Igarashi: No 2D Castlevania for PSP, only possible on DS

[Smoke]

Gamasutra: Do you think the market for 2D action games in general is getting smaller? Will we ever see that kind of gameplay on consoles again, or only handhelds?

KI: To tell the truth, I don't think it's even that 2D is only possible on handhelds, but more that it's only possible on DS. Personally speaking, I'd jump at any chance to develop a 2D game for any console, or even the PSP, but those chances are getting fewer and fewer. I feel like the DS is the last fortress of 2D gaming. So if we can get a younger audience with this DS 2D game, and prove to them that 2D gaming is worthwhile and fun, maybe then we can increase the market for that type of game.

So I'd like to ask any gamer that cares about this to educate their children about 2D games, and maybe together we can build a bright future for this type of gameplay.

Gamasutra

GA Forum thread

[The Former DMiller]

As a teacher (well, a student teacher) I will do everything in my power to educate the children about 2D games. Put away the math books kids, and take out your Nintendo DS!

[Great Rumbler]

Or Super Nintendo!

[Dark Jaguar]

I love that! Actually telling us to educate "da childrens" about classic gaming. We need a government funded video game museum!

And, from the context I think he means not in terms of the system's physical abilities (well duh) but in terms of what people are willing to buy for that system. I'm not sure I agree. Four Swords Adventures was a nice 2D (well sort of, 2D graphical system that was actually used as a texture on a 3D object that can be zoomed, rippled, and so on as needed). But... how well did that game sell? Not sure... Lumines is still one of the better selling games on the PSP though, and that's straight 2D. I'd say there's room in there for 2D gaming like that... I don't know all the details these marketting gurus do though.

[Great Rumbler]

Four Swords Adventure didn't sell very well, so says Miyamoto.

[A Black Falcon]

It's sad, because 2d gaming has never really been able to excersise its full potential... maybe a few games have tried, but not many. Genesis and SNES were great, but were far from the best possible platforms for 2d games... but then 3d took over and the 2d game died. GBA did something, but those games just don't have the budgets or attention major games do, for the most part...

FSA? That's not exactly "the best possible 2d". That doesn't even come close to pushing the Cube... it's like SNES with upgraded effects. Which works, but isn't especially visually impressive to most people...

[Dark Jaguar]

I never called it the best possible 2D. Where'd you quote that?

[A Black Falcon]

That's not a quote... it's a statement... referring to my previous paragraph. I thought it was pretty obvious...