2D and 3D gaming

Over the years gaming has made massive strides in development, one of the biggest strides has been the upgrade from 2D to 3D gaming.

2D stands for 2 dimensional; the experience of 2 dimensional gaming is flat.
In 2D games the player can only move left and right as there is no depth to the game and in most cases very little effects.
A good example of a 2D game would be Metal slug, the player and enemies can only move left and right in a strafing position towards and away from each other, as well as this the background of the levels are totally still and canvas like.

A screenshot of Metal Slug.

The original Street Fighter

However not all 2D games are flat and paper like in appearance, for example the latest Street Fighter game “Street Fighter IV” adds a fusion of 2D and 3D, keeping the left and right strafing from the original full 2D predecessors of the game Street Fighter 4 gives a 2D perspective with the addition of added detail to the main characters such as improved shading and detail to clothing, muscles and hair.

3D gaming adds a sense of depth and texture to the game, with 3 dimensions you are able to walk anywhere you like within the game boundaries, take cover behind detailed objects such as buildings or crumbling structures for example.

As well as this you can pitch your player to execute actions such as peaking round corners, an action like this would never have been possible in older 2D games.

Terminator Salvation the video game is a very good example of how players in 3D games can use the environment as cover and peak in and out, as well as this the 3D environment and destroyed buildings make the game quite interesting.

Gears of War uses a similar cover system for the player where the 3D environments can be used to get the upper hand on opponents.

Terminator Salvation the game