Video games have come a long way since their inception, with platformers being one of the most iconic and beloved genres. Platformers are video games where the player controls a character that must navigate through levels by jumping on platforms and avoiding obstacles.

What Makes Platform Video Games Special?

Platformers are unique in that they require players to use their timing and precision to progress through levels. The player’s character must jump on platforms at just the right moment to avoid falling off or landing on spikes, while also collecting coins, defeating enemies, and solving puzzles. This creates a sense of challenge and excitement for the player, as they constantly need to think ahead and plan their movements.

The Evolution of Platform Video Games

Platformers have a rich history that dates back to the early days of video gaming. The first platformer was likely “Pitfall!” by Activision, released in 1984 for the Atari ST. This game featured a character named Pitfall Harry who must navigate through levels filled with spikes and pits, collecting coins and avoiding enemies along the way.

Since then, platformers have evolved to incorporate a wide range of gameplay mechanics and styles. Some popular sub-genres include side-scrolling platformers like “Super Mario Bros.” and “Sonic the Hedgehog,” which feature endless levels filled with enemies and power-ups. Other sub-genres include vertical scrolling platformers like “Spelunky” and “Don’t Starve Together,” which require players to navigate through increasingly difficult levels while collecting resources and avoiding danger.

In recent years, platformers have also embraced new technologies and gameplay mechanics. For example, the rise of mobile gaming has led to the creation of platformers that are optimized for touch screens, like “Angry Birds” and “Tetris.” Additionally, virtual reality (VR) technology has been used to create immersive platforming experiences, such as “Beat Saber” and “Job Simulator.”

Optimizing Platform Video Games for Maximum Impact

Now that we have a better understanding of what makes platform video games special and how they have evolved over time, let’s explore some tips and best practices for optimizing your creations for maximum impact.

• Keep the gameplay simple but engaging. While platformers can be complex, it’s important to keep the core gameplay mechanics simple and easy to understand. Players should be able to quickly pick up and play the game without needing extensive instructions or tutorials. At the same time, you want to keep the gameplay engaging by introducing new challenges and obstacles as players progress through levels.
• Focus on level design. Level design is critical in platformers, as it sets the tone for the game and determines how players will engage with the content. Good level design should be challenging but not frustrating, with clear paths and objectives that are easy to follow. You can also use different types of levels to keep things interesting, such as boss battles, puzzle sections, or platforming challenges.
• Use visuals and sound to enhance the experience. Visuals and sound are key components of any video game, but they are particularly important in platformers. The art style should be engaging and visually appealing, with clear indicators of what is safe to jump on and what is dangerous.