Platformers

Definition

Platformers are a genre of video games characterized by jumping between platforms or over obstacles to navigate through levels. This genre often features a protagonist that must overcome challenges, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies while progressing through a two-dimensional or three-dimensional environment. Platformers have evolved over the years, blending elements of storytelling, character development, and unique game mechanics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The platformer genre gained significant popularity in the 1980s with iconic games like 'Super Mario Bros.' and has influenced countless titles since.
2. Platformers often feature power-ups and collectibles that enhance gameplay, providing players with bonuses and new abilities.
3. The mechanics of jumping and timing are central to platformers, making precision and reflexes critical for player success.
4. Modern platformers often incorporate narrative elements, allowing players to connect emotionally with characters and storylines.
5. The rise of indie game developers has led to a resurgence in platformers, with innovative designs and creative mechanics challenging traditional gameplay.

Review Questions

• How do platformers incorporate game mechanics that challenge player skills?
  • Platformers utilize mechanics such as jumping, timing, and obstacle navigation to challenge player skills. Players must master these elements to progress through levels successfully. The design often includes varying difficulty levels, with later stages introducing complex obstacles that require precise movements and quick reflexes. This gameplay encourages players to improve their skills through trial and error.
• Discuss the evolution of platformers from 2D to 3D and its impact on game design.
  • The evolution from 2D to 3D platformers significantly impacted game design by expanding the possibilities for exploration and level design. While 2D platformers were limited to left-right movement and jumping between platforms, 3D platformers introduced depth and complexity, allowing players to navigate fully realized environments. This shift not only enhanced visual storytelling but also led to innovative gameplay mechanics such as free movement in three dimensions, which changed how challenges were structured in platforming games.
• Evaluate the influence of indie game developers on the platformer genre and its future.
  • Indie game developers have greatly influenced the platformer genre by reintroducing creativity and innovation into gameplay. With fewer resources than major studios, indie developers focus on unique concepts, artistic styles, and engaging narratives. Titles like 'Celeste' and 'Hollow Knight' showcase how indie games can push the boundaries of traditional platformers while exploring deeper themes. This trend suggests that the future of platformers will likely continue to emphasize originality and emotional connection alongside classic mechanics.

Related terms

2D Platformer: A platformer that is primarily presented in two dimensions, where players move left or right and jump between platforms, often with pixel art graphics.

3D Platformer: A platformer that utilizes three-dimensional graphics, allowing for a more immersive environment where players can explore in multiple directions.

Metroidvania: A subgenre of platformers that combines action, exploration, and puzzle-solving, where players unlock new abilities to access previously unreachable areas.