Why 2D will never die
Flat gameplay shines on, even on next-gen machines
Super Paper Mario (Wii)
Nintendo is never scared of using old ideas in new ways and Super Paper Mario is the perfect example. It's a 2D platformer at heart, with the advantages of 3D environments thrown in. It's not just a gimmick, either - it's integral to the gameplay. But all the while, you hold the Wii Remote horizontally in your hands like an NES controller. You should see the grins on the faces of the office's Nintendo fans.
Mario is the king of 3D platforming, being one of the few 2D videogame characters to make a 100% successful leap into 3D with Super Mario 64. But he's also still the current king of 2D platforming too. New Super Mario Bros on DS is still hovering around the top 20 of the all-format sales charts, coupling 3D Mario with 2D gameplay. It's perfect for the handheld, attractive enough with the technological possibilities, but still featuring that classic headbutting gameplay.
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Justin was a GamesRadar staffer for 10 years but is now a freelancer, musician and videographer. He's big on retro, Sega and racing games (especially retro Sega racing games) and currently also writes for Play Magazine, Traxion.gg, PC Gamer and TopTenReviews, as well as running his own YouTube channel. Having learned to love all platforms equally after Sega left the hardware industry (sniff), his favourite games include Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, Zelda BotW, Sea of Thieves, Sega Rally Championship and Treasure Island Dizzy.