3D platformer

3D platformers are games that, as the name suggests, take the general idea of "platforming" in video games and puts them in a 3D environment. Unlike the generally linear play of 2D platformer, 3D platformers tend to offer more freedom in exploration, with objectives often being based around collecting certain items or completing specific tasks rather than just reaching a simple end goal (although some games, such as many of the 3D Sonic the Hedgehog games, retain these more base goals). 3D platformer was one of the most popular genres of video games in the late 90s to early/mid 00s, with games such as Super Mario 64, Spyro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot and Ratchet and Clank being some of the most prominent games of the time period.

NOTE: Just because a game is rendered with three-dimensional graphics that does not make it a 3D platformer. Examples of three-dimensional 2D platformers include Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, New Super Mario Bros., and Yoshi's Story.