I've been pondering this for a while, and a commentor on my last post really brought this up to the front of my mind (Thanks Icemael). And what it is is this:

2D Graphics are beautiful.

Take Super Metroid for instance. The mood and atmosphere that game creates is simply incredible, and all for a SuperNES game. Megaman games also look really good to me, along with almost every single 2D Mario game.

New games can also recapture this look as well. Take Street Fighter IV, which, in my opinion, looks like one of the best games this generation. Its look, while 2D, looks simply astounding and breathtaking. New Super Mario Bros. is another good example, as its 3D graphics on a 2D plane really advance that genre.

I think there is still a place for 2D games in today's market. The PSN Store and Xbox Live Arcade has really opened up a space for developers to take advantage of somewhat simplified graphics. Bionic Commando Rearmed is also a great example of how a 2D game should look.

How do you guys feel about 2D games? comments appreciated!