Tag Archives: 3D graphics

Three-dimensional graphics, usually constructed of polygons. Not two-dimensional.

Atlus, Nintendo DS

Etrian Odyssey, Nintendo DS

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This pioneering Japanese RPG was first released in 2007 and paved the way for one of the greatest series in the history of level-grinders… The Etrian Odyssey series.

Number three is my favourite, but one and two are excellent too (see also the Nintendo 3DS fourth instalment), and all follow the same credo. Which is: to base a game around exploration, mapping, and turn-based combat. And to make the party system flexible, so that adventurers can take out different parties and experiment with character skills.

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PlayStation, Square

Final Fantasy VIII, PlayStation

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Considered something of a curveball to the hugely successful episode seven, Final Fantasy VIII (eight) is more great level-grinding goodness from Japanese dev Gods, Square. This one released in 1999.

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PC, Steam, Vladimir Romanyuk, Windows

SpaceEngine, PC

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Vladimir Romanyuk‘s incredible SpaceEngine is a simulation of the entire observable universe, with the goal being “scientific realism”, and to reproduce every known type of astronomical phenomenon.

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Commodore 64, Firebird

The Sentinel, Commodore 64

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The Commodore 64 version of Geoff Crammond‘s The Sentinel (aka The Sentry) is just as good as the original BBC Micro version of the game, if not better – ie. it’s absolutely bloody brilliant.

Like a game of chess – but far scarier – The Sentinel is a game of strategy and cunning that is played-out on a mountainous chequerboard landscape that is overseen by the titular Sentinel.

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Bethesda, PC, Steam, Windows

Fallout 4, PC

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The fourth Fallout was released by Bethesda in 2015, some seven years after Fallout 3, and five years after Fallout: New Vegas. In fact: I would call this the fifth Fallout game, because Fallout: New Vegas was more than just game number 3.5, in my humble opinion – it was the best game in the entire series. But anyway… What do I know?

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Argonaut Software, Nintendo, Super Nintendo

Stunt Race FX, Super Nintendo

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Released for the Super Nintendo in 1994, this cheerful racing game is another SNES title that employs use of the Super FX Chip – an extra co-processor inside the cartridge which enhances the console’s 3D graphics capabilities (the same chip, as used in Star Fox).

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Dreamcast, Sega, United Game Artists

Rez, Dreamcast

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Developed by United Game Artists and released simultaneously for the Sega Dreamcast and Sony PlayStation 2 in 2001, Rez is a trippy, mind-bendingly-original and visually-stunning ‘Rail Shooter’ (meaning: the path you follow is ‘on rails’, like a rollercoaster), with hacking and music influences.

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Atlus, Nintendo DS

Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard, Nintendo DS

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This 2008 Nintendo DS release from Atlus is up there with the best in terms of top quality level-grinders – it really is superb.

The Etrian Odyssey series is all about mapping and exploration, item drops, boss battles, levelling, and lots of excellent turn-based combat, and this second instalment is a clear evolution of the first game, although arguably not quite as expansive and refined as its remarkable sequel.

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gog.com, PC, Sir-Tech, Steam, Windows

Wizardry 8, PC

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Wizardry 8 is a level-grinding RPG with turn-based combat, developed by Sir-Tech Canada and first released in 2001.

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