Super Meat Boy 3D PS5 Review: A Bloody Struggle in Three Dimensions
One of the most cherished indie games from the Xbox 360 era finally receives a new sequel, as Meat Boy ventures into a painful new world of three-dimensional platforming. While last year marked the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., it is perhaps more startling to realize that the original Super Meat Boy is now 16 years old.
Initially launched for the Xbox 360 during a period when indie games on consoles were still a novel concept, it was part of a wave of demanding 2D platformers like N+ and VVVVVV. These titles required split-second timing and offered absolutely zero margin for error. This era coincided with the rise of Demon's Souls, as FromSoftware's ascendancy helped solidify a new age of challenging video games.
A Troubled Legacy and a New Dimension
Surprisingly, none of that momentum significantly benefited Super Meat Boy. The entire genre was later overshadowed by the masterful Celeste, and it wasn't until 2020, with the deeply disappointing Super Meat Boy Forever, that any sequel emerged. Forever was plagued by a host of terrible new ideas, including randomly-generated levels and auto-running mechanics, which seemed like a calculated effort to create the most frustrating and unenjoyable game possible.
We can immediately confirm that Super Meat Boy 3D is not that disastrous, but there are still numerous issues to digest. The original game did not have a complex premise: you controlled the titular cube of meat, attempting to rescue your girlfriend Bandage Girl through a series of 2D platform levels filled with saw blades, grinders, lasers, and other instant-death devices. Upon failure—which is inevitable—you restart, with only a trail of myoglobin left behind to guide your next attempt.
This new installment retains the same premise but transitions to 2.5D levels that faintly echo titles like Super Mario 3D World. This shift alone presents an almost insurmountable challenge for the game. The original was brutally difficult yet fair, with razor-sharp controls that never failed. The inherent uncertainty of 3D movement makes replicating that precision nearly impossible here, even with a locked camera and limited control options.
Control and Precision Woes
The controls are not outright awful, but in a game where players are desperate to blame anything but themselves for repeated failures, any inconsistency proves disastrous. The primary issue lies in judging depth as you move into and out of the screen, making it far too easy to misjudge your position in 3D space and end up with a homing missile to the face.
This problem exacerbates when airborne, with fewer reference points to gauge position. While the game attempts to assist by displaying a small red circle to indicate your location, it never feels instinctive enough, leaving players distrustful of both themselves and the game mechanics. By default, there is an option to use purely digital controls, restricting movement to eight directions, but this feels like another imperfect workaround.
Slightly more successful is Meat Boy's new air dash move, which proves most useful for adjusting your trajectory midair. Its primary purpose appears to be shaving precious seconds off completion times for speedrunners, but it remains a handy tool regardless.
Level Design and Overall Experience
These control issues are regrettable, as the entire game is built around precision platforming, yet it simply lacks the necessary accuracy. Additionally, something feels off about the level design. While the concepts are fine, the themes—mostly a forest and a series of interchangeable industrial areas—fail to inspire. The platform construction is adequate but never feels as clever or surprising as it should.
Figuring out how to navigate a level through trial and error can still be enjoyable, and overcoming a stage that initially seemed impossible provides satisfaction. However, that thrill quickly dissipates over the course of the game. Super Meat Boy 3D remains a dream for speedrunners, but adding an extra dimension has only detracted from the original's appeal.
The central conceit of creating a 3D version of a 2D precision platformer is fundamentally flawed. While the implementation has its issues, the biggest problem is that it was never a very good idea to begin with.
Super Meat Boy 3D PS5 Review Summary
In Short: Super Meat Boy in 3D seems like an inherently flawed concept. Despite efforts to make third-dimensional navigation feasible, the end result feels frustratingly imprecise.
Pros: It's an improvement over the last installment, and speedrunners will appreciate the challenge, with ample rewards for skilled play. The digital control option presents an interesting idea.
Cons: The controls lack the precision needed to replicate the original, even with various gameplay aids and adjustments. Level design rarely stands out, featuring some fairly dull themes.
Score: 5/10
Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
Price: £19.99
Publisher: Headup Games
Developer: Team Meat and Sluggerfly
Release Date: 31st March 2026
Age Rating: 16
