The Ninja Revival: A Wave of Hand-Drawn 2D Games Inspired by Classic '80s Franchises

It seems like we've been waiting for a long time for hand-drawn 2D video games to make a comeback. The early '90s saw the rise and fall of classic ninja series, but it appears that the genre is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This year has seen a plethora of new titles inspired by iconic '80s franchises, leaving many fans excited and eager to see what the future holds.

The Classic Era

In the early days of the video game industry, hand-drawn 2D games were all the rage. The likes of Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. (1985) and Capcom's Street Fighter II (1991) set the standard for side-scrolling action games. Ninja-themed titles like Konami's Metal Gear series (1987) and Ninja Gaiden (1988) also gained popularity, cementing the ninja as a beloved gaming icon.

The Decline and Rebirth

As 3D graphics technology advanced, many of these classic franchises fell by the wayside. The hand-drawn 2D games that once dominated the market were slowly phased out in favor of more modern visuals. However, it seems that the nostalgia for these retro titles has led to a renewed interest in revisiting and reimagining them.

Recent Releases

This year has seen an impressive number of new hand-drawn 2D games inspired by classic '80s franchises. Some notable examples include:

• Axiom Verge: A metroidvania game that pays homage to the original Metroid (1986) and other classic titles.
• Shovel Knight: A side-scrolling action game that lovingly replicates the look and feel of 8-bit classics like Mega Man (1989).
• Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night: A gothic action-adventure game inspired by the works of Castlevania creator, Koji Igarashi.

The Rise of Indie Developers

Many of these recent releases have been created by independent developers who are passionate about reviving classic franchises. These studios often rely on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon to support their projects.

• Limited Run Games: A developer that has specialized in re-releasing classic games for modern consoles.
• Square Enix Collective: An initiative from Square Enix to support independent developers working on passion projects based on the company's IPs.
• Devolver Digital: A publisher known for releasing a wide range of niche titles, including some hand-drawn 2D games.

The Future of Hand-Drawn 2D Games

While it's difficult to predict exactly what the future holds, one thing is certain: there's renewed interest in reviving classic franchises and creating new titles inspired by '80s gaming icons. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of hand-drawn 2D graphics.

• Advances in Animation Software: Improved animation tools are allowing developers to create more complex and detailed characters and environments.
• Increased Demand for Indie Titles: The rise of digital storefronts like Steam and the Nintendo eShop has made it easier than ever for indie developers to reach a wider audience.

In conclusion, this year's hand-drawn 2D games have brought back memories of classic '80s ninja series. With new titles inspired by iconic franchises emerging left and right, fans are eagerly awaiting more updates on these exciting projects.

Timeline: A Hand-Drawn 2D Revolution

| Year | Release Date | Game Title | | --- | --- | --- | | 1985 | August 18 | Super Mario Bros. | | 1987 | October 21 | Metal Gear | | 1988 | July 1 | Ninja Gaiden | | 1991 | March 30 | Street Fighter II |

Recommendations for Fans of Hand-Drawn 2D Games

• Axiom Verge: A metroidvania game that pays homage to the original Metroid (1986) and other classic titles.
• Shovel Knight: A side-scrolling action game that lovingly replicates the look and feel of 8-bit classics like Mega Man (1989).
• Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night: A gothic action-adventure game inspired by the works of Castlevania creator, Koji Igarashi.
• Sheltered Worlds: An adventure game that explores the world of classic '80s sci-fi franchises like Indiana Jones and Alien.