10 3D Platformers You FORGOT Were Awesome

10 3D Platformers You FORGOT Were Awesome

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re counting down our picks for the ten awesome 3D platformers that you may have forgotten about or didn’t even know existed. 3D platforming fans should definitely check out these super fun games!

“Vexx” (2003)

The 2000s were chock full of flawed but fun 3D platforming adventures. These games have style and panache, and plenty of attitude. This point is very evident in 2003’s “Vexx.” This game throws a lot at the wall; and while not all of it sticks, it’s a pretty darn awesome action platformer. As Vexx, your goal is to smash, bash, pummel, and platform your way across a staggeringly diverse range of worlds and levels in order to hoover up as many Shadowraith Hearts as possible. Each world is brimming with fun activities and challenges, made even better by a shifting day/night cycle, great level verticality, and plenty of powerful moves for Vexx.

“Ape Escape 3” (2005)

While pretty much any of the “Ape Escape” games are awesome, it’s the third entry in the beloved series that many platforming fans actually forget about more often than not. This, of course, is a real shame because “Ape Escape 3” takes all the wacky and zany antics from the previous games and tosses it all into a unique TV studio setting, which, in turn, helps each monkey-catching level to be surprising and inventive. The two playable protagonists, Kei and Yumi, have a wide variety of awesome gadgets to utilize on top of some fun transformations. This game just oozes charm in tandem with some top-notch platforming gameplay variety.

“New Super Lucky’s Tale” (2019)

Gosh, I really wish more people talked about how freakin’ awesome “New Super Lucky’s Tale” really is! This is easily one of the best 3D platformers around, but is one that is often overlooked and underappreciated. As the fun-loving and ever-charming Lucky the Fox, you must hop, dash, and burrow your way to platforming greatness across some super whimsical levels, with each one offering myriad collectibles to gather up. The vibes in this game are stellar all around. It’s just such a playful and entertaining platformer that never lets up on enjoyment, made even better by some fantastic platforming game flow with Lucky’s cornucopia of maneuvers. Plus, the game has plenty of heart warming moments and even some that will make you chuckle.

“Wario World” (2003)

Wario has been in plenty of stylish, cool, attitude-slinging platformers over the years, but one seems to be forgotten more often than not by platforming fans. We are, of course, talking about Nintendo GameCube’s “Wario World.” Wario primarily stars in 2D platforming adventures or the microgame shenanigans of “WarioWare”, so, it’s awesome to see him in a fun-as-heck 3D platformer. Nintendo’s charm oozes all throughout this game as Wario seeks to reclaim his stolen treasure. The levels are fun and inventive, Wario’s moves are plentiful, the collectibles abound, and the game just feels great to play, even all these years later. Seriously, don’t miss this 3D platformer if you consider yourself a fan of the GameCube or the genre at large.

“Blinx: The Time Sweeper” (2002)

Microsoft’s effort to make their own mascot platformer for the OG Xbox was a solid attempt, even if Blinx didn’t become a platforming mainstay like Mario, Sonic, Crash, or Spyro. But, make no mistake about it, Blinx’s first outing, “The Time Sweeper” is a delightfully fun game. This is no simple 3D platformer like any other at the time. Instead, Blinx, as the game’s title suggests, is able to sweep up time crystals via his magical vacuum to then use to pause time, rewind time, fast forward time, slow down time, and even record time to make other versions of himself for specific challenges. It’s honestly a super cool system that we have rarely, if ever, seen since in the genre. It’s just a blast controlling Blinx and using his time powers, all while trying to stop the nefarious Tom-Tom Gang.

“Poi” (2017)

Have you heard of 2017’s indie platforming gem “Poi?” Chances are you haven’t since we rarely, if ever, hear anyone discuss this criminally overlooked 3D platformer. “Poi” is so, so good! “Poi” is sort of an indie version of “Super Mario 64,” at least in terms of overall gameplay mechanics and game flow structure. But, this game is so much more than the sum of its parts. For one, it’s just incredibly polished and smooth to play. As brother and sister explorer protagonists, you must obtain as many Explorer Medallions as possible in order to progress the story and discover new, playful worlds to platform around in. On the surface, “Poi” may look and seem very simplistic, but it’s a far cry from a simple game. “Poi” just delights with great music, clean visuals, fun platforming abilities, and some stellar exploration. Go out right now and play this indie darling if you haven’t yet already. Please and thank you!

“Voodoo Vince” (2003)

Good jolly, I really wish we could get a sequel to “Voodoo Vince.” The OG 2003 Xbox version of this game as well as the excellent 2017 remaster are a real blast from the past. Not only is Voodoo Vince himself a goofy, sarcastic, and entertaining platforming protagonist, but he is also chock full of unique abilities given the fact that he is, of course, a sentient voodoo doll. By using his very nature as a voodoo doll, his self-flagalation means destruction for the various goons and baddies he encounters, since what harms him, harms others. It’s an utterly wacky idea that works to great effect here. Add in some great collectibles, goofy voice acting, superb levels, and some stellar New Orleans/Louisiana/Southern Bayou vibes, and you have yourself a game that is hard to put down for genre fans.

“Rocket: Robot on Wheels” (1999)

Did you know that the N64’s “Rocket: Robot on Wheels” was actually developed by Sucker Punch? Yes, the same Sucker Punch that brought us “Infamous”, “Sly Cooper”, and “Ghost of Tsushima/Yotei.” That’s awesome, right? This super cool 3D platformer thrusts you into the rolly role of Rocket, as he explores and platforms his way around Whoopie World. The game utilizes some unique physics (especially for its time) that sees Rocket manipulating all sorts of in-game objects in order to navigate the game’s many unique levels and solve some fun puzzles. Toss in a fun-to-use tractor beam, tokens and tickets to collect, vehicle sections, and a general Saturday morning cartoon vibe, and you have yourself a stellar 3D platforming adventure.

“Scooby-Doo: Night of 100 Frights” (2002)

There have been countless Scooby-Doo games released over the last few decades; some good, some not quite as good. Well, we are here to shout out 2002’s “Scooby-Doo: Night of 100 Frights.” Gosh, this game is just so good. Yes, it has its fair share of flaws, but it’s still both a lovingly crafted Scooby-Doo game and 3D platforming adventure. After arriving at Mystic Manor at the behest of Daphne’s acquaintance, the Scooby gang get captured and it’s up to Scooby to save the day. “Night of 100 Frights” is unique in that it sort of blends traditional 3D platforming with a light Metroidvania of sorts. The whole spooky game world here is interconnected which really helps sell the vibes that this is a “real” place to explore and live in. If you were to only play one Scooby-Doo game ever, be sure it’s “Night of 100 Frights.”

“A Hat in Time” (2017)

Okay, “A Hat in Time” might just be one of the most well-known 3D platformers on this list, since it has received plenty of well-earned acclaim over the years; and for good reason. However, we still think this game is often overlooked when talking about awesome 3D platformers. Starring the lovable, quirky, and utterly delightful Hat Kid, you must bound around plenty of incredible levels in order to collect time pieces to repair your space craft and make it back home. “A Hat in Time” is a love letter to 3D platformers of old, and it plays like a dream. Hat Kid’s various hats and badges all really shake up the gameplay in fun and interesting ways. Plus, the game is brimming with darkly humorous overtones such as the game’s first world centered all around the mafia. Yes, that’s right, a vibrant family-friendly platformer with a world themed around the mafia. Wild indeed! But, yes, go play this game…it’s great!

So, do you agree with our picks for this list? What are some awesome 3D platformers that deserve more time in the spotlight? Let us know in the comments.