The Best 2.5D Games To Play Today, Ranked

2.5D games are a wonderful way for developers to mix the 2D and 3D perspectives in interesting and engaging ways. Whether that involves a 2D character traversing a 3D space or vice versa, 2.5D games stand out as some of the most visually interesting and gorgeous games out on the market.

Luckily, the novelty of the visual style is not the only thing that makes these games interesting, as many titles bring a distinct blend of things that are unique to each medium. Of course, what constitutes a 2.5D game can feel a bit nebulous, as isometric games or fighting games like Guilty Gear: Strive may technically fit the bill, but those are generally regarded as being in separate styles.

For this list, we’re referring to games that make use of or utilize the defining aspects of 2D games and blend them with 3D objects or spaces to create something truly unique and interesting. Upcoming titles like The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales are a great example of what the visual style brings to the table, and among similar games, these titles stand out as the best you can play right now.

10

Triangle Strategy

Weigh Your Convictions and Decide the Fate of a War-Torn Continent

Triangle Strategy is one of the best original strategy games to come out in the last decade, leveraging its gorgeous pixel art and 3D maps to craft some of the most impressive tactical scenarios and settings to date. Voting on progression via the Scales of Conviction, the party and player can travel through three distinct story routes, each with its own twists, turns, and outcomes.

Complete with superb voice acting, beautiful character portraits, and a thoughtful, complex story, Triangle Strategy is at its best when it gives the player the reins. By allowing players to make their own decisions, allies can be influenced and brought closer together, or driven further apart. Regardless of which direction you take, Triangle Strategy asks you to make a decision and stick with it, consequences and all.

9

Wandering Sword

A Classic Wuxia Legend Forged in Stunning, Dynamic Pixel Art

Wandering Sword follows a young swordsman who gets caught up in a bad situation, nearly dying in the process. Making a recovery from their injuries, the player character must go on a journey of self-discovery and improvement, honing their skills to become the greatest martial artist the world has known.

Aside from its gorgeous visuals, the game tells a beautiful and interesting tale of growth, honor, and love. It wonderfully fuses engaging, tactical gameplay with the theater of a Chinese drama. With multiple paths and endings based upon player choices, Wandering Sword is a worthy successor to the pixel classics of the past.

8

Live A Live

Seven Heroes, Seven Eras, One Timeless Battle Against Darkness

This classic Square Enix RPG was lost to time on the Super Famicom for decades, but was luckily brought to new players through a lovingly crafted HD-2D remake in 2023. Live A Live depicts a set of seven separate stories, each with its own characters, genres, and gameplay mechanics. Once all seven individual stories are completed, two more are unlocked that tie the scenarios together, resolving the story in interesting and satisfying ways.

The gorgeous colors and animations brighten up the world, and the varied gameplay keeps things fresh throughout its runtime. The vignettes and story structure are worth particular praise, pulling its disparate scenes together in ways that are beyond the norm, even today. Every bit of the original title has been lovingly remade, and the addition of voice acting and optional challenges elevates it to an all-time classic.

7

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Unleash the Power of the Shards To Conquer a Gothic Nightmare

As a continuation of the design ideas outlined in the classic Castlevania games, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night succeeds in delivering a classic throwback to the titans of the genre. While it is not unique in this regard, longtime players of the Castlevania games may notice similarities to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, specifically, in large part, thanks to Bloodstained’s director working as an assistant director on the iconic platforming title.

That said, the gameplay in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night still feels fresh, with new powers and abilities introduced at a steady pace throughout its surprising 20+ hour runtime. That immense variety of tools allows players to customize their loadout to fit a variety of playstyles, and opens up a lot of room for combinations and experimentation on the trek through the castle.

6

Alabaster Dawn

Reclaim a Ruined World and Awaken the Gods in a Fast-Paced ARPG Odyssey

As the newest title on the list, Alabaster Dawn may come as a surprise pick for many, but it has certainly earned its spot, even in an early access state. Its combination of lush visuals, wonderful characters, and exciting combat helps set this action RPG apart from many of its 2.5D contemporaries.

Set in a world full of secrets, puzzles, and fearsome foes, the protagonist, Juno, must work to revive a wasted and vanishing world, rebuilding settlements and advancing science along the way. With a planned total of 30–60 hours in a playthrough, you’re certainly going to get a grand adventure when fully released, but even the current offerings are amazing, with powerful abilities and magic at your disposal to combat foes.

5

DRAGON QUEST 3 HD-2D Remake

A Legendary Classic Reborn in Breathtaking, Modern HD-2D Splendor

Another one of Square Enix’s enchanting HD-2D games makes the list, and it should come as no surprise, as DRAGON QUEST 3 HD-2D Remake is the ultimate edition of one of the greatest RPGs ever made. This reimagining of the beloved masterpiece serves as the beginning of the Erdrick Trilogy within the Dragon Quest series, bringing one of gaming’s most lauded works to life like never before.

Despite the number of quality-of-life improvements the remake brings, it never shies away from its roots, keeping the same tone, setting, and artistry that made Dragon Quest 3 such a hit in the first place. Its phenomenal turn-based battles, a customizable class system, and vibrant world are all waiting for players to explore once more.

4

Octopath Traveler 0

Rebuild Your Home and Seek Justice

Taking the mobile gacha game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent and transforming it into a cohesive, single-player experience was no easy feat, but that’s exactly what Square Enix did with Octopath Traveler 0. Coming in at around 100 hours, getting all the way through the game is a tall task, but one that is well worth the effort thanks to its superb story and excellent cast of characters.

Similar to the first two Octopath games, players are given several choices in how they approach the gameplay. In the prologue, your hometown is burned down, at which point you’re given three story paths to choose from to confront the villains who were responsible. These three paths then converge once finished. Among all the normal narrative and RPG trappings exist other interesting side quests and bonus features, like the act of rebuilding your destroyed home to your liking.

Overall, it’s an affecting and emotional journey that manages to impress both mechanically and narratively. If you have the time for a 100-hour quintessential RPG experience, it’s hard to find many better than Octopath Traveler 0.

3

Unicorn Overlord

Command the Ultimate Liberation Army To Reclaim a Fallen Empire

Vanillaware is well-known for its gorgeous visual style and engaging gameplay, and in that sense, Unicorn Overlord is no different. This is a drama of princes, kingdoms, and betrayal, with players taking on the role of Prince Alan as he works to reclaim his kingdom from the clutches of the Zenoiran Empire.

Rather than adhering to the norms of more traditional strategy RPGs, Unicorn Overlord opts for an RTS approach to its combat and mixes in an element of auto-battles. Preparation is key here, with squad formation and ability setup mattering just as much or more than the actual control and tactics involved in each fight.

With 64 unlockable characters and many scenarios and story choices to work through, there is no shortage of gameplay to experience. The freedom of approach to party building and side quest ordering is extremely impressive, and when combined with all the visual beauty and the plethora of other positives, Unicorn Overlord stands tall as one of the best 2.5D games in recent memory.

2

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R

A Stellar Sci-Fi Fantasy Masterpiece Beautifully Reimagined

Star Ocean 2 is often considered both one of the best Star Ocean games and one of the best RPGs on the original PlayStation console. STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R takes the tri-Ace classic and gives it a complete makeover, overhauling the visual presentation into Square Enix’s vaunted HD-2D style and adding numerous quality-of-life gameplay adjustments.

For this remake, entirely new character portraits were done, and the soundtrack has been revamped through some great compositional work by Motoi Sakuraba. With excellent combat, an eclectic cast of recruitable characters, and a timeless story, this space-faring classic is sure to surprise and delight anyone who plays it.

1

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles

War, Heresy, and Political Intrigue Collide in the Ultimate Tactical Epic

Final Fantasy Tactics is one of the best games ever made, full stop. Its blend of a mature political narrative and innovative, complex job system sets it apart from its contemporaries, and the stories of oppression and resistance still resonate today. Its tactical battle system is iconic, building upon the foundations set by director Yasumi Matsuno’s previous title, Tactics Ogre.

As the updated version of such a great title, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles stands among the greats, bringing with it many gameplay adjustments and visual improvements, as well as introducing voice work to its already captivating story. This story is further enhanced by the updated script, bringing the world of Ivalice to life once more.

If you’ve never played any version of Final Fantasy Tactics, this would be the version to acquire, as it includes both the updated version and a classic version, which is extremely faithful to the PlayStation release, though it does retain the same updated script. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles is a seminal work in the space, and one that must be experienced by anyone who loves great RPGs.