Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is one of the most unknown 3D platformers of all time. The game featured robust gameplay mechanics, a fantastic storyline, and an amalgamation of Metroidvania elements all installed into the game. However, did you know that way before the game was even made, the folks at Edge of Reality had an entirely different vision in mind?
According to Richard Ham, the original concept of the game would have played more like the Uncharted series; Pitfall Harry would fight against dinosaurs and huge creatures, along with an emphasis on using guns more than fists and kicks. Unfortunately, this concept was denied by Activision, as they wanted a robust platformer that would stand tall face to face with other prominent mascots like Jak & Daxter, Mario, and Crash Bandicoot. Activision, basically, wanted to have their own Mario killer. A cartoonish take on the Pitfall series as opposed to Pitfall 3D on the PS1.
There isn’t much information about this original concept apart from a document made by Richard Ham and a video of the legend himself mentioning RTTJ in a few lines. (More details from the document will be available in a separate article!)
Director Richard Ham talks about the original concept in a few lines starting at 9:32
