View Full Version : favorite 2d plataformer concept?
Murilo
09-27-2005, 07:04 AM
Hi, everyone! I just finished my 2d game engine and editor which I'll use to make the levels now and I was wondering what kind of plataformer players prefer?! when I say "kind" I mean the way levels are built. I was planning on something more linear with obstacles and stuff kind of like castlevania, battletoads, mario bros... But I notice there's a lot of exploration plataformers out there with maze-like levels, lots of find-key-open-door elements and things to collect. I personally prefer a more straight forward type of levels with some lite plataformer puzzles, but that's just my opnion and I'd like to hear what other people like as I want to make this game fun and challeging, it will be freeware. It also has an up to 4 player cooperative mode. Thanks in advance!
luggage
09-27-2005, 07:22 AM
One of my most favourite games was Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (http://www.classicgaming.com/rotw/wonderboy3.shtml) on the SMS. You started at the end of a quest where you got turned into a dragon. When you explored your home town you can see places where you can't get to. eg. one example there's a block that you have to be half the height to run under, another is you need to breathe under water longer, another is underneath breakable blocks (which you can't break yet), etc.
Basically a few routes were blocked. You then followed the one route through to the end where you fought the end of level baddie and then you'd end up transformed into another character which would then let you continue on to the next area.
It was quality!
Christian
09-27-2005, 07:46 AM
you forgot a very important thing, the KIND of PLAYER your game is aiming at.
I like Abuse, with keyboard and mouse control; i also liked a wonderboy rpg plataformer game, i saw girls play that in arcades too, you collected coins from little monsters and you could buy powerups, armors, healts, and stuff like that; i also really like megaman with the powerups and the stragies to destroy bosses; castlevania is awesome too for the equipment and the ability to grow in power, rpg like things are good in all kinds of games.
Anthony Flack
09-27-2005, 05:51 PM
I like them straightforward, but with optional extras and secrets. I like looking for extras and finding clever bits - but I hate the feeling of being lost or confused.
Pyabo
09-27-2005, 09:21 PM
I loved Super Metroid... being lost and confused was great. :)
That being said, Super Mario World is probably one of my all time favorites as well... very straightforward,but *tons*of optional secrets.
You're really talking about two different kinds of games. Make the one YOU prefer.
DanMarshall
09-28-2005, 01:43 AM
Surely the original Sonic the Hedgehog is hailed as the greates platformer that ever there was, no? Just me, is it?!
I still play it today. Nip through in a matter of seconds _or_ explore and collect. Perfectamondo...
stupidlikeafox
09-28-2005, 03:47 AM
amen luggage!!! wonderboy III is perhaps THE best master system game. the graphics were amazing-the gameplay was genius. imo THE best 2d platformer ever.
Sharkbait
09-28-2005, 04:54 AM
I'm a big fan of Sonic games myself... I can never get enough of those loops, springs, corkscrews and stuff! I think it must be one of the earliest platformers to implement something resembling physics. There are other factors that draw me to the series.. probably the graphical style, colours used and the music.
Adrian Cummings
09-28-2005, 05:00 AM
Wonderboy was the biz and Sonic was probably one of the best 2d platformers ever written I agree.
soniCron
09-28-2005, 11:22 AM
I'd have to say all three were the best platformers ever: Wonderboy, Super Mario World, and Sonic. Each, in their own way, was groundbreaking, and all are still killer-fun today!
Ricardo C
09-28-2005, 11:51 AM
I'll take Super Mario Bros. 3. Not as expansive or secret-ladden as its succesors, but for me, it remains the pinnacle of platform gaming in terms of sheer fun and personality.
Runners-up:
Little Nemo (NES version)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)
Super Mario World (SNES)
Castlevania II (NES), even though it goes more into the side-scrolling RPG category.
New Zealand Story is the best! The gun totiting kiwi beats Mario's middle aged moustache toting any day in my book...
Chris Evans
09-28-2005, 02:34 PM
Little Nemo (NES version)
I'm glad someone else remembers this game too. I loved it when I was a kid. I also really enjoyed Dynamite Heady on the Genesis.
soniCron
09-28-2005, 02:38 PM
A Boy and His Blob was an excellent NES platformer. Very unique.
tentons
09-28-2005, 07:32 PM
Yoshi's Island on SNES is probably my all time favorite platformer. Tons of strategy and variety.
Pyabo
09-29-2005, 12:55 AM
Yoshi's Island on SNES is probably my all time favorite platformer. Tons of strategy and variety.
Oooooh... I take back my previous answer. :o
digriz
09-29-2005, 06:02 AM
Difficult...in recent years i think my favourite was skullmonkeys.
Old school style was Rainbow Islands.
tolik
09-29-2005, 06:25 AM
I'm in with SMW, Sonic and Kirby and other famous NES games like Darkwing Duck & Duck Tales.
Battletoads was awesome. I never played Wonderboy 3 for some reason! Let me rattle off a few more off the top of my head:
Gunstar Heroes
Strider
Bionic Commando
Ghouls 'n Ghosts/Ghosts 'n Goblins/etc
Contra
Shinobi arcade/Revenge of Shinobi/Shadow Dancer
Mickey Mouse: Castle of Illusion
The first Alex Kidd was good
I'm sure there are more... Just can't think of them now.
Oh and yes, I also prefer straightforward level progression with *optional* exploration/collection elements.
soniCron
09-29-2005, 12:27 PM
Then, I suppose the Metal Slug series should be mentioned. Best. Side-scrolling. Action-shooters. Ever.
mooktown
09-29-2005, 04:29 PM
cant believe Donkey Kong Country for the snes hasnt been mentioned yet :confused:
fantastic graphics, music and atmosphere, perfect control of both characters, straight forward design and optional secret areas to try and get the ellusive 100% completion status, man I'm gonna have to play it again now :D
Platform perfection
soniCron
09-29-2005, 04:32 PM
...optional secret areas to try and get the ellusive 100% completion status... Don't you mean 101%? Or was that just in the later games?
Sybixsus
09-29-2005, 04:57 PM
Bubble Bobble. Followed closely by Parasol Stars. ( Rainbow Islands never did anything for me, oddly. )
Simple games, perfectly executed.
mooktown
09-29-2005, 11:05 PM
Don't you mean 101%?
lol, i stand corrected, thats insane! I'm not a person who must collect everything, I usually just play through as far as I'm interested in a game. I think I had 92% back in the day, hmm, maybe a full retread is in order to reach this krazy 101%
Murilo
09-30-2005, 03:46 AM
Thank you all for your replies! I guess linear game play with optional exploration, secrets etc is the way to go then! That's great, because that's the way I planned the game for, mostly based on battletoads and SMW! I'll most likely add a stats screen after each stage displaying "you found x out x secrets" or something! The main difference in this game that may not appeal to everyone is the way you fight enemies in the stages, it's not your typical jump on their heads or just slash/shoot'em to get through. you're really gonna have to fight them in a very, very similar way to Super Smash Bros. you have different characters to choose from(known famous characters), you can pull off many different moves, use itens, special moves, roll, block, double jump etc... and so can some of your foes! And all this in a interactive world full of moving plataforms/hazards/traps! Hope this attempt to squeeze it all in one game is sucessful in the end!
Pyabo
09-30-2005, 12:16 PM
Thank you all for your replies! I guess linear game play with optional exploration, secrets etc is the way to go then! That's great, because that's the way I planned the game for, mostly based on battletoads and SMW! I'll most likely add a stats screen after each stage displaying "you found x out x secrets" or something! The main difference in this game that may not appeal to everyone is the way you fight enemies in the stages, it's not your typical jump on their heads or just slash/shoot'em to get through. you're really gonna have to fight them in a very, very similar way to Super Smash Bros. you have different characters to choose from(known famous characters), you can pull off many different moves, use itens, special moves, roll, block, double jump etc... and so can some of your foes! And all this in a interactive world full of moving plataforms/hazards/traps! Hope this attempt to squeeze it all in one game is sucessful in the end!
Just tell us this isn't your first game... :)
Murilo
09-30-2005, 12:52 PM
Just tell us this isn't your first game... :)
yes, it is. hehehe I think I know exactly what your thinking! "OMG, wtf is he thinking? Must be another one of those MMORPG-wanna-produce kid except he's aiming for fighting/plataform!" lol. Now seriously, everything engine related is working already as I said in the first post! All the fighting mechanism, "physics" etc... It's got smooth gameplay, good collsion detection, good controls,(according to my friends) 99,99999% bug free, sure it's only pure 2D, not so great animation, and got simple SNES graphics all over it but shouldn't detract from the fun! :) When I said "Hope this attempt to squeeze it all in one game is sucessful in the end!" I meant good level designs with all this, my bad, I wasn't clear. I'll try to post some pics here when I get home!
Barlok
09-30-2005, 03:09 PM
I love hardcore platformer games! :))
It, IMHO, Abuse (http://www.abandonia.com/games/97/download/Abuse.htm) & Contra (http://www.classicgaming.com/contra/games/games.htm)!
Murilo
09-30-2005, 04:18 PM
Here it is:
http://www.multihero.oi.com.br/preview.gif
Hope you all like it when it's done! Should be finished in a couple of months.
Anthony Flack
09-30-2005, 04:32 PM
It'll be freeware, obviously?
Ricardo C
09-30-2005, 04:52 PM
It's like gazing upon the face of God. With hadokens flying all over the place.
Murilo
09-30-2005, 04:53 PM
It'll be freeware, obviously?
Yes, just like I said in the first post.
Anthony Flack
09-30-2005, 06:31 PM
So you did, so you did. Sorry.
Pyabo
10-01-2005, 11:11 PM
That's just placeholder art, right? :)
Sounds like you're pretty far along. Hope the level design turns out well.
Murilo
10-02-2005, 04:23 AM
That's just placeholder art, right? :)
No no! That's the final real thing right there hehehe, It's a project I've been wanting to do for a long time. I’ve always thought, hey, why can't someone make a game with known different(not from same creators) characters in it? Sure there are some attempts out there, but with only two or three characters and horribly miserable gameplay!!! So that doesn't count! I’m trying to get it at least a little decent on gameplay! After I finish this then I’ll move on to my own 100% made indie game! :D
I’ve always thought, hey, why can't someone make a game with known different(not from same creators) characters in it?
I'll say you why Murilo. Because this acts against the law (thanks to God).
Murilo
10-02-2005, 02:06 PM
I'll say you why Murilo. Because this acts against the law (thanks to God).
That's a good point, Andy! But something tells me that's not the main reason it hasn't been done yet, especially considering the countless illegal freewares out there! And as for it being unlawful, well errrr I’ll just pray and hope the copyright owners don’t bitch about the game just because I like their characters/art/sound work and want to entertain people with yet another harmless fan-made software and give them credits! And I won’t get a penny or ask for any for my efforts! :)
That's a good point, Andy! But something tells me that's not the main reason it hasn't been done yet, especially considering the countless illegal freewares out there! And as for it being unlawful, well errrr I’ll just pray and hope the copyright owners don’t bitch about the game just because I like their characters/art/sound work and want to entertain people with yet another harmless fan-made software and give them credits! And I won’t get a penny or ask for any for my efforts! :)
I don't like to sound harsh or annoying - I leave this for copyright owners ;) - but would you use the game for (let's say) promotion of your name, company, website?..
Think we woudn't make some software pinballs based on famous games around would be this all so easy? For example...
Just my two cents,
REM: Screen looks fun btw. :)
Murilo
10-02-2005, 03:01 PM
I don't like to sound harsh or annoying - I leave this for copyright owners ;) - but would you use the game for (let's say) promotion of your name, company, website?..
Think we woudn't make some software pinballs based on famous games around would be this all so easy? For example...
Just my two cents,
REM: Screen looks fun btw. :)
I can only agree with you! Now that you've mentioned it, about promoting a name or something, I'm seriously thinking of not ever mentioning my name or my site(if I had one) on the game when it's done! People will only see things like "the author" lol as I'm making it purely for fun and satisfication! As for the ones helping me out with testing and stuff, I'll leave it up to them whether they wanna appear on the game credits or not! but, yes, you are right about everything you said and thanks for the screen compliments! :)
Mike Wiering
10-02-2005, 05:07 PM
And as for it being unlawful, well errrr I’ll just pray and hope the copyright owners don’t bitch about the game just because I like their characters/art/sound work and want to entertain people with yet another harmless fan-made software and give them credits! And I won’t get a penny or ask for any for my efforts! :) Freeware or not, I'ld advise you to make your own graphics instead. I know that it's fun to play around with graphics from "real" games, one of my first projects was a Mario clone. But I could have spent my time much better by making a more original game right away instead.
I hate to see all these games with ripped graphics nowadays. Most of them are programmed really badly, but everyone downloads them anyway because of the wonderful graphics. You might think you're just promoting these characters as a fan, but I think you're more likely to do the opposit. I'm sure some people (who don't know the original games) will start associating these graphics with bad game play and disappointment.
Also, I wish that download sites like download.com would ban these types of games. It's hard to get noticed when the most popular games are freeware with graphics by Nintendo.
Murilo
10-02-2005, 06:01 PM
Freeware or not, I'ld advise you to make your own graphics instead. I know that it's fun to play around with graphics from "real" games, one of my first projects was a Mario clone. But I could have spent my time much better by making a more original game right away instead.
yeah, I know, I can't wait to finish this game so I can start doing my own stuff, It's just that I really want to make this, it's like, a dream project or something heheheh...
I hate to see all these games with ripped graphics nowadays. Most of them are programmed really badly, but everyone downloads them anyway because of the wonderful graphics. You might think you're just promoting these characters as a fan, but I think you're more likely to do the opposit. I'm sure some people (who don't know the original games) will start associating these graphics with bad game play and disappointment.
Totally agree with you! That's why I've spent countless hours coding to make sure the gameplay rocks! And believe me, it's not bad at all :D
Also, I wish that download sites like download.com would ban these types of games. It's hard to get noticed when the most popular games are freeware with graphics by Nintendo.
True, true! kind of sad really. I'll be "whining" about it just like you when I make a "graphics by me" game. :(
One of my first demos way back in the day was something similar to this, it was a 2D fighting game with graphics made from ripping frames from Virtua Fighter 2 (lots of screenshots and lots of cropping by hand :().
Eventually though, I replaced the graphics because I didn't want to get into any trouble. Plus, I wanted to differentiate my game so that it wouldn't just look like a 2D VF2.
What I eventually did (something you might consider doing) was doing my own graphics by dressing up and filming myself doing moves. It actually turned out pretty good looking, and it was fun to do.
Anyway, just another idea.
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