The 3D Platformer Thread

[Undrey]

I've been wanting to do this for a while, and with the announcement of the Spyro Trilogy, I found it was the perfect time to have a thread for all news related to current and upcoming 3D platformers.

Billie Bust Up

Developer: Blueprint Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Kickstarter | IndieDB | Facebook | Twitter
A musical 3D platformer following Billie and Oscar with unique singing bosses colourful characters. Players can explore worlds with a plethora of powerups as they make their way through each boss.

Castle on the Coast

Developer: Peter Lantz
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Trailer | itch.io | Twitter
Inspired by games like Super Mario 64 and A Hat in Time, the game is a 100% playable right now with bug-fixing and general polish in the works. Parkour through a magic castle as George the Giraffe and help reconcile a band of orphans with their surrogate parents.

Clive 'N' Wrench

Developer: Dinosaur Bytes Studio
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Website | Twitter
Developed by ERA's very own _Rob_, Clive 'N' Wrench seems to take inspiration from PS2 era platformers such as Jak and Daxter while maintaining its own style and gameplay. This one's definitely near the top of my list and deserves more attention.

Demon Turf

Developer: Fabraz
Platforms: PC, Xbox
Release Date: TBA
Information: Trailer | Website | Twitter | Demo
You play as Beebz, a character with the ambitious in her ambitious goal of taking over the Demon Turfs and becoming the Demon Queen. She jumps, spins and punches her way across the turfs to ultimately face the Demon King head on.

Floppy and the Sleepy Planet

Developer: Broad Strokes
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Trailer | Discord
A cute precision platformer where you control Floppy (a robbit) and help unravel the mystery of the secret planet with the help of your trusted companion. The developers have a bunch of streams of their development progress on their YouTube channel.

Griff the Winged Lion

Developer: Breakerbox Studios
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Facebook | Trailer | Patreon
I've seen many people ask (and have myself wondered), "Why don't developers make games with PS1/PS2-like graphics?". Well, look no further. The team is evidently passionate about the game, working on it even after a (sadly) failed Kickstarter. Try out the demo on their Patreon page (not sure linking them is allowed, check the Facebook page for a link).

Happy Hell

Developer: Occultimate Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Kickstarter | Facebook | YouTube
One of the more unique games here. The art style and atmosphere is enough to sell me on the game, but the gameplay seems smooth and fun as well. Would definitely recommend looking into this one.

Hell Pie

Developer: Sluggerfly
Platforms: PC, Switch
Release Date: 2020
Information: Website | Twitter | Trailer
Jump, run, swing and fight your way through a variety of open and linear levels. Use Nugget, the chubby angel, to swing around midair and smash your enemies as you meet deranged characters and find disgusting pie ingredients in a weird, twisted world.

Lobodestroyo

Developer: Lefthanded Games Studio
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Website | Twitter | Trailer
Originally launching on Kickstarter in 2013, the game has had slow progress, but is picking up steam after an update a few months ago. The game brings has a lot of charm and character and intends to bring back old-school platformer gameplay with emphasis on item collection and exploration.

Nytro

Developer: Ohira Kyou
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Itch.io | Twitter
Inspired by the Spyro PS1 Trilogy, Nytro is an in-development game with colourful worlds, abilities and many bolts and gears to collect. The game's first hub world is available on itch.io, and I recommend checking it out.

Psilosybil

Developer: bad_vertex
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Itch.io | Twitter
A tough-as-nails 3D platformer in the vein of Crash Bandicoot, with the look and feel of early 32-bit games. You play as Sybil, a plucky mushroom, on a psychedelic journey to defeat the lord of the hogs.

Psychonauts 2

Developer: Double Fine
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox
Release Date: 2021
Information: Website | Trailer
Sequel to one of the PS2 era's cult classics. Raz's adventures continues following Rhombus of Ruin. Not much is known about the game yet.

Rad Venture

Developer: Knick-Knack Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One(?)
Release Date: TBA
Information: Website | Trailer | Twitter
Most likely Rayman inspired, Rad is being developed as a college capstone project. The game follows Rad as he collects items around his home town of Vistabell while assisting his friends.

Scarf: Walking with Souls

Developer: Uprising Studios
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: IndieDB | Website | Trailer | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
As the title implies, this game and its mechanics revolve around the main character's (Hyke's) scarf. Hyke’s scarf can transform into different objects that will aid in the adventure. These objects can be combined to create new shapes expanding Hyke’s possibilities.

Teddy and Bo: Search for the Dream Catcher

Developer: Sore Thumbs Design
Platforms: PC, PS4
Release Date: TBA
Information: Website | Facebook
Set inside a child's dream, the game promises to deliver a whole set of unique worlds and playstyles. Join Teddy and Bo as they search for the legendary dream catcher to restore balance between dreams and nightmares!

Zera: Myths Awaken

Developer: Cyreides
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA
Information: Website | Twitter | YouTube
Originally a Spyro fan-game, the developer overhauled the entire game due to a C&D from Activision. Years removed, the game shows its Spyro inspirations but has its own identity and looks to be a great Spyro-like game.

-

TBAdded:
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Hobo Cat Adventures

Crumble

Developer: Brute Force
Platforms: PC
Reception: 9/10 Steam (189 reviews)
Information: Website | Twitter
A physics platformer with a grappling tongue mechanic. Join the chaos of unstable platforms and unexpected destructions with this blue ball! The game has been described as Sonic + Spider-Man.

Effie

Developer: Inverge Studios
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One (soon), Switch (soon), PC
Reception: 70 MC | 70 OC
Information: Trailer | Website | Twitter
Inspired by Jak & Daxter, Rayman 3 and Ratchet & Clank, this game combines the aforementioned games' main elements with the exploration of an expanded world. Use your shield to fight, defend yourself, and to surf across the grasslands.

Fifo's Night

Developer: Lightbox Academy
Platforms: Steam
Reception: 8/10 Steam (40 reviews)
Information: Trailer | Twitter
A short and sweet free Halloween student game. You play as Fifo collecting candies in and around a castle. Perfect if you're up for a game to finish in around two hours and are in the mood for something Halloweeny.

New Super Lucky's Tale

Developer: Playful Studios
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Steam
Reception: 80 MC | 79 OC
Information: Trailer | Website | Twitter
Play as Lucky and go on an epic quest to rescue the Book of Ages by running, jumping, and burrowing your way through colourful and lively worlds!

Pumpkin Jack

Developer: Nicolas Meyssonnier
Platforms: PS4 (soon), Xbox One, Switch, Steam
Reception: 77 MC | 73 OC
Information: Trailer | Website | Twitter
The Devil grows bored of peace in the Arc-En-Ciel Kingdom and sends Jack to bring back the chaos of the good old days. Inspired by MediEvil and Jak and Daxter, this game's perfect if you're in the mood for a Halloween game.

Spyro: Reignited Trilogy

Developer: Toys for Bob
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Reception: 82 MC | 81 OC
Information: Twitter | Trailer
The classic PS1 trilogy rebuilt from the ground in and scaled up in HD. You get Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon all with worlds to explore and gems to collect

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I will be updating the thread as more games are announced. If you know of a game I've missed, feel free to contribute to the thread.

 

[sinonobu]

Is Super Mario Odyssey not counted as 3d platformers anymore?

 

[Time Loop]

Oh, nice. Been waiting for a thread like this. Thanks!

 

[AppleKid]

Is Super Mario Odyssey not counted as 3d platformers anymore?

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Thought the same, but I think this is supposed to be the upcoming 3D Platformer Thread

 

[Undrey]

Is Super Mario Odyssey not counted as 3d platformers anymore?

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Thought the same, but I think this is supposed to be the upcoming 3D Platformer Thread

Click to shrink...

The thread isn't strictly an upcoming 3D Platformer thread, I mean, right now it is, but the plan is to add most games released these past few years. I know I've also not put Crash (even though it is upcoming for Xbox One and Switch), Poi, Freeze.ME, Yooka-Laylee and probably a bunch of other games. Moreover, the aim of this thread is to bring attention to 3D platformer games, I don't think there is a member here that doesn't know about Super Mario Odyssey.

Oh, nice. Been waiting for a thread like this. Thanks!

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No problem! I've been wanting one for a while too.

 

[AppleKid]

Moreover, the aim of this thread is to bring attention to 3D platformer games

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If you’re going for lesser-known titles, how far back do you plan to go? Would something like the original Tak and the Power of Juju count? And not that it’s really lesser-known, but I could discuss the original Ape Escape for days on end

 

[bionic77]

After playing Odyssey and Galaxy I can't go back to Spyro.

 

[Undrey]

If you’re going for lesser-known titles, how far back do you plan to go? Would something like the original Tak and the Power of Juju count? And not that it’s really lesser-known, but I could discuss the original Ape Escape for days on end

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Hm I hadn't considered that but maybe eventually down the line I could add a classics section for older titles.

 

[noomi]

One of my favorite Genres of game's that sadly we do not get enough of :(

Just bought a Hat in Time because it was on sale, I've heard great things about it. Going to play it soon.

Passed on Yooka Layli & Snake Pass though, worth it?

 

[Valahart]

Psychonauts 2 should fit here.

 

[Larrikin]

Psychonauts 2.

 

[Servbot24]

In Day 1 for Spyro. I'm glad there seems to be increased interest for mascot platformers lately.

 

[Bishop89]

Even though this isn't probably the thread as it seems to be mainly for upcoming and recently released (past couple of years) platformers.

I urge everyone to play the Ape Escape trilogy. I am not biased at all.

 

[Tiber]

I adore this sort of game, I was very sad to see the genre decline in recent years. I have never been the biggest Mario fan, but Odyssey blew me away. Crash and Spyro (especially Spyro) are among my favourite games of all times and I am beyond pleased to see them returning.

 

[jimboton]

Happy Hell continues to look intriguing..

 

[Undrey]

Even though this isn't probably the thread as it seems to be mainly for upcoming and recently released (past couple of years) platformers.

I urge everyone to play the Ape Escape trilogy. I am not biased at all.

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While there aren't any old platformers in the OP, I absolutely encourage discussion of old platformers because those scratch an itch that IMO hasn't been reached since then.

---

Adding Psychonauts 2 soon.

Happy Hell continues to look intriguing..

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Oh my it's completely slipped my mind! Will add, thank you.

 

[Renna Hazel]

After playing Odyssey and Galaxy I can't go back to Spyro.

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That seems kinda sad. Can you not play any platformers that aren't as good as Mario?

I'm really looking forward to Spyro, hope 2 and 3 live up to the hype. I'll be keeping my eye on all these games, but I really hope they release on consoles.

 

[bionic77]

That seems kinda sad. Can you not play any platformers that aren't as good as Mario?

I'm really looking forward to Spyro, hope 2 and 3 live up to the hype. I'll be keeping my eye on all these games, but I really hope they release on consoles.

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It depends.

Crash's gameplay to me holds up perfectly because it was more of a 2D game with 3D graphics. So that update made perfect sense to me and I was happy to see it.

But a lot of those early 3D platformers on the PS1 and PS2, which actually were competitive with Mario back then and one could argue some of them surpassed 64, now feel really outdated to me. Nintendo (for me) really moved the needle a lot with Galaxy.

I say this as a guy who loved the first Banjo game and had a lot of fun with the first two Spyro games.

But if you like it that is all that matters.

 

[ResidentDante]

Anybody else here look past the reviews and play Super Lucky's Tale? I thought it rather idiotically was put into the Xbox One X "launch" lineup and everyone thought it would be a triple A title, which it definitely isn't budget wise.

However, I played through it and the Gilly Island DLC with my wife and we really enjoyed the game. Simple and fun platformer, sure it has it's camera quirks and a little stiff controls but it was entertaining to complete.

 

[_Rob_]

Hey, cool thread! And big thanks for the shoutout (I like what you did with the banner too)!

 

[bitSS]

Could Ratchet and Clank count, or is 2015 too far back?

 

[Dynamite Shikoku]

Clive N Wrench is looking great

 

[ScOULaris]

Love me some 3D platformers. Subbed.

My favorites in the genre are:

• Mario Galaxy 1 and 2
• Mario 64
• Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
• Ratchet & Clank Trilogy (if those count)

IMO Galaxy 1 and 2 are unassailable masterpieces and the pinnacle of the genre. Odyssey didn't even come close to matching them for me, although I still enjoyed it.

I've actually been debating whether or not to track down a used copy of the Crash N. Sane Trilogy for my PS4 Pro. Does anyone know if the long load times were ever improved via an update post-release? That's the only thing giving me pause.

 

[jahasaja]

Ah, I love that there is some life left in this genre!

 

[Oneiros]

I've been playing Banjo Tooie for the past few days. I'm not really enjoying it. The mission and level design are a clusterfuck.

 

[Y2Kev]

I have to rep a Hat in time. I got it last week and was blown away. The polish and creativity is off the charts and there is satisfying platforming in the game. The second world with the murder mystery level just astounded me with how well it blended platforming with narrative and stealth and action.

 

[jahasaja]

Love me some 3D platformers. Subbed.

My favorites in the genre are:

• Mario Galaxy 1 and 2
• Mario 64
• Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
• Ratchet & Clank Trilogy (if those count)

IMO Galaxy 1 and 2 are unassailable masterpieces and the pinnacle of the genre. Odyssey didn't even come close to matching them for me, although I still enjoyed it.

I've actually been debating whether or not to track down a used copy of the Crash N. Sane Trilogy for my PS4 Pro. Does anyone know if the long load times were ever improved via an update post-release? That's the only thing giving me pause.

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I agree with Odyssey and I think I put galaxy 2 over 64 but I am not sure. It is astonishing that 64 still holds up so well!

 

[purseowner]

Everyone go play the Ty trilogy.

All three now in glorious HD remasters on Steam.

 

[Harlequin]

I love the original PS1 Tomb Raider games and Mirror's Edge. Unfortunately, that type of non-"cartoony" 3D platformer is super rare nowadays (not to say that the cartoony ones aren't worth playing but they just don't quite scratch the same itch).

As for relatively recent 3D platformers that not enough people have played? I guess the first few that come to my mind right now would be:

Ben & Ed
Funny, challenging, quirky, trap-laden.

Refunct
Minimalist, short, fun.

Grow Home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR-4ZoDo_yg
Adorably clunky, pretty, relaxing. (Won't let me embed more than two videos so I'll have to link to this one.)

 

[Trode]

It's nice that we have a thread where we can talk about the best hat-based 3d platformer of 2017.

 

[Plinko]

I finally bought A Hat in Time during the PS4 sale last week, and I've been really impressed so far. It's like a modernized Super Mario 64, and I love it.

 

[_Rob_]

It's nice that we have a thread where we can talk about the best hat-based 3d platformer of 2017.

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You just want to watch the world burn huh? The real answer is "Super A Hattio Oddysey In Time".

Oh also there's a game called Billie Bust Up that you may not have seen yet, it appears somewhat early in dev but it's looking good already!

 

[Al3x1s]

Skylar & Plux and Poi (on Steam, and elsewhere I guess) are the best overall I've played (including the likes of A Hat in Time and Yooka-Laylee). A little short but cheap and they feel like a complete package for what they are. I think my only gripe with S&P was a cute native tribe model that missed the mark and looked off while the rest of the game was slick and with Poi that it was a little too easy because they added Mario 64 style dives and stuff late in development without redoing the levels which means you can bypass some sections you'd otherwise have to jump through normally. Oh and the few bosses also felt off (but no more than A Hat in Time's in my opinion). Get them both :o)

http://store.steampowered.com/app/452540/Skylar__Plux_Adventure_On_Clover_Island/

http://store.steampowered.com/app/401810/Poi/

 

[Conor419]

After playing Odyssey and Galaxy I can't go back to Spyro.

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Yep, I've realised that I have not been able to play a 3D platformer in any other series than Mario since 2007.

I mean, are there actually any other good ones left any more?

Edit — My mistake, Mirror's Edge.

 

[Trode]

You just want to watch the world burn huh? The real answer is "Super A Hattio Oddysey In Time".

Oh also there's a game called Billie Bust Up that you may not have seen yet, it appears somewhat early in dev but it's looking good already!

Click to shrink...

Looks promising. The controls look nice and fluid although it would be cool if they introduced a long jump of sorts. The umbrella looks kinda slow.

 

[Al3x1s]

There's also Unbox but I didn't get into it (yet at least). It reminded me a little bit of De Blob in the style of the level layouts and challenges.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/512300/Unbox_Newbies_Adventure/

I also got to play the Ty the Tasmanian Tiger games thanks to the Steam re-releases and I quite liked the first one, the others seem to lose the platforming focus and go for all kinds of vehicles and other play styles.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/411960/TY_the_Tasmanian_Tiger/

 

[Eszik]

I wish there were more linear 3D platformers, as opposed to collectathlons. Indies were a huge source of innovation for 2D platformers but I feel like indie 3D platformers are too focused on bringing back old recipes rather than doing something new. Mirror's Edge isn't exactly a platformer but I'd like so see similar games, with a focus on action rather than exploration. I guess Crash kinda fits that but I've never played it, I'll probably pick up the remakes when they come out on Switch.

 

[Trode]

I'm trying to get all moons in Super Mario Odyssey and I've been completely halted by a certain rope challenge. I hate non-platforming filler like this. I've beaten Hell in Cave Story twice and I can't beat this stupid tightrope challenge.

 

[jahasaja]

I'm trying to get all moons in Super Mario Odyssey and I've been completely halted by a certain rope challenge. I hate non-platforming filler like this. I've beaten Hell in Cave Story twice and I can't beat this stupid tightrope challenge.

Click to shrink...

I have heard you should use the scooter.. I tried once and never went back..

 

[Trode]

The

I have heard you should use the scooter.. I tried once and never went back..

Click to shrink...

The scooter is no better TBH. Lining it up correctly is a pain in and of itself and it's still hard for me to get past 50 jumps.

 

[Akumatica]

I'd like to recommend some games that I enjoy outside of the well known series-

Ape Escape 1, 2, 3 and Sarusaru Big Mission(not localized).

Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future

Jumping Flash 1, 2 and Robbit Mon Dieu(not localized)

 

[Casual]

Is Super Mario Odyssey not counted as 3d platformers anymore?

Click to shrink...

I adore Odyssey.

But the more I play it, the more I realize it's closer to a collectathon than a platformer.

It's more Banjo Kazooie than Mario 64 imo. Banjo Threeie. With superior controls obviously/movement obviously.

 

[bionic77]

I adore Odyssey.

But the more I play it, the more I realize it's closer to a collectathon than a platformer.

It's more Banjo Kazooie than Mario 64 imo. Banjo Threeie. With superior controls obviously/movement obviously.

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That’s not a fair label of the game sayings it’s just a collectathon.

The cap mechanic allowing you to have so many different move sets and abilities that it really kind of sets it apart from other games. With amazing polish, art and level design.

Can’t think of a game quite like it.

 

[HazySaiyan]

I’ve heard good things about A Hat in Time, is it any good?

 

[Casual]

That’s not a fair label of the game sayings it’s just a collectathon.

The cap mechanic allowing you to have so many different move sets and abilities that it really kind of sets it apart from other games. With amazing polish, art and level design.

Can’t think of a game quite like it.

Click to shrink...

Not saying it's just a collectathon. Just that it shares more in common with a collectathon than a pure 3D platformer.

The majority of the moons you collect don't require much in terms of platforming.

Actually, the cap mechanic is one of the strongest parallels to Banjo. It's basically the evolution of Mumbo Jumbo.

 

[bionic77]

Not saying it's just a collectathon. Just that it shares more in common with a collectathon than a pure 3D platformer.

The majority of the moons you collect don't require much in terms of platforming.

Actually, the cap mechanic is one of the strongest parallels to Banjo. It's basically the evolution of Mumbo Jumbo.

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It is similar to Mumbo but the cap is a way better mechanic than going to the witch doctor and the uses were way more limited.

Nintendo really went all in on the idea.

 

[Y2Kev]

I’ve heard good things about A Hat in Time, is it any good?

Click to shrink...

Yes!!!!!

 

[Epilexia]

I'd like to recommend some games that I enjoy outside of the well known series-

Ape Escape 1, 2, 3 and Sarusaru Big Mission(not localized).

Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future

Jumping Flash 1, 2 and Robbit Mon Dieu(not localized)

Click to shrink...

If you love the 'Jumping Flash' series, you have its indie spiritual successor in the form of this bullet hell take.

 

[Perrydotto]

I've never owned consoles with Spyro on them, so that guy just completely went over my head. Hoping the remaster turns out great, because I would love to finally give Spyro a fair shake.

Currently I'm very eager and excited for Psychonauts 2 and hoping it turns out well. 3D platforming is near and dear to my heart ever since I got Rayman 2 for the PC as a kid, and Psychonauts 1 enthralled me in a very similiar way a few years later. I should try out A Hat in Time sometime while I wait.

 

[Undrey]

Hey, cool thread! And big thanks for the shoutout (I like what you did with the banner too)!

Click to shrink...

Thank you! Big fan of your game, I remember downloading the demo 3-4 years ago when the characters looked and played differently. You've made amazing progress since then.

Could Ratchet and Clank count, or is 2015 too far back?

Click to shrink...

I will be adding all this gen's games in the near future, I'm just trying to get upcoming releases out of the way first.

My favorites in the genre are:

• Mario Galaxy 1 and 2
• Mario 64
• Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
• Ratchet & Clank Trilogy (if those count)

IMO Galaxy 1 and 2 are unassailable masterpieces and the pinnacle of the genre. Odyssey didn't even come close to matching them for me, although I still enjoyed it.

I've actually been debating whether or not to track down a used copy of the Crash N. Sane Trilogy for my PS4 Pro. Does anyone know if the long load times were ever improved via an update post-release? That's the only thing giving me pause.

Click to shrink...

The R&C games definitely count as platformers.

N. Sane trilogy still has long-ish load times but they're not really that long. Not long enough where I wouldn't buy it at least. My biggest issue with the games was the pill-shaped detection/hit boxes.

Everyone go play the Ty trilogy.

All three now in glorious HD remasters on Steam.

Click to shrink...

I wish they'd release them on consoles in one box. The only experience I've had with Ty is some of l think Ty 3 like 13 years ago.

As for relatively recent 3D platformers that not enough people have played? I guess the first few that come to my mind right now would be:

Ben & Ed
Funny, challenging, quirky, trap-laden.

Click to shrink...

I've played a bit of Ben & Ed and it's really creative, one of the more creative platformers I've seen in a long time.

You just want to watch the world burn huh? The real answer is "Super A Hattio Oddysey In Time".

Oh also there's a game called Billie Bust Up that you may not have seen yet, it appears somewhat early in dev but it's looking good already!

Click to shrink...

Hmm... looks interesting, I've never heard of it. Thanks!

I wish there were more linear 3D platformers, as opposed to collectathlons. Indies were a huge source of innovation for 2D platformers but I feel like indie 3D platformers are too focused on bringing back old recipes rather than doing something new. Mirror's Edge isn't exactly a platformer but I'd like so see similar games, with a focus on action rather than exploration. I guess Crash kinda fits that but I've never played it, I'll probably pick up the remakes when they come out on Switch.

Click to shrink...

I was going to talk about this. Most platformers these days are collectathons. I miss games like the Sly trilogy or Jak or Ratchet. The games were strictly just platformers for the sake of being platformers, they were games with good stories that happened to be platformers. I wish we'd get more of those nowadays. We mostly get child-oriented stories these days (even the fourth Sly game has a less mature story than the first three).