Big Hops Revives 3D Mascot Platformer Nostalgia With a Frog Hero

If you grew up on 3D platformers like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, the genre has likely felt oddly scarce in today’s market—at least in the sense of playful, mascot-driven worlds built around movement and momentum. Big Hops is aiming straight at that nostalgia, but it’s doing so with a modern approach that’s already shaped by ongoing updates and new ways to play.

A familiar 3D platformer blueprint, redesigned for a modern audience

Big Hops is built on the classic framework that defined many beloved 3D platformers: you run, jump, and explore in a world designed around constant interaction. The twist is that the game’s protagonist—a frog—comes with a movement kit that goes beyond basic platforming. Instead of relying only on hopping between safe spots, players can roll, dive, climb, and even use their tongue to balance and interact with the environment.

In other words, it takes that recognizable “DNA” from earlier platform hits and reinterprets it with its own personality. The result is a style of platforming that feels approachable for younger players while still aiming to satisfy adults who want the core pleasures of older 3D adventures: expressive movement, playful environmental reads, and a sense that the character matters beyond just completing levels.

Why the 90s vibe matters: a mascot-led adventure with staying power

One of Big Hops’ key promises is a charismatic protagonist that recreates the feeling of playing with a “mascot” character—someone who has presence and identity, not just a role in the background. That “90s” charm is part of the game’s pitch, but it’s also supported by what the developer has done since launch.

Luckshot Games has continued updating the title over time, and the latest change is a new cooperative mode. That matters because it shifts the platforming experience from a purely solo setup into something more social—ideal for players who want to share the trial-and-error moments and team up while exploring.

Key takeaway: Big Hops isn’t just holding onto old-school structure; it’s actively adding features that extend how the game can be experienced.

Co-op changes the platforming feel, not just the player count

Adding cooperative play to a 3D platformer can be more than a convenience—platforming thrives on timing, spacing, and movement rhythm. Big Hops’ cooperative mode gives players a reason to revisit its world with a partner, whether that’s to make exploration smoother or to turn risky jumps and environmental challenges into shared attempts.

• The game’s classic 3D structure centers on expressive movement and environmental interaction.
• Its frog protagonist supports varied actions like rolling, diving, climbing, and tongue-based interaction.
• Luckshot Games has kept working on the game since launch rather than treating it as finished content.
• A new cooperative mode is now available for players who want to tackle levels together.

Where to play Big Hops right now

Big Hops is available now on PC via Steam, as well as on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 through their digital storefronts. For players specifically looking for a modern release that still feels rooted in the era of Crash- and Spyro-style 3D platforming, that multi-platform launch—and the emphasis on cooperative play—makes it an easy title to try with both solo and friends.