Forgotten 3-D Platformers
The term 3-D platformer usually refers to games with gameplay in three dimensions and polygonal 3D graphics. Here are some basic criteria a game should typically fulfil in order to be classified as a 3D platformer. General movement and jumping are controlled, almost always designed in the third-person perspective, includes collectibles, open world that is organized into structured courses and there is an end point. Many developers began creating 3D games when then Nintendo 64 was released. Some of these quite popular releases include Super Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie. At Duck Tape we ask the community what their favorite 3D platformer and would like to be remade or ported to modern consoles.
Croc Legend of the Gobbos
The first 3D platformer on this list actually has an HD remake in development. Originally released for the Sony PlayStation in September of 1997, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is one of the titles that was most requested by the Ducktape community. Developed by Argonaut Games and Virtucraft, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is one of their most successful releases, selling over 3 million copies for the PlayStation alone. It was later released for the Sega Saturn and Microsoft PC in November that same year. The story follows a young crocodile named Croc as he sets out to rescue some little creatures known as Gobbos. These furry critters were kidnapped by an evil magician name Baron Dante. Croc travels through over seven different themed realms completing in his journey to save the Gobbos. The player must collect Gobbos and make their way to the gong which represents the end goal. This is similar to Ape Escape and Kirby: The Forgotten Land. At the end of each realm there is a guardian that serves as a boss that the player must defeat. Croc has similar moves to Mario from Super Mario 64 such as a hip drop. Instead of a punch Croc attacks his enemies with a tail swipe. Croc’s health is represented by crystals and when he takes damage, he loses his crystals. If he is struck without any crystals, croc will die. This mechanic is similar to Sonic the Hedgehog with the rings. This game gets much praise for its graphics, sound, and music but the confusing controls, and camera are big topics of criticism. Hopefully the HD Remake will fix this issue.
Donkey Kong 64
Donkey Kong 64 was released on November 22, 1999, in North America for the Nintendo 64. Developed by Rare Studios and published by Nintendo, this is the first and only entry to date in the Donkey Series to feature 3-D gameplay. Following the success of Rare’s Banjo Kazooie, the studio decided to take Donkey Kong 64 into the 3D world by using the same engine that was used to create Banjo Kazooie. In order to play Donkey Kong 64, the player needed to plug in the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak. This adapter added memory resources which allows the game to run. Other games that require this adapter were Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and Perfect Dark, but Donkey 64 was the first game that needed the expansion pack to run. In Donkey Kong 64, DK must travel around themed levels finding many different collectables and rescuing each one of his family members from King K. Rool. After saving each one of DK’s family members, they will become playable characters. The player can choose between the six characters to play as DK, Diddy, Cranky, Chunky, Tiny, and Lanky. Each character has a different weapon to use as well as a different ability. For example, Diddy Kong has his trusty peanut gun and can fly with his Jet Pack, while Lanky can swim and use his stretchy arms to attack enemies at a distance. In addition to the abilities there are different collectables that the characters can pick up. This created so much replay ability that many players never finished. This game offers four-player multiplayer which consists of minigames like deathmatch and last man standing. Donkey Kong 64 was a success, selling 2.3 million units by the end of 2004 and eventually got ported to the Wii U Virtual Console in 2015. Sadley that system did not do well so playing this version is quite difficult. That is why this game needs to be added to N64 virtual console on the Switch or be remade with HD graphics.
Jet Set Radio Future (Jet Grind Radio Future)
Jet Set Radio Future was released in 2002 for the Xbox. Developed by Smilebit and published by Sega, it is the Sequel to the Dreamcast title Jet Set Radio. This game is a re-imagining of the original game with refined gameplay mechanics, updated graphics, new characters, multiplayer and an altered plot. The player controls different members of the youth street gang, the GGs, that traverse around a futuristic Tokyo on their inline skates. Jet Set Radio Future received great acclaim for its gameplay, soundtracks, and graphics, winning many different awards. The original Jet Set Radio has been ported to newer consoles but the only way to play Future is on the original Xbox. The new title “Bomb Rush Cyberfunk” has been given the title as the Spiritual Successor to Jet Set Radio. If this game does well there is a big possibility that this Jet Set Radio Future will receive a port or HD remake.
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
Mystical Nina Starring Goemon released in Japan during the summer of 1997 and North America the following Spring. This 3D action-adventure single player was both developed and published by Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka. The Goemon series first title released was the 1986 arcade game, Mr. Goemon and was followed up with Ganbare Goemon! Karakur Dochu for the Famicon which was released later that same year. Mystical Ninja is the third title in the Goemon series that was released in North America and the first one to be released as a 3-d Platformer. The story follows Goemon battle against Peach Mountain Shogun gang who wishes to transform Japan into a Western fine arts theater. The player controls Goemon on his friends; Yae, Sasuke, and Princess Yuki, on their journey through forests, fields, dungeons, and other feudal Japanese themed places. The player can control each one of the four characters and can switch between them with a click of a button. Each character has their own special abilities that can be used in battle. Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon sold nearly 200,000 copies worldwide and is a must play. The only thing that holds this game back is the virtual camera which can be quite annoying at times
Glover
Glover was first released on the Nintendo 64 and Windows PC on November 16, 1998. Developed by Interactive Studios and Published by Hasbro Interactive, this 3-D platformer follows a magical glove, named glover, on his quest to restore the Crystal Kingdom. The main objective of each stage in Glover is to maneuver a ball toward the goal. Once all three stages are completed the player must defeat the boss stage in order to receive a crystal ball. There are a total of six different themed worlds that the player must travel through in order to save the Kingdom. Glover was praised highly for its gameplay and was eventually released for the Sony PlayStation a year later. The PlayStation version was rushed making this game have a lot of bugs. A sequel was planned but was eventually cancelled, but there is good news for Glover. Glover will be released on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S soon
