Summary
Fantasy games willforever have an intrinsic connection to 2D releases. Since the inception of video games, fantasy has dominated the scene, and it was one of the most popular genres across all forms of media throughout th 1980s and 1990s. Of course, this meant there was a multitude of high-quality 2D fantasy releases throughout these two decades, many of which are still some of the best RPG titles ever made.
However,2D fantasy gamesaren’t solely limited to the previous century, as even some modern 2D releases have become some of the best 2D fantasy games ever made, and are well worth playing. These titles present large, beautiful worlds, with captivating art design and high-stake stories. With intriguing characters and massive narratives, players should absolutely add these games to their must-play lists.
TheWizardryfranchise is a collection of 2D, first-person, fantasy dungeon crawlers that will test players' patience and skill. These games are difficult, and whileWizardry 7isn’t the most difficult entry in the franchise, it’s certainly one of the best.Wizardry 7features more of a sci-fi, interplanetary theme in addition to its high-fantasy setting, and is often considered a favorite entry among fans.
TheWizardryfranchise is an important franchise in gaming as it helped pioneer the first-person dungeon crawling genre.Wizardry 7is the most open game in the franchise, and presents a more realistic feel as it’s not solely confined to a singular dungeon. It’s a fantastic RPG with lots to unpack, and players will spend hours mastering their combat skills, exploring towns and hiking mountains.
Bastion is a gorgeoustop-down 2D fantasy-action RPGfrom masterful indie developers Supergiant Games. The art style is the highlight of the game here. Even though it was released in 2011,Bastionstill looks incredible, and its floating, fantastical islands are vibrantly stunning works of art design. The combat system features a variety of options and the overall gameplay is both smooth and entertaining.
Bastionfocuses on a protagonist simply called “the Kid,” who has to navigate a surreal environment whilst avoiding and defeating a variety of enemies. The story isn’t especially deep, but it’s more the art design and gameplay that will draw gamers in. They will be tasked with collecting special shards that are used to power the Bastion, a structure of some kind that will benefit the world after an apocalyptic calamity.
When the firstOctopath Travelercame out, players were stunned by its HD 2D graphics and isometric 2.5D perspective. Unfortunately, the game drew criticism for its monotonous narrative and uninteresting characters.Octopath Traveler 2arrived a few years later and pretty much fixed everything wrong with the first title, to become one of thebest 2D medieval fantasy gamesever made.
This sequel picks up almost immediately from where the first game left off, still focusing on the stories of eight separate protagonists. However, the narrative is improved so dramatically that players actually become invested in the characters this time around. It’s clear that the developers listened to player criticisms and delivered improvements in line with them, ultimately makingOctopath Traveler 2a fantastic 2D fantasy experience.
Icewind Daletakes placein the Forgotten Realms setting ofDungeons & Dragonsand uses the tabletop’s second edition rules. This 2D fantasy RPG features some excellent artwork as well as an amazing soundtrack. Whilst the game world’s levels are quite large and open, player interaction and exploration is unfortunately somewhat limited and the emphasis is placed instead on combat.
Despite this,Icewind Dalewas critically acclaimed upon release and still holds up today. It’s a fun 2D fantasy RPG with real-time combat and a great party mechanic where players can create up to six unique adventurers. If players are fans ofDungeons & Dragonsthen they will have an absolute blast withIcewind Dale. Even for non-tabletop gamers,Icewind Daleis still an iconic entry in the 2D fantasy genre.
Shovel Knightdraws heavy inspiration from classic platformer games for the NES and receivedinstant critical acclaimupon its release. The best way to experience this masterpiece is with its full, expanded edition,Shovel Knight: Treasure Trovewhich includes all campaigns as well as a multiplayer mode.
Players take control of the Shovel Knight as he navigates his fantasy world, collecting treasure and defeating enemies from the Order of No Quarter. While there is combat, this is a platformer in every sense of the word, and its medieval fantasy setting is only a backdrop to the excellent gameplay. The 8-bit art style keeps things simple, but it’s a surprisingly effective way to create such an engaging world to explore, hearkening back to classics whilst adhering to modern standards. This is a must-play 2D fantasy title.
If a classic fantasy RPG with deep gameplay mechanics and a narrative that features a band of adventurers traveling through time to prevent an apocalypse doesn’t sound captivating, what does? This is exactly what gamers will get when playingChrono Trigger, an immersive and lengthy RPG from 1995 which is still often hailed as being one of the best games ever made.
Its multiple endings and engaging side quests were highly innovative at the time of release, and it did a lot to propel the RPG genre to mainstream success. It features a great cast of characters, an engaging plot, and it’s also got a fun and fulfilling combat system.Chrono Triggeris yet another must-play.
Planescape: Tormentis another highly influential video game that really innovated the RPG genre, and still draws widespread acclaim to this day. This is amasterfully writtenstory-driven dark fantasy game that places narrative over combat. It’s set in theDungeons & Dragonssetting of Planescape, a magical multiverse world.
Players control “The Nameless One,” which might sound cliché at this point, but that shouldn’t detract from this narrative-driven masterpiece. To put it simply,Planescape: Tormentisn’t just an RPG - it’s one of those games capable of changing a players life after experiencing it. Its philosophical contemplations, and dark, brooding atmosphere will stick with players for a long while after completion.
It’s not secret that theBaldurs Gatefranchise features some of the greatest RPGs ever made, especially with the more recent success ofBaldurs Gate 3. However, it’sBaldurs Gate 2,that was often remembered (prior to 2023, at least) as the best entry in the franchise, which just so happens to be a 2D fantasy game.
Baldurs Gate 2was developed by the king of fantasy RPGs - BioWare - and that’s truly evident in its amazing game design. Yet another entry in the setting ofDungeons & Dragons,Baldurs Gate 2uses an isometric perspective with real-time combat, all in a 2D fantasy environment. The setting of Athkatla, a thriving city, is iconic and full of exploration potential, makingBaldurs Gate 2one of the best 2D fantasy games ever made.
TheManafranchiseis a collection of spin-off titles from theFinal Fantasyseries, but has become one of the most iconic 2D franchises in its own right. Specifically,Secret of Manais often considered the best in the series, and one of the best RPGs ever made. Featuring a vibrant, high-fantasy world to explore, with an engaging and immersive narrative,Secret of Manais well worth the dozens of hours players will put into completing it.
Secret of Mana, like many of theManagames, revolves around the Mana Tree and its fantastical powers. What makesSecret of Manaparticularly great, however, is its three separate protagonists who each excel in their differing personalities. Not to mention, it also focuses on a floating fortress that travels across the skies!
Of all the 2D fantasy franchises that have been made famous in gaming, it’s certainly theFinal Fantasyseries that remains the most popular. That’s for a good reason, because any of the entries leading up to 6 could be on this list as they’re all fantastic in their own right. However, it’sFinal Fantasy6that is often consideredthe standout title.
Set in a fantasy, steampunk world that looks as stunning now as it did back in 1994,Final Fantasy 6takes on an interweaving narrative of complex themes including military dictatorships, rebellions, chemical warfare, teenage pregnancy, and the classic battle of good versus evil. This isFinal Fantasyat its very best, and certainly the best 2D title in the franchise.
