Summary
It wasn’t until the ’90s that 3D platformers became popular. Before that, the platforming genre was dominated by 2D or 2.5D experiences like Donkey Kong andSuper Mario Bros. 3D platformers allow for greater variation in levels, as developers have a whole extra dimension to play with.
Plus, the gameplay in these titles tends to be more open. After all, players don’t have to be stuck on one path; they can go in multiple directions. As such, some of the games also include open worlds. Of course, these advantages don’t mean every 3D platformer is better than 2D ones, nor does it mean that every 3D platformer is good. The following ones, however, are more than just good; they’re great.
Banjo-Kazooie revolves around the two titular characters: a bear named Banjo and a bird called Kazooie. The latter sits on the former’s back, and they make a tremendous platforming team. Their goal is to stop an evil witch and save Banjo’s sister Tooty.
Doing so consists of running around brightly colored worlds and collecting musical notes and jigsaw puzzle pieces. You aren’t very restricted in which collectibles you go for first and when. You actually have plenty of freedom to progress how you see fit. This is one of the best aspects of the game. Another great feature is the range of abilities the protagonist pair has to play with.
Mirror’s Edge is very different from traditional platformers. It doesn’t contain cartoonish visuals and many bright colors, nor does it feature unrealistic-looking people and animals. This is because it’s set in something resembling the real world, and you play as a courier in that world.
However, you don’t use a bicycle or car to get around. You use your own parkour skills. This means running up walls, swinging on things, and leaping across rooftops. There’s even a bit of combat in the game, mostly revolving around you using your speed to disarm your enemies. It’s all played in first-person, which is another reason why it’s unique.
By this point,Super Mario fans are no strangers to 3D platformers. Yet, in 1996, Super Mario was a strictly 2D platformer series until the release of Super Mario 64. And unlike plenty of series, the jump to 3D was relatively easy for the Italian plumber.
Mario 64 is a classic. The core platforming gameplay holds up to this day, as it remains fun and satisfying. Yet, the real greatness of this game comes from the level design. Each level is varied and incredibly well-crafted. Plus, the whole concept of acquiring as many stars as possible is a lot of fun.
3D platformers usually have a distinct style and tone. They typically feature colorful creatures and dialogue that’s suitable for the entire family. Conker’s Bad Fur Day also has colorful characters, but their language is equally colorful. The game is somewhat of a parody of other titles in the genre.
Visually, the main character, Conker, would fit in a Banjo Kazooie or Super Mario game because he’s an adorable squirrel. Yet, he also binge drinks and uses foul language. His antics are a common source of humor throughout the game. Yet, he isn’t the only one delivering the jokes, as much of the game contains wacky comedy, including plenty offourth-wall-breaking lines. This helps it stand out among other 3D platformers. The actual platforming in the game is solid, too.
The Psychonauts games are some of the most creative 3D platformers ever. Due to its technological advancements, the second game is slightly better than the first. As you expect from any top game in the genre, Psychonauts 2 has smooth platforming and combat.
However, the game really shines when it comes to its levels. They take place inside the minds of people. As such, each one is unique and slightly wacky. They’re all well-designed, though. Equally brilliant is the writing and story, which is deeper than you may expect from a 3D platformer.
It’s debatable whether It Takes Two should be considered a 3D platformer. After all, it’s really more considered an action-adventure title. However, it’s a 3D game that contains plenty of platforming. It is certainly an exceptional title and one of the best co-op platformers of all time.
You play as a married couple who get turned into dolls. This not only means they look like toys, but they’re also toy-sized. So, they go on an adventure to return to the regular bodies. In the process, you have to complete variousbeautiful-looking levelsby solving puzzles and doing some platforming.
Once again, Bowser captures Princess Peach, and this time, he intends to marry her. Yet, as always, Mario goes on a mission to stop it. So, Super Mario Odyssey doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to story. Plus, it follows the classic 3D Super Mario formula of you traveling to different colorful places, trying to collect things.
This time, though, it’s moons instead of stars, and these moons power an aircraft that the little plumber uses to get around. The other thing that makes this Mario title different is the inclusion of Cappy. He’s a little hat creature that Mario wears, and you can use it to possess things. It’s a unique and clever feature that you use heavily while navigating the game’s brightly colored and well-designed levels.
