Platformers

Definition

Platformers are a genre of video games where players navigate a character through a series of environments, often consisting of platforms and obstacles, with the goal of reaching a specific endpoint. This genre emphasizes precise jumping mechanics, exploration, and often incorporates elements of puzzle-solving and combat. Platformers played a crucial role in the evolution of video games, showcasing artistic creativity and technical innovation that laid the groundwork for future gaming experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The platformer genre gained immense popularity during the late 1970s and 1980s, becoming iconic with titles like 'Donkey Kong' and 'Super Mario Bros.'
2. Platformers often feature a mix of linear levels and open environments, encouraging players to explore and discover hidden areas or power-ups.
3. Artistic contributions in platformers include distinctive character designs, vibrant color palettes, and imaginative world-building that enhances the player's experience.
4. The genre has evolved to include various sub-genres such as 3D platformers, which introduced new dimensions of movement and interaction.
5. Many platformers incorporate storytelling elements through character dialogue and environmental storytelling, enriching the player's engagement with the game world.

Review Questions

• How did early pioneers in platformer design contribute to the artistic development of video games?
  • Early pioneers in platformer design, such as Shigeru Miyamoto with 'Super Mario Bros.', set standards for gameplay mechanics and visual storytelling that defined the genre. Their innovative approaches to level design, character movement, and vibrant art styles not only captivated audiences but also influenced countless developers. The artistic choices made by these pioneers showcased how platformers could be both entertaining and an expressive medium, paving the way for future artistic contributions in gaming.
• In what ways did platformers influence the landscape of arcade gaming during their peak popularity?
  • Platformers significantly shaped arcade gaming by introducing engaging gameplay that attracted a wide audience. With their simple yet addictive mechanics, games like 'Donkey Kong' encouraged players to compete for high scores while fostering social interaction in arcades. This shift towards character-driven narratives and visually appealing environments helped define the arcade experience, making platformers central to the Golden Age of Arcade Games.
• Evaluate the impact of platformers on the broader artistic conversation regarding video games as a legitimate art form.
  • Platformers have played a crucial role in establishing video games as a legitimate art form by blending gameplay with artistic expression. Their emphasis on design aesthetics, immersive worlds, and storytelling demonstrates that games can evoke emotional responses similar to traditional art forms. As platformers evolved, they showcased innovation in graphics, sound design, and user experience, contributing to ongoing discussions about interactivity and artistic merit in the medium. This evolution has solidified platformers' place in both gaming history and the broader cultural narrative surrounding art.

Related terms

Side-scrolling: A gameplay style where the game view moves horizontally as the player progresses through the level, commonly found in classic platformers.

Jump mechanics: The physics and controls governing how characters jump in platformers, often determining their movement and interaction with the game environment.

Level design: The process of creating the layouts and challenges within a game level, crucial for guiding player progression in platformers.