We already published the list of best original Xbox games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best original Xbox platform games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the original Xbox definitely has a great library of platform games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the original Xbox and platform games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Crash Twinsanity
- Release Data: Traveller’s Tales Oxford Studio/Sierra Entertainment, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Crash Twinsanity imitates more than it innovates, though the advantage of using tried-and-true mechanics is that you know they’ll work pretty well.
It is, however, still a good deal of fun, and players willing to look past its faults should find a fun if not somewhat familiar experience.
#24. Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue
- Release Data: Krome Studios/EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2 is ultimately a good sequel to a game that wasn’t really all that spectacular to begin with.
This game doesn’t provide much improvement for the series, but it’s an appreciable update with enough positive qualities to charm most younger players.
Adults probably won’t be engaged by it, but it should be easily appreciated by kids.
#23. Scaler
- Release Data: Artificial Mind and Movement/Global Star Software, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
There’s nothing especially wrong with it, but at the same time, it never finds a way to actually draw you into its experience, and it just seems to lack the intangible qualities needed to make a truly successful platformer.
As a result, Scaler is a decent 3D action platformer, but hardly anything that would stand out compared with similar games.
#22. Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
- Release Data: Eurocom/VU Games, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
All told, Ice Age 2: The Meltdown is a fun, engaging platformer that ought to appeal to multiple audiences.
The gameplay is enjoyable, the characters are well represented, and the graphics are top notch.
If you liked the movie, Ice Age 2 is a game well worth playing, but be aware that it won’t last you very long.
#21. Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space
- Release Data: Artoon/Microsoft Game Studios, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Despite some awkwardness, Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space is a solid, quirky platformer with a healthy amount of replay value and enjoyable multiplayer options.
It’s definitely worth playing, and if you’re craving for a different platformer on the Xbox, get this.
#20. DreamWorks Madagascar
- Release Data: Toys for Bob/Activision, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
It probably doesn’t shock you that Madagascar would be aimed at the younger players, but the fact that the developers have done a good job of making a game out of the movie’s storyline, is pleasantly surprising.
It’s a short but endearing adventure that will be immediately appealing to the young gamers, whether or not they’ve seen the movie.
#19. Whiplash
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
The game breaks down into easy puzzle-solving, some simple combat, and a little straightforward platform-jumping.
That it’s a relatively straightforward platformer isn’t a bad thing, but the game’s rough edges and its overall presentation of seemingly unfinished work are much more detrimental.
It’s funny, but it’s also short, thus making it a fine candidate for a weekend game—but not much else.
#18. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
- Release Data: Heavy Iron Studios/THQ, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Instead of settling on oversimplified gameplay, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie delivers an entertaining mix of platform and driving sequences.
Not only that, the game also uses a majority of the voice work from the show and makes the most of the visual style making up the SpongeBob universe.
#17. Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex
- Release Data: Traveller’s Tales/Universal Interactive, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Fans of the franchise will be happy to see that the Crash Bandicoot formula has been not been altered very much, but those hoping for the next evolution in platforming games will be disappointed by The Wrath of Cortex‘s reliance on the old formula.
However, the addition of new vehicles spices up the proceedings a bit.
#16. The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning
- Release Data: Krome Studios/Sierra Entertainment, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
The overall gameplay was extremely solid for a children’s title, the overall presentation was baffling complex—with everything from scripted story events and innovative enemy entrances—and the overall audio/graphical design is definitely stronger than expected.
Not only that, The Legend of Spyro takes a ton of inspiration from classic 3D action games, and for the most part it works.
#15. Shrek 2
- Release Data: Luxoflux, Inc./Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
As a whole, Shrek 2 is a fun diversion from more serious and time consuming titles.
Mature gamers won’t find it too stimulating but it’s worth trying if you’re a fan of Shrek or are looking for a multiplayer adventure to pass your time.
#14. The Haunted Mansion
- Release Data: High Voltage Software/Take-Two Interactive, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
If you’re a fan of Disney games, or you’re just looking for an experience that is perfect for a younger gamer but is also fun for just about anyone, The Haunted Mansion is a good choice.
Between its overall solid presentation, and its gameplay that keeps you guessing, this is one game that’s worth taking a look at.
#13. SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom
- Release Data: Heavy Iron Studios/THQ, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
While Battle for Bikini Bottom is too easy, it’s still a lot of fun to run through the Jelly Fish fields.
If you aren’t a fan of SpongeBob, you’ll probably find this a pretty average experience.
However, if you can accept that this isn’t an overly challenging, revolutionizing platformer title, you can have a lot of fun.
#12. Vexx
- Release Data: Acclaim Studios Austin/Acclaim, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Vexx is not a terrible game. Yes, the graphics are dated. Yes, the mechanics are familiar, perhaps to a fault. And, yes, the sound design leaves much to be desired.
But what undercuts Vexx the most is the increased level of polish and innovation other 3D platformers have brought to the table.
#11. Dr. Muto
- Release Data: Midway, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Dr. Muto is certainly a platformer, but it’s definitely unique.
Midway has created an original mascot, a refreshing change from the standard stuff most companies try and push off.
Not only that, Dr. Muto has sly humor, difficult challenges, and some fantastic gameplay elements.
Fans of the platform genre can rejoice, because Dr. Muto is worth your time.
#10. Blinx: The Time Sweeper
- Release Data: Artoon/Microsoft Game Studios, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
This isn’t a Crash Bandicoot game where you die a few times on a boss, figure it out, and move on.
This one will take time and a real investment to master.
It is a solid, challenging, and beautiful game, and while it’s not the best game on Xbox, it may very well be one of the most important games.
#9. Pitfall: The Lost Expedition
- Release Data: Edge of Reality/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is as much give and take as you’ll find in a modern platformer.
For every good quality it features, there’s an issue to be found.
If you can find it within yourself to simply ignore some of the problems the game has, you’ll likely find The Lost Expedition to be pretty enjoyable.
#8. Tak: The Great Juju Challenge
- Release Data: Avalanche Software/THQ, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Tak: The Great Juju Challenge isn’t going to turn the platformer genre on its side, but the game is surprisingly fun.
This is due in large to a balance of old and new mechanics topped off with a stylized, humorous presentation.
Overall, it remains a rock-solid addition to the series and also one that can be recommended to most people.
#7. Sonic Heroes
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
With only 14 levels, Sonic Heroes isn’t the most difficult title to complete one time through, but luckily there are four compellingly different ways to play it.
And although it’s not perfect, it’s fun and there are moments in the game where the action, speed and sheer intensity approach a state nothing short of mesmerizing.
#6. Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams
- Release Data: Avalanche Software/THQ, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is a great sequel to what was a fun, well-designed platformer.
The sequel rules apply here: this is a bigger and prettier game.
But on top of that, Tak 2 is a lot more fun thanks in large to a smart, rewarding gameplay dynamic that appeals itself to both younger and older players.
#5. I-Ninja
- Release Data: Argonaut Games/Namco, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
At first glance, I-Ninja may appear to be a simple action game designed for kids, but in reality, it is anything but.
The visual style may seem kid-friendly, but the level of challenge I-Ninja has to offer keeps the game interesting for a wider audience.
#4. Voodoo Vince
- Release Data: Beep Industries/Microsoft Game Studios, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Voodoo Vince‘s short story makes it a great choice for a quick play, but the game is cool enough so that those who are intrigued by the game’s puzzle-solving, platform-jumping gameplay will likely find it to be worth playing.
Either way, Voodoo Vince adds an interesting twist to the regular platform game formula, and it’s definitely worth a look.
#3. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
To sum things up, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is an excellent 3D platformer and one of the best to appear on the Xbox.
It re-creates much of the same lighthearted whimsy that made Rayman 2 so incredibly enjoyable, while differentiating the action enough for the game to stand up on its own.
#2. JSRF: Jet Set Radio Future
- Release Data: Smilebit/Sega, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Despite a few rough edges, Jet Set Radio Future manages to shine because of its addictive, original gameplay and its stunning graphics.
It’s an unusual game that offers a serious challenge, as well as gorgeous graphics, a strong soundtrack, plenty of style, and good replay value.
#1. Psychonauts
- Release Data: Double Fine Productions/Majesco, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
It’s pretty evident where all that development time was spent, as each and every moment just seems so carefully crafted and polished, to the point where you can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the whole experience.
Anyone looking for a fun and whimsical adventure with a brilliant presentation and a fantastic story will find just that in Psychonauts.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Xbox 360 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which original Xbox platform game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!