WHEN TWO DIMENSIONS warped into three, a sizzling new genre of games entered the scene. The 3D platformer sprang from the ashes of x and y. It triple jumped, talon trotted and crash dashed straight into the z plane with powerful experimental momentum, shattering the definition of gaming mechanics much like the microwave revolutionsed the way we eat. This list is an attempt to document every single 3D platformer ever created. Readers should note that each entry has been carefully examined and is present according to the author’s individual discretion; as such, not every game described as 3D platformer in the references (see end of article) has been included. For the purposes of this anthology, I am defining 3D platformer as a digital game that satisfies the following criteria:

1. It primarily occurs in three dimensions (ie characters are able to move along x, y and z axes) 
2. It uses polygonal or 3D graphics for both environments and characters
3. General movement and jumping* are player controlled (ie not automated)
4. It is almost exclusively designed with a third-person perspective
5. Collectibles are a significant gameplay component
6. Platforming is at the forefront and isn’t overshadowed by other elements or genres (eg beat ’em up (Knack), party (Barnyard) action-adventure (Disney Infinity)); In this case, platforming refers specifically to a game in which the player causes the protagonist to jump onto, between or across (suspended) ledges  
7. The playable environment is (pseudo) open-world, organised into distinct levels or structured courses 
8. There is an end point  
9. A mascot or stylised cartoon character is the protagonist

The last option is flexible but typically observed in the overwhelming majority of games within this genre. *As anyone who has played Snake Pass is aware, Noodle (the serpentine protagonist) slithers instead of jumping, so why then is it classified as a 3D platformer rather than pure adventure like RiME, where you can jump? It’s an unusual exception. The way I see it, the focal point in Snake Pass is collecting things (not necessarily for inventory management), the story (element) is far less prominent, and platforming is so central to gameplay that calling it ‘adventure’ feels far too vague.

For some, stating these criteria may seem superfluous. But they become essential when trying to differentiate 3D platformers from action-adventure games such as those belonging to the Prince of Persia, Skylanders, Zelda and Lego series, and in particular, games which strongly resemble and overlap with 3D platformers (Grow Home). All these titles are 3D, and may possess some of the qualities mentioned above, but more often than not will emphasise action, exploration, puzzle-solving or an RPG slant instead of clean platforming and collect-a-thon elements.

Thus, the definition of 3D platformer isn’t as inclusive as 3D action or 3D adventure game, and going forth this will be an important distinction to make clear. This isn’t to say 3D platformers should not allow gradations of gameplay, but collectively, the dynamics, mechanics and components of a game should be recognisable beyond doubt as that of a 3D platformer. It seems the best question to ask when determining what is and isn’t a 3D platformer is: what gameplay elements are most prominent on a consistent basis?  

This digital anthology of released 3D platformers has been compiled in order to archive and preserve history, analyse industry trends, and make future prognostications. In total, there are 164 3D platformers listed. A graphical analysis of these 164 games revealed 3D platformers were at their peak in 2002-2003, and that the genre experienced a ‘second coming’ in 2017. The game industry is not a static obelisk; what is ‘in vogue’ will naturally vary each year, however, the recent triumphs of ‘mini’ nostalgic consoles and popularity of revitalised classics prove most emphatically that history repeats itself, and that other seemingly forgotten genres will no doubt rise to the surface when the time is ripe. Extrapolating the data, this author predicts that the current 3D platforming renaissance will continue for the next seven to eight years, and fall into a similar pattern in future renaissance cycles. If you see a new 3D platformer blossoming into existence (indie, AA, or AAA) just reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, or directly in the comments—we’d love to hear from you. 

NB: Remakes and remasters are listed as separate entries but ports are not. All entries include the earliest release date. 

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Chronological Index

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1990 – Alpha Waves
1994 – Geograph Seal 
1995 – Jumping Flash! 
1995 – Bug!
1996 – Super Mario 64
1996 – Crash Bandicoot
1996 – Bubsy 3D
1996 – Bug Too!
1996 – Floating Runner: Quest for the 7 Crystals 
1997 – Doraemon: Nobita to Mittsu no Seireiseki 
1997 – Croc: Legend of the Gobbos 
1997 – Crash Bandicoot: Cortex Strikes Back
1997 – Chameleon Twist 
1997 – Jersey Devil 
1998 – Gex: Enter the Gecko
1998 – Pitfall 3D: Beyond the Jungle 
1998 – Rascal 
1998 – Banjo-Kazooie
1998 – Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped 
1998 – Spyro the Dragon
1998 – Glover 
1998 – A Bug’s Life 
1998 – Starshot: Space Circus Fever
1998 – Sonic Adventure
1998 – Chameleon Twist 2 
1999 – Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko
1999 – Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time
1999 – Croc 2
1999 – Tonic Trouble
1999 – Kingsley’s Adventure
1999 – Pac-Man World 
1999 – Rayman 2: The Great Escape
1999 – Earthworm Jim 3D 
1999 – Rocket: Robot on Wheels 
1999 – Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage!
1999 – 40 Winks
1999 – Donkey Kong 64
1999 – Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue 

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2000 – Super Magnetic Neo 
2000 – Doraemon 3: Nobita no Machi SOS! 
2000 – Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters
2000 – Duck Dodgers Starring Daffy Duck 
2000 – M&M’s The Lost Formulas 
2000 – Blues Brothers 2000
2000 – Donald Duck: Goin’ Quackers
2000 – Muppet Monster Adventure
2000 – Spyro: Year of the Dragon
2000 – 102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue
2000 – Chicken Run
2000 – Banjo-Tooie
2000 – Disney’s Aladdin in Nasira’s Revenge
2000 – Kao the Kangaroo
2001 – Conker’s Bad Fur Day 
2001 – Sonic Adventure 2 
2001 – M&M’s Shell Shocked
2001 – Evil Twin: Cyprien’s Chronicles
2001 – Monsters, Inc.
2001 – Crash Bandicoot 4: The Wrath of Cortex
2001 – Monsters, Inc. Scream Team
2001 – Frogger: The Great Quest
2001 – Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy 
2002 – Pac-Man World 2 
2002 – SpongeBob SquarePants: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman 
2002 – Ty the Tasmanian Tiger
2002 – Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus
2002 – PK: Out of the Shadows 
2002 – Blinx: The Time Sweeper
2002 – Zapper: One Wicked Cricket
2002 – ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth
2002 – Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension
2002 – Ratchet & Clank (Original)
2002 – Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly
2002 – Treasure Planet
2002 – Dr. Muto 
2002 – Castleween
2003 – Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
2003 – Jinx
2003 – Vexx
2003 – Wario World
2003 – I-Ninja
2003 – The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Jet Fusion
2003 – Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg
2003 – Voodoo Vince
2003 – Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo
2003 – SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom
2003 – Jak II
2003 – Tak and the Power of Juju
2003 – Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
2003 – Kya: Dark Lineage 
2004 – Malice
2004 – Sly 2: Band of Thieves 
2004 – Crash Twinsanity
2004 – Kao the Kangaroo: Round 2 
2004 – Scaler 
2004 – Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue
2004 – The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Video Game  
2004 – Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
2004 – Spyro: A Hero’s Tail
2004 – Jak 3
2004 – Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space
2005 – Tork: Prehistoric Punk
2005 – Psychonauts
2005 – Ninjabread Man 
2005 – Anubis II
2005 – Myth Makers: Trixie in Toyland 
2005 – Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves
2005 – Codename: Kids Next Door – Operation: V.I.D.E.O.G.A.M.E.
2005 – Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 3: Night of the Quinkan
2005 – Pac-Man World 3 
2006 – Daxter
2006 – Over the Hedge 
2006 – Ruff Trigger: The Vanocore Conspiracy
2006 – Over the Hedge: Hammy Goes Nuts!
2006 – The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning 
2006 – SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
2006 – Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island
2006 – Sonic the Hedgehog
2006 – Kao the Kangaroo: Mystery of the Volcano
2007 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Adventures 
2007 – The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night
2007 – Crash of the Titans
2007 – Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
2007 – Super Mario Galaxy
2008 – Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty 
2008 – Crash: Mind over Mutant
2008 – Tak and the Guardians of Gross
2008 – The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon
2008 – M&M’s Adventure
2009 – Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
2009 – Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier

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2010 – Super Mario Galaxy 2
2010 – Jett Rocket
2010 – The Kore Gang
2010 – Epic Mickey
2011 – Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
2011 – Sonic Generations
2011 – Super Mario 3D Land 
2012 – Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two 
2013 – Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
2013 – Sonic Lost World 
2013 – Pac-Man & the Ghostly Adventures
2013 – Tearaway
2013 – Super Mario 3D World 
2014 – The Last Tinker: City of Colors 
2014 – Woodle Tree Adventures
2014 – Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2
2015 – SpongeBob HeroPants 
2015 – Tearaway Unfolded
2015 – FreezeME
2016 – Warden: Melody of the Undergrowth
2016 – Ratchet & Clank (Remastered)
2016 – Lucky’s Tale
2016 – Scrap Garden
2016 – Bound
2017 – Poi
2017 – Macbat 64
2017 – Snake Pass
2017 – Yooka-Laylee
2017 – Skylar & Plux: Adventure on Clover Island
2017 – Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
2017 – Super Lucky’s Tale
2017 – A Hat in Time
2017 – Super Mario Odyssey
2018 – Newt One  

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1990s 3D Platformers 

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Alpha Waves

Release: Aug 1, 1990
Platform/s: Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS
Developer: Infogrames
Publisher: Infogrames, Data East

 

Geograph Seal

Release: Mar 12, 1994
Platform/s:  X68000
Developer: Exact
Publisher: Exact

 

Bug!

Release: May 15, 1995
Platform/s: Sega Saturn
Developer: Realtime Associates
Publisher: Sega, Tectoy

 

Jumping Flash!

Release: Apr 28, 1995
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Exact, Ultra
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Super Mario 64 

Release: Jun 23, 1996
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo

 

Crash Bandicoot

Release: Jun 23, 1996
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

Bubsy 3D

Release: Nov 25, 1996
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Eidetic
Publisher: Accolade

 

 

Bug Too!

Release: Nov 30, 1996
Platform/s: Sega Saturn, Win
Developer: Realtime Associates, SegaSoft
Publisher: Sega

 

Floating Runner: Quest for the 7 Crystals

Release: Jan 19, 1996
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Xing Entertainment
Publisher: THQ, Kokopeli Digital Studios

 

 

Doraemon: Nobita to Mittsu no Seireiseki

Release: 21 Mar, 1997 
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Epoch Co.
Publisher: Epoch Co.

 

 

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos 

Release: Sep 29, 1997
Platform/s: PS1, Sega Saturn, Win
Developer: Argonaut Software
Publisher: Fox Interactive

 

 

Crash Bandicoot: Cortex Strikes Back

Release: Nov 5, 1997
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Chameleon Twist

Release: Nov 30, 1997
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Japan System Supply
Publisher: Sunsoft

 

 

Jersey Devil 

Release: Dec 12, 1997
Platform/s: PS1, Win
Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

 

 

Gex: Enter the Gecko

Release: Jan, 1998
Platform/s: GBC, N64, PS1, Win
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Midway Games, Crave Entertainment

 

 
Pitfall 3D: Beyond the Jungle

Release: 28 Feb, 1998
Platform/s: GBC, PS1
Developer: Activision
Publisher: Activision

 

 

Rascal

Release: 18 Mar, 1998
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Psygnosis

 

 

 

Banjo-Kazooie

Release: 29 Jun, 1998
Platform/s: N64, Xbox 360
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Nintendo, Microsoft Game Studios

 

 

Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

Release: Oct 31, 1998
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Spyro the Dragon

Release: Sep 9, 1998
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

 

Glover 

Release: Oct 31, 1998
Platform/s: N64, PS1, Win
Developer: Interactive Studios
Publisher: Hasbro Interactive

 

 

 

A Bug’s Life 

Release: Nov 18, 1998
Platform/s: N64, PS1, Win
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Starshot: Space Circus Fever

Release: Dec 4, 1998
Platform/s: N64, Win
Developer: Infogrames
Publisher: Infogrames

 

 

 

Sonic Adventure

Release: 23 Dec, 1998
Platform/s: Dreamcast, GCN, PS3, Win, Xbox 360, Zeebo
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Nintendo, Microsoft Game Studios

 

 

Chameleon Twist 2 

Release: 25 Dec, 1998
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Japan System Supply
Publisher: Sun Corporation

 

 

Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko

Release: 23 Mar, 1999
Platform/s: GBC, N64, PS1
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Eidos Interactive, Crave Entertainment

 

 

Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time

 

Release: 31 May, 1999
Platform/s: PS1, Win
Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Publisher: Infogrames

 

Croc 2

Release: Jun 30, 1999
Platform/s: GBC, PS1, Win
Developer: Argonaut Software
Publisher: Fox Interactive

 

 

Tonic Trouble

Release: Aug 31, 1999
Platform/s: GB, N64, Win
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft

 

 

Kingsley’s Adventure

Release: Sep 28, 1999
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Psygnosis
Publisher: Psygnosis

 

Pac-Man World

Release: Oct 12, 1999
Platform/s: GBA, PS1, PSN
Developer: Namco Hometek
Publisher: Namco

 

 

 

Rayman 2: The Great Escape

Release: Oct 29, 1999
Platform/s: Dreamcast, DS, 3DS, GBC, iOS, N64, PS1, PS2, Win
Developer: Ubi Soft Montpellier
Publisher: Ubi Soft

 

 

Earthworm Jim 3D 

Release: Oct 31, 1999
Platform/s: N64, Win
Developer: VIS Entertainment
Publisher: Interplay Entertainment

 

 

 

Rocket: Robot on Wheels

Release: Oct 31, 1999
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher: Ubisoft

 

 

 

Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage!

Release: Nov 2, 1999
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

40 Winks

Release: Nov 14, 1999
Platform/s: PS1, N64*
Developer: Eurocom
Publisher: GT Interactive

 

 

Donkey Kong 64

Release: Nov 22, 1999
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Nintendo

 

 

Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue 

Release: Nov 30, 1999
Platform/s: Dreamcast, GBC, N64, PS1, Win
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Activision

 

 

 

 

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2000s 3D Platformers

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Super Magnetic Neo

Release: Feb 3, 2000
Platform/s: Dreamcast
Developer: Genki
Publisher: Crave Entertainment

 

 

 

 

Doraemon 3: Nobita no Machi SOS!

Release: Jul 28, 2000
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Epoch Co.
Publisher: Epoch Co.

 

 

 

Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters

Release: Sep 2000
Platform/s: PS1, Win
Developer: Artificial Mind and Movement
Publisher: Infogrames

 

Duck Dodgers Starring Daffy Duck 

Release: Sep 16, 2000
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Paradigm Entertainment
Publisher: Infogrames

 

M&M’s The Lost Formulas

Release: Sep 28, 2000
Platform/s: Win
Developer: Simon and Schuster Interactive
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Interactive

 

 

 

Blues Brothers 2000

Release: Oct 13, 2000
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Player 1
Publisher: Titus Software

 

Donald Duck Goin’ Quackers

Release: Oct 19, 2000
Platform/s: Dreamcast, GBA, GBC, GCN, N64, PS1, PS2, Win
Developer: Ubi Soft
Publisher: Ubi Soft Entertainment

 

 

 

Muppet Monster Adventure

Release: Oct 20, 2000
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Magenta Software, Jim Henson Interactive
Publisher: Midway Home Entertainment, SCEE

 

 

 

Spyro: Year of the Dragon

Release: Oct 24, 2000
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue 

Release: Nov, 2000
Platform/s: Dreamcast, GBC, PS1, Win
Developer: Toys for Bob
Publisher: Eidos Interactive

 

 

Chicken Run

 

Release: Nov 13, 2000
Platform/s: Dreamcast, PS1, Win
Developer: Blitz Games
Publisher: Eidos Interactive

 

 

Banjo-Tooie

Release: Nov 20, 2000
Platform/s: N64, Xbox 360
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Nintendo

 

Disney’s Aladdin in Nasira’s Revenge

Release: Dec 1, 2000
Platform/s: PS1, Win
Developer: Argonaut Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

Kao the Kangaroo

Release: Dec 8, 2000
Platform/s: Dreamcast, GBA, Win
Developer: X-Ray Interactive
Publisher: Titus Software

 

 

Conker’s Bad Fur Day

Release: Mar 5, 2001
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Rare

 

 

Sonic Adventure 2

Release: Jun 19, 2001
Platform/s: N64
Developer: Sonic Team USA
Publisher: Sega

 

 

M&M’s Shell Shocked 

Release: Sep 30, 2001
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: Simon & Schuster Interactive
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Interactive

 

 

 

Evil Twin: Cyprien’s Chronicles

Release: Oct 4, 2001
Platform/s: Dreamcast, PS2, Win
Developer: In Utero
Publisher: BigBen Interactive, Ubisoft

 

 

 

Monsters, Inc.

Release: Oct 19, 2001
Platform/s: GBA, GBC, PS2
Developer: Vicarious Visions, Natsume, Kodiak Interactive
Publisher: THQ, Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

 

Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex 

Release: Oct 29, 2001
Platform/s: PS2
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Vivendi Universal Games

 

 

 

Monsters, Inc. Scream Team 

Release: Oct 30, 2001
Platform/s: PS1, PS2, Win
Developer: Artificial Mind and Movement
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

 

Frogger: The Great Quest

Release: Nov 18, 2001
Platform/s: PS2, Win
Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment
Publisher: Konami

 

 

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy 

Release: Dec 3, 2001
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita, PS4
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Pac-Man World 2

Release: Feb 24, 2002
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, PS2, Xbox, Win 
Developer: Namco USA, Full Fat
Publisher: Namco, Destination Software

 

 

SpongeBob SquarePants: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman

Release: Sep 10, 2002
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, PS2 
Developer: Vicarious Visions, BigSky Interactive, Inc.
Publisher: THQ

 

 

Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 

Release: Sep 10, 2002
Platform/s: GCN, PS2, Xbox, Win 
Developer: Krome Studios
Publisher: Krome Studios, EA Games

 

 

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus

Release: Sep 23, 2002
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

PK: Out of the Shadows 

Release: Oct 4, 2002
Platform/s: GCN, PS2
Developer: Ubi Soft Montreal
Publisher: Ubi Soft Entertainment

 

 

 

Blinx: The Time Sweeper

Release: Oct 7, 2002
Platform/s: Xbox
Developer: Artoon
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

 

 

Zapper: One Wicked Cricket 

Release: Oct 9, 2002
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, Win, Xbox
Developer: Blitz Games, Atomic Planet Entertainment
Publisher: Infogrames

 

 

 

ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth 

Release: Oct 23, 2002
Platform/s: Xbox
Developer: ToeJam & Earl Productions
Publisher: Sega

 

 

 

Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension

Release: Oct 29, 2002
Platform/s: GBA, Win
Developer: Tiertex Design Studios, Asylum Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts, Lego Interactive

 

 

 

Ratchet & Clank (Original) 

Release: Nov 4, 2002
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

  

Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly

Release: Nov 5, 2002
Platform/s: GCN, PS2
Developer: Check Six Games
Publisher: Vivendi Universal Games

 

 

 

Treasure Planet 

Release: Nov 11, 2002
Platform/s: PS1, PS2
Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America

 

 

Dr. Muto

Release: Nov 19, 2002
Platform/s: GBA, GBC, PS2, Xbox
Developer: Midway Games, Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Midway Games

 

 

 

Castleween 

Release: Dec 13, 2002
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, PS2
Developer: Kalisto Entertainment
Publisher: Wandaloo Edition

 

 

 

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc

Release: Jan 20, 2003
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, Mac, N-Gage, PS2, PS3, Win, Xbox 360
Developer: Ubi Soft Montpellier 
Publisher: Ubi Soft Entertainment

 

 

Jinx

Release: Jan 31, 2003
Platform/s: PS1
Developer: HammerHead, Ltd.  
Publisher: SCEE

 

 

 

Vexx 

Release: Feb 11, 2003
Platform/s: GCN, PS2, Xbox
Developer: Acclaim Studios Austin 
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment

 

 

Wario World

Release: Jun 20, 2003
Platform/s: GCN
Developer: Treasure
Publisher: Nintendo 

 

I-Ninja

Release: Sep 9, 2003
Platform/s: GCN, PS2, Win, Xbox 
Developer: Argonaut Games
Publisher: Namco, Sony Computer Entertainment 

 

 

The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Jet Fusion

Release: Sep 16, 2003
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, PS2 
Developer: Krome Studios, Helixe
Publisher: THQ, Nick Games 

 

 

 

Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

Release: Sep 23, 2003
Platform/s: GCN, Mac, Win
Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega 

 

 

 

Voodoo Vince 

Release: Sep 23, 2003
Platform/s: Win, Xbox, XB1
Developer: Beep Industries
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios 

 

 

Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo

Release: Oct 3, 2003
Platform/s: GCN, PS2, Win, Xbox
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: BAM! Entertainment 

 

 

 

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom 

Release: Oct 7, 2003
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, PS2, Win, Xbox
Developer: Heavy Iron Studios, AWE Games, Vicarious Visions
Publisher: THQ

 

 

Jak II

Release: Oct 14, 2003
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita, PS4
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Tak and the Power of Juju

Release: Oct 15, 2003
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita, PS4
Developer: Avalanche Software, Helixe 
Publisher: THQ

 

 

 

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando

Release: Nov 11, 2003
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita
Developer: Insomniac Games, Mass Media Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment 

 

 

Kya: Dark Lineage

Release: Nov 18, 2003
Platform/s: Atari, PS2
Developer: Eden Games
Publisher: Atari, Atari Games

 

 

 

Malice

Release: Apr 8, 2004
Platform/s: PS2, Xbox
Developer: Argonaut Games, LTStudios
Publisher: Mud Duck Productions, Evolved Games, ZeniMax Media

 

 

 

Sly 2: Band of Thieves 

Release: Sep 14, 2004
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment 

 

 

Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

Crash Twinsanity

Release: Sep 28, 2004
Platform/s: PS2, Xbox
Developer: Traveller’s Tales Oxford Studio
Publisher: Vivendi Universal Games

 

 

Kao the Kangaroo: Round 2

Release: Oct 1, 2004
Platform/s: GCN, PS2, Win, Xbox
Developer: Tate Interactive
Publisher: JoWooD Productions

 

 

Scaler

Release: Oct 1, 2004
Platform/s: GCN, PS2, Xbox
Developer: A2M
Publisher: Take-Two Interactive

 

Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue

Release: Oct 12, 2004
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, PS2, Win, Xbox
Developer: Krome Studios
Publisher: EA Games

 

 

 

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Video Game

Release: Oct 27, 2004
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, Mac, Mobile, PS2, PS3, Win, Xbox
Developer: Heavy Iron Studios, WayForward Technologies, AWE Games
Publisher: THQ

 

 

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

Release: Nov 2, 2004
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Spyro: A Hero’s Tail

Release: Nov 3, 2004
Platform/s: GCN, PS2, Xbox
Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software
Publisher: Vivendi Universal Games

 

 

Jak 3 

Release: Nov 9, 2004
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita, PS4
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space

Release: Nov 16, 2004
Platform/s: Xbox
Developer: Artoon
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

 

 

Tork: Prehistoric Punk

Release: Jan 12, 2005
Platform/s: Xbox
Developer: Tiwak
Publisher: Ubisoft

 

 

Psychonauts

Release: Apr 19, 2005
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, PS2, PS4, Win, Xbox, Xbox 360
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Publisher: Double Fine Productions

 

 

Ninjabread Man

Release: Jul 13, 2005
Platform/s: PS2, Wii, Win
Developer: Data Design Interactive
Publisher: Metro3D Europe, Data Design Interactive, Conspiracy Entertainment

 

 

Anubis II

Release: Jul 14, 2005
Platform/s: PS2, Wii, Win
Developer: Data Design Interactive
Publisher: Metro3D Europe

 

 

Myth Makers: Trixie in Toyland 

Release: Aug 19, 2005
Platform/s: PS2, Wii, Win
Developer: Metro 3D Europe, Data Design Interactive, Conspiracy Entertainment
Publisher: Metro3D Europe

 

 

 

Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves

Release: Sep 26, 2005
Platform/s: PS2, PS3, PS Vita
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

Codename: Kids Next Door – Operation: V.I.D.E.O.G.A.M.E.

Release: Oct 11, 2005
Platform/s: GCN, PS2, Xbox
Developer: High Voltage Software
Publisher: Global Star Software

 

 

Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 3: Night of the Quinkan

Release: Oct 11, 2005
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, PS2, Win, Xbox
Developer: Krome Studios
Publisher: Activision, Zoo Digital Publishing

 

 

Pac-Man World 3 

Release: Nov 15, 2005
Platform/s: GCN, NDS, PS2, PSP, Win, Xbox
Developer: Namco, Blitz Games
Publisher: Namco, Electronic Arts

 

 

Daxter

Release: Mar 14, 2006
Platform/s: PSP
Developer: Ready at Dawn
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Over the Hedge

Release: May 5, 2006
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, NDS, PS2, Win, Xbox
Developer: Edge of Reality, Vicarious Visions, Beenox
Publisher: Activision

 

 

 

Ruff Trigger: The Vanocore Conspiracy

Release: Jun 28, 2006
Platform/s: PS2
Developer: Playstos Entertainment
Publisher: Natsume, Zoo Digital Publishing

 

 

 

Over the Hedge: Hammy Goes Nuts!

Release: Oct 10, 2006
Platform/s: GBA, NDS, PSP
Developer: Amaze Entertainment, Vicarious Visions
Publisher: Activision

 

 

The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning

Release: Oct 10, 2006
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, NDS, PS1, PS3, Xbox 360, Win
Developer: Krome Studios, Amaze Entertainment
Publisher: Vivendi Games

 

 

 

SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature From the Krusty Krab

Release: Oct 16, 2006
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, NDS, PS2, Wii, Win
Developer: Blitz Games, WayForward Technologies, AWE Games
Publisher: THQ

 

 

 

Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island

Release: Oct 24, 2006
Platform/s: GBA, GCN, NDS, PS2
Developer: Bluetongue Entertainment, Halfbrick, Natsume
Publisher: THQ

 

 

Sonic the Hedgehog

Release: Nov 14, 2006
Platform/s: PS3, Xbox 360
Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega

 

 

Kao the Kangaroo: Mystery of the Volcano

Release: Dec 15, 2006
Platform/s: Win
Developer: Tate Interactive
Publisher: Cenega

 

Rock ‘n’ Roll Adventures

Release: Sep 17, 2007
Platform/s: PS2, Wii, Win
Developer: Data Design Interactive
Publisher: Data Design Interactive, Conspiracy Entertainment

 

 

 

The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night

Release: Oct 2, 2007
Platform/s: GBA, NDS, PS2, Wii
Developer: Krome Studios, Amaze Entertainment
Publisher: Vivendi Games

 

 

Crash of the Titans

Release: Oct 4, 2007
Platform/s: GBA, NDS, PS2, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360
Developer: Radical Entertainment, Amaze Entertainment
Publisher: Vivendi Games

 

 

 

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Release: Oct 23, 2007
Platform/s: PS3
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Super Mario Galaxy

Release: Nov 1, 2007
Platform/s: Wii, Wii U
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo

 

 

Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty 

Release: Aug 21, 2008
Platform/s: PS3
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

 

 

Crash: Mind over Mutant

Release: Oct 7, 2008
Platform/s: NDS, PS2, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360
Developer: Radical Entertainment
Publisher: Activision, Vivendi Games

 

 

2008 – Tak and the Guardians of Gross

Release: Oct 13, 2008
Platform/s: PS2, Wii
Developer: Blitz Games
Publisher: THQ

 

 

The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon

Release: Oct 21, 2008
Platform/s: NDS, PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360
Developer: Étranges Libellules, Tantalus Media
Publisher: Activision, Vivendi Games

 

 

M&M’s Adventure

Release: Dec 3, 2008
Platform/s: NDS, Wii
Developer: Nikitova Games
Publisher: Destination Software

 

 

 

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time

Release: Oct 27, 2009
Platform/s: PS3
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier

Release: Nov 3, 2009
Platform/s: PSP, PS2
Developer: High Impact Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

 

 

---

2010s 3D Platformers

---

Super Mario Galaxy 2 

Release: May 23, 2010
Platform/s: Wii, Wii U
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo

 

Jett Rocket

Release: Jun 28, 2010
Platform/s: Wii
Developer: Shin’en Multimedia

 

 

 

The Kore Gang

Release: Aug 11, 2010
Platform/s: Wii
Developer: Zoink
Publisher: Pixonauts

 

 

Epic Mickey 

Release: Nov 25, 2010
Platform/s: Wii
Developer: Junction Point Studios
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios

 

 

 

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One 

Release: Oct 18, 2011
Platform/s: PS3
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

 

Sonic Generations

Release: Nov 1, 2011
Platform/s: NDS, PS3, Win, Xbox 360
Developer: Sonic Team, Dimps
Publisher: Sega

 

 

Super Mario 3D Land

Release: Nov 3, 2011
Platform/s: 3DS
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo

 

 

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two

Release: Nov 18, 2012
Platform/s: PS3, PS Vita, Wii, Wii U, Win, Xbox 360
Developer: Junction Point Studios, Blitz Games Studios, Heavy Iron Studios
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios

 

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

Release: Feb 5, 2013
Platform/s: PS3, PS Vita
Developer: Sanzaru Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

Sonic Lost World

Release: Oct 18, 2013
Platform/s: 3DS, Wii U, Win
Developer: Dimps, Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega, Nintendo

 

 

Pac-Man & the Ghostly Adventures

Release: Oct 25, 2013
Platform/s: 3DS, PS3, Wii U, Win, Xbox 360
Developer: Monkey Bar Games
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

 

 

Tearaway

Release: Nov 20, 2013
Platform/s: PS4, PS Vita
Developer: Media Molecule
Publisher: SCEE

 

 

 

Super Mario 3D World

Release: Nov 21, 2013
Platform/s: Wii U
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo, 1-UP Studio
Publisher: Nintendo

 

 

 

The Last Tinker: City of Colors 

Release: May 12, 2014
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, PS4, Win
Developer: Mimimi Productions
Publisher: Daedalic Entertainment

 

Woodle Tree Adventures

 

Release: Jun 6, 2014
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, Win
Developer: Fabio Ferrara
Publisher: Chubby Pixel

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2

Release: Oct 14, 2014
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, Win
Developer: Monkey Bar Games
Publisher: Bandai Namco Games

 

SpongeBob HeroPants

Release: Feb 3, 2015
Platform/s: 3DS, PS Vita, Xbox 360
Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Publisher: Activision

 

Tearaway Unfolded

Release: Sep 8, 2015
Platform/s: PS4
Developer: Media Molecule, Tarsier Studios
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

 

 

FreezeME

Release: Dec 11, 2015
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, PS4, Wii U, Win, XB1
Developer: Rainy Night Creations
Publisher: Rainy Night Creations

 

Warden: Melody of the Undergrowth

Release: Apr 9, 2016
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, Win
Developer: Cardoard Keep
Publisher: Cardboard Keep

 

Ratchet & Clank (Remastered)

Release: Apr 12, 2016
Platform/s: PS4
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

 

Lucky’s Tale 

Release: Mar 28, 2016
Platform/s: Rift
Developer: Playful
Publisher: Playful

 

Scrap Garden 

Release: May 7, 2016
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, Win
Developer: Egidijus Bachur, Alexey Davydov
Publisher: Flazm

 

Bound 

Release: Aug 16, 2016
Platform/s: PS4
Developer: Pastic Studios, SIE Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

 

Poi

Release: Feb 2, 2017
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, Win
Developer: PolyKid
Publisher: PolyKid

 

Macbat 64

Release: Mar 18, 2017
Platform/s: Win
Developer: Siactro
Publisher: Siactro

 

 

Snake Pass 

Release: March 28, 2017
Platform/s: Win
Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Sumo Digital

 

Yooka-Laylee 

 Release: April 12, 2017
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, Win
Developer: Playtonic Games
Publisher: Team 17 Digital Ltd

 

 

Skylar & Plux: Adventure on Clover Island

Release: May 19, 2017
Platform/s: PS4, Win, XB1
Developer: Right Nice Games, Grip Digital
Publisher: Grip Digital

 

 

 

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy  

Release: June 30, 2017
Platform/s: PS4
Developer: Vicarious Visions, Naughty Dog
Publisher: Activision

 

 

Super Lucky’s Tale

Release: Nov 7, 2017
Platform/s: Linux, Mac, Win
Developer: Playful Corp.
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Impressions: “Pure, Delectable Entertainment”

 

A Hat in Time

Release: Oct 6, 2017
Platform/s: Mac, PS4, Win, XB1
Developer: Gears for Breakfast
Publisher: Gears for Breakfast
Impressions: “Cutting Edge Nostalgia”

 

Super Mario Odyssey

Release: Oct 27, 2017
Platform/s: Switch
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo

 

 

Newt One

Release: Feb 15, 2018
Platform/s: Win, Mac
Developer: DevNAri
Publisher: DevNAri

 

 

 

 

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Tracking the development of 3D Platformers

---

Below is a graphical representation of the publication of 3D platformers from 1990 to the present year, 2018. As the data shows, 3D platformers were at the height of their popularity in 2002-2003, a bountiful two year period which saw 14 new titles released during each year respectfully.

The proliferation of 3D platformers in the 1990s (and early 2000s) coincides with an important industry milestone — the ability to develop games in 3D. We can also see that the popularity of the 3D platformer began to wane during the mid 2000s, a time during which sixth and seventh generation consoles broke into the market, companies began releasing high definition games and experimenting with online services, and 3D platformers were largely passed over in favour of action, RPG and shooter games.  

It is unsurprising that developers chose to focus on fresh ideas and genres with which to ensnare audiences; repeating the same gameplay time and time again can turn the formula stale, and since humans are a curious bunch, we eventually crave something different which is still able to surprise us. But, despite the general decline of 3D platformers, which naturally led many to arrive at the conclusion that the genre is ‘dead’, a handful of games continued to keep things afloat before its comeback year in 2017.

Should we be shocked that 3D platformers are a talking point in the industry again? Of course not. They were never extinct, merely subdued, temporarily throttled, and filed away in the nostalgia cabinet only to be retrieved again when players missed them enough. That time was 2017, when an unprecedented number of 3D platformers entered the scene. Indeed, this may have seemed unusual due to the decade of ‘silence’, but the storm was always brewing.

Based on previous trends, this author believes the ‘3D thunder’ will continue to cause soundwaves for the next seven to eight years, and possibly reach the same levels of popularity seen in 2002-2003; more developers, emboldened by the successes of Super Mario Odyssey and A Hat in Time will tackle the genre with innovative vision and eager spirit, and within this new crop of 3D platformers, lightning might just strike the same place twice.     

In development:

• Clive ‘N’ Wrench
• Olivia & Spike: Dimension Jumpers
• Happy Hell
• Teddy and Bo: Search for the Dream Catcher
• Fading Skies
• Longtail
• Psychonauts 2
• Billie Bust Up
• Dragon Step
• Fireborn: Primordials
• The Legend of Lobodestroyo
• Spyro Reignited Trilogy
• Firewing 64

---

References:

1. bjaxx87 (2016-03-01) “List of other 3D platformers (unlike Banjo-Kazooie)”, Playtonic Forums. Retrieved March 2018.
2. Wikipedia (2017-02-09) “3D Platform Games A-S”. Retrieved March 2018.
3. Wikipedia (2017-02-09) “3D Platform Games S-Z”. Retrieved March 2018.

Archived version of this feature.