2.5D platformers offer a unique combination of 2D gameplay, but in a 3D space. The genre is underrated and underused, and the many titles spare no expense when it comes to gorgeous landscapes and backdrops.
The best titles take things a step further and incorporate the unique 2.5D perspective into gameplay. If you’re just dipping your toes into 2.5D platformers, here are some of the best games to do it with.
2.5D platformers are a rarity and have always been a niche. With this in mind, I am recommending multiple classics from older consoles. They may be less readily available nowadays, but they are worth your time if you get the opportunity.
10Spider: The Video Game
Conquer Your Fears
Key Information
PlayStation
Release Date
February 1997
Spiders aren’t the most popular bugs on the planet, so it may shock you to learn there’s a superb 2.5D platformer where you play as one.
InSpider: The Video Game, you’re a genetically modified arachnid who must defeat enemies like wasps and other spiders to ultimatelyrestore your body to its original human form.
The funny thing about those genetic modifications is that you can wield weapons, like flamethrowers, to level the playing field.It’s as bizarre as it sounds, but the spider’s abilities make the title stand out among its contemporaries.
As you’d expect from a web-dweller, you can effortlessly scale walls andeven crawl upside down. You can even use your web to descend and swing across chasms. As Spider is a PS1 game, the controls are a little janky sometimes, but it’s not a bad game and offers a satisfying and imaginative take on the genre.
9Trials Fusion
You’ll Need More Than Horsepower
Trials Fusion
Trials Fusionmay seem like an odd pick, but it’s definitely a 2.5D Platformer, just ontwo wheels instead of legs!
If you’ve never played, you’d be forgiven for believingTrials Fusionwas a racing game, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There is a timer, but stages are littered with technical obstacles that require micro-adjustments and physics to solve.
The skill ceiling is ludicrous, and mastering bunny hops and bouncing on the rear axle will take many hours to master. Expert stages take discipline and patience to conquer, and if you manage to beat them all, you can take on ‘Ninja’ courses to put your skills to the ultimate test.
I’ve chosenTrials Fusionspecifically becauseit far surpasses the sequel,Trials Rising, in my opinion. The latter has a lot of unnecessary ‘modern’ additions, including a messy menu, bloated unlock system, and cringe-worthy podium screens.
8Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Disney’s Take on 2.5D
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse has many decent platformers, and his 2.5D outing,Castle of Illusion, is one of the best.
Retro gamers will already know thatCastle of Illusionoriginally came out on the Sega Genesis/Megadrive. The 2013 version is a faithful remaster that stays true to the vision but with modern trimmings.
The graphics are gorgeous, andthe 2.5D perspective brings the world to lifeas you snake in and out of the colorful backgrounds. You can feel the old-school roots ofCastle of Illusionin Mickey’s movements and abilities, which are notably pretty basic.
That said, you don’t need a million different commands to make a decent platformer, and there are just enoughpuzzles and boss battlesto keep gameplay interesting. Disney isno stranger to the gaming space, and Mickey’s outing is undoubtedly top-tier.
7Pandemonium 2
An Unlikely Duo
Pandemonium 2
Pandemonium 2is a brilliant 2.5D platformer with high-fantasy backdrops and anunusual pair of protagonists. You play as either Fargus or Nikki, who look like they just fell out of a carnival.
Each character has a unique kit, but they certainly don’t exude the same star power as someone like Croc or Crash Bandicoot.
Looks aside, this dynamic duo finds themselves in an impressive platformer full of tricky jump puzzles and snappy combat.
Each character must approach situations differently, and their skills add a dynamic you can’t find elsewhere in the genre. The music slaps, and the psychedelic theming often feels like abizarre fever dream, particularly in the later stages.
I recommend the sequel as it’s the more accomplished game, in my opinion. That said, if you enjoy the plight of Fargus and Nikki, the original is still superb, just rougher around the edges.
6Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy
Better With Friends
Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy
TheTrinegames providea welcome co-op elementyou rarely find in the genre, proving platformers are even more fun with friends.
Like the otherTrinegames, you’re able to pick from three classes inA Clockwork Conspiracy. You can be aWizard, Knight, or Thief, each with a skill set that completely sets them apart.
Every class must participate, as puzzles often require unique abilities from the entire cast. While it’s evident thatco-op is a focus, you can swap between the team as a solo player, so you can still enjoy the games if you play alone.
Naturally, the 2.5D perspective is used to great effect, showing off the gorgeous graphics and adding depth to the world.
Puzzles are imaginative, and there arelight RPG elementsto keep things interesting.
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From The Creators Of Earthworm Jim
Shiny Entertainment
September 1998
Wild 9is a stylish 2.5D platformer starring Wex,part of the Wild 9 squad. You’re on a quest to save your buddies and defeat anything standing in your way in the most grizzly ways possible. You see, Wex has the ‘Rig,’ a weapon that fires a beam that cangrab and manipulate anythingthat’s not nailed to the ground.
I meant it when I said grizzly. Many obstacles require you to set off deadly traps by throwing helpless enemies into them. It’s pretty funny, but you mustspare a thought for your enemieswhen they scream while you hold them over a meat grinder!
Wild 9has aunique style of puzzle solving, but it makes much more sense when you consider who made the game. Shiny Entertainment, the geniuses behindEarthworm Jim, are responsible for this ‘wild’ take on the genre.
WhileWild 9didn’t gain the same notoriety, it’s a fantastic game from start to finish and becomes exceptionally difficult by the end.
4Little Nightmares
Creepy Vibes
Little Nightmares
Plenty of themes exist in the 2.5D platformer space, andLittle Nightmareshas you covered if you want horror.
Little Nightmaresis a charming 2.5D puzzle platformer with agenerous serving of supernatural horror. The 2.5D perspective is used effectively, with enemies frequently attacking from the dark, unnerving backgrounds. There are creative puzzles to solve, and you never know what will be thrown at you next.
I must mention thevisuals and sound design, as they are fantastic. Noises are crystal clear, from objects hitting the ground to rain hitting the hood of your coat. It adds to the immersion in a big way and is so good thatI highly recommend playing with headphonesif you may.
I’ve suggested the original, butboth titles are superb, so if you like one, you’ll enjoy the other. WithLittle Nightmares 3 due in 2025, there’s never been a better time to try this spooky series.
3Metroid Dread
Samus’s Latest Adventure
Metroid Dread
Few franchises have explored the puzzle platforming genre quite like theMetroidseries. The older titles were 2D, the Prime games were 3D, and finally, we have a 2.5D entry withMetroid Dread.
Dreadcontains everything you’d expect from amaster-crafted Metroid title. The environments are immersive and rich for exploring, and you’re alwaysrewarded for heading off the beaten path. As its namesake suggests, Dread is aMetroidvania, and the genre feels oddly well-suited to the 2.5D perspective.
Samus’s iconic abilities look better than ever on the Nintendo Switch, and while the game is still challenging,the series has never been more accessibleto newcomers.
I’ll always havea soft spot for Fusion, as it’s the firstMetroidgame I ever beat, but Dread is an impressive new franchise entry and a must-play if you’re after a new 2.5D title on the Switch.
2Shadow Complex
When Cave Diving Goes Wrong
Shadow Complex
Shadow Complexis an excellent platformer and notablymore grounded in realitythan other games on the list.
You play as Jason, who’s enjoying a cave diving trip with his girlfriend. You stumble across a subterranean military base, soldiers kidnap your girlfriend, andit’s up to you to rescue her. The facility inShadow Complexis home to some spicy futuristic kit, and you get to play with all the fancy toys.
I love the gel gun, which can freeze enemies but can also be used tocreate platforms and traverse chasms. There are heavy metroidvania elements that encourage exploring, and you feel so much more powerful with every upgrade you find.
There’s a decent assortment of puzzles woven into intense battles, and I’m honestlysurprised we never got a Shadow Complex 2. Still, the original is fantastic, and even a remastered version is available.
1Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
A Perfect 2.5D Remaster
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
Klonoais a bizarre cat-like creature from Namco, complete with asnapback with Pac-Man emblazoned on it. Sadly, the character never caught on, but he has a pair of fantastic 2.5D Platformers to his name. The original, Door to Phantomile, came out on the PS1, while the sequel, Lunatea’s Veil, was on the PS2.
These phenomenal titles can be enjoyed as part of theKlonoa Phantasy Reverie Series, which offersfaithful remasters of each title. TheKlonoagames are solid platformers with an expertly crafted difficulty curve. There’s a sprinkling of puzzles and a collectathon that unlocks a bonus stage for each game.
Klonoahas aunique skill set. He can capture enemies and use them as projectiles or platforms for double jumping. There’s amotley assortment of creative bossesand a top-notch soundtrack binding everything together.
If you’ve never played a 2.5D platformer before, this is easilyone of the best ways to showcase the genre. And, once you’re done, you can join all of us Klonoa fans in mourning that we never got a third mainline game outside a weird volleyball spinoff…
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