Classic 2D arcade platformers, brawlers and beat 'em ups can have amazing background art—with pixel perfect details and a wonderful color palette. Unlike the similarly awesome 2D fighter backgrounds, people don't pay as much attention to these.
Looking through 2D arcade game backgrounds, it's funny to see how the artists were so into dodgy city districts that are so characteristic to the 90s. But for me, the best part is finding the small details—whether it's an easter egg or a hidden tiny item.
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Metal Slug 2
Metal Slug 4
Metal Slug 5
Silent Dragon
Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja
Undercover Cops
Captain America and the Avengers
X-Men (arcade)
Final Fight
Final Fight 2 (with an accidental Chun Li cameo)
Double Dragon 2
Double Dragon 3
Ninja Gaiden (arcade)
King of Dragons
Knights of the Round
Crime Fighters
The Punisher
TMNT IV: Turtles In Time
Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon
sources: VGMaps, VGMuseum, BGHQ, ScrollBoss
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