Top 10 Best Video Game Jumps From 2D To 3D

In 1981, Donkey Kong was just a giant ape who tossed barrels at a guy. Years later, King Koopa -- or Bowser, if you prefer -- ended up taking the number one spot as Mario’s nemesis, which meant that DK was out of a job. In 1994, things changed for the banana lover. With some help from Rare, and a spiffy red tie, DK had a series of amazing 2D adventure games... and one great 3D platformer, similar in style to Banjo Zazooie. Not only was the 3D transition successful for the franchise, but it introduced the world to the iconic DK rap.

There’s a lot of concerns when someone tries to evolve a legendary 2D franchise. Ninja Gaiden was, and still is, hailed for being one of the best games on the NES. Fortunately, much like the NES version of Ryu Hayabusa, the XBOX ninja is hailed for being one of the best on the console. This new incarnation still retained the spirit of the original. The challenge was still there and still just as enjoyably frustrating -- or rage inducing -- but now we had better visuals, smooth, stylish gameplay, and the kind of violence we always imagined when we cut into those annoying birds on the NES.

It’s hard to believe that this franchise didn’t start out in 3D since that’s what it’s most known for, but it’s true, this all started as a 2D platformer that looks nothing like the series we know today. When Duke got his 3D makeover, we not only got a drastic improvement in graphics and gameplay, but Duke gained that kick ass persona that he’s now known for. Oh, and strip clubs, he also got strip clubs. No other Duke Nukem game has been able to top the very first 3D one, not even the long-awaited 2011 version. Hail to the king, baby.

Nothing about this franchise is “final,” and we wouldn’t have it any other way... to a certain extent, but we’re not going to get into that. Instead, we’re going to remember the good ol’ days where it felt like every release had fun gameplay, wonderful storytelling, memorable music, and gorgeous visuals -- especially in 1997. Final Fantasy VII is what really put the series on everyone’s radar, so much so that we still pretend like we’re fluent in Latin. Say what you will about the game, but there’s definitely a reason why fans praised Bahamut for that remake announcement.

“Van Buren,” the codename for the original “Fallout 3,” was being developed in the same style as the previous games... until the PC development team was laid off in 2003. 5 years later, we received a completely new game that looked, and played, nothing like the originals. This Fallout was an action RPG, not the turn-based style it had been known for, but the open world, post-apocalyptic environment still remained and, honestly, has never looked so intense before. This maynot have been the Fallout some fans had been expecting, but we’ve come to love it.

Nothing said “action” in the 80s like a buffed up guy with a gun... or a bad ass, female bounty hunter. The 2D Metroids were praised by gamers, unfortunately, it would take 8 years to get another release after “Super Metroid, and it was revealed to be... a first person shooter? This... worked surprisingly well. While the action has always been important to Metroid, the exploration is what really set it apart from everything else. “Prime” remembered that, and opened the world in new ways as gamers got to see it through Samus’ eyes. It was the best move the series ever made.

There was a time when “Metal Gear” wasn’t quite.... solid. We wonder if Otacon would be proud of us for that one. The stealth was still a key component in the original, only players had a top-down view of the action as they snuck around. While some games on this list had people concerned with the move to 3D... this is a case where people didn’t put up much of a fuss. The original wasn’t terrible, by any means, it’s just that we knew we wanted more from it, and knew that it could be better. And better is exactly what we got.

The crime, theft, and violence has always been a staple of the series, though it may be hard to tell with the 2D topdown view and the cheesy announcement of, “Grand Theft Auto!” “Grand Theft Auto 3” feels like the game that the series always wanted to be, but hadn’t been able to accomplish back in the 90s. The move to 3D showed a much better depiction of the crime and violence, and the plot was led by an all-star cast of actors and actresses. Not only a revolution for the series, it also set the precedent for Sandbox games everywhere.

They say that it’s not about the destination, but the journey. Clearly... “they” are “Legend of Zelda” fans. Zelda is a franchise where starting with the classic 2D or the new 3D doesn’t really matter, because they all are outstanding games. It’s damn near impossible to not enjoy the original or its transition into 3D. The sense of adventure is grand, the gameplay is amazing, the visuals are stunning... it’s everything you could possibly want.

Before we take our final jump into 3D, let’s take a look at these honorable mentions:
“Sonic the Hedgehog” to “Sonic Adventure” (1998)
“Wave Race” to “Wave Race 64” (1996)
“Dragon Quest” to “Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King” (2005)

There’s no denying the influence that Mario has had on the video game industry. After continuous successes in the 2D realm, it was only a matter of time before he would take a crack at 3D. Much like the phenomenal “Super Mario World” on the SNES , Mario’s adventures on the next generation of console served as a launch title . It not only set the bar for literally all the games that would come after it – including a few of the other games on this list - it created the Mario that we all know and love today. The flipping, the punching, the enthusiastic WA-HOO, it all started here . Mama mia!

Do you agree with our list? What’s your face 2D to 3D transition for video games? For more top tens published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.