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LEGO DC Super-Villains (Switch)
We ummed and ahhed about putting this one on the list, but technically it’s a 3D platformer with a light dusting of adventure, so here it is.
As you’d expect, LEGO DC Super-Villains doesn’t make many attempts to change up the formula that’s served the LEGO series so well for so long, but with a vast library of well-applied and famous baddies to draw from, it offers a far more engaging and memorable story than the stretched-too-thin LEGO The Incredibles.
However, with a brilliant cast on hand (can anyone really compare to Hamill’s Joker?), a vast sandbox hub and all the customisation options you could want in Danish brick form, this familiar playground still has bags of charm.
While this is the best of the lot, there are plenty of alternative LEGO titles if DC Villains aren’t your bag, each offering similarly accessible gameplay across a variety of worlds. LEGO Harry Potter Collection, The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 are all solid platforming fare.
In fact, here’s the best of them in our opinion…
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Switch)
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a stellar experience, a great big celebration of everything Star Wars.
The upgrades to the series’ core gameplay here — the combo-focused combat, flashy space battles, boss encounters, over-the-shoulder shooting action, and cover system — all combine to make this the best Lego Star Wars has ever felt to play.
Throw in a humongous open-world setting that’s bursting at the seams with secrets and collectibles and you’ve got an absolute smorgasbord of all things Star Wars to dig into. Yub nub.
Lunistice (Switch eShop)
Presenting itself modestly as “a simple and short experience”, Lunistice has masses to offer. A first run is maybe a handful of hours, but the thirst to retry is so strong it’s almost hard to move on to each new stage. Add the challenge of finding all the cranes and hidden items, avoiding resets, and setting faster times, plus unlockable characters with different moves, and it’s a full and generous package
Launching at $4.99 or your regional equivalent, weighing in at a lean 600MB, and having a demo on the eShop, Lunistice is simply a must-try game.
New Super Lucky’s Tale (Switch)
New Super Lucky’s Tale is a solid port of an underrated platformer with a greatly improved camera. It’s a little on the short side and may not provide much of a challenge to more hardened gamers — and if you already own it elsewhere, there really isn’t enough new here to warrant a second purchase — but what makes it worth a look is its uncanny ability to make you smile, and this is something that can’t be overlooked, especially in modern times.
Penny’s Big Breakaway (Switch eShop)
Penny’s Big Breakaway is a tremendous achievement by Evening Star, expertly combining tight controls, excellent level design, and a raft of creative ideas, all while throwing in a hefty dose of pure speed.
Though the Switch version can feel a little rough around the edges at times, this is still an easy recommendation to make to anyone who considers themselves a fan of Sonic, 3D platformers, or both. Penny’s inaugural adventure has got it where it counts, and if you’re looking for a challenging, yet approachable new 3D platformer to add to your library, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Poi: Explorer Edition (Switch)
You’ve got to feel a little bit sorry for Poi and its developer, PolyKid. You spend years making your own 3D platformer, pouring your heart and soul into it, and the universe conspires to have it release the same week as Super Mario Odyssey. Doh!
Poi: Explorer Edition is a great platforming adventure in its own right, though. Anyone who enjoys a good ‘collect-a-thon’ will be in heaven with this game – the Medallions are great fun to work towards and finding every single extra collectable will take some considerable time and effort. It deserves to be played.
Pumpkin Jack (Switch eShop)
Pumpkin Jack is an absolute triumph. For a debut title, it’s remarkably confident in its vision, delivering a delightfully spooky experience that feels very familiar to MediEvil without outright copying it; in fact, with MediEvil’s controls feeling distinctly dated by modern standards, we’d go so far as to say Pumpkin Jack is superior.
The controls are slick with satisfying combat mechanics, and while the platforming can occasionally feel a bit frustrating, it’s mostly very well done. Visuals in handheld mode can look a little grotty, so we’d recommend playing on the TV if you can, and make sure you crank up that camera sensitivity. Fear not, though, folks; the spirit of Halloween lives on year-round thanks to Pumpkin Jack.
Ruffy and the Riverside (Switch eShop)
Ruffy and the Riverside is an enjoyable return to the colourful 3D platforming romps of the late 1990s, and it’s one that brings its own clever idea to the table, rather than just simply copy/pasting everyone else’s homework.
With nods to Mario, Zelda, Crash Bandicoot and more, levels jam-packed full of fun puzzles and the easy, breezy nature of Ruffy’s copy-pasting abilities at the heart of it all, this is one of the better odes to this sort of caper that I’ve played and, performance issues aside, a very impressive debut to boot.
Snake Pass (Switch eShop)
‘Okay,’ you’re thinking, ‘I made an exception for Captain Toad, but now Snake Pass?!’
Sumo Digital’s Snake Pass is a real gem in the Switch library and is certainly worth a look for anyone looking for a joyous palate cleanser. It’s unlike anything else we’d played before; a fresh platforming experience that will keep you engaged until the very end.
Solid visuals, unconventional gameplay, a memorable soundtrack (from David Wise), and a decent amount of replay value make this well worth your time, and we absolutely give it a recommendation. If you’re looking to take a chance and play something unique, then Snake Pass is well worth a look.
Sonic Colors Ultimate (Switch)
Sonic Colors Ultimate is a well-executed revisit of a high point in Sonic’s long career. Most of the quality here stems from the content of the original, rather than the new additions and tweaks for this re-release. Things like the Jade Ghost and extra customisation options are welcome, but not game-changing, and the musical and graphical improvements are minimal.
At the end of the day, though, this is still a well-performing, portable version of a classic and that’s arguably all that it needs to be. This is certainly the best and easiest way to try Sonic Colors out, although it definitely isn’t a massive overhaul of what came before.
There’s also Sonic Frontiers, of course, although we can’t recommend the Switch version of that.
Sonic X Shadow Generations (Switch)
In what can only be described as a monumental return to form for both hedgehogs, Sonic X Shadow Generations combines two excellent campaigns to create what just might be the very best 3D Sonic game so far.
The remastered Generations content remains a delight, taking you through some of the series’ most iconic stages, but Shadow’s new chapter represents the franchise’s 3D gameplay at its very best. It introduces a bunch of awesome new abilities while showcasing some of the most creative stages we’ve ever seen, and we’re keen to keep replaying to nail those crucial S-ranks.
Alas, there’s still no Chao Garden, but we’ll keep hoping and praying for its inclusion in the future. Based on this, the future of 3D Sonic looks bright.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake (Switch)
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a triumphant and varied 3D platformer that no fan of the series or the genre will want to miss. It’s not the game that’ll change your mind if 3D collectathon-style games aren’t your thing, but it demonstrates at every step that it’s not just some half-hearted cash-in.
Focused level design, lots of gameplay variety, tight controls, and a charming cast voiced by the original voice artists all combine to make this one of the best SpongeBob games yet. Though it’s occasionally let down by performance issues, we’d still give this one a strong recommendation to anyone who likes a 3D platformer and a Krabby Patty.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy (Switch)
Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a wonderful love letter to a classic series, keeping everything that made the original games what they were, but slapping on a fresh coat of paint for the HD era.
There are a few creaking bones showing their age here and there, but only due to the developers’ desire to keep things as accurate as possible. The Switch version looks absolutely stunning and runs surprisingly well, so if you’re looking for a classic 3D platforming experience, you should definitely give this a look-in.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Switch)
Including Super Mario 64, GameCube’s Super Mario Sunshine, and Wii’s Super Mario Galaxy in one package, we had an absolute blast playing through these three gems all over again, especially now they look sharper than ever.
It’s a shame that the presentation is barebones with no bonus content beyond the soundtracks, but there can still be no denying the quality of the games on offer here. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is the Beatles’ Greatest Hits of the video game world, and is an absolute treat whether you’re reliving it in HD or discovering it for the first time.
Unfortunately, if you didn’t grab it before it was delisted on 31st March 2021, you might have to rely on the secondhand market if you want a copy of this triple pack of platforming goodness — you won’t find it on the Switch eShop any longer. A physical copy certainly isn’t too hard to find, though, and Nintendo manufactured so many that you may still be able to find it on store shelves.
Alternatively, Mario 64 is on NSO, Super Mario Sunshine will be on NSO at some TBC date, and Galaxy got a standalone Switch release, too. Speaking of which…
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Switch eShop)
Available on its own digitally, or bundled with its predecessor if you want a physical copy, Super Mario Galaxy 2 refined and expanded upon the original’s outrageous gravity-based gameplay. The result is one of the finest 3D platformers of all time, one that constantly pushes you down surprising and thrilling new paths.
After its exclusion from Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Galaxy 2’s arrival on Switch was very, very welcome, and despite some minor control irritations, it translates well. A must-play.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Switch)
Super Mario 3D World is one of the better linear Mario games, and anyone playing it for the first time is in for an absolute treat. Add to that the curious bonus adventure that is Bowser’s Fury and you’ve got a package that provides great value for money.
It isn’t without its flaws, but most of these (online multiplayer, repetitive missions in Bowser’s Fury) relate to the new additions; the main game itself remains as pure and perfect as it was on Wii U. Had it just been Super Mario 3D World on its own, we’d be thoroughly recommending it anyway; Bowser’s Fury is just the cherry on top.
Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
You’ve surely got this in your collection already, no? Just like Vanessa Williams, we went and saved the best for last… er, well, last-but-three. No, this list isn’t ranked, but let’s not kid ourselves where this would be if it were, hmm?
Super Mario Odyssey represented a shift in direction for Mario. For about a decade we had exceptional but tightly structured 3D series entries, but this new arrival’s building blocks go back to Super Mario 64. It’s a very modern take on ‘sandbox Mario’ – Cappy and his abilities are key additions that freshen up the formula, and we have a sizeable and diverse set of lands to explore.
In the second half it takes on a life of its own, showcasing incredible design and development flair. It’s also a wonderful showcase for the Switch itself, and would be a fabulous introduction to the wonders of Mario in three dimensions. For the veterans among us, meanwhile, it’s yet another special release to remind us of why Mario is still gaming’s number one.
Super Meat Boy 3D (Switch 2)
Super Meat Boy 3D may not be quite the same watershed moment for indie gaming as its respected predecessor, but there’s a lot to love about this one and Sluggerfly and Team Meat have largely stuck the landing in the transition to a new dimension.
Tight controls, tough, rewarding gameplay, and lots of replayability all stack up in its favour, even as frame rate and camera issues hold it back from being a flawless successor. If you’re looking for an addictive platformer that’ll push your skills to their absolute limit, give it a look.
Tinykin (Switch eShop)
As a whole, Tinykin is more than just a wholesome, stress-free 3D platformer or ‘Pikmin Lite’; it’s a lesson in appreciating the simple things in life, including the help from those around you.
Even with a mass of collectibles and a free-flowing storyline to follow, Tinykin never feels cluttered or overwhelming. Despite feeling a lot like a certain Nintendo series when you first pick it up, the game has enough of a unique identity to separate itself from the pack, offering a pleasant, pure platforming spin on Pikmin.
Toree 3D (Switch eShop)
Going in with diminished expectations, no doubt coloured our impressions of Toree 3D, but our brief time with this 99-cent gem was undeniably delightful.
For significantly less than the price of a decent cup of coffee, you get an enjoyably bite-sized, colourful 3D platformer with great music and a fun aesthetic that doesn’t take itself seriously in the slightest — and it doesn’t stick around long enough to get boring.
Can it compete with the scale and depth of the Switch’s finest 3D jump-fests? Of course not, but this low-poly PS1-style platforming experience is a joyous breath of fresh air that’s more than worth the asking price. A great way to spend those Gold Points, and there’s always it’s similarly breezy sequel once you’ve polished this off.
Yooka-Replaylee (Switch 2)
Yooka-Replaylee, in most ways, feels like the game that Yooka-Laylee was always meant to be. The core experience of this modern tribute to the collectathons of yore has remained the same, but much has been added or tweaked to make for a significantly more confident and streamlined experience.
While missing at launch, a 60fps Switch 2 patch eventually arrived to really drive home what an improvement this is over the original, a game that no fan of Rareware’s vintage 3D platformers should miss out on. Even if you played the original to completion, this is worth a replay(lee).
And with compositions from genius ex-Rare musicians David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, you know it makes sense.
