ABSTRACT
Before 3D was fully adopted, we began to see the use of 3D in a smaller scope; 2.5D is a style of game that gives a greater illusion of 3D, but still operates on a 2D plane. Many games used isometric perspectives to create the illusion of 3D. As with first-person platforming, trying to find what would be considered the first game of the 3D platformer genre is tough. Developers were experimenting with 3D viewpoints and depth of field as far back as the 1980s. Mascot-driven games were not slowed down by the development of full 3D. One of the design philosophy changes going from 2D to 3D was trying to build a greater sense of place within the gamespace. A key element of 3D platforming was the idea of collecting a “mcguffin” as a form of progression. Despite the Super Nintendo continuing to have games released, the mid-1990s began the transition into 3D for the console market.
