While I can imagine a universe in which I’m happy enough on my island with my small, “forever” collection of 2D platformers, I’m sure a moment would occur in which I wanted just a little…more. Something a little more immersive, open, and visually impressive. Enter in the 3D platformers! Call them transversal games, call them collect-a-thons, call them free-roaming adventure games. Call them whatever you like, but don’t call them boring! When the endless hours upon my island set in, these are the top 3D platformers that I know will keep me endlessly engaged.

---

Super Mario 64

There was no way this list was going to be without a 3D Mario title; the big question, of course, was which one? I ultimately went with the granddaddy of 3D platfomers – Super Mario 64. I played the original one countless times, and I further engaged with the version that made its way to the Nintendo DS. This is a game I can hear just thinking about it. (And I know you can, too…especially if I say, ahem…baby penguin!) From its levels to its sound effects to its music, few games are as memorable as Super Mario 64. It’s still as good as it ever was, even with, speaking of penguins, the ever-unpleasant Big Penguin race!

---

Banjo-Kazooie

Like with the Mario series, I also knew that I simply had to include either Banjo-Kazooie or Banjo-Tooie, both excellent games and perennial favorites, besides. I chose the original, Banjo-Kazooie, primarily for sentimental reasons. It’s a game that helped me through hard times, and for that reason along, it’ll always be close to my heart. Now if, by some chance, a copy of Banjo-Tooie were to wash up on my deserted island, I’d welcome it with open arms. But…not if I had to make a terrible choice between one or the other.

---

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

I love the LittleBigPlanet universe with all its tactile joy and handmade appeal. Despite that when the series dove into the realm of 3D platformers with Sackboy: A Big Adventure, the game flew right under my radar. Upon finally playing the game in the not-too-distant past, I should have kicked myself for not playing it sooner. At that point, it had been a while since I played a newer 3D platformer, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure did not disappoint. Its great levels combined with a good story and an even better soundtrack made for a superb experience.

---

Conker’s Bad Fur Day

While I don’t know that I’d call Conker’s Bad Fur Day the most “fun” 3D platformer around – its mechanics leave a bit to be desired – it is absolutely one of the most entertaining games ever produced. And I mean that; it’s honestly, still to this day, a laugh-out-loud game. There’s nothing wring in basking in some glorious stupidity from time to time, and that’s not to say Conker’s Bad Fur Day is stupid. In fact, it’s a darn smart game…at times. It’s not going to write an economic treatise or anything, but it will surely divert from the humdrum of staring at my island’s palm trees and sandy shores ad infinitum.

---

Earthworm Jim 3D

It should be plain by now that I have a strong affection for games, let alone platformers for the Nintendo 64. It was just such a good console with great games! Even today it feels like companies have tried to replicate its output (Nintendo themselves included!) but have not quite succeeded. That said…I’m sure Earthworm Jim 3D didn’t set any records and won’t go down in history alongside the greats like Super Mario 64, but I enjoyed it immensely. Like with Conker’s Bad Fur Day, the entertainment factor here is key. Earthworm Jim 3D may not have been a groundbreaking game, but it was a highly enjoyable one with one of my all-time favorite cast of characters. The series may have hit its peak is the challenging 2D platformers that it was, but Earthworm Jim in 3D is the one for me!

---

Lede image: Banjo-Kazooie box art (©Nintendo, Rare.)