What Makes a Good Platformer?

Summary

The video discusses what makes a good platformer game, focusing on fun platforming elements, controls, movement, game flow, and level design. It compares notable games like 'Super Mario Odyssey,' 'Celeste,' and 'Velocity Noodle.' The speaker emphasizes that good platformers have responsive controls, smooth gameplay, and well-designed levels that introduce new mechanics without overwhelming the player. They also highlight how character and story can enhance the gaming experience, with 'Celeste' being praised as a standout example due to its balance of gameplay and storytelling.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Super Mario Bros is one of the most famous and iconic platformer games of all time.
• 🕹️ Fun platforming is key to a great platformer, with precise controls and smooth movement being crucial.
• 👍 Good controls mean that a character should move exactly as intended, without frustrations.
• 🧗 Celeste is praised for its pixel-perfect jumps and intuitive controls, making even tricky challenges enjoyable.
• 🌍 3D platformers like Mario Odyssey excel when they offer a wide range of movement and fluid controls.
• 🔁 Game flow is essential—Celeste allows players to retry quickly, maintaining momentum and avoiding frustration after failure.
• ⏳ Platformers should avoid unnecessary delays after a player dies, as seen with the annoying restart sequences in Velocity Noodle.
• 🏞️ Effective level design is vital, gradually introducing new mechanics and challenges without overwhelming the player.
• 🎨 Aesthetic design matters, with games like Velocity Noodle using vivid cyberpunk visuals to enhance the gameplay experience.
• 📖 Story and character design can enhance the overall game experience, as shown in Celeste, where the character Madeline drives player motivation.

Q & A

What makes a good platformer according to the script?

A good platformer has fun platforming, which involves tight controls and smooth movement, along with a strong game flow that keeps the player engaged and not frustrated. Level design and aesthetics also play a critical role, as well as story and character design, though the latter is not always essential.

Why are controls and movement so important in platformers?

Controls and movement are vital because they determine how well players can maneuver their characters in the game world. Good controls allow for precise actions without frustration, ensuring the game feels fluid and responsive. If the character's movements don’t align well with the level design, the game can quickly become frustrating.

What is game flow, and why does it matter in platformers?

Game flow refers to how smoothly the game progresses without unnecessary interruptions. In platformers, it matters because players often die and retry sections frequently. Immediate re-entry into gameplay after a death, without long delays or unnecessary screens, keeps the player immersed and motivated to continue.

How does Celeste handle game flow compared to Velocity Noodle?

Celeste has an excellent game flow, allowing players to immediately retry after dying without any delays or interruptions. In contrast, Velocity Noodle disrupts the flow by adding a 'ready set go' sequence after each death, which can become frustrating over time.

What role does level design play in a platformer?

Level design is crucial in platformers because it dictates the gameplay experience. Levels should introduce mechanics progressively, offering challenges without overwhelming the player. Well-designed levels should feel intuitive and engaging while gradually increasing difficulty.

Why is Celeste considered a fantastic example of good platformer design?

Celeste excels in all areas of platformer design: its controls are precise, the game flow is seamless, the levels are well-crafted with increasing complexity, and it features an engaging story and relatable character, Madeline, which adds emotional depth to the gameplay.

What does the script say about the importance of aesthetics in platformers?

Aesthetics are important because they make the game world visually stimulating and enjoyable to play through. Games like Velocity Noodle have a cyberpunk aesthetic that helps create a unique atmosphere, even if other elements of the game may fall short.

How does Super Mario Odyssey perform as a platformer based on the script?

Super Mario Odyssey is praised for its immaculate controls, excellent game flow, and unmatched level design. Although the story is basic, it features fun characters and offers enough variety in mechanics to keep the player engaged without letting things become stale.

What is the issue with Velocity Noodle's level design according to the script?

Velocity Noodle's level design suffers from large amounts of empty space, which makes the levels feel stretched out. This, combined with disruptions in game flow when the player dies, detracts from the overall platforming experience.

How does the script compare story and character design in platformers?

While not essential in every platformer, story and character design can significantly enhance the experience. In Celeste, the character Madeline and her journey add an emotional layer that motivates players to keep pushing through difficult levels. In contrast, Velocity Noodle lacks a meaningful story or compelling characters, which makes the game feel less engaging.