Astro Bot Platformer Review – Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024

Platformer games have become an indispensable element of gaming culture that many remember from childhood. The evolution of the genre, closely linked to the history of video games, makes it relevant today. Adventures were initially attractive for their simplicity and excitement, offering players to plunge into adventures filled with jumps, obstacles and collecting bonuses. They continue to remain trendy due to their unique mixture of complexity and accessibility.

What are platformer games?

This genre involves jumping on platforms, avoiding obstacles and collecting bonuses. Many computer games have become cult due to their platform gameplay. The user’s task is to control a character who moves around the level, overcoming obstacles and avoiding enemies. Jumping arcades are distinguished by dynamic gameplay and bright visual aesthetics that attract both children and adults.

History of platformer games

It all started with the cult hit Donkey Kong in 1981. This is where the main element first appeared – jumping over obstacles. The next landmark stage was Super Mario. Mario became a symbol of the genre and a real revolution in the world of video games, raising the bar for arcades to a new level and adding elements of exploration and gameplay variability. In the 90s, there was a significant change in the genre, when adventures moved into the 3D dimension. Pioneers like Crash Bandicoot and Rayman demonstrated how new technology could make the genre even more exciting. 3D levels added depth and complexity, which attracted even more users.

Classic platformers: why are they still popular?

Traditional versions remain popular due to their unique combination of simplicity and challenge. The pixel graphics used in early jumping arcades evoke a sense of nostalgia and give a sense of coziness in many players. Even modern titles like Shovel Knight intentionally use retro styles to give players that 80s and 90s vibe.

Dynamic journeys with pixel art help to preserve nostalgia and attract recruits who are looking for something soulful and simple in the world of modern technology. This style of gameplay offers a challenge, but at the same time leaves room for fun and relaxation.

The main reasons for the popularity of pixel art:

1. Nostalgia. The pixel art style takes players back to an era when games were simple but fun.
2. Atmosphere. This style helps to convey the special atmosphere of the 80s and 90s.
3. Artistic device. The use of pixel art allows you to create unique and expressive game worlds.
4. Entertaining mechanics. The main thing in these games is exciting gameplay and interesting stories, not technical details.

The pixelated aesthetic allows players to remember an era when graphics weren’t the main factor, but rather fun

Best Platformer Games: Review and Recommendations

Among the top representatives of the industry, it is worth highlighting such legends as Super Mario Bros and Rayman Legends. Super Mario Bros set the standard for the genre, thanks to which platformers received worldwide recognition. Rayman Legends attracts with its bright graphics, memorable levels and a great musical atmosphere.

Modern arcades, such as Celeste, offer users not only complex platforming elements, but also a deep emotional story. 2D platformer games remain relevant due to their minimalism and complexity, and 3D adds a new dimension, making the gameplay even more exciting and intense.

Modern 3D platformers: a new round of evolution

Three-dimensional adventures represent a new level in the development of the genre. Hits like Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot brought depth and complexity to the gameplay, which made platformers even more attractive to a wider audience. They offer fans new mechanics, open world exploration and the ability to interact with the environment on a deeper level.

3D platformer games are evolving thanks to technological advances that allow for more detailed and multi-layered game worlds. They provide freedom of choice and allow users to explore levels at their own pace, which adds an extra layer of interactivity and makes the experience more personal and engaging.

Platformer Games for Kids: Why Are They Beneficial?

Jumping journeys have a positive effect on the development of coordination, logical thinking, and reaction. Sonic the Hedgehog, Kirby, and others offer bright and friendly graphics, as well as simple gameplay that is ideal for children. They help develop fine motor skills, the ability to make decisions in a limited time, and teach how to overcome difficulties.

Platformer games develop patience and perseverance, which is especially important in childhood. They also help improve cognitive abilities, as the child learns to anticipate actions, remember routes, and find solutions in stressful situations.

The Impact of Platformers on the Gaming Industry

Arcades have had a huge impact on the development of the industry. They were the first games to attract a mass audience and set the standard for other genres. Elements such as levels, passages, hidden bonuses and bosses were originally developed specifically for jumping versions and then migrated to other genres.

Video games inspired by platformers continue to use their elements to create deep and immersive gameplay. The influence is visible in games of various genres, be it action, puzzle or even RPG. This demonstrates that jumping adventures remain an important part of the history and future of video games.

Why will platformers live forever?

Platformer games continue to evolve, finding new forms and approaches, but still retain their essence – jumping, obstacles and the joy of completing levels. Nostalgia keeps the genre interesting, and modern technology helps them stay relevant and interesting.

Try one of the mentioned games to feel the same spirit of adventure that platformers have been giving players for years. In addition, dynamic journeys teach important life skills – perseverance, patience and the ability to cope with challenges. These qualities make them popular not only among children, but also among adults who want to remember their first gaming experiences and experience the joy of overcoming obstacles.

Pixel art is back in fashion, and platformers are firmly at the forefront of this movement. These games not only impress with their retro style, but also with deep stories, unique mechanics, and engaging gameplay.

Celeste: An Emotional Journey to the Top

Celeste is a gem among pixel platformers created by Canadian studio Extremely OK Games (formerly known as Matt Makes Games). The game appeared in 2018, inspired by classic concepts and the desire to create a project that combines complex gameplay with a deep emotional story. The idea was born from a mini-project developed for a game jam, which later turned into a full-scale release.

The Vancouver-based studio took inspiration from retro games like Super Mario Bros. and Super Meat Boy to create a product that challenges the player’s skills while exploring the inner fears and doubts of the main character. Madeline, the central character, embarks on a journey to the top of the mountain, facing her own weaknesses and insecurities. Features:

1. Unique mechanics: The mid-air dash mechanic adds depth to the gameplay, making each task challenging but doable.
2. Graphics and atmosphere: The masterfully executed pixel platformer graphics are combined with a soundtrack by Lena Raine, creating a tense and touching mood.

Dead Cells: A pixel platformer with roguelike elements

Dead Cells offers a unique gaming experience created by the French studio Motion Twin in 2017. The idea for Dead Cells was born from the studio’s desire to combine dynamic combat and exploration in one project:

1. History of creation. The developers from France experimented with genres to create a product that would stand out from other games.
2. Year of release. The release took place in August 2017.
3. Sources of inspiration. Castlevania, Dark Souls and Metroid served as the basis for the game’s mechanics and style.

Players control a hero who explores procedurally generated levels, fighting enemies and collecting resources:

1. Battle mechanics. Users use a variety of weapons, including swords, bows and magical artifacts.
2. Procedural generation. Each level is unique, making each playthrough a new challenge.
3. Progression. Despite death, some resources are saved, allowing you to unlock upgrades.

Dead Cells has deep mechanics and high replayability. Pixel platformers with a story rarely reach such a level of detail.

Hollow Knight: a fairy tale in dark tones

Hollow Knight immerses you in the dark and mystical world of the kingdom of Hallownest, created by the independent studio Team Cherry from Australia. The game debuted in 2017, instantly winning the love of players and critics thanks to its sophisticated approach to gameplay and visual style. The pixel project was inspired by classic platformers such as Metroid and Castlevania, as well as the unique atmosphere of Hayao Miyazaki’s works. Features:

1. Exploration of the world. The non-linear structure allows you to choose your own path, revealing the lore through atmospheric dialogues and mysterious artifacts.
2. Battles. Participants use precise strikes, abilities and unique charms that customize the fighting style.
3. Progression. The hero gains new skills, improves his equipment and opens up previously inaccessible areas.

What makes Hollow Knight stand out?

Every corner of the Hallownest world is filled with history, mysteries and unique aesthetics. Carefully crafted graphics harmonize with a dark soundtrack, creating an atmosphere of mystery and melancholy. Pixel platformers for PC rarely achieve such a level of artistic integrity, offering fans an unforgettable gaming experience.

Stardew Valley: A Pixel Farming Platformer

Stardew Valley, created by independent developer Eric Barone (known under the pseudonym ConcernedApe), was released in 2016. The project was born out of a desire to create a game inspired by Harvest Moon, but with the addition of modern mechanics and more freedom of action. The development of the platformer took more than four years, with Eric working alone, creating everything from pixel art to the music:

1. Country of development: USA.
2. The idea: to give players the opportunity to explore rural life through building a farm, developing relationships and exploring the world.
3. Year of release: February 2016.

Gameplay and features

Users create a farm, engage in farming, fishing and communicating with villagers:

1. Variety of activities. Farming, fishing, mining and interacting with NPCs.
2. Flexibility of gameplay. The game offers freedom of action and unique development scenarios.
3. Aesthetics. Simple but expressive graphics help to relax.

The project is ideal for those looking for a calm and exciting process. Among pixel platformers in retro style, it stands out due to the ability to build your own world and influence the plot.

Terraria: a world of adventure and creativity

Terraria offers exploration of a huge open world with elements of construction and combat. The project was developed by Re-Logic studio, founded by Andrew Spinks (known under the pseudonym Redigit). The release took place in 2011, and the game quickly gained popularity due to the unique combination of platformer and sandbox elements.

The inspiration for the creation of Terraria were classic projects such as Minecraft and Metroid. They motivated the developers to combine exploration, construction and combat in one gameplay. Features:

1. Crafting. Crafting various types of weapons, including swords, crossbows, magic staffs and firearms. The building section includes houses, fortresses, farms, and decorative objects such as statues and fountains. These elements allow you to tailor the gameplay to each player’s style, creating unique worlds.
2. Exploration. The world is full of secrets, including hidden caves with unique biomes and treasures. Players can find underground treasure rooms filled with rare resources such as mithril ingots or magic crystals. Caves vary from lava lakes in deep dungeons to icy tunnels filled with frozen chests. Some of them contain artifacts that enhance the character or open access to new areas.
3. Combat. Exciting boss battles require strategy and skill. Terraria offers a variety of bosses, such as the Eye of Cthulhu, a huge flying eye that attacks with waves of minions, and Skeletron, who requires precise movement and agility to avoid the powerful attacks of his skeletal hands. The Wall of Flesh, one of the most memorable bosses, takes up the entire screen and moves straight towards the player, creating a tense atmosphere. Each boss has unique mechanics, making each fight a vivid challenge.

Terraria stands out for its huge freedom of action and deep mechanics. New pixel platformers rarely reach such a level of creativity and scale.

Conclusion: A choice for everyone

Pixel platformers continue to inspire fans of the genre with their diversity. From the emotional journeys of Celeste to the endless possibilities of Terraria, each project offers a unique experience. These games show that pixel graphics do not limit, but reveal the potential of developers and give players unforgettable impressions.