Maybe you haven't noticed, but Nintendo's big 3 2D franchises have been revived on the current generation's home consoles to the delight of classic gamers. The catch? Each one is on a different console. Check out a little preview of the new 2D Metroid, Mario, and Zelda games this generation. Note: Other M isn't included since it has a mix of many kinds of gameplay and we aren't sure what it will play like yet.
2D Metroid - Shadow Complex
Regardless of what anyone tells you, Shadow Complex is Metroid. It's not inspired by Metroid, it is Metroid. Same weapons, same map system, same combat, same exploration. There's even a freaking powers suit. Slight differences in gadgets and weaponry aside, if you are looking for a new 2D Metroid game look no further than Shadow Complex. With just a little more environment variety and bosses it could have been up there with the best of them.
2D Mario - New Super Mario Bros. Wii
No surprise here. With the brilliant success of New Super Mario Bros. on DS, Nintendo decided to move the 2D Mario gameplay to the Wii in a game garaunteed to be one of the best selling this entire generation. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the classic 2D Mario gameplay with new powerups and four player co-op. Definitely enough to feed that desire for classic 2D platforming greatness.
2D Zelda - 3D Dot Game Heroes
You may not have remembered this one, or maybe you missed it completely, but 3D Dot Game Heroes is the new 2D Zelda game this generation. Not only does this game maintain the classic 2D Zelda gameplay, but the famous staples of the Zelda series such as the boomerang, fire mountain, and music focus. Not enough for you? It even seems to have the light and dark worlds of A Link to the Past.
