What was the first 3D platformer?
The term "platformer" has been deeply ingrained in the video game world, and in recent years, we’ve come to associate it with genres like Mario, Sonic, and Rayman. Yet, what many people don’t know is that the world of platformers has witnessed a remarkable transformation over time, evolving from 2D side-scrollers to 3D explorative experiences. Among these are the pioneering titles that marked the dawn of the 3D platformer era, and it’s essential to explore them.
Before the Era of 3D Platformers
Fast-forwarding to the concept of 3D game development, Battlezone (1980), a coin-op arcade machine, can be considered among the earliest attempts at displaying 3D graphics within a video game. Initially, 3D in gaming referred more to static, isometric, and wireframe presentations rather than fully rendered, immersive spaces. In this context, Donkey Kong, released in 1981, might be seen as the first 3D platformer in the earliest sense of the term (Figure 1).
[Figure 1: Gameplay screenshot of Donkey Kong (1981)]
Here, Nintendo introduced a radical concept, setting the game in a series of overhead, side-scrolling rooms, effectively foreshadowing the modern 2.5D platform game. Players had to direct Jumpman (later dubbed Mario) across platforms of varying sizes and shapes using a fixed viewpoint, hinting at the 360-degree camera system that is now ubiquitous in 3D games.
Taking the Leap into 3D: Early Experimentations
After Donkey Kong, there were additional attempts to develop 3D graphics and gameplay by various studios, such as Wipeout: 3D from 1991, albeit with mixed success. With the release of Panzer Dragoon from 1995, game developers, TeamAndromeda, pushed this concept even further, Panzer Dragoon I & II, a Rail Shooter and its sequel would later pave the way with its impressive use of rotating 3D environments [1]. Other notable developers, such as Yoot Saito, creator of Seifuku Densetsu Pretty Ace (released in 1995); and Rare, Studio behind the highly acclaimed Battletoads, experimented during this time [2-3]. The groundwork created by these pioneering developers fostered the rise of other innovative projects and eventually defined the first 3D platformer.
What Was the True First 3D Platformer?
In recognition of its revolutionary impact in the video game industry at the time of its 1995 release (Jumping Flash! Is the true first-ever 3D platform game[4]. According to multiple reviews and studies, Jumping Flash developed by Prodigy Acquisitions and Sony 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, became a groundbreaking contribution to the development of today’s modern gaming landscape. This unique experience allowed people to jump through levels similar to what Mario 3D had become by Super Mario 64 two years later.
Chronology of Events
With the development of Jumper! 3: Doraemons’ World from 1990, game creators from the Japan Powersoft Software. These early years saw more efforts to test the 3D scene, from simple 1st person 3DS-based games; to later innovative titles within the series (Figure [2]), these early experimental games showcased progressive work [4]. On the flip side, various developers had begun their own quest for novel video game design concepts , further fostering the next generation of innovations
Key Innovations in 3D Platforming
A few additional points from various sources indicate that developers started to play around with camera angles on 2D games long before Mario 64 did. Mario 64 (1995) by Nintendo, took the game a step deeper by giving users the perspective of an 8 years old who finds himself able to manipulate and control every aspect of this world
A Few More Classic 3D Platforming Games
Another iconic game introduced in the 1992 (Golden Axe of the time was Zaxxon 3DO released from the Graffiti Intelligence as well). Another notable feature of 3D development is its introduction of depth and vertical movement, even if we could not know it back then. Now, if you want help with some games, use the information to help get started [2].
I hope that these details should be clear as to that.