Top 3D Platformers On Nintendo Switch
Hey guys! Looking for some awesome 3D platformer action on your Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! The Switch is a fantastic console for 3D platforming, offering a mix of classic remasters and brand-new adventures. Let's dive into some of the best games that will have you jumping, spinning, and collecting to your heart's content.
Super Mario Odyssey
When discussing the best 3D platformer games on the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey undoubtedly takes the crown. This game is an absolute masterpiece, reinventing the classic Mario formula in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario embarks on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the persistent Bowser, who plans to forcibly marry her. However, this time, Mario isn't alone. He's joined by Cappy, a sentient hat from the Cap Kingdom, who grants Mario the ability to "capture" enemies and objects. This capture mechanic is a total game-changer, allowing Mario to take control of a wide variety of creatures and items, each with unique abilities that are essential for solving puzzles and traversing the environment.
The sheer creativity and variety in Super Mario Odyssey are staggering. Each kingdom is a vibrant and distinct world filled with secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the serene beaches of the Seaside Kingdom, every location is meticulously designed and brimming with personality. The game encourages exploration, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path with Power Moons, the game's primary collectible. Finding these Power Moons often requires clever use of Mario's capture abilities and a keen eye for hidden areas. What makes Super Mario Odyssey so special is its ability to constantly surprise and delight. Just when you think you've seen it all, the game throws a new mechanic or challenge your way, keeping the experience fresh and engaging from start to finish. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play title that showcases the very best of what 3D platforming has to offer. It's a true system seller and a testament to Nintendo's commitment to innovation and quality. Seriously, if you own a Switch and haven't played this yet, what are you waiting for?
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
While Super Mario Odyssey takes the series to new heights, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe provides a fantastic return to the classic 2D Mario gameplay with a 3D visual style. This game is a delightful blend of traditional side-scrolling action and modern design sensibilities, making it a perfect choice for both veteran Mario fans and newcomers alike. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe includes both New Super Mario Bros. U and the challenging New Super Luigi U expansion, offering a wealth of content to keep you entertained for hours on end.
The core gameplay revolves around navigating colorful and inventive levels, collecting coins, defeating enemies, and reaching the goal flagpole at the end. What sets this game apart is its focus on multiplayer, allowing up to four players to team up and tackle the levels together. The chaotic fun of coordinating jumps, sharing power-ups, and occasionally sabotaging each other is a major draw. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe also introduces new playable characters, including Nabbit and Toadette, who offer unique abilities to assist less experienced players. Nabbit is immune to enemy damage, while Toadette can transform into Peachette with the Super Crown, granting her the ability to float and perform a double jump. The level design in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is consistently excellent, with each world offering a fresh set of challenges and themes. From the lush forests of the Acorn Plains to the perilous peaks of the Meringue Clouds, every level is packed with secrets and surprises. The game also features a variety of power-ups, such as the Super Acorn, which allows Mario to glide through the air, and the Ice Flower, which freezes enemies solid. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a highly polished and enjoyable 2D platformer that showcases the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise. It's a great addition to any Switch library and a perfect choice for those looking for a classic Mario experience with a modern twist.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
For those who grew up with the original PlayStation, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. This collection includes fully remastered versions of the first three Crash Bandicoot games: Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped. Vicarious Visions painstakingly rebuilt these classics from the ground up, preserving the original gameplay while enhancing the visuals and audio for a modern audience. The result is a stunning and faithful recreation of the games that defined a generation of platforming fans.
Crash Bandicoot is known for its challenging gameplay and tight platforming. Players control Crash as he navigates a series of linear levels, jumping over obstacles, spinning to defeat enemies, and collecting Wumpa fruits. The N. Sane Trilogy retains the difficulty of the original games, which may be frustrating for some but ultimately rewarding for those who persevere. The improved visuals and controls make the experience more accessible, but the core challenge remains intact. Each game in the trilogy introduces new mechanics and environments. Crash Bandicoot 2 expands on the original with more varied level designs and new moves, such as the slide and belly flop. Crash Bandicoot: Warped takes things even further with time-traveling themes and a plethora of new vehicles and abilities. The N. Sane Trilogy is not just a visual upgrade; it also features quality-of-life improvements, such as unified save systems and time trials. These additions make the games more enjoyable and accessible for modern players. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a must-play for anyone who appreciates challenging and rewarding 3D platforming. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these classic games and a great addition to the Nintendo Switch library.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Speaking of nostalgic remasters, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is another fantastic collection that brings back a beloved PlayStation franchise. This trilogy includes remakes of Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon, all rebuilt with stunning new visuals and enhanced gameplay. Much like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy offers a faithful recreation of the original games while making them more accessible and enjoyable for modern players.
In Spyro the Dragon, players control Spyro as he journeys through various realms, rescuing his fellow dragons and defeating the evil Gnasty Gnorc. The gameplay revolves around exploring vibrant environments, collecting gems, and using Spyro's fire breath to defeat enemies. Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! introduces new characters and abilities, as Spyro must stop the villainous Ripto from taking over Avalar. Spyro: Year of the Dragon adds even more depth with new playable characters and a variety of mini-games. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy retains the charm and challenge of the original games while enhancing the visuals and controls. The worlds are now more detailed and colorful, and Spyro moves with greater fluidity. The trilogy also includes improved save systems and a remastered soundtrack, making the experience even more immersive. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a must-play for anyone who enjoys charming and engaging 3D platformers. It's a great addition to the Nintendo Switch library and a perfect way to relive the magic of these classic games. It's also perfect for those who love collecting and exploring!
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
While the original Yooka-Laylee aimed to recapture the magic of classic 3D collect-a-thons, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair takes a different approach, offering a delightful blend of 2.5D platforming and overworld exploration. This game is a spiritual successor to the Donkey Kong Country series, with challenging level design and a charming art style. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair stands out for its unique structure, where players can attempt the titular Impossible Lair from the very beginning. However, the Lair is incredibly difficult, and players are encouraged to complete the game's other levels to collect Beettalions, which act as extra hit points for the final challenge.
The core gameplay revolves around navigating a series of cleverly designed 2.5D levels, each with its own unique theme and challenges. Yooka and Laylee must jump, spin, and use their abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The game also features a variety of tonics that can be used to modify the gameplay, adding extra challenge or providing helpful assistance. The overworld in Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a charming and explorable environment filled with puzzles and secrets. Players can manipulate the overworld to change the conditions of the levels, such as flooding them with water or electrifying them with electricity. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to experiment and find new ways to tackle the challenges. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a challenging but rewarding platformer that offers a fresh take on the genre. Its unique structure, clever level design, and charming art style make it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a fan of classic 2D platformers or looking for something new and different, this game is well worth checking out. The level of detail is amazing too!
A Hat in Time
A Hat in Time is a delightful 3D platformer that draws inspiration from the likes of Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. This charming indie title features a young girl named Hat Kid who travels to different worlds in search of Time Pieces, which power her spaceship. With its colorful visuals, whimsical characters, and engaging gameplay, A Hat in Time is a joy to play from start to finish. The core gameplay revolves around exploring open-ended environments, collecting Time Pieces, and completing various challenges. Hat Kid has a variety of hats, each with unique abilities that are essential for solving puzzles and traversing the levels. The Umbrella Hat allows her to glide through the air, while the Sprint Hat gives her a burst of speed. The level design in A Hat in Time is consistently excellent, with each world offering a fresh set of themes and challenges. From the Mafia Town to the spooky Subcon Forest, every location is packed with secrets and surprises. The game also features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own quirky personalities and motivations. A Hat in Time is not just a fun and engaging platformer; it's also a heartfelt and charming adventure. Its whimsical story, memorable characters, and delightful gameplay make it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a fan of classic 3D platformers or looking for something new and different, this game is well worth checking out. It's super fun, guys!
Summary
The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for 3D platformer fans, offering a wide variety of games to choose from. From the must-play Super Mario Odyssey to the nostalgic remasters of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Spyro Reignited Trilogy, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for classic gameplay, challenging platforming, or charming adventures, the Switch has you covered. So grab your Joy-Cons and get ready to jump into some of the best 3D platformer games on the market!