15 Most Influential 2D Games That Changed Gaming Forever

15. Inside

Inside pulls you into its eerie world without a single word – just atmosphere, tension, and brilliant visual storytelling. Its haunting puzzles and slow-burning mystery made it one of the most memorable indie games of its time. | © Playdead

14. The Binding of Isaac

The Binding of Isaac helped kick off the modern roguelike boom with its dark themes, endless item combos, and brutally unpredictable runs. Its success proved that weird, experimental games could find huge audiences – and reshape entire genres. | © Edmund McMillen

13. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley revived the farming sim genre with heart, charm, and an almost meditative gameplay loop. From planting crops to forming friendships, it created a cozy world, players never wanted to leave – and kicked off a whole wave of wholesome indie games. | © ConcernedApe

12. Terraria

Terraria gives you total freedom – no story, no pressure, just endless possibilities. Whether you’re mining, fighting bosses, or building something ridiculous, it’s the kind of game that respects your time and lets you play your way. | © Re-Logic

11. Celeste

Celeste delivers razor-sharp platforming with levels that demand precision, patience, and creativity. But it’s the emotional story, paired with its soaring soundtrack, that turns this tough-as-nails game into something truly unforgettable. | © Maddy Makes Games

10. Cuphead

Cuphead stands out with its 1930s cartoon art style, but it’s the tight, unforgiving boss battles that keep players hooked. Every fight is a test of pattern recognition and persistence – a beautifully animated trial by fire. | © Studio MDHR

9. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night helped define the Metroidvania genre with its non-linear design, hidden secrets, and stylish combat. Its gothic pixel art and unforgettable soundtrack still hit just as hard decades later. | © Konami

8. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past set the gold standard for 2D action-adventure games with its polished gameplay, clever dungeon design, and dual-world mechanic. It may not be the most emotional or flashy Zelda, but it’s still one of the tightest, most replayable entries in the series. | © Nintendo

7. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight raised the bar for indie games with its stunning hand-drawn world, deep combat, and haunting music – all crafted by a tiny team. It’s a sprawling metroidvania full of challenge, mystery, and beauty that continues to earn its place among the all-time greats. | © Team Cherry

6. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger isn’t just one of the best JRPGs – it’s one of the most beloved games ever made. With multiple endings, time-traveling storylines, and characters that slowly grow into their roles, it showed how deep, emotional, and replayable a 2D RPG could truly be. | © Square Enix

5. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse set the stage for the series' deep lore and introduced fan-favorite characters like Trevor Belmont and Alucard. Its branching paths, multiple playable characters, and gothic atmosphere pushed NES action games to a new level. | © Konami

4. Tetris

Tetris took a simple idea, falling blocks, and turned it into one of the most addictive and enduring games ever made. Its timeless design, universal appeal, and Cold War backstory make it more than just a game – it’s a global icon of puzzle gaming. | © Sega

3. Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong Country raised the bar for what 2D games could look and feel like, thanks to its groundbreaking visuals and unforgettable soundtrack. Even with some rough edges, its tight platforming, level variety, and charm made it a standout that still holds up today. | © Nintendo

2. Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. didn’t just revive a dying industry – it reinvented what video games could be. Its tight controls, unforgettable levels, and joyful spirit helped define the platformer genre and made Mario the face of gaming for generations. | © Nintendo

1. Pac‑Man

Pac-Man isn’t just a game – it’s a cultural icon that helped define the arcade era. With its simple maze design, catchy sound effects, and instantly recognizable yellow hero, it changed what video games could be and hasn’t left the spotlight since. | © Namco