Top 3D Platformers On Nintendo Switch You Need To Play
The Nintendo Switch has become a fantastic console for platformer fans, especially those who love exploring vibrant 3D worlds. If you're looking to jump into some of the best the Switch has to offer, you've come to the right place! Let's dive into some must-play 3D platformers that will keep you entertained for hours.
Super Mario Odyssey
When discussing 3D platformers on the Nintendo Switch, it's impossible not to start with Super Mario Odyssey. This game is a masterpiece, plain and simple. It reinvents the classic Mario formula in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic. One of the standout features of Super Mario Odyssey is Cappy, Mario's new companion. Cappy allows Mario to capture and control various objects and enemies, leading to incredibly creative and diverse gameplay possibilities. Imagine controlling a T-Rex, a Goomba, or even a taxi β the possibilities are endless, and each capture offers a unique way to navigate the stunningly crafted worlds.
The level design in Super Mario Odyssey is truly exceptional. Each kingdom is brimming with secrets, challenges, and collectibles, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the serene beaches of Seaside Kingdom, each environment is visually stunning and packed with personality. The game rewards curiosity, making exploration an integral part of the experience. You'll find yourself constantly discovering new Power Moons (the game's main collectible) in unexpected places, which keeps the gameplay loop engaging and satisfying.
Beyond the innovative capture mechanic and brilliant level design, Super Mario Odyssey also shines in its controls and movement. Mario feels incredibly responsive and agile, allowing for precise platforming and acrobatic maneuvers. The game encourages experimentation with different moves, and mastering Mario's abilities is essential for tackling some of the more challenging areas. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer to the series, Super Mario Odyssey offers a delightful and accessible experience for everyone.
Moreover, Super Mario Odyssey is not just a single-player adventure; it also includes a cooperative mode where a second player can control Cappy. This adds a fun and unique dynamic to the gameplay, allowing friends and family to join in on the adventure. Cappy can assist Mario by attacking enemies, collecting items, and even providing a boost during jumps. While the cooperative mode may not be as robust as the single-player experience, it offers a great way to share the joy of Super Mario Odyssey with others.
In summary, Super Mario Odyssey is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and delightful charm make it one of the best 3D platformers of all time. Whether you're exploring the vast kingdoms, capturing enemies, or mastering Mario's moves, this game offers endless hours of fun and excitement. It's a true testament to the creativity and innovation of Nintendo's development teams, and a shining example of what a 3D platformer can be.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is actually two fantastic games in one package, offering a delightful mix of linear level design and open-world exploration. Originally released on the Wii U, Super Mario 3D World brings classic Mario platforming to the Switch with updated graphics and enhanced gameplay. The addition of Bowser's Fury provides an entirely new experience, showcasing a vast and interconnected world for Mario to explore.
Super Mario 3D World is known for its charming multiplayer, allowing up to four players to team up and tackle levels together. Playing with friends adds a whole new level of chaos and fun, as you navigate the colorful and creative stages. The game features a variety of power-ups, including the Super Bell, which transforms Mario and his friends into adorable cats with the ability to climb walls and pounce on enemies. Each level is packed with secrets and collectibles, encouraging players to work together and explore every corner of the environment.
The level design in Super Mario 3D World is consistently excellent, with each stage offering unique challenges and surprises. The game's linear structure provides a focused and streamlined experience, making it easy to pick up and play for short bursts. Despite its simplicity, Super Mario 3D World is deceptively challenging, requiring precise platforming and teamwork to overcome some of the later levels. The game's vibrant graphics and upbeat soundtrack further enhance the overall experience, creating a joyful and immersive world for players to enjoy.
Bowser's Fury, on the other hand, offers a more open-ended experience. Set in Lake Lapcat, a vast and interconnected world filled with cat-themed elements, Bowser's Fury allows players to freely explore and discover new areas. The main objective is to collect Cat Shines, which are used to activate lighthouses and dispel the dark energy that is corrupting Bowser. Periodically, Bowser transforms into a gigantic and enraged form, unleashing a fiery onslaught upon the world. During these moments, Mario must team up with Bowser Jr. to defeat the monstrous Bowser and restore peace to Lake Lapcat.
The open-world design of Bowser's Fury is a refreshing departure from the linear structure of Super Mario 3D World. It allows players to approach challenges in their own way and encourages exploration. The game's dynamic weather system and day-night cycle add to the sense of immersion, making Lake Lapcat feel like a living and breathing world. While Bowser's Fury is shorter than Super Mario 3D World, it offers a unique and memorable experience that is well worth the price of admission.
Together, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an exceptional package that showcases the best of Mario's 3D platforming adventures. Whether you prefer the linear challenges of Super Mario 3D World or the open-world exploration of Bowser's Fury, this game offers something for everyone. With its charming multiplayer, vibrant graphics, and engaging gameplay, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner.
A Hat in Time
A Hat in Time is a charming and delightful 3D platformer that pays homage to the classics of the genre while carving out its own unique identity. Developed by Gears for Breakfast, A Hat in Time follows the adventures of Hat Kid, a small girl with a magical hat who must recover her lost Time Pieces to return home. The game's whimsical story, colorful characters, and inventive gameplay make it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch.
One of the most appealing aspects of A Hat in Time is its level design. Each world is brimming with creativity and personality, offering unique challenges and environments to explore. From the Mafia Town to the spooky Subcon Forest, each location is visually stunning and packed with secrets. The game encourages players to experiment with Hat Kid's abilities, such as her umbrella and various hats that grant her special powers. These powers include the Sprint Hat, which allows her to run faster, and the Ice Hat, which lets her freeze enemies and create platforms.
The gameplay in A Hat in Time is both challenging and rewarding. The platforming is precise and responsive, requiring players to master Hat Kid's movements to overcome obstacles. The game also features a variety of puzzles and challenges that test players' problem-solving skills. Collecting Time Pieces is the main objective, but the game also offers plenty of side quests and collectibles to keep players engaged. These side quests often involve helping the quirky inhabitants of each world, adding depth and charm to the overall experience.
A Hat in Time also shines in its characters and story. Hat Kid is an adorable and endearing protagonist, and the supporting cast is equally memorable. From the charismatic Mustache Girl to the mischievous Snatcher, each character is well-developed and adds to the game's overall charm. The story is lighthearted and humorous, but it also touches on themes of friendship, courage, and perseverance. The game's writing is witty and engaging, making it a joy to follow Hat Kid's journey.
Moreover, A Hat in Time is not just a single-player adventure; it also includes a cooperative mode where a second player can join in on the fun. This allows friends and family to explore the game's worlds together and tackle challenges as a team. While the cooperative mode is not as polished as the single-player experience, it offers a great way to share the joy of A Hat in Time with others.
In conclusion, A Hat in Time is a must-play title for any fan of 3D platformers. Its charming story, colorful characters, and inventive gameplay make it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're exploring the whimsical worlds, mastering Hat Kid's abilities, or helping the quirky inhabitants, this game offers a delightful and unforgettable experience. It's a true testament to the creativity and passion of the indie development community, and a shining example of what a 3D platformer can be.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy brings back the beloved purple dragon in a stunning collection that includes Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon. These games have been beautifully remastered with updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and all the charm of the original titles. For fans of the classic PlayStation era, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while also offering a fantastic entry point for new players.
One of the most striking aspects of the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is its visual overhaul. The worlds have been brought to life with vibrant colors, detailed textures, and charming character designs. Each level is packed with personality, from the lush grasslands of Artisans to the snowy peaks of Winter Tundra. The enhanced graphics not only make the games look better but also add to the overall sense of immersion.
The gameplay in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy remains faithful to the original titles, with Spyro using his flame breath, charging attack, and gliding abilities to explore the worlds and defeat enemies. The controls have been tweaked to feel more modern and responsive, making platforming and combat more enjoyable. Each game features a variety of levels to explore, each with its own unique challenges and collectibles. Collecting gems, rescuing dragons, and completing tasks for the inhabitants of each world are all part of the fun.
Each game in the trilogy offers its own unique story and characters. In Spyro the Dragon, Spyro must rescue his fellow dragons from the evil Gnasty Gnorc. Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! sees Spyro traveling to Avalar to defeat the villainous Ripto and his minions. Spyro: Year of the Dragon features Spyro teaming up with new allies to recover stolen dragon eggs from the Sorceress.
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is not just a collection of remasters; it's a loving tribute to the original games. The developers have gone to great lengths to preserve the spirit and charm of the originals while also making them more accessible to modern audiences. The updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and faithful recreation of the original levels make this trilogy a must-have for any fan of 3D platformers.
For those who grew up playing the original Spyro games, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy offers a chance to relive those memories in stunning high definition. For new players, it's a fantastic introduction to one of the most beloved platforming franchises of all time. With its charming characters, engaging gameplay, and beautiful visuals, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a true gem on the Nintendo Switch.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Another blast from the past, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy revamps the original Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped with completely rebuilt visuals and updated gameplay. This trilogy offers a challenging and rewarding platforming experience that will test your skills and reflexes. If you're up for a challenge, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is definitely worth checking out.
The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy brings back the iconic bandicoot in a stunning collection that includes the first three games in the series. These games have been completely rebuilt from the ground up with updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and all the challenging platforming action that fans remember. For those who grew up playing the original Crash Bandicoot games, the N. Sane Trilogy is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while also offering a fresh and exciting experience for new players.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is its visual overhaul. The worlds have been brought to life with vibrant colors, detailed textures, and charming character designs. Each level is packed with personality, from the lush jungles of N. Sanity Island to the futuristic landscapes of Cortex Strikes Back. The enhanced graphics not only make the games look better but also add to the overall sense of immersion.
The gameplay in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy remains faithful to the original titles, with Crash using his spin attack, slide, and jump abilities to navigate the levels and defeat enemies. The controls have been tweaked to feel more modern and responsive, making platforming and combat more enjoyable. Each game features a variety of levels to explore, each with its own unique challenges and collectibles. Collecting Wumpa fruits, breaking crates, and finding hidden gems are all part of the fun.
Each game in the trilogy offers its own unique story and challenges. In Crash Bandicoot, Crash must rescue his girlfriend Tawna from the evil Dr. Neo Cortex. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back sees Crash teaming up with Cortex to collect crystals and save the world from an impending disaster. Crash Bandicoot: Warped features Crash traveling through time to stop Cortex and his allies from altering history.
The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is not just a collection of remasters; it's a loving tribute to the original games. The developers have gone to great lengths to preserve the spirit and challenge of the originals while also making them more accessible to modern audiences. The updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and faithful recreation of the original levels make this trilogy a must-have for any fan of 3D platformers.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch is home to some incredible 3D platformer games. Whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or new to 3D platformers, there's something for everyone. So grab your Switch, pick a game, and get ready for some amazing adventures!