This is a thread to discuss the state of 3D platforming in the third dimension. What are some good 3D platformers you've enjoyed? Please post levels that have great design for character maneuverability from those games. Analysis of that level design is a must. Also, do you have any good ideas on structures / devices to add to 3D platforming?

As I consider Super Mario Sunshine to be the greatest 3D platformer I am going to spend most of main post's analysis on the structures that make up its levels.



Super Mario Sunshine - Level Structure Parts

1. Rectangular Block
-Variation by size, indentations, extremities, rotation speed or direction.
2. Flipping Tiles
-Variation by direction flip
3. Block
-Variation by size, path (up & down, box pattern, etc.), rotation (multi-directional, non-rotation, etc.), structure (breakable, dissolve, permanent).
4. Walls
5. Wall Protruding Rectangular Blocks
-Variation by movement direction out of wall (left or right)
6. Elastic Bouncy Rope
7. Cloud
8. Star Spinner
9. Big Bolt
10. Flat Rotating Rectangular
11. Arrow Sweepers

- - - -


1. Glue Globe
2. Block
-Variations by size, property (ice or regular), and rotation speed (timed or none)
3. Circle Cutout Fixture
-Variation by gad placement and spike placement.
4. Disappearing Platform
5. Launcher (Glue Globes attached at tip)
6. Directional Block
7. Falling Platform
8. Spike
-Variations by direction (stationary, circular, up to down or left to right), speed (slow or fast)
9. Electric Gate
10. Switch
11. Spring Device
12. Spinner belt
13. Spinner platform

There is a great level in Wario World if you managed to play through 90% of the game.


Wario World - Best Level

If you look at that Wario World level you can see the large rectangular blocks have been flattened and hollowed out to place a small rectangular block in the middle. The former leads to greater difficulty staying on as the sides' width are a small space (one cube unit) to giving Wario little moving room. The latter is interesting as it lets you hop back onto the main structure. It's a fantastic level to try and quickly dash through as the formations turn more and more as you risk sliding off.

- - - -

Will add later:
(1) Enemies and obstacles in SMS and WW in the levels. (2) Similarities between different game levels (3) Commentary on SMS structures

Seems people here don't have any recollection of well-designed levels I may have to change the thread title to '3d Platformers'. I don't want to do that though because I will be posting a 'Versus: Sunshine & Galaxy'or'Versus: 64, Sunshine & Galaxy' thread soon enough.

I was not impressed with any particular level in Galaxy 70 stars in. I actually busted out and started playing Pac-Man World 2 today (only have this because it came with Pac-Man VS) to look for some inspiration. It's not really bad level design as it is bad aesthetic taste of cluttering levels with stuff (collect-a-thons). It's pretty simple gap clearing layout and it doesn't feel very 3D-like because the camera rotation is slow that to use it would be a burden. So I haven't found any particular impressive level. That doesn't mean I can't post about interesting pubes / structures / devices / elements: (1) Bounce pad (think Super Mario Sunshine water spider bounce altitude), (2) Ramps, and (3) Falling Icicles (appear in Crash Bandicoot style levels).

The icicles just fall and disappear. What was completely under utilized in Wario World was icicle enemies which you could stuff into the ground to create a platform. I actually threw the enemy (icicle point forward) hoping it would go into the wall and create a wall platform but that doesn't work (that mechanic works on magnet enemies). It would be cool to make a level out of a giant snowman and climb him by nailing icicles into his body. I definitely think icicles have potential.



The first example is crossing two icicles. This could be done to cross over to a destination at a horizontal distance. It could also be used as an incline to get to a high rise platform destination (icicles at different vertical heights). The second example is using icicles to throw into walls to cross gaps.

The new move (up throw) to add to the series would be used to bring down aerial enemies and objects. Objects brought down would be used for platforming. It would work like the up kick of items in Super Mario World.

Yoshi was very underutilized in Sunshine. I wouldn't mind him returning in a sequel using him in a secret level stage. His spray effect on enemies (when as a pink Yoshi) is a throwback to the Super Mario Land lift block.



Maybe it could also serve a use to stop falling objects from crushing / hitting Mario (barrier).

So here is the question: Do you all want to see the future 3D Mario games packed with enormous levels (i.e. GTA scope) or pint-sized Super Monkey Ball courses?