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.
Demon Turf: Neon Splash (Switch eShop)
Demon Turf: Neon Splash is a much better game than its predecessor thanks to the complete removal of the underwhelming combat. Not only that, but the experience feels more focused and streamlined without the requirement of a hub world or mandatory collectibles. This is Demon Turf at its best, and we sincerely hope to see more of the same in a true sequel later down the line.
And if you like this, you may want to check out the first Demon Turf — it's a fantastic platformer that’s held back from true greatness by sections of dull and repetitive combat.
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.
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.
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Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara (Switch eShop)
Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara isn’t a bold reinvention of the genre, but it repeatedly proves that it’s got it where it counts. Smooth controls, decent level variety, and lots of collectibles all make this one a fairly easy recommendation, even if it is a little simplistic looking. If you're after 7-10 hours of solid, colourful 3D platforming, Koa's got you covered.
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.
Cavern of Dreams (Switch eShop)
We can't say that players raised on the likes of Super Mario Odyssey and other modern platformers will respond the same way, but if you dream in 64-bit and your formative 3D games featured visible polygons, you won't regret exploring Cavern of Dreams. Bynine Studios gets in, delivers its payload of fairytale platforming feels with a hint of darkness, and gets out smartish. If you're a Banjo fan looking to recapture that sense of wonder you first experienced exploring Grunty's Lair, this is probably the closest you'll get without time travel or memory wipes.
If you like this sort of thing, Corn Kidz 64 is another throwback platformer worth checking out.
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. No, this list isn't ranked, but let's not kid ourselves, hmm?
Super Mario Odyssey represents 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 Mario Odyssey [Download Code - UK/EU]](https://images.nintendolife.com/products/25514/100x100.png)
More 3D platformers than you were expecting, no? Have we missed anything that you've really enjoyed? Let us know in the comments.