I like 2.5 D

I never quite liked the fact that the whole industry moved to 3d graphics. There were some games that were suited much more to 2d in terms of gameplay and their move to 3d wasn't very helpful.

But now there seems to be a new trend to make 2.5d. I've been enjoying Bionic Commando Rearmed and I think that it looks great and the playability is much better than most games that are out there these days. Also games like Diablo III, Starcraft II and Street Fighter IV look amazing and at least the first too will probably set new standards of gameplay.

Wouldn't it be nice if developers focused more on great gameplay and applied 2.5d when necessary, instead of making all games first or third person 3d (ahem Fallout 3)?

Some games are better in 2D, others are better in 2.5D and others are better in 3D.

I'm pretty sure Diablo 3 and StarCraft 2 will be fully 3D. ;)

2.5D refers to games like... Paper Mario for the N64, or Klonoa for the PS1. Flat, but still with some sort of depth; or 3D, but confined to 2 dimensional movement. An entire different kind of example would be older isometric RTSs and RPGs like Baldur's Gate or Stronghold.

Some games are better in 2D, others are better in 2.5D and others are better in 3D.

suikoden003

That's profound