Can 2D games have good exploration?

[rusty_shackleford]

I don't really think I've ever seen a 2D game praised for its exploration. It's generally hard to create secrets or hard-to-discover areas on a 2D map. What are the best examples?

I don't consider metroidvania-style locking off progression by requiring the player to go get the specific item required to progress to be good exploration.

[yangg]

I consider both Ori games (especially 2nd) good exploration 2D games, but I usually don't play 2D games, so my range of games for reference is limited.

[fork]

Hollow Knight and Silksong
Salt & Sanctuary
Withering Rooms

Older games that come to mind:
Landstalker
Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure

[SpellSword]

I've been finding exploring the world of Realms of Antiquity: The Shattered Crown interesting. Lots of things hidden in nooks and crannies if you're observant.

[J1M]

Exile 1-3
Lufia 2

[Oyster Sauce]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_Bros

[anvi]

I think it depends what you mean by exploration. If you are judging the design quality, hiding secrets and puzzles and challenges and things then 2D is fine. But if you like exploring 'locations' that look and feel interesting then I can't get very interested about 2D.

[DecadeRiptide]

Pokémon (GBA or ds games)

[Tweed]

I don't really think I've ever seen a 2D game praised for its exploration. It's generally hard to create secrets or hard-to-discover areas on a 2D map. What are the best examples?

I don't consider metroidvania-style locking off progression by requiring the player to go get the specific item required to progress to be good exploration.

Rain World.

[Val the Moofia Boss]

Pokémon (GBA or ds games)

Seconded, particularly Ruby/Sapphire once you get out to the ocean and the labyrinth of many ocean currents, rocky shoals, islands, and caverns to navigate (and underwater trenches and caverns too).

[Algol]

Metroid games?