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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In the past, being one of the most popular genres on the market, platform games suffered a steep decline in popularity over the years, but with the rise of mobile games and apps, the resurgence of platformers was inevitable. Nowadays, mobile phone app stores are filled with different types of platform games and their corresponding sub-genres, so it may look like an impossible task to choose your ideal fit. That's why we present some of the most common platformer types:
- 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