The 30 Best 3D Platformer Video Games Ever Made

We all know that with the rise of open-world gaming, and first-person shooters, platforming games have become something of a lost art in the video game world. Certainly, there are some names we can turn to when we're starved for some new, old-school content—particularly, Rayman Legends and the upcoming A Hat In Time—but, unfortunately, if we ever feel like playing a totally classic platforming game, we often have to turn back the clock and unearth one of our older consoles in order to relive the magic.

With the release of SCE's newest platformer, Puppeteer, we got to thinking about what those truly classic 3D platforming titles have been over the years. Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Ratchet & Clank...why is it that we don't see games like this anymore? To show you just how far away we've come from the genre, we put together a list of the 30 Greatest 3D Platformers Ever. Getting nostalgic? So are we. If only we could triple jump back in time, right?

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Year released: 1999
Platform: N64
Publisher: Nintendo

We all loved the Donkey Kong Country titles for the SNES, and what could go wrong when DK was done up in 3D along with a whole new cast of simian sidekicks? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Introducing Lanky, Chunky and Tiny Kong to the series, Donkey Kong 64 shared some similarities to its Rare labelmate, Banjo-Kazooie but managed to distinguish itself with its diverse roster of primates, and intriguing, character-specific abilities. Sure, it may not have had as much of an impact on the genre as its Super Nintendo forebears, but at the end of the day, this was still a seriously great platformer that carried the series' legacy quite admirably.

Year released: 1996
Platform: Playstation
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

You're probably not totally familiar with the Jumping Flash! franchise, and we'll give you a late pass on that seeing as though it's sort've a strange premise. Basically, robot bunnies. You are playing as a robot bunny, that is. And, actually, that turned out to be a pretty awesome thing! Tasked with saving the imprisoned MuuMuus, and defeating the evil Baron Aloha, you—Robbit—had to double-jump and triple-jump your way through each level, along with the help of your advanced robo-rabbit weaponry. Giving you a unique, entrancing first-person perspective, the game pushed the envelope on what a 3D platformer could be at the time and, while not widely remembered by American audiences, found a large following in Japan.

Year released: 1999
Platform: Playstation
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Monkey's never got more mischievous than in Sony Computer Entertainment's 1999 release, Ape Escape, a 3D platformer starring Spike, a young boy tasked with following some malevolent apes through time as they sought to rewrite history at the bidding of their master, Specter. What was most notable about the game, though, was that it was the first title to require the use of a Dual Analog control system that only the PlayStation was capable of doing, and critics praised the innovation as well the title's gleeful, more cartoonish aspects. Many thought that Donkey Kong had a lock on the title of top ape in the video gaming world before Ape Escape was released, but when gamers had their fill of Sony's latest hit, the answer became decidely less clear.

Year released: 1998
Platform: Playstation, N64
Publisher: Midway Games

If you know Gex, then you know what to expect from this wise-cracking, tail-whipping little lizard. Given his first treatment in 3D, Gex: Enter the Gecko saw our titular hero travel from level to level collecting various TV remotes in his fight to once again stop the evil Rez. Creative voice-acting and enticing design set Gex apart from the rest of the market at the time, but, unfortunately, little has been seen of that snappy little gecko since. If you want to get a rehash on some outdated pop-culture references, though, this is definitely the game for you.

Year released: 2007
Platform: Wii
Publisher: Nintendo

The Paper Mario series was first introduced on the N64 as an indirect sequel to the SNES' Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the 7 Stars. This is to say, that it's a series which hasn't been afraid to change its shape around a bit. Much like the original was starkly different from Mario RPG, the Wii's Super Paper Mario distinguished itself from its predecessors by introducing a unique 3D platforming element that literally flipped the game on its head, and took Mario out of the RPG world and into the platforming one. Rarely do RPG's and platformers mix, but with Super Paper Mario we saw how succesful the pairing can be when developers give it a try.

Year released: 2002
Platform: Xbox
Publisher: Sega

With the demise of Sega's Dreamcast in 2001, many wondered what would happen to the company's most coveted titles like Sonic and Jet Set Radio as Sega fell by the wayside. In the case of the latter, Microsoft was quick to scoop up Sega's band of rollerblading ne'er-do-wells for the original Xbox and release the follow-up, Jet Set Radio Future. Many of the elements of the original were preserved in its sequel, but a fresh coat of paint, as well as an updated story, was more than enough to have fans and critics raving about the title. The characters and music of Future exuded an entirely different brand of "cool," and the gameplay did more than enough to live up to that lofty aesthetic.

Year released: 2004
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

After Naughty Dog shifted its attentions away from Crash Bandicoot, it flipped its platforming focus over to a new series that we would all come to know: Jak and Daxter. The third chapter in the franchise, Jak 3, set the bar high for all the other Jak and Dakter titles, and it's fairly easy to regard it as the best of any the games. With more weapons to choose from, abilities to master, and a rich, engrossing plot to digest, Jak 3, gave us more than just the addition of Dark Jak. Duos rarely got more dynamic than Jak and his faithful ottsel.

Year released: 1998
Platform: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega

You all knew that blue, spiky-haired hedgehog was bound to have a place on this list, right? Of course you did. Taking off on his final adventure for a Sega-produced console, Sonic found himself fighting Chaos, an ancient spirit released by Dr. Eggman, set to destroy the world. In other words, it was the classic Sonic story. This time around though, the stunningly smooth visuals, and rich 3D aspects gave the series a feel that it never had before. Thankfully, those who didn't buy the Dreamcast were given the opportunity to later buy a port of the game for the Gamecube. You really have no excuse for not playing this game at some point.

Year released: 1999
Platform: N64
Publisher: Ubisoft

Rocket: Robot on Wheels may not have some of the name recognition that other titles on this list can attest to, but that doesn't mean that it's any less deserving of being hailed as one of the platforming genre's finest iterations for the N64. In a time when the platformer market was hugely crowded, Rocket managed to stand out because of its mentally-stimulating puzzles, the realistic physics engine, and a enormously fun variety of vehicles to control. Keep in mind, the game's developer, Sucker Punch Productions, is the same company that would later head the Sly Cooper series. This was a title that you shouldn't have slept on, but probably did anyway.

Year released: 2000
Platform: Playstation
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

The third installment in the Spyro series, Year of the Dragon was a smash hit for the original PlayStation and is still regarded today as one of the console's best titles. Following our favorite purple dragon as he travelled across 30 different levels in the search for 150 magical eggs, Year of the Dragon added new characters, improved graphics, and better handling to the franchise's already proven formula. Sound good? Yeah, we thought so too. The last Spyro title developed by Insomniac Games, Year of the Dragon showed that the company intended to leave the series while it was still on top. It's hard to say they didn't succeed.

Year released: 2000
Platform: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega

One of the very few Dreamcast titles to make it onto this list (or, really, any video game list) Jet Set Radio told the classic tale of a rebellious gang of young hoodlums focused on making the city their playground. On rollerskates, that is. So yeah, not totally what you'd expect some tough, young thugs to pick as their go-to transportation method but, in any case, it made for some thrilling, high-speed action that found you eluding police capture, taking on rival gangs, and, literally, painting the town red. With its catchy soundtrack, and wide variety of missions to accomplish, the game was a hit for Sega's final console that, alas, was far too short-lived.

Year released: 2010
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

A re-imagining of the ancient Chinese story, A Journey to the West, Ninja Theory's post-apocalyptic survival platformer Enslaved: Odyssey to the West undoubtedly deserves points for creativity. The game's storytelling was commended by many, as were its puzzle and platforming aspects, as you controlled Monkey, Trip, and Pigsy in their quest to take down the humanity-eradicating mech robots. Certain areas like the controls and combat were criticized for being clunky or simplistic, but for the tale it told, Enslaved is more than deserving of its spot in the platforming genre's canon.

Year released: 2009
Platform: PS3
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introducing the Chronoscepter to the Ratchet & Clank arsenal, A Crack in Time is the latest release from the much-beloved franchise, and proved that some characters can age like a fine wine when placed in the proper hands. Insomniac Games has always put their best into the Ratchet & Clank series and prevented it from getting stale in the way that less fortunate names like Crash Bandicoot have. Following our familiar heroes in their battle to stop the evil robot, Dr. Nefarious, A Future in Time was adored for its puzzles, overall variety, and updated visuals, fit for a seventh-generation console. The fun doesn't stop with this title either. Be on the lookout for the game's sequel, Into the Nexus, to drop in the coming months.

Year released: 2008
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Publisher: EA

A first-person, action adventure platformer (and one of the few seventh-gen titles on this list) Mirror's Edge blended dystopian society, creative environment construction, and parkour to create one of the most off-the-wall, action-packed titles that the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 offered. Certain aspects of the game may have felt forced, or oddly clumped together, but for a first title (a sequel has been confirmed for eighth-gen consoles) EA managed to create a game that wasn't afraid to push the physics of gaming environments. Not even Mario made wall-jumping and acrobatics look this good.

Year released: 2013
Platform: PS3, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Wii U, Windows
Publisher: Ubisoft

The Wii U has desperately been looking for a title to hang its GamePad upon, and wth Rayman Legends it may have found its answer. With over 120 levels, co-operative gameplay, and some of the best platforming that has come out in years, Legends has been one of the late-summer's most well-received releases, and has had audiences particularly complimentary of its usage of the GamePad. Could this open up the floodgates for third-party developers looking to design titles for the Wii U? Nintendo certainly has their fingers crossed.

Year released: 2002
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

The Playstation 2 had its fair share of buddy-buddy platforming duos, and right at the top of that list stood Ratchet and his robo-sidekick, Clank. A coming-of-age tale of sorts, Ratchet & Clank took its title characters through an epic journey to save the galaxy from sure destruction at the hands of the dastardly Chairman Drek. Armed with your Omniwrench 8000, and a choice selection of weaponry collected throughout the game, Ratchet & Clank became one of the PS2's defining platformers, and was roundly praised for its combat mechanics, witty dialogue, and cutting-edge graphics.

Year released: 2003
Platform: PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, GBA, Windows
Publisher: Ubisoft

When Prince of Persia came along, it gave gamers that one feature we had all been craving: the ability to manipulate time. Never had the Reset button been rendered more irrelevant. Why start the game over when you could just rewind the clock a bit? From the jump, critics and fans loved the acrobatic elements of combat, the challenging puzzles, and the attention to visual detail, making it one of the top games of the year upon its release. If you somehow still haven't gotten around to playing Prince of Persia yet, then it's time to dust off the old sixth-gen console and change that. Just do yourself a favor and skip the movie.

Year released: 2002
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

An early progenitor of the "film-noir" movement in gaming, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus let you step inside the world of the highly skilled cat raccoon burglar, Sly Cooper, as he sought to recover the stolen secrets of his family's ancient, thieving ways. The stealth elements of the game were remarkably well-executed, the cel-shaded artwork was rich and visually-stimulating, and its sheer accessibility made it crossover hit for kids and adults. While it perhaps a little too short, the fact that Sly Cooper left its players only asking for more can't be taken as anything but a good sign.

Year released: 1996
Platform: Sega Saturn
Publisher: Sega

The best games are often the ones that delve into the layers of the human mind that we can't actually see for ourselves. It's certainly not an easy task bringing to life all the innerworkings of our conscious and subconscious, but a game like Nights into Dreams... was able to do exactly that when it let us explore inside the dream worlds of Nightmare and Nightopia. Led by its androgynous jester protagonist, Nights, the game was highly successful for its completely one-of-a-kind design, entrancing background music, and richly textured plot.

Year released: 2010
Platform: Wii
Publisher: Nintendo

The biggest criticism for the original Super Mario Galaxy was that it was just too damn easy for its own good. To a point, it nearly got insulting. Thankfully, its sequel came along to deliver a Mario title that was more appealing to hardcore gamers, adding a whole host of new, dynamic worlds, and bringing back the Mushroom Kingdom's favorite dinosaur, Yoshi. Along with this, power-ups like Cloud Mario and Rock Mario made for some of the most fun in the series since the Tanooki Suit. All in all, Super Mario Galaxy 2 gave the Wii the franchise title it deserved: a creative and original platforming hit that will be remembered for years to come.

Year released: 1998
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

When most gamers think of the early Playstation and Playstation 2 titles, their first thought usually turns to that rowdy old marsupial, Crash Bandicoot. And while his first two games are each classics in their own right, many agree that the series got it the most right on Naughty Dog's final go at their flagship franchise with Crash Bandicoot: Warped. Taking you through a number of different time periods via the Time Twisting Machine, Warped wowed everyone who sat down to play it through it's complex story, stunning visuals, and addictive gameplay. It's been awhile since Crash had any sort of quality title to call his own, though. Here's hoping that Naughty Dog will one day pick him back up.

Year released: 2001
Platform: N64
Publisher: Rare

On its face, a game like Conker's Bad Fur Day didn't really seem like something that could succeed. It was, after all, a title based around hard-drinking, shit-talking squirrel. What was the appeal? Well, basically exactly that. To this day, Conker is still one of the most unique, and unexpected characters you'll find from any game. Seemingly adorable and mild-mannered, Conker was actually just one seriously perverted little bastard who had no trouble garnerning a cult following from Rare's faithful fanbase. It's a shame we don't see more of him today, but given the chop-job makeover that Rare gave Banjo and Kazooie in their Nuts & Bolts title for the 360, maybe it's best if we just let Conker live on in our memories and dusty, old cartridges.

Year released: 2004
Platform: PS2, Gamecube, Xbox, Windows
Publisher: Ubisoft

It's difficult for a sequel to live up to the expectations of solid predecessor, let alone surpass them altogether, but with Prince of Persia: Warrior Within you were able to make a strong case that the game took all the beloved elements of Sands of Time and improved upon each and every one. The combat system and fight sequences were all given slight makeovers, while the action-adventure and platforming aspects were updated and enriched. However, certain audiences felt that the darker edge of the game took away from the original title's appeal, and criticized the fact that it received an M rating. But hey, y'know, if you have to break a few eggs (or skulls) to unleash the warrior within, then that's just what we call the cost of doing business.

Year released: 2002
Platform: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo

Released during the early stages of the Gamecube era, Super Mario Sunshine polished the rougher 3D edges of its N64 predecessor, and added one crucial companion to Mario's adventures: FLUDD. Tasked with cleaning up the sunshine paradise of Isle Delfino, Mario's journey centers around taking down the imposter who has soiled his good name, Shadow Mario. With the help of his water-spraying counterpart, players of this game enjoyed all the normal, super-jumping action of any Mario title, but with a brand new mechanic to add some extra life to the series. Initially, some felt Sunshine to be a tad gimmicky with the addition of FLUDD but, today, anyone in their right mind will tell you that the game was easily one of the best ever available to play on the Gamecube.

Year released: 2005
Platform: PS2, Xbox, Windows
Publisher: Majesco Entertainment

You may know Tim Schafer more for his work designing Grim Fandango or The Secret of Monkey Island, but never sleep on his first major move into console gaming, Psychonauts. Based around Raz, a young, preternaturally gifted kid who runs away from the circus, the game follows him in his journey to become a Psychonaut as he battles all the inner demons and dark turns of the human psyche. Unfortunately, while it was a critical success, Psychonauts fell flat with commerical audiences, and quickly became recognized as one of the best games of the year that no one actually got around to playing. This is why we can't have nice things, people!

Year released: 1999
Platform: N64, Windows, PS1, Dreamcast
Publisher: Ubisoft

Rayman is easily one of the most underrated video game characters around, often seen as an afterthought to Ubisoft's bigger franchises like Prince of Persia or Assassin's Creed. But back in the day, this Cali bro was the main dude for Ubisoft's budding company, and The Great Escape showed exactly what they could do when they set to making a quality title for Rayman. Blessed with a lively soundtrack, vibrant world maps, and near-flawless gameplay, The Great Escape is often hailed as one of the Rayman's best titles, as well as one of the finest games ever made for the Playstation 2.

Year released: 2011
Platform: Windows, Mac, PS3, Xbox 360
Publisher: Valve Corporation

What can we really say about Portal 2 that hasn't been said over and over again in the couple years since its release? Valve Corporation is known for doing big things in the video game industry, so the innovative aspects and subsequent acclaim for the Portal series should come as no surprise to anyone who's familiar with the company's exploits. The sequel to the original Portal, this title carried over the first game's dynamic puzzle-platforming elements and added richer characters, better writing, and even harder challenges to navigate. A success? Undoubtedly. One of the best platformers to ever be released? C'mon, do we really have to spell it out for you?

Year Released: 1998
Platform: N64
Publisher: Nintendo

Will Smith wasn't the only one gettin' jiggy wit it in 1998. When Banjo and his bird-brained companion, Kazooie, hopped onto the N64 that same year, the gaming community was immediately taken with the duo's quest for golden jigsaw puzzles as they raced to stop the evil witch, Gruntilda, from stealing the beauty of Banjo's younger sister, Tooty. With clever humor, well-stylized visuals, and a number of tantalizing collectibles to keep you exploring levels for hours, Banjo-Kazooie gave Super Mario 64 a serious run for its money when it came to platformer supremacy for the N64. And, believe it or not, a lot of people were able to make a compelling argument that Banjo-Kazooie deserved the edge in that battle.

Year released: 1996
Platform: N64
Publisher: Nintendo

Let's be honest: Super Mario 64 is the O.G. of 3D platformers, and you could reasonably make the argument that the genre was never able to surpass the heights that Nintendo's flagship hero jumped and double-jumped to in one of the N64's very first titles. Featuring Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Toad—all rendered in a visual detail that had never been see before—Mario 64 started things off for the N64 in a way that has to make the Wii U absolutely sick with envy. Who could forget the adventures they had at Whomp's Fortress or on Cool, Cool Mountain? Certainly not us. Super Mario 64 is a touchstone title for the genre that can still stir up some serious feelings of nostalgia for even the most seasoned gamers.