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Updated with new entries. Enjoy!
Ah, the 3D platformer. Ever since Super Mario 64 landed and showed everyone just how good three-dimensional platforming could be there have been developers hoping to capture just a smidgen of that game’s magic. It was a tough act to follow, even for the plumber himself, but his bespoke Switch outing finds him at the very top of his game.
In comparison to the voluminous catalogue of 2D platformers available – a selection so impressive we decided to split it into the best 2D platformers and the best Metroidvanias on Switch – the list of potential 3D platformers is decidedly slimmer. Arguably, none of Nintendo’s platforms have enjoyed the breadth of 3D platformers we saw back during the genre’s N64 heyday. Those collectathons went out of fashion in the early noughties when games like Halo heralded the ascension of first-person shooters on console.
Still, every so often one crops up to remind us of the good ol’ days of Banjo-Kazooie and Glover. Switch has still accrued some impressive examples of the genre, and while they may not all reach the incredible heights of the Italian gentlemen’s balloon ship, they certainly offer wonderful platforming experiences once the odyssey’s over.
So, let’s take a look — in no particular order — at the best 3D platformers on Switch.
Publisher: Team 17 / Developer: Playtonic Games
Yooka-Laylee is a worthy modern tribute to the collectathons of yore – coming from many of the developers who created the incomparable Banjo-Kazooie – and it’s highly recommended for Switch owners. This feels like a game that belongs in 1996 with all the quality-of-life improvements of a modern game, making for an excellent blend of new and old. Though it can be a little uneven at times, the game as a whole manages to achieve what developers Playtonic set out to do; to recapture some of that classic Rareware magic and make a fresh game with the same mischievous spirit for fans who have been waiting so long. With compositions from genius ex-Rare musicians David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, you know it makes sense.
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Publisher: Sumo Digital / Developer: Sumo Digital
Oh, the controversy – a 3D platform game where you can’t jump! Sumo Digital’s Snake Pass is a real gem in the Switch library, and is certainly worth a look for anyone looking for a joyous palette cleanser. It’s unlike anything else we’ve played before; a fresh platforming experience that will keep you engaged until the very end. Solid visuals, unconventional gameplay, a memorable soundtrack (that David Wise, again) and a decent amount of replay value make this well worth your time, and we absolutely give it a recommendation. If you’re looking to take a chance and play something unique, then Snake Pass is well worth a look.
Publisher: Activision / Developer: Toys for Bob
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a ruthlessly faithful recreation of some of the earliest successes in 3D platforming. Levels are slick, gorgeous to look at, and recreate the feel of the originals superbly. Newcomers to the series may be put off by the steep difficulty spikes and little to no explanation of some of the finer mechanics. All the fun and the foibles of the original three games are here, for better or for worse, and despite some odd design choices it still manages to be a really enjoyable retread of some old classics, warts and all. This is definitely worth a look if you’re a fan of 3D platformers, but just as was the case back in the ’90s, Crash isn’t in quite the same league as Mario when it comes to playability, inventiveness and entertainment. If you’re after a nostalgia trip, though, it’s tough to beat.
Publisher: Nordic Games / Developer: Nordic Games
de Blob 2 keeps many of the same characteristics found in the original Wii game, with both the brilliant – and the not-so-brilliant – features mostly staying intact in this updated Switch version. The cameras can still be occasionally fiddly, and things can feel a little too easy in places, but brand new 2D sections and a slightly more refined-feeling overall experience put the sequel just above the original in our pecking order. Either game should go down well – especially with a younger audience – but this one just about splashes its way into first place.
Publisher: Curve Digital / Developer: No Brakes Games
Human: Fall Flat recognises a simple truth: people falling down is hilarious, and when they’re seemingly impervious to damage, that’s just an added guilt-free bonus. Playing as a wobbly, awkward avatar takes a lot of getting used to, and perhaps you never really get used to it at all, but the game leaves each level wide open to a variety of solutions to suit your own personal style. Tackling the five-to-six hour long adventure solo isn’t as fun as getting a second player to join in, even if the game’s performance takes a hit. The lack of online multiplayer is a little disappointing, but we reckon that you and a fellow human might really fall for this little puzzle-platformer. Over and over and over again.
Publisher: Alliance Digital Media / Developer: PolyKid
You’ve got to feel a little bit sorry for Poi and its developer PolyKid. You spend years making your own 3D platformer, pouring your heart and soul into it, and the universe conspires to have it release the same week as Super Mario Odyssey. Doh!
Poi: Explorer Edition is a great platforming adventure in its own right, though. Anyone who enjoys a good ‘collect-a-thon’ will be in Heaven with this game – the Medallions are great fun to work towards and finding every single extra collectable will take some considerable time and effort. If you enjoy games of this genre, we’d definitely recommend giving Poi a go. It deserves to be played.
Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
OK, you’re thinking, I made an exception for Snake Pass, but now Captain Toad?! Well, despite the puzzle angle, this is still a 3D platformer and the lack of a jump button doesn’t make it any less of a winner. With beautiful visuals and an upbeat soundtrack, Treasure Tracker is a real gem; a wonderful and gorgeous platform puzzler fit for all ages, and one which you should definitely experience if you’re yet to. Two-player co-op makes this offering even tastier, and there’s even a nice little nugget of DLC for once you’ve polished off the main game.
Publisher: EA Originals / Developer: Zoink! Games
Poignant and moving in both theme and execution, Fe is one of the most unique platformers on Nintendo Switch. Its platforming can be a little hit and miss, and its stealth feels a little too forgiving at times, but that doesn’t stop its world and the unique vocal premise from bewitching you with a dark and Gothic Nordic fairytale. While it’s not as groundbreaking as other dialogue-less games such as Journey, it’s still one of the most intriguing worlds to explore on Switch.
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