You rather (generally) 2D or 3D games?

[Nintegageo 562]

I think my vote goes to 2D though it is tough.

[DefaultGen 5,132]

Artists create more unique styles in 2D on top of the games being more timeless. Half of 3D games simply try to look as much like real life as possible, and anything but the cutting edge immediately looks old.

Edited July 26, 2021 by DefaultGen

[TDIRunner 2,504]

33 minutes ago, DefaultGen said:

Artists create more unique styles in 2D on top of the games being more timeless. Half of 3D games simply try to look as much like real life as possible, and anything but the cutting edge immediately looks old.

While I don't disagree with most of what you are saying, it's still worth mentioning that 3D games that DON'T go for realism in the graphics tend to age much better.  Look at the Crash Bandicoot games.  Many Crash games were released during the first generation of 3D gaming and they still look amazing today.  

[cj_robot 504]

3D baby. Even back in the day when I was loving my NES, I was also dreaming about the day that those games would be able to be designed with immersive 3D environments. When that day came, I was not disappointed.

[croagunk 798]

I have to say 3D. I love 2D, but the open world feel of 3D games is where it’s at for me.

[erac 78]

3d is far more immersive. Doesn't matter if it's ugly like FF7 or Tomb Raider, it still has that effect that 2d has not.

[Renmauzo 1,133]

The comparison - for me - is the same as the similar question of 'hand-drawn vs. digital'. 

There is a certain 'magic' to 2D pixel art that I find more immersive because my imagination naturally fills in any blanks. The 16 and 32bit generations of 2D pixel art largely did this to greater effect for me, but on the whole, the imperfections in something made by hand as well as the greater degree in control of individual frames can make for stunning results in the hands of a skilled animator and often feel more infused with emotion than 3D (likely due to the 'by hand' process itself).

[JamesRobot 5,526]

On 7/25/2021 at 11:56 AM, Code Monkey said:

Actually, I prefer 1D games.

 

[DarkTone 957]

2D. A majority of what I've played this year is 2D games. Mainly pixel art. 

[Webhead123 597]

While I think I generally prefer 2D gaming, it's a really tough call because I'm also a big fan of classic FPS games (Doom, Quake, etc.)...so I can't say that I'd be happy being stuck with only one style or the other.

Then there are those games which are really "2D" in playstyle but rendered in modern 3D engines (the modern Civilization games, XCOM, etc.). I consider those "2D" because the third dimension doesn't really have an impact on the game play but it is kinda neat to see the enemies and environments rendered in 3D space.

Edited July 26, 2021 by Webhead123

[T-Pac 7,088]

2D is my preference for almost all media. When it's done right, it has a life to it that no amount of CG finesse can replicate.

But I have to teach myself to love 3D for the sake of my own future. I'm a 2D animator, so when my hands succumb to inevitable, crippling arthritis and I can't draw anymore, I'll either have to take-up 3D animation or change careers...

-CasualCart

[twiztor 755]

2d, and it's not even close. @Renmauzonailed the comparison to hand drawn animation perfectly. 

i agree that 3d games are more immersive, but that's not generally what i want out of a game. For every Metroid Prime, which is great, there's a Metroid Fusion that i'll play twice as much.

[Tanooki 4,894]

2D or various 3D but 2D played mostly/complete (ie: 2.5D) is more my thing, but it's kind of a tricky call as more and more 3D games come out as less 2D do, at least high enough quality I'd bother making time for it at least.

[Webhead123 597]

3 hours ago, CasualCart said:

2D is my preference for almost all media. When it's done right, it has a life to it that no amount of CG finesse can replicate.

But I have to teach myself to love 3D for the sake of my own future. I'm a 2D animator, so when my hands succumb to inevitable, crippling arthritis and I can't draw anymore, I'll either have to take-up 3D animation or change careers...

-CasualCart

Oh yeah! If we're talking about 2D, traditional animated shows/films (especially hand-drawn) vs. 3D animated, there's no contest for me. 2D all the way. I understand the modern prevalence of 3D animation and yes, it can look good in its own way, but there is a magic about 2D cel animation that all the fancy computers in the world just can't replace for me.

[DoctorEncore 3,688]

Man, this is such a tough question. I play a huge variety of games and find 2D and 3D equally amazing depending on the genre. After much waffling, I settled on 2D since there is a treasure trove of classic games in that category (including most of my all-time favorites) and we're still getting a steady supply of new 2D games as well. I also feel like there is something poetic about the simplicity of a 2D game. A lot of newer 3D games are so bloated with systems and complex controls that I often feel more like I'm learning how to do a new job rather than relaxing.

[BortLicensePlate 652]

2D for sure. I think there’s plenty of great 3D games out there but I just prefer the simplicity of 2D

[AstralSoul 485]

I wouldn't want to give up either one, I think they perfectly compliment each other but, gun to my head, I'm picking 2D. I don't think one is better than the other but I think more times than not 2D just stands the test of time better. 

[OptOut 8,631]

Hundred percent 3D for me, if I HAD to choose. Don't get me wrong, I love 2D games as well, of course, but the feeling of freedom and exploration in 3D games is unparalleled for me, nothing 2D comes close to that. I mean, come on... my favourite systems are N64 and XBOX! I know what side my bread is buttered!

[fcgamer 4,522]

Definitely 2D!

[BortLicensePlate 652]

20 hours ago, erac said:

3d is far more immersive. Doesn't matter if it's ugly like FF7 or Tomb Raider, it still has that effect that 2d has not.

I totally agree that 3D is more immersive, but is it weird that being “immersed” doesn’t really interest me? It’s kinda the same with VR, like it’s cool when things feel realistic, but I actually like that 2D games don’t feel real. I want games and real life to be as separated and abstracted as possible. I think that’s the big distinction here, whether you like to be immersed in the game or keep it separated from real life

[TrekMD 1,180]

2D is my preference.  Heck even 2.5D. 

[barrels 125]

1 hour ago, TrekMD said:

2D is my preference.  Heck even 2.5D. 

I almost posted this word for word. Ditto.

[Radagast 21]

I like both 2D and 3D but I do prefer 3D.

[Estil 1,202]

I kinda feel the same way about 2D vs. 3D that Adam did when Eve asked if he liked on her the maple or the fig leaf...he said honey they both look nice!   (that was from a 90s Neal McCoy song called "The Shake" BTW)

Edited July 28, 2021 by Estil

[Andy_Bogomil 793]

Gotta say 2D as there is typically more focus on gameplay rather than graphics/environment.