Pitfall 3D: Beyond the Jungle

by Scary Larry
January 01, 2000 00:00 AM PST

{It takes some patience, some practice, and some prayers to avoid the pitfalls of Pitfall 3D, but the game answers all those things with a great mix of action and adventure. Harry is back and badder than ever.} {Great definition in the backgrounds and a fluidly moving Pitfall Harry help Pitfall 3D shine, but the surprising lack of creativity in the monsters really lessens the overall effect} {The jungle rhythm that permeates Pitfall 3D will work its way into your nervous system after a while, but even more annoying are the lame quips. Leave the wisecracking to Gex.} {Timed jumps are everything in this game, and the A.I. doesn't help. If your tolerance level for frustrating leaps and blind jumps is low, stay far away from the challenge of Pitfall 3D.} {It takes some patience, some practice, and some prayers to avoid the pitfalls of Pitfall 3D, but the game answers all those things with a great mix of action and adventure. Harry is back and badder than ever.}

GamePro Score
User Score
Write your review!

Nostalgic gamers who still harken back to the days of the Atari 2600 are a dime a dozen (it's like Woodstock-more people say they remember it than were actually there). But the one game they all remember is Pitfall. Its endurance is a testament to its simple yet addictive gameplay.

Be warned: Pitfall 3D ain't your daddy's Pitfall. And while it's not too far a cry from the other games in the series, this version is good enough to stand alone as a very cool 3D adventure.

The slick 3D graphics showcase Pitfall's trademark vine-swinging, pit-jumping platform heroics from the other games, along with some cool jungle beats to spice up the sound. Activision went the star route by lending Bruce Campbell's voice to our hero (the actor from the Evil Dead movies, and now a regular on Xena: Warrior Princess); unfortunately, he's more annoying than funny.

The game relies heavily on blind leaps of faith and carefully timed actions. Precision and patience are paramount to beating Pitfall. If you don't have the time or the temperament, stay away from the jungle. But if you remain to adventure with Harry, your reward is one helluva long game with action around every corner. Pitfall 3D won't be everyone's cup of tea, but for those looking for a rumble in the jungle, it can't be beat.