10 Video Game Entries That Drastically Changed The Formula

Sep 30, 2023 Updated: September 30th, 2023

1. Super Mario 64

We’d be extremely remiss to leave out not just one of the greatest series formula change-ups of all time, but one that launched a genre and changed the face of video games. Of course, we’re talking about Super Mario 64.

Pre-1996, Mario was a 2D kind of guy but with the arrival of the Nintendo 64 there were more things to explore and ways to explore them than ever before. The 3D playground was a platforming delight providing a game world ripe with opportunities for exploration, hidden secrets and non-linear engagement. Even though studios were just beginning to find their feet with 3D controls and cameras, Super Mario 64 was and continues to be a slam dunk that will always be one of the most iconic platformers of all time.

Of course, this would set the stage for plenty more fantastic 3D Mario games to come, kicking off a whole pile of beloved new favourites.

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Jess McDonell

Contributor

Jess has been a journalist and content creator in the games industry for over 15 years and has been WhatCulture's resident Australian import and sorry cop since 2020, upping the quotient of swearing and apologising in WhatCulture Gaming's annual blooper videos considerably. She previously worked at GameSpot for 10 years, most notably hosting GameSpot News in addition to E3 live shows, and PAX panels. She regularly livestreams a variety of games on her 'jessmcdonell' YouTube and Twitch channels and hosts the 'Do It On The Day' podcast. She has won awards for her news and feature work in gaming as well as an accolade for her comedic writing (likely an admin error). She can be found on X at @jessmcdonell and Instagram at @jessicamcdonell sharing her current videogame fixations, industry insights, and videos of her cat, Karma.

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