HD-2D has become the new high standard for retro-inspired RPGs or remakes of our favorite Super Nintendo RPGs. Square Enix’s new signature visual style began with 2018’s Octopath Traveler and has also been used in this year’s Triangle Strategy RPG. But possibly its true potential has been realized in the stunning new version of Live A Live.
With each new HD-2D game, Square Enix has pushed the boat further. Color-bursting pixels and stunning diorama-style worlds had us dreaming of remakes the first time we saw this visual style come to life, but Live A Live proved that it was possible, and that it was worth it. And Square isn’t resting on its laurels either, as Dragon Quest III will also be getting the HD-2D remake treatment.
Imagine, though, if Square Enix wasn’t the only company that could use HD-2D like it is now. Think of the possibilities of watching your favorite retro games on modern hardware that looks that handsome.
We’ve been getting a little dizzy thinking about what we’d love to see in HD-2D (or similar), and we’ve narrowed it down to 12 different Nintendo games, all of different styles and genres, so not just RPGs, although there are some of those here – Yes Square Enix once allowed other companies to borrow it. Just an idea.
Take a look at our picks, then vote in our poll below and tell us where we went wrong (or right!).
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo EAD
The legend of ZeldaTop-down 2D adventures have already proven to be perfect remake material, with 2019’s Link’s Awakening wowing us with its lovable plastic toy style. But hear us out, how about giving those Super Nintendo pixels from A Link to the Past a little shine?
The beautiful greens, browns and blues of Hyrule would come to life in an HD-2D world – imagine what the water would look like. And think of how Nintendo could play around with lighting in the Holy Kingdom and the Dark World. Seeing the same location two different ways was already amazing in 1991, but with a bit of pixel art that emphasizes the differences in shadows and colors between the parallel worlds? We think there is no better way to show off the beautiful lighting and shadows of HD-2D than here.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: HAL Laboratory
In agreement, now we are being ambitious. Mother 3 has never seen an official Western release (hey, just like Live A Live before 2022!) Redo?
This is another one where we’d honestly just take a port, and we’ve also seen fan renditions of Mother 3 in that cute clay-or-toy style. But, as long as the Peanuts art style is preserved, and the weird and wonderful world is fully realized, we think HD-2D could make what is already a haunting, emotional and beautiful story even more incredible. We’d also welcome a new version of EarthBound, that much goes without saying, but Mother 3’s inaccessibility makes it a prime candidate.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Another side scroll! But the Metroid star is rising once again, and after the absolutely fantastic Metroid Dread, while some people might want a Mercury Steam-esque remake of the Super Nintendo classic, we want those spooky, throbbing pixels somehow preserved. .
Super Metroid remains the queen of atmosphere both visually and musically; the depth that HD-2D could lend to Zebes’ maps would do wonders to emphasize this even more. The bubbling lava and acid could cause Samus and Zebes’ strange lifeforms to cast menacing shadows. Kraid’s massive sprite could be raised even higher in glorious HD-2D detail. And Samus’ variety of abilities and weaponry could get some very brilliant additional effects that would dazzle not only enemies, but us as well. We’ll make a trip back to Zebes any day, but a new pixel art version of Super Metroid would have us on the next available spaceship.
Editor: Konami / Developer: Konami
Perhaps one of the strangest ducks on our list, Aria of Sorrow could be the best Castlevania, and it’s already beautiful on a small portable screen (or a Switch screen, if you prefer). But who’s to say that panning can’t suit that HD-2D style too?
There are a few ways we think HD-2D can really make a new version of Aria of Sorrow stand out – those environments and backgrounds could really bring even more depth, light and shadow to every place Soma Cruz explores. We could get a few more boss fights like Balore’s, which uses the background and creates a kind of fake 3D effect. And some of those character sprites could get even more expressive. Ayami Kojima’s art deserves an even more excellent pixel art style and frankly, HD-2d would make it shine even more.
Editor: Konami / Developer: Konami
This quirky little adventure game sparked an entire series for Konami, but the Goemon franchise is one that’s often forgotten. Not by us, which is why we’re demanding a comeback by dreaming of even prettier pixels.
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja may have you walking from left to right most of the time, but the city areas allow you to explore in a sort of 3D plane, with characters emerging from buildings and enemies hiding behind them. the doors. It’s already a kaleidoscope of colors on the SNES too. In addition, we get to try out HD-2D platforming, first-person dungeon crawling, and a Gradius-style minigame in a stunning new visual style. If HD-2D wants to make a statement for every kind of pixel art game, Konami’s classic is a good place to start.
Editor: Square Enix / Developer: squaresoft
Frankly, we’re a bit surprised that Square Enix has gone for a ‘Pixel Remaster’ series for its classic Final Fantasy games when HD-2D is just there. We know that HD-2D isn’t cheap, given that it uses the Unreal Engine, but Pixel Remasters isn’t on Switch yet. And Final Fantasy VI, with its ever-changing world and stunning settings, would be a true showcase of the visual style on Switch.
Square Enix has said it wants to remake more games with HD-2D visuals, and while there are some worthwhile lost classics we’d love to see, how can we deny one of the best Final Fantasy games a true remake?
Oh, and if you’re really not convinced, we have two words for you: opera scene.
