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When I was little I played a lot of 3D platformers and action-adventure games. However, there was a few unique things that caught my eye around this time. A really fun PS2 game called Klonoa 2, and the occasional appearance of 2D drawings in 3D environments (think Space Jam).
Klonoa 2 was a 3D platformer, but worked on a 2D axis. Unlike a lot of games that do this for the sake of cutting corners, Klonoa 2 played so well you wouldn't even notice you were playing a side-scroller. This is because Klonoa was originally designed to be a hybrid 2D/3D game. The original game, Klonoa: Door to Phantomile, featured every character as a 2D sprite, placed in 3D environments. This aesthetic was something I fell in love with.
Later I learned there is a term for games like this, 2.5D. Typically 2.5D games are 3D games that play like 2D games, but in this list I'm specifically talking about 3D games that incorporate 2D characters. Let me know if you know of any more, as I love these kind of games!
1. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (PlayStation)
Obviously
2. Time and Eternity (PS3)
I have to admit I haven't played this one because of poor reviews regarding gameplay and fan-service. However, the appearance is something I wish somebody would try to replicate someday. Hand-drawn anime sprites in 3D environments, turning an otherwise basic RPG into something that looks like you're playing an anime. I might get it next time I have 50$ to waste, but only time will tell.
3. ANNO: Mutationem (PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One)
A side scrolling beat-em-up with possibly the coolest 3D overworld out there. Mixing cyberpunk, pixelart, and 3D models to create a game that nails the 2.5D art-style.
4. Chantelise: A Tale of Two Sisters (PC)
Cute little action RPG that in my opinion nails the pixelart-to-3D ratio. However the combat can be a bit clunky, especially if you decide to play with keyboard over controller. It's only available on PC, but can be purchased DRM-Free on GamersGate.com
5. "HD 2D" Games (Star Ocean: The Second Story R)
Recently a ton of old games have been getting remakes, and these remakes typically offer beautiful sprites on-top of modern 3D graphics. My favorite being Star Ocean: The Second Story R.
Honorable Mention: Doom-like Games
I consider the original Doom as part of this category as well, which means so does many of the games it inspired. Duke Nukem 3D, Wolfenstein 3D, Ion Fury, Blades of Agony, ect.
Thanks for reading and I hope I helped you discover a few interesting games :)
Comments
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scarfy
klonoa mention !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I must continue to spread the good news of Klonoa to all the people (ง*˙꒳˙)ง
by Apav; ; Report
s0nd3r
based on the games you play i dont know if you'll like these two based on the lore/gameplay, but they are kinda 2.5d/3d-ish
buddy simulator 1984: it starts off like 2d at first but as you progress into the game, it starts to develop into 2.5d and 3d at the end. it's a game about an AI that tries to gain your trust and friendship a little too desperately
ultrakill: 3d? but you have a choice to make the gameplay looked pixelized. it's similar to doom! it's a game about a robot needing blood for fuel, but since humanity is dead, it goes to hell to kill all monsters. and angels.. and lore
yeah those aren't really my kind of games, but thanks for sharing! It's not exactly the same genre, but if you like the idea of progressing from 2D to 3D, there's also a game called Evoland that's been out for awhile :)
by Apav; ; Report
RunningWithAnAfro
I'm surprised someone actually remembered Time & eternity
. You're one of the 20 people who actually know of that game. I'm currently playing through it right now and I'm regretting every minute of it. >.< good thing Is I didn't spend $50 on it.
I'm still tempted to get it since nobody else has made a game like it, but everyone seems to say the same thing about it lol What exactly makes the gameplay so bad?
by Apav; ; Report
Not enough substance in the gameplay. Gets tiring after the 1st chapter. Gameplay just mind numbing easy. Same enemies with different color attach to them. Enemies & bosses attack with the same pattern over & over again. So once you see it the 1st time you can just dodge all the attacks with a non issue. It's impossible to die since the dragon companion heal you everytime you hit red health. I bought the game out of curiosity because of the gameplay and it was fun for the first 3 hrs now I'm just bored of the game
by RunningWithAnAfro; ; Report
ah, that makes sense. Every time I look at it I think "it can't be THAT bad" but I would have never been able to see how repetitious it could be. Thanks for the info!
by Apav; ; Report