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Early 3D games that still look good
- Thread starter Dragmire
- Start date
QisTopTier
XisBannedTier
Even Star Trek Generations?:
I tried to play it again a few years back and believe me, it's an ugly and unplayable mess.
Spinosaurus
Member
I think the Crash games still look great. At least, the animations hold up.
Even Star Trek Generations?:
I tried to play it again a few years back and believe me, it's an ugly and unplayable mess.
The HUD is ugly and the green...spray? isn't nice to look at either, but everything else looks nice to me. Would play it if it was good.
System Shock 1 is totally beautiful as well, especially now with the higher res release.
Winning Run by Namco (1988):The original Daytona USA was released in August of 1993 in Japan and April 1994 worldwide. Though the closest competitor to To Sega's Daytona USA was Namco's Ridge Racer which was released in October 1993 in Japanese arcades and used System 22 arcade board that was souped up version of the Playstation 1 hardware:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHFyqoX89ac
Also, Atari's STUN Runner from 1989 was pretty awesome too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6CPtjyr19M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuwrbK35HQ8
RE2 and Silent Hill. Those games manage to have PSOne charm, aren't ugly at all, and they're also complimented by those beautiful, beautiful FMVs. Silent Hill kind of benefits from the technical limitations. The otherworld looks extra gritty and the fog effects are, of course, great.
The original RE however, is fucking ugly
The original RE however, is fucking ugly
DerSchniffles
Member
The first Unreal of course.
oh man, when that game dropped, I had just put in a voodoo banshee card in my rig and...wow, i was floored. i think the only other time i had that same sense of holy crap was seeing quake 2 at a pc shop running with the 3dfx glide patch. I was floored.
vetrox
Member
The two player version must have been a blast.
Only recently have I discovered how much I enjoy games with this graphical style. Cohesive aesthetics where elements don't stick out to break immersion - enough to pull you in and keep you in the world. I believe this is why cell shaded games and those without a heavy use of textures look so good to me. They don't require the same amount of effort to get to a good enough level of quality and cohesion.
Recent examples are Lovely Planet and Grow Home. The later is the first game in many years that I've collected all achievements in. Only because the world felt so real and was a blast to explore or just glide around in.
I think that the main issue is that there are different standards of "early" depending on which platforms we're talking about. From this thread, I can tell that early 3D arcade games would be those late 80's/early 90's polygonal arcade games like Virtua Racing and STUN Runner. Early 3D console games, on the other hand, basically encompasses the entire PS1/N64/Saturn generation until around 99/2000. And early PC 3D seems to be somewhere in the middle.
For an example of an early PC 3D game that I like the look of, check out the 1994 release of Star Wars: TIE Fighter here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urKzZv8BNJw
The game uses Gouraud shading on relatively simple 3D models, which allows it to run quite nicely while still having every ship be recognizable simply due to the Star Wars franchise's distinct ship design.
For an example of an early PC 3D game that I like the look of, check out the 1994 release of Star Wars: TIE Fighter here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urKzZv8BNJw
The game uses Gouraud shading on relatively simple 3D models, which allows it to run quite nicely while still having every ship be recognizable simply due to the Star Wars franchise's distinct ship design.
I think the N64 Zelda games still look good:
wow sure do, cant Wait for Zelda NX, first true HD Zelda game, its gonna be beautiful
Spiritwalker
Member
Threads of Fate has a pretty cute and clean look to it, but I'm having a hard time finding non-emulator screens.
EDIT: guess this will do
EDIT: guess this will do
I think a lot of people questioning my use of "early" 3D have some fair points. I think I should have clarified a time period in the OP or better explained what I meant by early 3D games.
I played stuff like STUN Runner in the arcades (I used to be wowed by 3D like that and surprisingly I do still think it has a nice look) and I played Alone in the Dark on PC (which decidedly does not look very good today). I played the heck out of Wolfenstein 3D (not bad looking now thanks to the heavy use of sprites) and I even made my own levels and textures. Those were before most games were 3D, but they show that there was a long period in which developers began utilizing 3D engines. So I was considering those to be outliers for their period rather than the norm. But I agree that it is arguable. Additionally, my point in the OP was about artful use of basic 3D, and how it can look good. I think I explained that somewhat, but I could have explained it better.
My inclusion of Paper Mario was, at least, artful use of basic 3D. The game came out in 2000 but the hardware was from much earlier. Intelligent Systems was behind the tech curve and it moved from 64DD to cartridge, which probably contributed to the late release since there were probably design changes.
I agree with Crash Bandicoot 2 and onwards, the series had an impressively cartoony look. Naughty Dog's animation was top tier. I have a hard time with most N64 graphics nowadays, but I like the mention of Wave Race 64. Something about that is still impressive, despite the segmented people. And wow, Winning Run really impresses me. I would have been awed if I saw that in arcades.
I played stuff like STUN Runner in the arcades (I used to be wowed by 3D like that and surprisingly I do still think it has a nice look) and I played Alone in the Dark on PC (which decidedly does not look very good today). I played the heck out of Wolfenstein 3D (not bad looking now thanks to the heavy use of sprites) and I even made my own levels and textures. Those were before most games were 3D, but they show that there was a long period in which developers began utilizing 3D engines. So I was considering those to be outliers for their period rather than the norm. But I agree that it is arguable. Additionally, my point in the OP was about artful use of basic 3D, and how it can look good. I think I explained that somewhat, but I could have explained it better.
My inclusion of Paper Mario was, at least, artful use of basic 3D. The game came out in 2000 but the hardware was from much earlier. Intelligent Systems was behind the tech curve and it moved from 64DD to cartridge, which probably contributed to the late release since there were probably design changes.
I agree with Crash Bandicoot 2 and onwards, the series had an impressively cartoony look. Naughty Dog's animation was top tier. I have a hard time with most N64 graphics nowadays, but I like the mention of Wave Race 64. Something about that is still impressive, despite the segmented people. And wow, Winning Run really impresses me. I would have been awed if I saw that in arcades.
Yep, though less sim like and more arcade like (it was a coin-op arcade game afterall).
The main point being though, it was hardware accelerated 3D, but considerable less powerful than Sega's Model 1.
I suck at math, but I think...
Microprose 3D Hardware: 2,000 polygons per frame x 30fps = 60,000 polygons per second
Sega Model 1 Hardware: 180,000 polygons per second / 30fps = 6,000 polygons per frame.
So, Microprose Hardware was about 1/3 as powerful, and given were talking about flat-shaded polygons for both. F-15 Strike Eagle arcade was not the only game on that hardware.
http://system16.com/hardware.php?id=808&page=1#2317
This one by Jaleco was also:
Edit:
Namco's equivalent to Sega's Model 1 was the System 21 Hardware used in Cyber Sled and Air Combat, among others.
I bet many would disagree with this one, but I recently played through Tomb Raider again. It still manages to create atmosphere and immersion.
I agree with you. And that music only adds to the atmosphere.
By praying Sega releases some kind of VF collection. Maybe via emulation? There was that one called supermodel.
I love hearing about stuff like about VF3 ports. I wonder how well the Saturn versions would do in this thread.
More Gifs please!
Moor-Angol
Banned
Maybe it's me that I'm too old but I don't understand why posting Ocarina pictures or similiar (1998) when talking about early 3D games...
For me "early 3D" means everything between 1988 and 1994, I mean, VF can be considered early 3D, Virtua Racing also, but not VF2 or VF3 or Daytona
For me "early 3D" means everything between 1988 and 1994, I mean, VF can be considered early 3D, Virtua Racing also, but not VF2 or VF3 or Daytona
But Daytona USA is 1993? And even Virtua Fighter 2 narrowly slips through in 1994?
MrCunningham
Member
I forgot about this, which is really impressive for 1988.
This one by Jaleco was also:
That Jaleco game reminds me of Iron Soldier for the Atari Jaguar:
This game came out in 1994: https://youtu.be/C44xYXycDzE?t=119I always thought it looked kind of cool. There is also a sequel as well that came out a year later on the Jaguar.
Of course there is also the obvious Mech Warrior comparison as well.
JPeeples83
Member
Jumping Flash has held up fairly well visually.
DigitalDevil
Member
It's not just you. Outcast still looks awesome after all these years.
Poimandres
Member
Those games simply look too good for their time. If you wanted to be super anal about it I guess "early 3D" would be pre-Daytona. All of your flat shaded stuff. Daytona is the biggest "next gen" leap I've ever seen.
Well, I guess that's checkmate then. I literally can't argue with this without contradicting my earlier post about VF3. Well played, lol.
I've got to agree with this one. It works very very well within the limits of the PS1. Lots of detail, ship designs that don't feel limited by the low poly-count, and some really impressive lighting for the time.
Einhander was 60fps as well.
That game was just fantastic all around. Too bad that team didn't stick around to make anything else.
Poimandres
Member
In a similar vein, I think R-Type Delta still looks good and is a kick ass game to boot!
Huw_Dawson
Member
The three Spyro games still look great.
DigitalDevil
Member
There's definitely some nostalgia talking here, but I really think the first Ape Escape still looks good today. My 5 year old played it for the first time today and experienced that same rush I did when catching those monkeys. Great game and a fantastic early use of dual analog controls.
eyeball_kid
Member
The Dreamcast is definitely NOT early 3D. By the time of the Dreamcast, companies were refining 3D techniques and had powerful (at the time) hardware to do rendering and texturing work. IMO early 3D stops at the first PlayStation, the N64, Sega's Model 1 hardware, and the Voodoo 1 gen of PC cards.
Tobal 2, yes. Tekken 3, yes. Wipeout XL, yes.
S.T.U.N. Runner, which I always wondered was an inspiration for Wipeout.
Bungie's Marathon for the Mac, the first FPS game to have z-axis targeting, combined 3D models with pre-rendered sprites and great art direction. Holds up pretty well.
Tobal 2, yes. Tekken 3, yes. Wipeout XL, yes.
S.T.U.N. Runner, which I always wondered was an inspiration for Wipeout.
Bungie's Marathon for the Mac, the first FPS game to have z-axis targeting, combined 3D models with pre-rendered sprites and great art direction. Holds up pretty well.
JeffAtomsky
Banned
MDK (1997):
Many of my favorites are already listed. So I only have this one left.
Many of my favorites are already listed. So I only have this one left.
Hang on a sec... cutting off at Model 1 for arcade hardware, but Tekken 3's a yes? Shenanigans.
Red Arremer
Member
Archimedean Dynasty (aka Schleichfahrt in Germany), the predecessor to the AquaNox games:
eyeball_kid
Member
Why? Tekken 3 was on the PS1; I'm not talking about the arcade version, which was a beefed-up PS1.
Well, I mean... I can understand how Poimandres is drawing a line on Model 1 stuff like Virtua Racing and Virtua Fighter, due to Model 2's lighting and texturing abilities... but once you're happy including the 32/64bit consoles that seems a bit odd tbh... they're both newer than Model 2, whilst also supporting much of the same feature sets for graphics in terms of texturing, lighting etc. I find the idea of classifying something like Daytona USA a non-early 3D, whilst including late-gen games like Tekken 3 or Ridge Racer Type 4 (or hell Perfect Dark) to be puzzling. If you're going to draw the line at Model 1, then logically all three consoles of that gen should be on the other side of it.
Why cut "early 3D" off at Model 1 when Model 3 is literally earlier than Tekken 3? Just because its operating on inferior hardware doesn't mean it qualifies for early while older games don't
CupONoodos
Neo Member
Released in 2003 and had better looking character models than a lot of gen 7 games.
What game is this? That looks seriously impressive.
Sega Rally Championship from 1994 still looks and plays great, IMO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axrfnKGr-lA
I played the crap out of the Saturn version, even with the halved framerate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axrfnKGr-lA
I played the crap out of the Saturn version, even with the halved framerate.
Silent Hill 3.
Dreamwriter
Member
Rad Racer
Released in 2003 and had better looking character models than a lot of gen 7 games.
It still blows my mind how the PS2 was pulling off those character models. It was insane. And they also had self-shadowing.
They looked better than the character models in Resident Evil 4, in my opinion. Hell, the models in SH: Homecoming are garbage compared to the ones in SH3.
revolverjgw
Member
God damn the texture warping in PS1 games. I love the low poly/pixelated textures aesthetic, but the way the textures wiggle was and will always be awful.
Yep. Same for me. Of all the old PC games that I have fond memories of I think Unreal stands on top. Don't get me wrong, I loved Doom, Wolf, and the like. But MAN. I never before felt so transported to an actual world. I felt a very real sense of isolation in Unreal that I don't think I've ever felt in a game since then. It was also fun at the time messing around with the software renderer in a desperate attempt to get it working at that time in which my family's first PC was lacking a 3D card. I also remember the manual literally explaining how the now standard WASD/mouse combo is meant to be used. There was some verbiage in the manual along the lines of "now we know this is going to sound strange, but place your left hand on the keyboard and your right hand on the mouse. Trust us!" I find that so funny today.
World SkiFree
Member
I agree with many of the previous posts, particularly those pointing out Sega's earlier arcade offerings. Also like the mentions of the PS1 classics like MGS and Tomb Raider. This is a certain charm and timeless quality to those jagged polygons and washed out textures. Liked them then, like them now.
Also happy to see a mention for Interstate '76. I know there is a lot of debate on what is considered "early 3D," but that game made the most of that approach. I also think Mario 64, and other N64 games like Pilot Wings, Star Fox and Wave Race have held up very well. I also think the same of Stunt Race FX and Star Fox on the SNES, as a few folks have pointed out.
I still enjoy the look of Tie Fighter and X-Wing. On a related note, I was also very fond of Episode 1 games like Pod Racer and The Phantom Menace game. Definitely not early 3D, but the simple texture/polygonal work on those games are clean and impressive to this day.
Lastly, I've always been a big fan of voxel games. Much like some of these others mentioned above, I still play the original Delta Force by Novalogic from time to time. I love how the seemingly infinite draw distance was a real novelty at the time, when fog and pop-in was all of the rage. Still a fun game.
Also happy to see a mention for Interstate '76. I know there is a lot of debate on what is considered "early 3D," but that game made the most of that approach. I also think Mario 64, and other N64 games like Pilot Wings, Star Fox and Wave Race have held up very well. I also think the same of Stunt Race FX and Star Fox on the SNES, as a few folks have pointed out.
I still enjoy the look of Tie Fighter and X-Wing. On a related note, I was also very fond of Episode 1 games like Pod Racer and The Phantom Menace game. Definitely not early 3D, but the simple texture/polygonal work on those games are clean and impressive to this day.
Lastly, I've always been a big fan of voxel games. Much like some of these others mentioned above, I still play the original Delta Force by Novalogic from time to time. I love how the seemingly infinite draw distance was a real novelty at the time, when fog and pop-in was all of the rage. Still a fun game.