16.00. Platforming Genre

Platformers center around maneuvering a player character to a defined objective.

Subgenres

Arcade Platformer

Arcade Platformers feature single-screen platforming challenges with varied objectives.

• Examples: Donkey Kong (Nintendo, 1981); BurgerTime (Data East, 1982)

Linear Platformer

Linear Platformers task players with reaching the end of a set level.

• 2D Examples: Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo, 1985); Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega, 1991)
• 3D Examples: Crash Bandicoot (Naughty Dog, 1996); Sonic Adventure (Sega, 1999)

Action Platformer

Action Platformers feature more emphasis on enemy interaction than Linear Platformers, generally in the form of including an attack button for the player. Note that they still retain a primary focus on platforming, unlike Side-Scrolling Brawlers.

• Examples: Castlevania (Konami, 1986); Ninja Gaiden (Tecmo, 1988)

Cinematic Platformer

Cinematic Platformers feature scripted scenarios on each screen for the player to figure out the (usually singular) correct path to proceed.

• Examples: Prince of Persia (Broderbund, 1989); Another World (Eric Chahi, 1991)

Puzzle Platformer

Puzzle Platformers feature puzzles as the primary obstacle to completing a stage.

• Examples: Braid (Number None, 2008); VVVVVV (Terry Cavanagh, 2010)

Sandbox Platformer

Sandbox Platformers allow for wider player exploration and navigation in a 3D space, usually with a variety of objectives in a single level.

• Examples: Super Mario 64 (Nintendo, 1996); Spyro the Dragon (Insomniac Games, 1998)