Somewhat recently, I decided to work on a 2D platformer for fun. I started with very basic shapes, drawings, wonky animations, I’ve already made peace with myself, that my art skills just aren’t there.
As I continue to work on this project something lit up… it’s actually fun to play.
But what should a modern-day platformer play like?
For some research, I’d turn to Steam to play any mario-like platformers I could find, but to no avail.
I’ve found two somewhat similar games, two that may help us during our infinite drought.
One of the games; ‘Grapple Dog’. Has a heavy platform vibe to it, it also uses a grappling hook as it’s main gameplay mechanic. Quite fun, but can get tiresome quickly, I’m too old to notice how long a gaming session lasts with me.
Another game creation note: I have what I think is a great idea for a platformer, highly reminiscent of the original Mario. Something that may be fun when I am finally able to complete it.
I’ve changed my mind, I’ll talk about my personal ideas of game design in another post.
Secondly, a game that scratches that Mario / Mega Man itch is called Basureroes: Invasion.
It’s gameplay is pretty fun and engaging. Quite similar to Mega Man but with multiple characters that you can switch in between, the music could use a lot of work too, a game’s music can add such a great deal to its playability, there’s nothing like getting the urge to hum along with a game’s soundtrack, it adds to the immersion.
I came to post about game design, I left talking about two games similar to Mario.
The End.