Isleofsancroy
Banned
The 3DO has been more appreciated in recent years than it has in the past, where misinformation was spread regularly. But many people don't realize that the 3DO is one of the best consoles out there, with a large and amazing library of games.
The 3DO or 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, was released in 1993 by the American 3DO company at a cost of $700 at most retailers with some selling it for less according to Trip Hawkins, the founder. The price started to drop fast once other manufacturers were involved but this was still quite an issue early on. There is a reason for this high price, the 3DO company was the last attempt by a smaller company to enter the console side of the video game industry. The 3DO company did not have the money to manufacture their own consoles due to the expensive costs associated with the parts needed to make the 3DO a reality. The only solution was for the 3DO company to partner with various manufactures by licensing the hardware designs to them. After the 3DO you would need much more wealth to get into consoles at all, as seen 7 years later when Microsoft brought in the Xbox.
The 3DO was the most successful failed console not from a major console manufacturer. Outside early instances in some regions, in the end the 3DO never performed well in any market it was in, but still sold enough consoles and software that buying a console and collecting for it is much less of a pain compared to other unsuccessful console hardware. With over 2 million consoles sold it wasn't a successful project, but it still left its mark.
The 3DO is home to some great games, I personally like its library more than the Saturn and N64 libraries myself, and with the 3DO's security being cracked years ago. it also has a growing homebrew scene. More and more people are becoming informed and are taking a deeper look at the 3DO compared to other weaker failed systems like for example, the Atari Jaguar, but many people still aren't aware of its library of gems.
I though I would take the time to go over some games that I or others on the internet recommend if you are thinking about buying a 3DO, or are interested in exploring its library more. There are 4 3DO models two made by Panasonic, 1 made by LG, and 1 made by Sanyo. All 4 play most games exactly the same, but some are not able to play a few games or may have performance issues running others. This isn't a large number of games, but to make things clear for you the LG model is the one with the most problems of the 4, while both Panasonic models are the safest with Sanyo right behind, but in most circumstances all 4 play the majority of software without issue.
Most games are region free, and you can play them on whichever 3DO model you have, now let's finally go over the games:
Slayer
Slayer is a 3D action RPG and one of the best games on the system. A large dungeon to explore with fast-paced action and multiple ways to deal with enemies from swords to magic. You can save your progress at anytime and have an option to create a character or jump right into the adventure. The game has high replayability because each time you complete a playthrough, you can start again and the dungeon design, enemies, and boss will be randomly generated.
Immercenary
Immercenary is sometimes considered one of the best games ever made and sometimes considered one of the most confusing to those who don't 'get it' when speaking oabout its gameplay. Immercenary is a massive open world first-person rpg (!) with 255 general inhabitants, and an infinite number glitched inhabitants occupying a a massive virtual gaming world (!) which is constantly changing (!) as you play. The game environment is also constantly changing and you can experience things like lightning storms (!). The game isn't an FPS though, it's an rpg so you need to play it like one, defeating enemies in the game world will increase your stats, and the higher the rank the more exp you gain, but you aren't the only person in the world hunting people down.
The world of Immercenary is not copy and pasted, different districts have different buildings and architecture with varying designs (!), the world itself has zero loading (!), the only loading is when you go to Neutral spots where you can conversate with people to help you out with the game, sometimes some of the bosses are also in these zones and you can talk to them as well (!). It's a game that's very ambitious and ahead of it's time, the fact it wasn't rereleased a couple years later when web adoption exploded is a shame because it could have been an amazing early massive MMO Rpg, however it's still an amazing and unique experience as a single player game, which is what the game was designed to be. It doesn't run well in emulators so the best way to play is buying a 3DO.
Alone in the dark
The original Resident Evil/Silent Hill, play as one Edward Carnby, or some other lady, and explore a haunted estate filled with horrors, magic, and evil creatures. Combat is limited as the focus is placed on puzzle solving and watching out for traps. A classic.
Alone in the dark 2
Alone in the Dark 2 changes things up a bit being closer to the gameplay style found in Resident Evil, but still before Resident Evil existed. It focuses more on action and combat than the previous entry in the series. Shame the 3DO was a straight PC port without enhancements, but it's still a fun game.
Doctor Hauzer (performance based on 3DO model)
Doctor Hauzer is a overhead horror game similar to Alone in the dark and Resident Evil. The big difference is that Doctor Hauzer is fully polygonal. and there's an option to switch the camera angle from third Person to first, or to Isometric. The game focuses on puzzle solving for its gameplay.
Twisted: the game show
Twisted Game show is a cross between wacky TV game shows and Mario Party before Mario Party even existed. It combined FMV, 2D graphics, and 3D graphics to give you a fun and frankly crazy party game experience. You even select numbers to move on a board. The game challenges players with quizzes, mini-games, traps, and other strange happenings. Highly Recommended.
Belzerion
Belzerion is actually a hybrid between a FPS and a point and click adventure game. You first start out in point and click mode, when the level starts you are thrown into a first person environment until you encounter an enemy and undergo tactical battles instead of general FPS combat, you can even switch between your gun or melee attacks. You are a cop sent in with a battle mech to clean up the city, the game is not in English but it's very easy to play.
Battle Pinball
The games title is self-explanatory, a Pinball battle game, and it's actually quite fun. No Japanese necessary.
Super Wing Commander
A remake of the first Wing Commander with a star studded cast, improved graphics and audio, and space blasting action!
Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger (performance based on 3DO model)
Wing Commander III is an amazing experience and one of the best space action games out there. With an amazing cast of terrific actors like the protagonist played by Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame, amazing graphics, and immersive gameplay, you'll have a hard time putting this legendary title down.
Need for Speed (performance based on 3DO model)
Also known as Road & Track Presents: Need for Speed, the original big hit for the system, Need for Speed has you driving in an immersive racing simulator with full polygonal 3D track environments zooming down the highway dodging incoming vehicles. Tons of video of the amazing cars you'll be driving with detailed tracks that still look good today. Ports of this title often sacrifice detail and style to make a generic racer, which makes the original still the best imo.
Gex
Gex is a cool Gecko and became the face of the 3DO. Two years after the console debut this game ended up passing all the other big hits becoming the best selling game on the system quickly, leading 3DO to bundle it with many of their consoles. Tight controls, new forms of platforming only a Gecko can accomplish, beautiful graphics, funny wise cracks, and a legendary soundtrack, here is a track from the boss displayed in the gif:
Just great fun all around, and for the time the only platforming icon who talked that wasn't annoying and in terrible games.
Another World
One of the best versions of Another World. The game is the original cinematic experience along with its brother game Flashback. You don't just get to blast through this game you have to use your wits to get out of dangerous situations while absorbing the breathtaking animations and well crafted environments that convey an alien planet.
Foes of Ali
Foes of Ali was amazing when it released and still is impressive now, a 3D brawler with fast boxing action and detailed characters. Still great fun to play.
Ultraman Powered
Ultraman Powered is a strange but entertaining japanese fighting game featuring Ultraman and other major Japanese monsters like Gomera the giant turtle. It's a bit stiff but responsive and fun to play.
Primal Rage
Primal Rage is the famous monster brawling game where large monsters and dinosaurs are fighting in the middle of modern day America eating people alive in the meantime! Just an all-around cool game.
Eye of Typhoon
LG used to produce games. If that wasn't crazy enough they produced a good number of them, but Eye of Typhoon is one of the best. It's a cross-between Samurai Showdown and Street Fighter II Turbo with it's own unique characteristics. The balance is admittedly, not there. But you will have a blast with this game regardless.
Starfighter
The original and best version of Starfighter, you may mistake this as another Jet combat sim but not quite. You have 3D free roaming open maps to explore and you can cause destruction everywhere you go. You can not only shoot down the target but also watch as the buildings and other objects get demolished. You have detailed graphics and respectable draw distance, and you can fly as high as outer space..
Road Rash
Soundgarden Presents: Road Rash, is another great game on the 3DO. Those who enjoyed the inferior versions on previous consoles will be blown away by the character involved in this 3DO version. Great audio, crazy cutscenes, and pipe smashing action while driving around 3D environments as you beat the crap out of anyone that gets in your way. Because why not, who's going to stop you, the cops?
Dragon Lore
The famous PC action point and click adventure game Dragon Lore gets an update on the 3DO, and you can play it without configuring a bunch of files and meeting irritating memory requirements. Quality audio and 3D animation will immerse you in this classic title.
Crash N Burn
A launch title for the 3DO, Crash N Burn has some wacky FMV drivers to choose from and once you get things in order it's off to the races! CNB is a combat racing game that makes amazing use of the 3DO's audio, 2D, FMV, and 3D capabilities to deliver an amazing looking racing experience and it's a pretty good launch title as a result. You are driving along the track trying to take out the other racers while aiming for first place. There's even a garage to recover damage you've taken.
Alert Wax Water (performance based on 3DO model)
This Japanese game on the surface may look like a Bomber Man clone at first glance, but it's not. Instead of focusing on bombs and abilities that compliment them, you are instead interacting with hazards and using special abilities to take out your opponents. This brings a refreshing take to what would be at this point, a very stale formula. It's also known by another name in Japan in a different box, but they are both the same game.
Star Control II
The very popular PC Space RPG is on the 3DO with great graphics, amazing audio, and addicting gameplay. You may be wondering about the games popularity at first, but once you play it you'll be having some problems finding a reason to put it down. Once Star Control addition gets you, you may never leave.
Star Blade
The Namco 3D arcade classic Star Blade is a great game on the 3DO. This rail shooter allows you to play the arcade perfect original, or you can play the enhanced version that improves the 3D graphics with improved textures and polygons. The presentation of the game will impress you, fooling you into believing the scale is much bigger than it actually is.
Demolition Man
Demolition Man is a hybrid action game that involves shooting and fighting. Based off the movie, Sylvester Stallone had filmed scenes specifically for the 3DO version of the game, that's right, you can't get the definitive version of Demolition Man anywhere else. A treat for action movie fans.
Crime Patrol
Crime Patrol is a FMV light gun game that is pretty hilarious. The video quality of the 3DO allows the game to look just like a movie. There's not too much to the game other than shooting at the targets while you get your reflexes tested, but the 'plot' and script will keep you entertained.
Casper
Casper is a simple but fun Adventure puzzle game that is actually quite good. Nothing outstanding but it has a cult following.
Here are some other 3DO games that I or other people often bring up when recommending 3DO games:
And the 56 games mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg, there are still an insane amount of games that haven't been covered on this topic. It's really just an amazing machine filled with great games and hidden gems. It being one of the most successful failed systems also makes it so that collecting for it is much easier than others.
There are a handful of Japanese games that only work on a Sanyo 3DO, and a few Korean games that only work on a Goldstar/LG 3DO, if you don't mind excluding those from a legit collection you can burn the fixed versions to a CD and play it on whatever 3DO you have.
Now to finally finish that XE thread.
The 3DO or 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, was released in 1993 by the American 3DO company at a cost of $700 at most retailers with some selling it for less according to Trip Hawkins, the founder. The price started to drop fast once other manufacturers were involved but this was still quite an issue early on. There is a reason for this high price, the 3DO company was the last attempt by a smaller company to enter the console side of the video game industry. The 3DO company did not have the money to manufacture their own consoles due to the expensive costs associated with the parts needed to make the 3DO a reality. The only solution was for the 3DO company to partner with various manufactures by licensing the hardware designs to them. After the 3DO you would need much more wealth to get into consoles at all, as seen 7 years later when Microsoft brought in the Xbox.
The 3DO was the most successful failed console not from a major console manufacturer. Outside early instances in some regions, in the end the 3DO never performed well in any market it was in, but still sold enough consoles and software that buying a console and collecting for it is much less of a pain compared to other unsuccessful console hardware. With over 2 million consoles sold it wasn't a successful project, but it still left its mark.
The 3DO is home to some great games, I personally like its library more than the Saturn and N64 libraries myself, and with the 3DO's security being cracked years ago. it also has a growing homebrew scene. More and more people are becoming informed and are taking a deeper look at the 3DO compared to other weaker failed systems like for example, the Atari Jaguar, but many people still aren't aware of its library of gems.
I though I would take the time to go over some games that I or others on the internet recommend if you are thinking about buying a 3DO, or are interested in exploring its library more. There are 4 3DO models two made by Panasonic, 1 made by LG, and 1 made by Sanyo. All 4 play most games exactly the same, but some are not able to play a few games or may have performance issues running others. This isn't a large number of games, but to make things clear for you the LG model is the one with the most problems of the 4, while both Panasonic models are the safest with Sanyo right behind, but in most circumstances all 4 play the majority of software without issue.
Most games are region free, and you can play them on whichever 3DO model you have, now let's finally go over the games:
Slayer
Slayer is a 3D action RPG and one of the best games on the system. A large dungeon to explore with fast-paced action and multiple ways to deal with enemies from swords to magic. You can save your progress at anytime and have an option to create a character or jump right into the adventure. The game has high replayability because each time you complete a playthrough, you can start again and the dungeon design, enemies, and boss will be randomly generated.
Immercenary
Immercenary is sometimes considered one of the best games ever made and sometimes considered one of the most confusing to those who don't 'get it' when speaking oabout its gameplay. Immercenary is a massive open world first-person rpg (!) with 255 general inhabitants, and an infinite number glitched inhabitants occupying a a massive virtual gaming world (!) which is constantly changing (!) as you play. The game environment is also constantly changing and you can experience things like lightning storms (!). The game isn't an FPS though, it's an rpg so you need to play it like one, defeating enemies in the game world will increase your stats, and the higher the rank the more exp you gain, but you aren't the only person in the world hunting people down.
The world of Immercenary is not copy and pasted, different districts have different buildings and architecture with varying designs (!), the world itself has zero loading (!), the only loading is when you go to Neutral spots where you can conversate with people to help you out with the game, sometimes some of the bosses are also in these zones and you can talk to them as well (!). It's a game that's very ambitious and ahead of it's time, the fact it wasn't rereleased a couple years later when web adoption exploded is a shame because it could have been an amazing early massive MMO Rpg, however it's still an amazing and unique experience as a single player game, which is what the game was designed to be. It doesn't run well in emulators so the best way to play is buying a 3DO.
Alone in the dark
The original Resident Evil/Silent Hill, play as one Edward Carnby, or some other lady, and explore a haunted estate filled with horrors, magic, and evil creatures. Combat is limited as the focus is placed on puzzle solving and watching out for traps. A classic.
Alone in the dark 2
Alone in the Dark 2 changes things up a bit being closer to the gameplay style found in Resident Evil, but still before Resident Evil existed. It focuses more on action and combat than the previous entry in the series. Shame the 3DO was a straight PC port without enhancements, but it's still a fun game.
Doctor Hauzer (performance based on 3DO model)
Doctor Hauzer is a overhead horror game similar to Alone in the dark and Resident Evil. The big difference is that Doctor Hauzer is fully polygonal. and there's an option to switch the camera angle from third Person to first, or to Isometric. The game focuses on puzzle solving for its gameplay.
Twisted: the game show
Twisted Game show is a cross between wacky TV game shows and Mario Party before Mario Party even existed. It combined FMV, 2D graphics, and 3D graphics to give you a fun and frankly crazy party game experience. You even select numbers to move on a board. The game challenges players with quizzes, mini-games, traps, and other strange happenings. Highly Recommended.
Belzerion
Belzerion is actually a hybrid between a FPS and a point and click adventure game. You first start out in point and click mode, when the level starts you are thrown into a first person environment until you encounter an enemy and undergo tactical battles instead of general FPS combat, you can even switch between your gun or melee attacks. You are a cop sent in with a battle mech to clean up the city, the game is not in English but it's very easy to play.
Battle Pinball
The games title is self-explanatory, a Pinball battle game, and it's actually quite fun. No Japanese necessary.
Super Wing Commander
A remake of the first Wing Commander with a star studded cast, improved graphics and audio, and space blasting action!
Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger (performance based on 3DO model)
Wing Commander III is an amazing experience and one of the best space action games out there. With an amazing cast of terrific actors like the protagonist played by Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame, amazing graphics, and immersive gameplay, you'll have a hard time putting this legendary title down.
Need for Speed (performance based on 3DO model)
Also known as Road & Track Presents: Need for Speed, the original big hit for the system, Need for Speed has you driving in an immersive racing simulator with full polygonal 3D track environments zooming down the highway dodging incoming vehicles. Tons of video of the amazing cars you'll be driving with detailed tracks that still look good today. Ports of this title often sacrifice detail and style to make a generic racer, which makes the original still the best imo.
Gex
Gex is a cool Gecko and became the face of the 3DO. Two years after the console debut this game ended up passing all the other big hits becoming the best selling game on the system quickly, leading 3DO to bundle it with many of their consoles. Tight controls, new forms of platforming only a Gecko can accomplish, beautiful graphics, funny wise cracks, and a legendary soundtrack, here is a track from the boss displayed in the gif:
Just great fun all around, and for the time the only platforming icon who talked that wasn't annoying and in terrible games.
Another World
One of the best versions of Another World. The game is the original cinematic experience along with its brother game Flashback. You don't just get to blast through this game you have to use your wits to get out of dangerous situations while absorbing the breathtaking animations and well crafted environments that convey an alien planet.
Foes of Ali
Foes of Ali was amazing when it released and still is impressive now, a 3D brawler with fast boxing action and detailed characters. Still great fun to play.
Ultraman Powered
Ultraman Powered is a strange but entertaining japanese fighting game featuring Ultraman and other major Japanese monsters like Gomera the giant turtle. It's a bit stiff but responsive and fun to play.
Primal Rage
Primal Rage is the famous monster brawling game where large monsters and dinosaurs are fighting in the middle of modern day America eating people alive in the meantime! Just an all-around cool game.
Eye of Typhoon
LG used to produce games. If that wasn't crazy enough they produced a good number of them, but Eye of Typhoon is one of the best. It's a cross-between Samurai Showdown and Street Fighter II Turbo with it's own unique characteristics. The balance is admittedly, not there. But you will have a blast with this game regardless.
Starfighter
The original and best version of Starfighter, you may mistake this as another Jet combat sim but not quite. You have 3D free roaming open maps to explore and you can cause destruction everywhere you go. You can not only shoot down the target but also watch as the buildings and other objects get demolished. You have detailed graphics and respectable draw distance, and you can fly as high as outer space..
Road Rash
Soundgarden Presents: Road Rash, is another great game on the 3DO. Those who enjoyed the inferior versions on previous consoles will be blown away by the character involved in this 3DO version. Great audio, crazy cutscenes, and pipe smashing action while driving around 3D environments as you beat the crap out of anyone that gets in your way. Because why not, who's going to stop you, the cops?
Dragon Lore
The famous PC action point and click adventure game Dragon Lore gets an update on the 3DO, and you can play it without configuring a bunch of files and meeting irritating memory requirements. Quality audio and 3D animation will immerse you in this classic title.
Crash N Burn
A launch title for the 3DO, Crash N Burn has some wacky FMV drivers to choose from and once you get things in order it's off to the races! CNB is a combat racing game that makes amazing use of the 3DO's audio, 2D, FMV, and 3D capabilities to deliver an amazing looking racing experience and it's a pretty good launch title as a result. You are driving along the track trying to take out the other racers while aiming for first place. There's even a garage to recover damage you've taken.
Alert Wax Water (performance based on 3DO model)
This Japanese game on the surface may look like a Bomber Man clone at first glance, but it's not. Instead of focusing on bombs and abilities that compliment them, you are instead interacting with hazards and using special abilities to take out your opponents. This brings a refreshing take to what would be at this point, a very stale formula. It's also known by another name in Japan in a different box, but they are both the same game.
Star Control II
The very popular PC Space RPG is on the 3DO with great graphics, amazing audio, and addicting gameplay. You may be wondering about the games popularity at first, but once you play it you'll be having some problems finding a reason to put it down. Once Star Control addition gets you, you may never leave.
Star Blade
The Namco 3D arcade classic Star Blade is a great game on the 3DO. This rail shooter allows you to play the arcade perfect original, or you can play the enhanced version that improves the 3D graphics with improved textures and polygons. The presentation of the game will impress you, fooling you into believing the scale is much bigger than it actually is.
Demolition Man
Demolition Man is a hybrid action game that involves shooting and fighting. Based off the movie, Sylvester Stallone had filmed scenes specifically for the 3DO version of the game, that's right, you can't get the definitive version of Demolition Man anywhere else. A treat for action movie fans.
Crime Patrol
Crime Patrol is a FMV light gun game that is pretty hilarious. The video quality of the 3DO allows the game to look just like a movie. There's not too much to the game other than shooting at the targets while you get your reflexes tested, but the 'plot' and script will keep you entertained.
Casper
Casper is a simple but fun Adventure puzzle game that is actually quite good. Nothing outstanding but it has a cult following.
Here are some other 3DO games that I or other people often bring up when recommending 3DO games:
- Deathkeep (The Sequel to Slayer)
- Wolfenstein 3D (The classic FPS)
- Armageddon (A Korean take on Wing Commander. Lower production but with unique gameplay and new mechanics.)
- Samurai Showdown (Weapon based fighting classic from SNK.)
- Super Street Fighter II Turbo (Was the best version of the game for years.)
- Slam N Jam 1995 (A fluid 3D basketball game using scaling 2D Sprites, and does a good job creating the illusion of 3D)
- F1GP (A cult favorite 3D F! racer.)
- Killing Time (A favorite FPS game that even has real-time FMV ghosts having conversations right in the game world, and you can still move around)
- Jurassic Park interactive (A collection of fun games based on Jurassic Park)
- Lemmings (Everyone knows this game)
- D (An all FMV CG version of Alone in the dark and Resident Evil thought with limited control, sold niche in most places but has cult status. Was a massive hit in Japan specifically and the best selling game on the 3DO there.)
- D directors cut (The directors cut of D)
- Lost Eden (A PC favorite ad)
- Luccines Quest (A very sought after JRPG)
- Grand Chef RPG (An early 3D JRPG)
- Quarantine (Considered the grand father of Driver and Grand Theft Auto)
- Ghost Hunter Rpg (A cult favorite FMV horror RPG.)
- Gridders (A third person puzzle adventure.)
- Guardian War (A popular strategy game.)
- Myst (Every system had to have this game)
- Night Trap (One of the best versions of this interactive movie)
- Space Pirates (Often considered one of American Laser Games best titles by many)
- Mad Dog (Perfect port of the hit arcade game)
- Mad Dog II (Perfect port of the less than hit arcade game)
- Crime Patrol II (The amazing sequel tot he first Crime Patrol and may be even funnier)
- Flashback (The brother game to Another World)
- Po'ed (An open level 3D FPS with strange enemies and weapons)
- Hell: A cyberpunk thriller (A popular cult Adventure game)
- The Horde (A defend strategy game)
- The (even more) Incredible machine (One of the best versions of the popular puzzle series)
- Many sports games from American, Japanese, and Korean studios.
And the 56 games mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg, there are still an insane amount of games that haven't been covered on this topic. It's really just an amazing machine filled with great games and hidden gems. It being one of the most successful failed systems also makes it so that collecting for it is much easier than others.
There are a handful of Japanese games that only work on a Sanyo 3DO, and a few Korean games that only work on a Goldstar/LG 3DO, if you don't mind excluding those from a legit collection you can burn the fixed versions to a CD and play it on whatever 3DO you have.
Now to finally finish that XE thread.
