Help me catch up on 3D action games.

[SamIAm]

I was going to post in that "Why I'm a retro gamer" thread that I basically never cared for 3D action games. Whether in terms of the visual aesthetics of the games in motion or just the controls in general, I've always been drawn toward old 2D stuff, and I've stuck to it almost exclusively. Truth be told, I can count the number of fully 3D action games I've put proper effort into playing on one hand.

As I get older, though, I really don't want to succumb to being another one of history's countless "kids these days don't know shit, everything was better back in the day" people. I'm 28, and I can already feel it happening. Thus, in an effort to not be left in the dust, I'm trying to enjoy games (and other things) which are a little outside of my old-school comfort zone.

Someone gave me Mario 64 (and an N64), and that seems like a good launchpad for playing more 3D stuff. I've tried it before, but only long enough to get a first impression about it. Now, I've resolved to beat it and form a more complete judgment. It's going well so far. After I finish that game, I'd like to keep going, but I'm not sure what to play next. I'd like an action game that's not an FPS but still has a relatively modern approach to gameplay design. I've got a fully backwards-compatible PS3 (yes, practically unused), a Dreamcast, a Saturn, and this N64. I live in Japan, though, so availability is a bit of a factor.

Any suggestions for someone in my particular situation?

[sunteam_paul]

Batman Arkham Asylum / City - both awesome games.
Bayonetta - Best action game in years.

[SamIAm]

How are those in terms of accessibility to someone who's avoided 3D like the plague?

[SignOfZeta]

You're going to hate Batman unless you've played a lot of stuff like it. You'll be lost and constantly facing walls.

I haven't avoided EVERYTHING 3D, but I hate almost all of it. I would say Mario 64 was pretty good since it was the first 3D platformer that was actually fun and playable, but it's also really f*cking old now and nothing 3D ages like 2D. Mario Galaxy 1 might be a better choice.

I recommend anything in the Dynasty Warriors series. There are a million of them. The goal is usually just to kill everyone or protect someone so it's easy to not get disorientated. If you don't like samurai get one of the Gundam or Hokutonoken ones.

[Arkhan]

Get a Wii, and get Lost in Shadow.

Or, explore the Playstation 1 and 2 library of Spyro style games.

Do you want just platformers?

Jumping Flash 2 is another one you need to play on PS1.

For some more modern crap, there's Panzer Dragoon Orta for Xbox!

[sunteam_paul]

How are those in terms of accessibility to someone who's avoided 3D like the plague?

It's hard to say, not having avoided 3D myself. You may feel moments of panic while first playing Bayonetta, but that's just how Bayonetta is and you get used to it. The Batman games are less action oriented than Bayonetta - more like arcade adventures with combat. Neither is that hard to complete.

[Nando]

Asura's wrath for the PS3 - what the PCFX wished it did.

[SamIAm]

It doesn't have to be just platformers or hack 'n slash. One of the few 3D games I've played a lot was Panzer Dragoon Zwei on the Saturn.

Interesting suggestions so far. Keep them coming.

[Arkhan]

You should also just play most of the Dreamcast library, as it is full of great games like Jet Grind Radio, Blue Stinger, Slave Zero, Illbleed, Outtrigger, Phantasy Star Online, and Resident Evil Code Veronica.


You also can't go wrong with Sonic Adventure, Fur Fighters, Ecco, Power Stone, or well, most of the DC library


Get Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver!

and MDK2 was cool also.

Tomb Raider on DC was nice too.

DREAMCAST YEAHAAAAAAA

[sunteam_paul]

Sonic Generations is really good. It mixes 2D with 3D gameplay so that's a nice way to ease yourself in.

[SignOfZeta]

You also can't go wrong with Sonic Adventure,

Unless I'm completely misunderstanding where this guy is coming from, Sonic Adventure (and ESPECIALLY Sonic Adventure 2) is the exact opposite of what he needs. Those games drove me temporarily insane with rage and frustration. The second one is far worse, but the first one is pretty awful too when it comes to disorienting 2D-minded people. After that first level with the killer whale its all way WAY downhill.

Power Stone

Oh yeah, Power Stone for sure.

Also on DC, Rez, Shenmue 1 and 2, Sakura Wars 3. The DC was the first 3D system with 3D graphics that were actually decent, IMHO.

The one genre of gaming that 3D unquestionably benefited with almost none of the insufferable learning curve associated with the 3DO to N64 era is sports including driving. Games like Motor Toon Grand Prix 2, Touge Max G, and even stuff like FIFA on 3DO are actually still pretty fun even today. Stuff like Syphon Filter and Tenchu 1 however...best left in the past.

[Arkhan]

I didn't think Sonic was disorienting, lol.

All of the wacked out stuff is automated for you.   When you're going all warp speed through shit, it kinda moves the screen and keeps you going along without having to worry.   

[geise]

Lolipop Chainsaw!  Just great over the top fun.  for 360/ps3

[SNKNostalgia]

Since you are going for "action" and only played a few... you might as well go for some PS1/Saturn/N64 games to start with. Then work your way up to Dreamcast, Gamecube, Xbox and especially the PS2 (seriously, it has soooo many good games due to its preferred game developer use and long life).

I would start with some earlier games like Starfox 64, Pilotwings 64, Zelda: Ocarina of Time (if you don't mind longer adventure gameplay), Sin and Punishment, Megaman Legends (also on N64 as Megaman 64), Metal Gear Solid, Tenchu 1 and 2, Dino Crisis 2, Resident Evil 2, Tomb Raider 2, Ace Combat 2 and 3, Twisted Metal series, Syphon Filter series, Einhander, Ghost in The Shell, Dynamite Deka, Burning Rangers, Nights, Virtual-On, and Thunder Force 5. Wow, it is hard to think of 3D titles for the Saturn compared to so many good 2D titles it has.

[ParanoiaDragon]

You should also just play most of the Dreamcast library, as it is full of great games like Jet Grind Radio, Blue Stinger, Slave Zero, Illbleed, Outtrigger, Phantasy Star Online, and Resident Evil Code Veronica.


You also can't go wrong with Sonic Adventure, Fur Fighters, Ecco, Power Stone, or well, most of the DC library


Get Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver!

and MDK2 was cool also.

Tomb Raider on DC was nice too.

DREAMCAST YEAHAAAAAAA

Fur Fighters!  Loved that game, though, I never did beat the final boss, I gotta go back & see if I still have my old save file somewhere.  I also have the PS2 version, but, for some reason, I kinda prefer the DC version.  I think it's the voice acting.  I prefered the non-sensical voices from the DC version over the proper acting in the PS2 version.


I saw the first 3 Crach Bandicoots are where it's at.  They are basically 2D games in 3D.  They're more straightforward(though there are hidden paths, etc.) compared to Mario 64.