the original version.
Of course, the beautiful pixel-art graphics are the main attraction of this remake, but there are many improvements that ease the gaming experience, making it the best choice to play Final Fantasy 1-6.
Whether you’re a longtime Final Fantasy fan or a newcomer who’s never tried these games, Pixel Remaster brings dozens of hours of retro JRPG charm to your PS5.
4. Undertale
Next up is Undertale. Undertale is an RPG game released in 2015 by Toby Fox. The story in this game follows a human child trapped in an underground world inhabited by various monsters.
The child is faced with the choice to fight or negotiate with the monsters, and every decision made will have an impact on the development of the story and the ending of this 2D game with a retro visual style.
3. Celeste
Celeste is a platformer game that invites players to follow the journey of a girl named Madeline in her quest to climb the top of Celeste mountain. The gameplay in this game is quite challenging, relying on a variety of movement mechanics such as jumping, climbing and running.
In addition, the game, which was released in 2018, also presents an emotional and evocative story, with themes that include depression, anxiety, and friendship.
2. Flipping Death
The next best 2D PS 5 game recommendation is Flipping Death. Flipping Death lets you take on the role of Penny, who after dying, takes over the position of death in a 2D puzzle platformer game inspired by Pratchett’s distinctive style.
You can move between the world of the living and the world of the dead, solve mysteries, explore both dimensions, and help departed souls find peace.
While Flipping Death’s gameplay and writing are exceptional, its 2D arts-and-crafts visuals are exquisite and infuse the world of the living and the dead with a heap of personality.
1. Sea of Stars
The next best 2D PS5 game is Sea of Stars. Sea of Stars is an RPG game inspired by classic games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy.
The story in this game follows two children who have the ability to control the sun and the moon, where they must also fight an evil god who seeks to destroy the world.
One of the excellent features of this game is the co-op mode that allows players to play with friends or family.
