The Evolution of 3D Platformers: A Look at the Genre's History and Future

As a fan of the 3D platformer genre, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia when discussing classic titles like Super Mario 64 or Banjo-Kazooie. However, with Nintendo no longer owning the rights to Banjo-Kazooie, fans were left wondering if they would see another iconic Nintendo-published game in this beloved genre.

A Brief History of 3D Platformers

The 3D platformer genre has a rich history that dates back to the early days of 3D gaming. One of the first notable titles in the genre was Super Mario 64, released for the Nintendo 64 in 1996. This game revolutionized the platforming genre with its innovative camera system and precise control.

Super Mario 64's success paved the way for other influential titles like Banjo-Kazooie (1998) and Donkey Kong 64 (1999). These games built upon the foundation established by Super Mario 64, introducing new characters, gameplay mechanics, and levels that further expanded the possibilities of the genre.

The Decline of Nintendo-Published 3D Platformers

As time went on, Nintendo's focus shifted towards other genres like action-adventure and role-playing games. Banjo-Kazooie, once a flagship title for Rare (a subsidiary of Microsoft), became a victim of this shift in focus.

In 2002, Rare was acquired by Microsoft, which led to the cancellation of new Banjo-Kazooie games. This marked the end of an era for the 3D platformer genre at Nintendo and the end of an iconic partnership between Nintendo and Rare.

The Current State of 3D Platformers

Fast forward to the present day, and the 3D platformer genre is still alive and thriving. While we may not see another classic Nintendo-published title like Banjo-Kazooie anytime soon, there are still plenty of excellent games to explore.

Some notable titles in the genre include:

• Super Mario Sunshine (2002) for the Nintendo GameCube
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2019) for the Nintendo Switch
• Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (2019) for various platforms
• Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (2014) for various platforms

The Future of 3D Platformers

While we may not see another classic Nintendo-published title, there are still plenty of exciting developments on the horizon. With the rise of independent game developers and the growth of the gaming industry as a whole, it's likely that we'll see more innovative titles in the 3D platformer genre.

One notable example is Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, a spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie developed by Playtonic Games. This game pays homage to the classic Rare titles while introducing new gameplay mechanics and levels.

Another exciting development is the growth of indie developers in the 3D platformer genre. Titles like A Hat in Time (2017) and Celeste (2018) have shown that with passion, creativity, and dedication, it's possible to create amazing games that rival those from larger studios.

Conclusion

The 3D platformer genre has a rich history that spans multiple decades. From Super Mario 64 to Banjo-Kazooie, this genre has given us some of the most iconic characters and gameplay mechanics in gaming.

While we may not see another classic Nintendo-published title, there are still plenty of excellent games to explore. With the rise of independent game developers and the growth of the gaming industry as a whole, it's likely that we'll see more innovative titles in the 3D platformer genre.