Platform games
Platform genre games or in short platformers are games played either on a single screen or horizontal and vertical-scrolling setting. A player controls a character who jumps or climbs onto various platforms, ledges, stairs, and other objects to reach a certain goal. Often players can control the extent and intensity of a jump as well as perform some other acrobatic manoeuvres. Typically, platform games have multiple levels or stages, which gradually become more complex, some of them also have a boss monster waiting at the end of the stage. Platformers were one of the first and most popular genres in the video game industry.
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- Hop & Bop – bright and cartoonish colours. The main goal is to exterminate enemies by jumping above them and making a successful landing on their heads. Hence Hop & Bop. Usually horizontal scrolling setting. Example: Super Mario Bros.
- Isometric – the most notable feature of these platformers is the use of 2D graphics while depicting a 3D setting. There's also a heavy focus on storyline and puzzles. Example: Lumo.
- Run & Gun – swarms of enemies, long-ranged weapons, focus on action. Run is the main keyword as players are required to constantly move forward with an often-traditional linear structure. Example: Broforce.
- Puzzle – as the name suggests, the main goal is to solve puzzles found in a platform setting. There may still be some hopping, bopping and running involved, but completing puzzles is the key. Example: Portal.
- Cinematic – a mix between various platform game sub-genres. Smooth background and character appearance, life-like movements, trial & error principle in accomplishing tasks. Example: Prince of Persia