8 Best 2D Games That Flopped In 3D

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Over the past few decades, gaming has truly evolved, and although there are parts of it I’m not fond of as a critic, I must admit that the format has significantly advanced.

In the ’90s, particularly, the influx of new technology sparked high hopes, compelling traditional franchises to evolve in ways that weren’t always well-received. One such transformation was moving from 2D to 3D, a change that proved successful for certain games but failed miserably for others.

In certain situations, the decision was so flawed that it became a significant topic in gaming news. In other instances, it led some intellectual properties to remain dormant for long periods or revert back to their 2D roots. This collection showcases games that suffered significantly from this transition.

8.
Bubsy 3D

Famous For The Wrong Reasons

Despite not being the most adored video game character, Bubsy’s escapades on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in the 2D world were genuinely entertaining and charming.

Back in the day, as a gamer myself, I was unfortunate to give Bubsy the bobcat a spin with his 3D adventure on the PS1. It’s become notorious that this game, Bubsy 3D, is considered the bottom-of-the-barrel title across the entire console. The controls were a mess, the color palette made me feel queasy, and every joke fell flat like a pancake.

I own PlayStation 1 games and I can share with you that there are certainly less appealing games on this console, like X-Bladez Infinite Skater for instance. But, I must say it’s a very poor game, and its negative image tarnished the series until an unexpected PS4 title emerged in 2017.

If you’re eager to give it a go, they’re planning to release it as part of a Bubsy compilation towards the end of this year.

7.
Contra: Rogue Corps

Butchering A Classic

In a more casual and conversational manner: The Contra series is famous for its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay that values player skill. If I were to harm the brand, I’d introduce mechanics that slow down the game and force it into a dull 3D environment.

Sadly, just as described, Konami took that route in 2019, making it one of the more recent additions to the list. Contra: Rogue Corps is a confusing concoction with clumsy controls, abandoning what the originals were famous for. Among the puzzling features, none are as problematic as the weapon overheating system.

Over time, Contra has experimented with 3D gaming several instances. Some of its attempts on the PlayStation 1 were less than successful when it came to navigating three dimensions. To enjoy Contra on more modern platforms, the Anniversary Collection offers the most suitable option.

6.
Prince of Persia 3D

A History Lesson

Initially, Prince of Persia debuted as a 2D game, but later had numerous triumphant transitions into 3D formats. Interestingly, it also made a comeback in 2D with The Lost Crown. Given this versatile history, one might wonder why it’s included on the list.

The Sands of Time,” which is a well-known 3D Prince of Persia game on the PS2, there was a less popular title known as “Prince of Persia 3D.

1999 saw the launch of the chaotic 3D journey known as Prince of Persia 3D on both PC and Dreamcast. This game was a stark contrast to its predecessors and successors, often criticized for its tank-style controls. The reception from critics was overwhelmingly negative, and the project’s outcome was so disastrous that Mattel is believed to have sold off the development studio.

It wasn’t until Ubisoft obtained the IP that it finally got the treatment it deserved.

5.
Worms 3D

An Unwanted Twist On The Formula

The Worms series continues to maintain a loyal following in the present day, as many enthusiasts tend to favor the 1999 release, Worms Armageddon.

It’s worth mentioning that the transition of the series into the three-dimensional world wasn’t effortless. Worms 3D retains the same engaging gameplay dynamics found in its two-dimensional versions, but now it takes place on three-dimensional maps and landscapes.

The concept wasn’t inherently flawed, and Hogs of War on the PS1 made a valiant attempt at it. The game boasted Rik Mayall as its voice actor! However, the camera in Worms 3D was problematic at times, frequently getting stuck behind obstacles.

Team 17, it seems, has learned from past experiences. In Worms: WMD, they reverted to the classic 2D style, which was a deliberate choice to recapture the original gameplay experience where one could swiftly interpret the battlefield layout.

4.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

How The Mighty Have Fallen

Pokémon stands out as a truly groundbreaking Intellectual Property, seamlessly adapting across various formats and technologies. Regrettably, achieving that same success in three dimensions has proven elusive.

The Pokémon games have essentially retained their core elements since their debut on the Game Boy, although they’ve grown in scope with an enlarged Pokédex and adjustments to the battle system. In essence, despite these advancements, you can still anticipate a familiar experience.

The franchise has been added to the list due to Scarlet and Violet on Nintendo Switch, and unfortunately, these games are a disorganized, underoptimized disaster. In 2022, they received criticism for their lack of polish, and it’s well-deserved. As a renowned intellectual property, Pokémon continues to rake in profits; however, Scarlet and Violet have left even the most passionate fans disgruntled.

3D open-world creature-catching games, such as Palworld, have demonstrated they can be successful. If the next Pokémon game resembles Switch releases, I’d rather continue with ROM modifications.

3.
Earthworm Jim 3D

Groovy!

The 90s were the era of gross-out humor, and Earthworm Jim was a perfect fit.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say Earthworm Jim is all about me, a space-suited worm, blasting through levels with my suit doubling as a whip when needed. The journey is nothing short of extraordinary – it’s like a rollercoaster ride from start to finish on the Sega Genesis/Megadrive. In the original version, you can even compete in a bungee contest against a snotty blob! It’s an unpredictable 2D platformer that keeps you guessing at every turn.

I must confess, my excitement for Jim’s leap into 3D on the N64 was dampened significantly. To me, the game seemed rather dull in its presentation, and many critics at the time echoed my sentiments about the shoddy 3D camera. The real kicker? Earthworm Jim found itself pitted against gaming giants like Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64. Quite a tough act to follow, indeed!

Back then, N64 games weren’t affordable. Spending a hefty sum on Earthworm Jim seemed questionable when you could grab one of the greatest 3D platformers ever made instead.

2.
Mega Man X7

Newer Doesn’t Mean Better

Mega Man is well-known for his precise 2D platforming and unique method of stage selection, providing players with a significant degree of autonomy. Additionally, it didn’t shy away from joining the trend towards three-dimensional gaming.

Many fans would likely concur that Mega Man X7 on the PS2 represents the series’ nadir. What made the originals appealing seems to be absent, replaced by a leisurely-paced 3D shooter that feels awkward. While the characters are intriguing, the excessive exposition could leave you resenting them instead.

The seventh installment seems more distant from the style of a classic Mega Man game, and it fell short of fan expectations for this renowned series. However, the creators managed to regain their footing in subsequent releases.

1.
Sonic the Hedgehog

The Redemption Arc

In an unexpected turn, Sonic the Hedgehog seems out of place on this list as his 3D adventures show a mix of quality – some are quite good, but others, such as the misstep in 2006, fall short.

Sonic was launched on the sleek Xbox 360, known as “Sonic the Hedgehog.” Sharing a name with the Sega Genesis original, it has gained infamy for its numerous flaws. The game appears visually appealing, but is riddled with issues. You may get trapped in various spots, and in some cases, you might even fall through the floor.

There’s plenty I could point out about Sonic 06’s glaring issues, and it seems like Sega would prefer if we didn’t remember that game. Compared to a specific Italian plumber, Sonic struggled with his transition into 3D gaming. However, these days, Sonic manages to straddle both dimensions, achieving moderate success in the process.

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2025-05-25 18:09