A Platformer is a video game in which a player moves a character through a landscape. The character is usually accompanied by enemies that can harm or kill them. There are different styles of platform games and they are often distinguished by the type of gameplay, graphics, and perspective of the player.
In traditional 2D platform games, the player progresses from left to right, moving from one side of the screen to the other. The player’s character can jump and change direction mid-air, creating interesting situations for the player.
Eventually, the genre evolved into games with multiple level paths and playable overworld areas. Many later platformers used three-dimensional graphics. These have become a popular type of game for adults.
Early platformers had only a single screen, allowing the character to move only in one direction. After the player completes a level, the character is transferred to a new screen. This creates a sense of danger and set path to success.
Some of the most famous platformers include Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog. The genre also includes the games Jak and Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, and Metroid.
While early platformers had the character run or walk up a single staircase or through a linear obstacle course, the genre has since expanded to include multiple levels, parkour, and a variety of other elements. Unlike traditional Action-Adventure games, platform games involve jumping, avoiding obstacles, and performing acrobatic maneuvers.
In the 1990s, the genre gained momentum when 3D mascot platformers emerged. These games were inspired by popular arcade games. During this time, the platformer genre went through ups and downs, as more action-oriented games became more prevalent.
