Top 5 Upcoming 3D Platformers

Naughty Dog may think cartoony platformers aren’t mature enough for the modern market, but I want to see more of them. Classics like Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64, Spyro the Dragon, and Crash Bandicoot put 3D platformers in with my favorite video game genres. I’m luckier than most fans–my late arrival to the PS3 means I still have a few 3D platformers to catch up on.

After that… what then? Am I out of luck?

No! Like adventure games and survival horror, the 3D platformer genre is not dead!

Top 5 Upcoming 3D Platformers

5. Ratchet & Clank

The upcoming reimagining of Ratchet & Clank is lowest on the list for a few different reasons. First, I have yet to play the original Ratchet & Clank. I have a lot of hope for it, since it’s from the developers of the original Spyro games, but I still haven’t experienced the series for myself.

Second, we don’t really know a lot about this game. Announced at E3 2014, it’s apparently based on the Ratchet & Clank movie. A game based on a movie based on a game?

And just what does Insomniac mean by “re-imagining”? Is it a remake? A reboot? It will have “updated gameplay along with completely new visuals,” but just how much will be changed? The Silent Hill re-imagining was certainly different from the original…

In theory, 2015’s Ratchet & Clank re-imagining for the PS4 will be a great 3D platformer. I can’t wait to learn more.

4. FreezeME

FreezeME is an indie game designed in the spirit of classic Nintendo 64 platformers (it even includes a special N64 graphics option in case you want the visual style to look even more accurate). You play as “R,” trying to rescue your friend “M” from the villain, Fat the Cat. R can temporarily freeze the world, which adds a new twist to traditional platformer game mechanics.

Although FreezeME is currently planned for only the PC, Mac, and Linux, the developer hopes to bring it to the Wii U as well (scroll down to the linked comment).

This game looks like it has the potential to be pretty cool. Vote for it on Steam Greenlight if you’re interested, where you can also find screenshots of the levels and hub world, and check out this video showcasing the latest changes and improvements.

FreezeME is planned for a Summer 2015 release.

3. Fiona Frightening and the Wicked Wardrobe

You might remember this one from my blog post back in September. Fiona Frightening and the Wicked Wardrobe involves the voice work of Internet personalities like Linkara, the music of Grant Kirkhope, and gameplay inspired by Banjo-Kazooie and other classics.

Like FreezeME, Fiona Frightening has a special gameplay mechanic to set it apart from other platformers. The main character, Fiona, forms alliances with the Creeps along the course of the game. She can then use the Wicked Wardrobe to turn the Creeps into “Monsdresses” that give her special abilities. (I’m not sure if this is done only in the hub world, or if you can change Monsdresses on the fly as you explore the levels.)

Pictured here is the Wisp Monsdress, which uses Waxworth. With the Wisp Monsdress, you can use fire attacks against unarmored enemies, walk on lava, illuminate dark places, and more.

The creator regularly posts new information to Facebook, so watch that page if you want to learn more. Fiona Frightening is planned for the Wii U and should have a Kickstarter sometime in the future.

2. Lobodestroyo

I’m embarrassed to admit I missed this one completely during its Kickstarter campaign, but as soon as I heard about it, I knew I’d have to keep my eye on it. Lobodestroyo is another 3D platformer specifically made in the style of N64 collect-a-thons like my beloved Banjo-Kazooie. Grant Kirkhope is even creating a song for it!

You play as Mutt, a wolf who must don the belt of the Lobodestroyo and save Costa Lucha (which will serve as a hub world) from the 10 escaped members of La Liga de Los Villanos. Its special gameplay twist is that you earn new powers by defeating villains, MegaMan-style, which you can then use to unlock new places. You can find videos of its latest features on the official Youtube channel.

Lobodestroyo will come out first for the PC, Mac, Linux, and Ouya, with a Nintendo Wii U version and possible PS4/Xbox One releases to follow. No release date has been announced yet.

1. A Hat in Time

I’ve championed this game before, both during its Kickstarter and later when I tried the alpha. Even unfinished and only a fraction of the full game, the alpha won my heart with its collect-a-thon gameplay and wacky humor. I can’t wait to see what the full game is like.

A Hat in Time puts you in the shoes of Hat Girl, who must travel through time, find all the scattered time pieces, and stop Mustache Girl’s evil plans. It cites Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64, and Donkey Kong 64 as inspirations, and includes multiple songs composed by Grant Kirkhope. You’ll fight enemies with the help of your umbrella, while also collecting badges that grant you new powers.

The alpha showed off segments from two of the worlds (Mafia Town and Vanessa’s Manor in the Subcon Forest), but the full game features seven unique chapters/worlds, as well as a special spaceship hub with fantastic music. It will include a New Game + mode as well as a co-op mode. I can’t wait until the beta comes out!

A Hat in Time is planned for the PC and Mac, with hopes of a Wii U release but nothing definite so far. You can follow the Facebook page for regular updates.

A quick recap

• Four of these games have confirmed hub worlds (FreezeME, Fiona Frightening, Lobodestroyo, and A Hat in Time).
• Four specifically cite Nintendo 64 platformers as their inspiration (FreezeME, Fiona Frightening, Lobodestroyo, and A Hat in Time).
• Three have at least one song composed by Grant Kirkhope (Fiona Frightening, Lobodestroyo, and A Hat in time).
• Three will be released on the PC/Mac (FreezeME, Lobodestroyo, and A Hat in Time).
• Two will also be released on Linux (FreezeME and Lobodestroyo).
• Two are confirmed for the Wii U (Fiona Frightening and Lobodestroyo) with two hopeful (FreezeME and A Hat in Time).
• Lobodestroyo is the only one with Ouya support; Ratchet & Clank is the only one with confirmed PS4 support (considering it’s an exclusive).
• None have release dates, but two have been announced for this year (Ratchet & Clank and FreezeME).

Ratchet & Clank really is out of place on this list, isn’t it?

People may say the 3D platforming genre is no more, but here are 5 games this 3D platformer fan has her eyes on. Let me know what you think of these games… and be sure to tell me if there are any excellent upcoming 3D platformers I’ve missed!

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