Exploring the Sub-Genres of Platformer Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Get ready to jump, roll, and soar through the world of platformer games! These games are a beloved staple of the gaming world, and for good reason. With their endless running, twitch-based gameplay, and incredible platforming mechanics, platformers are a genre that keeps on giving. But did you know that there are countless sub-genres of platformer games? From side-scrollers to metroidvania, each sub-genre offers a unique twist on the classic platformer formula. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of platformer games and explore the many sub-genres that make them so special. Get ready to discover a whole new world of gaming adventures!

What are Platformer Games?

Definition and Overview

Platformer games are a genre of video games that involve the player character navigating and jumping between various platforms, obstacles, and enemies in order to progress through levels. The player’s character typically has some form of mobility, such as the ability to jump, slide, or swing, which they use to overcome challenges and reach their goals.

Platformer games have been around since the early days of video games, with classic titles like Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog paving the way for the genre. Since then, platformer games have evolved and diversified into numerous sub-genres, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics and styles.

One of the defining features of platformer games is their focus on precise controls and timing. Players must master the movements of their character in order to navigate the game world and overcome obstacles. This requires a combination of skill, timing, and practice, making platformer games both challenging and rewarding to play.

Another key aspect of platformer games is their level design. Platformer levels are often designed to be non-linear, with multiple paths and hidden areas for players to explore. This encourages players to experiment with different approaches and find creative solutions to challenges.

Overall, platformer games are a popular and enduring genre that offer a wide range of gameplay experiences, from classic side-scrollers to modern 3D platformers. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action, puzzle-solving, or exploration, there’s a platformer game out there for you.

History and Evolution

Platformer games have a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of video games. The first platformer game was probably the 1980 game “Space Panic,” which was developed by Tomohiro Nishino and released for the Apple II. Since then, platformer games have evolved significantly, with new sub-genres emerging and gameplay mechanics becoming more complex.

One of the most significant developments in platformer games was the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985. This game popularized the platformer genre and set the standard for future games in the genre. The game featured a character that players could control, who could jump and run through various levels, collecting power-ups and avoiding obstacles.

In the 1990s, platformer games continued to evolve, with games like Sonic the Hedgehog introducing new mechanics such as high-speed running and gliding. The game also featured a unique art style that distinguished it from other platformer games at the time.

In the 2000s, platformer games continued to evolve, with new sub-genres emerging. One of the most popular sub-genres of platformer games is the “Metroidvania” style, which combines elements of Metroid and Castlevania. These games typically feature a large, interconnected world that players can explore, with new abilities and weapons that allow players to access previously inaccessible areas.

Another popular sub-genre of platformer games is the “side-scrolling shooter,” which combines elements of platformer games with top-down shooters. These games typically feature fast-paced gameplay, with players blasting enemies and dodging projectiles as they navigate levels.

In recent years, platformer games have continued to evolve, with new sub-genres emerging and new mechanics being introduced. One popular sub-genre is the “roguelike” platformer, which combines elements of platformer games with roguelike games. These games typically feature randomly generated levels, permadeath, and a high degree of difficulty.

Overall, the history and evolution of platformer games is a testament to the enduring popularity and versatility of the genre. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a staple of the video game industry, platformer games have come a long way and continue to offer exciting gameplay experiences for players of all ages.

Platformer Game Sub-Genres

Running and Jumping

The Origins of Running and Jumping Platformers

The running and jumping sub-genre of platformer games has its roots in classic games such as Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog. These games were designed to be fast-paced and required precise timing and control to navigate through levels. The core mechanics of running and jumping have since become a staple of the platformer genre, with countless games incorporating these mechanics in various ways.

Characteristics of Running and Jumping Platformers

One of the defining characteristics of running and jumping platformers is the emphasis on movement. Players must constantly be on the move, using jumps and dashes to navigate through levels, avoid obstacles, and defeat enemies. Many games in this sub-genre also feature power-ups and special abilities that enhance the player’s movement capabilities, such as the ability to double jump or run faster.

The Role of Platforming in Running and Jumping Games

Platforming is a crucial element of running and jumping platformers. Players must be precise with their movements and timing to successfully navigate through levels, avoid hazards, and defeat enemies. This often requires mastery of difficult jumps, precise timing, and quick reflexes. The platforming elements of these games are typically designed to be challenging but fair, requiring players to learn and master new skills to progress through the game.

Challenges and Innovations in Running and Jumping Platformers

Despite the long history of running and jumping platformers, developers continue to find new ways to challenge and innovate within the sub-genre. For example, some games introduce new mechanics such as wall-jumping or dashing, while others incorporate procedurally generated levels or multiplayer elements. Additionally, many modern games in this sub-genre incorporate unique visual styles or narratives, making them stand out from the crowd.

The Appeal of Running and Jumping Platformers

Despite the challenges and complexity of running and jumping platformers, they remain popular among gamers of all ages. The simple yet challenging gameplay, charming characters, and colorful worlds make these games a joy to play. Additionally, many of these games feature replay value, with multiple paths, hidden secrets, and challenges to discover, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy them long after they have completed the main story.

Puzzle-Platformers

Puzzle-Platformers are a sub-genre of platformer games that combine the elements of both puzzle and platformer games. In these games, the player has to navigate through levels that require them to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles by jumping, running, and interacting with the environment.

The gameplay in Puzzle-Platformers is often more focused on the puzzle-solving aspect rather than the platforming aspect. Players must use their wits and reflexes to overcome challenges and reach the end of each level. These games often feature a variety of different mechanics and obstacles that the player must learn and master in order to progress.

One of the most popular examples of Puzzle-Platformers is the “Brain Training” series by Nintendo. These games feature a variety of puzzles that challenge the player’s brain and reflexes, and require them to think creatively and strategically in order to solve them.

Another example of a Puzzle-Platformer is the “Portal” series by Valve Corporation. These games are known for their unique and challenging puzzles, which require the player to use their wits and reflexes to navigate through a series of testing chambers.

In conclusion, Puzzle-Platformers are a unique and challenging sub-genre of platformer games that require players to use their brains and reflexes to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. Whether you’re a fan of the “Brain Training” series or the “Portal” series, there’s sure to be a Puzzle-Platformer out there that will challenge and entertain you.

Metroidvania-Style Games

Overview

Metroidvania-style games are a sub-genre of platformer games that emphasize exploration, progression, and backtracking. These games typically feature interconnected environments, non-linear gameplay, and a large emphasis on discovering hidden secrets and power-ups.

Characteristics

Some of the key characteristics of Metroidvania-style games include:

• Non-linear gameplay: Players can explore different areas in any order they choose, often unlocking new abilities and areas as they progress.
• Exploration and discovery: These games often reward players for exploring and discovering hidden areas and secrets, which can include power-ups, new abilities, and other collectibles.
• Progression and upgrades: Players often gain new abilities and upgrades as they progress through the game, which can help them access previously inaccessible areas.
• Interconnected environments: The environments in Metroidvania-style games are often interconnected, with areas leading to other areas, and backtracking is often required to progress.

Examples

Some examples of Metroidvania-style games include:

• The Metroid series: The games in this series, such as Metroid, Metroid II: Return of Samus, and Metroid Fusion, are often credited with pioneering the Metroidvania sub-genre.
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: This game is often considered one of the first Metroidvania-style games, with its interconnected environments, non-linear gameplay, and emphasis on exploration and discovery.
• Ori and the Blind Forest: This game features a beautiful and challenging environment, with players exploring and discovering new abilities and areas as they progress.
• Hollow Knight: This game features a charming and colorful world, with players exploring and discovering new areas and abilities as they progress.

Challenges

One of the challenges of Metroidvania-style games is that they can be overwhelming for players, with so many different areas to explore and secrets to discover. Players must often backtrack through previously explored areas to access new areas and collectibles, which can be frustrating for some players.

However, for players who enjoy exploration and discovery, Metroidvania-style games can be incredibly rewarding, with a large emphasis on player agency and progression. These games often feature complex and interconnected environments, with many hidden secrets and collectibles to discover, making them a favorite among platformer game fans.

Side-Scrolling Shooters

Side-Scrolling Shooters are a sub-genre of platformer games that involve the player controlling a character that moves from left to right across the screen while shooting enemies and avoiding obstacles. This sub-genre is known for its fast-paced gameplay, intense action, and challenging difficulty.

Features of Side-Scrolling Shooters

• Fast-paced gameplay: The player must move quickly and strategically to avoid enemies and obstacles while shooting them down.
• Intense action: The player is often under attack from multiple enemies at once, making it essential to stay focused and alert.
• Challenging difficulty: The player must master the game’s mechanics and strategies to progress through the levels, which often become increasingly difficult as the game progresses.

Popular Examples of Side-Scrolling Shooters

• “Contra” series
• “Gunstar Heroes”
• “Mega Man” series
• “Metal Slug” series
• “R-Type” series

These games are known for their challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and iconic music. They often feature multiple weapons and power-ups, as well as boss battles that require careful strategy and timing.

Influence on the Platformer Genre

Side-Scrolling Shooters have had a significant influence on the platformer genre, particularly in terms of gameplay mechanics and level design. Many platformer games, including some of the most popular ones, have incorporated elements of side-scrolling shooters into their gameplay, such as the use of weapons, power-ups, and boss battles.

In conclusion, Side-Scrolling Shooters are a sub-genre of platformer games that offer fast-paced, intense action and challenging difficulty. They have been popular since the early days of gaming and continue to influence the platformer genre to this day.

Action-Adventure Platformers

Action-adventure platformers are a sub-genre of platformer games that combine the fast-paced gameplay of traditional platformers with the exploration and puzzle-solving elements of adventure games. These games typically feature a larger world to explore, a variety of enemies to defeat, and a greater emphasis on storytelling and character development.

Some of the key characteristics of action-adventure platformers include:

• A larger world to explore, with multiple levels or areas to navigate.
• A variety of enemies to defeat, often with unique abilities or patterns of behavior.
• A greater emphasis on storytelling and character development, with more detailed narratives and fully realized characters.
• Puzzle-solving elements, such as platforming challenges or hidden collectibles.
• A more open-ended structure, with multiple paths to progress and branching storylines.

Some examples of action-adventure platformers include:

• Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985)
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1, 1997)
• Metroid (NES, 1986)
• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES, 1987)
• Crash Bandicoot (PS1, 1996)

These games set the stage for the action-adventure platformer genre, blending fast-paced gameplay with exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling.

Platform-Puzzle Hybrids

• Defining the Genre:
  • A platform-puzzle hybrid game combines the traditional elements of platformer games with the challenge of puzzle-solving.
  • The gameplay typically involves navigating a character through a series of levels, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles that require both platforming and puzzle-solving skills to overcome.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Platforming: Players must control their character’s movements, timing, and jumps to traverse through various obstacles and hazards in the environment.
  • Puzzle-solving: Players must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to figure out the correct sequence of actions and solve puzzles to progress through the levels.
  • Combination of both: Platform-puzzle hybrids often require players to use both platforming and puzzle-solving skills simultaneously, making it a challenging and engaging experience.
• Popular Examples:
  • “Super Mario Bros.”
  • “Limbo”
  • “Brain Training with Dr. Kawashima”
• Distinguishing from Other Sub-Genres:
  • Action-Platformers: Platform-puzzle hybrids typically focus more on puzzle-solving and require more critical thinking and problem-solving skills compared to action-platformers, which focus more on fast-paced, high-intensity gameplay.
  • Pure Puzzle Games: Platform-puzzle hybrids have a strong emphasis on both puzzle-solving and platforming, whereas pure puzzle games tend to focus more on the puzzle-solving aspect and have less emphasis on platforming.
• Evolution and Future Trends:
  • Platform-puzzle hybrids have evolved over time, with modern games incorporating more complex puzzles, intricate level designs, and dynamic environments that change as players progress through the game.
  • Future trends may include the integration of more advanced puzzle mechanics, such as physics-based puzzles, and the incorporation of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies to enhance the player’s immersion and experience.

Examples of Sub-Genres

Puzzle-Platformers

Puzzle-Platformers combine the elements of platform games and puzzle games. In these games, players must navigate through levels, solving puzzles and avoiding obstacles to progress. Examples of popular Puzzle-Platformers include:

• Minecraft: A sandbox game where players must gather resources, build structures, and battle enemies to survive in a blocky world.
• Portal: A first-person puzzle-platformer where players must use a “portal gun” to navigate through test chambers, solving puzzles and avoiding hazards.
• The Witness: A first-person puzzle-platformer set on a mysterious island, where players must explore and solve a series of interconnected puzzles to progress.

Action-Platformers

Action-Platformers focus on fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay, with a greater emphasis on combat and high-speed movement. These games often feature a variety of weapons and special abilities that players can use to defeat enemies and navigate levels. Examples of popular Action-Platformers include:

• Super Mario Bros.: A classic platformer where players control Mario, a plumber who must rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser by navigating through a series of levels filled with enemies and obstacles.
• Doom: A first-person shooter that can also be classified as a platformer due to its fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay. Players must fight their way through hordes of demons and other supernatural enemies to reach the end of each level.
• Shovel Knight: A retro-style platformer that combines old-school gameplay with modern design, featuring a knight wielding a shovel as his primary weapon.

Metroidvania-Style Games

Metroidvania-Style Games are characterized by interconnected, non-linear levels that players can explore in any order. These games often feature a large, open world to explore, as well as a variety of abilities and weapons that players can use to progress through the game. Examples of popular Metroidvania-Style Games include:

• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: An action-adventure game set in a vast, interconnected castle, where players control Alucard, a vampire hunter, as he battles monsters and uncovers the mysteries of the castle.
• Super Metroid: A classic 2D platformer where players control Samus Aran, a bounty hunter, as she explores a mysterious alien world, battling enemies and collecting power-ups to progress through the game.
• Ori and the Blind Forest: A visually stunning platformer that combines fast-paced gameplay with a touching story, set in a mystical forest filled with secrets and challenges to overcome.

These are just a few examples of the many sub-genres of platformer games that exist. By understanding the different styles and gameplay mechanics of each sub-genre, players can discover the best platformer games to suit their preferences and enjoy the unique experiences they offer.

Characteristics and Features

When discussing the sub-genres of platformer games, it is important to consider the characteristics and features that define each type. These unique elements help to distinguish one sub-genre from another and contribute to the overall gameplay experience. Here are some of the key characteristics and features of platformer game sub-genres:

• Side-scrolling gameplay: One of the most defining features of platformer games is the side-scrolling perspective. This view allows players to move left and right along a fixed path, with the environment changing as they progress. The level design often incorporates jumps, obstacles, and enemies that players must navigate and overcome.
• Character movement and control: Character movement and control are crucial elements in platformer games. Players must have precise control over their character’s movements to execute precise jumps, dodges, and attacks. This often involves precise timing and spacing, requiring a combination of skill and timing.
• Platforming mechanics: Platforming mechanics are the core gameplay mechanics of platformer games. These mechanics involve navigating through the environment, jumping over gaps, climbing platforms, and avoiding obstacles. Platforming mechanics are often combined with combat, puzzle-solving, or exploration elements to create a more engaging experience.
• Combat and enemy encounters: Many platformer games include combat and enemy encounters as part of the gameplay. This can range from simple button-mashing fights to more complex encounters that require strategy and timing. Combat can also be used to unlock new abilities or upgrades, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.
• Collectibles and power-ups: Collectibles and power-ups are often scattered throughout the game world, incentivizing players to explore every nook and cranny. These items can provide temporary boosts to the character’s abilities, such as increased speed or damage, or permanent upgrades to their abilities or health.
• Puzzle-solving elements: Some platformer games incorporate puzzle-solving elements, requiring players to use their wits and platforming skills to overcome obstacles. These puzzles can range from simple switch-flipping to more complex challenges that require careful planning and execution.
• Story and narrative: While platformer games are often associated with simple, arcade-style gameplay, many modern platformers include story and narrative elements. These stories can range from lighthearted and humorous to dark and mature, adding depth and emotion to the gameplay experience.

These are just a few of the many characteristics and features that define the sub-genres of platformer games. By understanding these elements, players can better appreciate the nuances of each sub-genre and enjoy the unique gameplay experiences they offer.

Differences and Similarities

When examining the sub-genres of platformer games, it is important to note the differences and similarities between them. While they all share the basic mechanics of platforming, such as jumping, running, and avoiding obstacles, each sub-genre has its own unique elements that set it apart from the others.

One of the main differences between platformer sub-genres is the setting. Some games take place in a fantasy world filled with magic and mythical creatures, while others are set in a post-apocalyptic future or a cyberpunk city. The setting can greatly influence the gameplay and the type of obstacles the player will encounter.

Another difference is the style of play. Some platformers are fast-paced and action-packed, while others are more puzzle-oriented and require careful planning and strategy. The style of play can also affect the type of character the player controls, with some games featuring characters that are highly mobile and agile, while others feature characters with special abilities or weapons.

Despite these differences, all platformer sub-genres share some similarities. They all require the player to navigate a series of platforms or obstacles, often while avoiding enemies or hazards. They also often feature a variety of power-ups and upgrades that can enhance the player’s abilities or give them temporary boosts.

Additionally, many platformer sub-genres incorporate elements of other genres, such as RPGs or adventure games. This can add depth to the gameplay and provide additional challenges for the player to overcome.

Overall, while platformer sub-genres may differ in their settings, styles of play, and character abilities, they all share a common core of platforming gameplay that has made the genre so popular among gamers.

Factors Affecting Platformer Game Sub-Genres

Game Design and Mechanics

• Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Movement Mechanics:
    • Running and Jumping: Basic mechanics that form the foundation of most platformer games.
    • Gliding and Floating: Additional movement mechanics that allow players to traverse different environments.
    • Wall-jumping and Double-jumping: Advanced mechanics that add complexity and skill to platforming challenges.
  • Combat Mechanics:
    • Melee and Ranged Combat: Mechanics that involve direct physical interaction with enemies.
    • Special Moves and Abilities: Mechanics that give players unique abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.
  • Puzzle Mechanics:
    • Environmental Puzzles: Mechanics that require players to manipulate the environment to progress.
    • Logic-based Puzzles: Mechanics that challenge players to solve puzzles using problem-solving skills.
• Level Design:
  • Environment Design:
    • Open-world Platformers: Games that offer large, non-linear environments for players to explore.
    • Side-scrolling Platformers: Games that limit the playing field to a two-dimensional plane.
  • Difficulty Progression:
    • Gradual Increase in Difficulty: Platformers that gradually increase the complexity of challenges as players progress.
    • Uneven Difficulty Spikes: Platformers that present sudden, intense challenges that require quick thinking and precise movements.
  • Secret Areas and Collectibles:
    • Hidden Paths and Secret Rooms: Platformers that reward players for exploring off the beaten path.
    • Collectibles and Power-ups: Platformers that encourage players to search for hidden items to enhance their abilities.
• Storytelling and Themes:
  • Narrative Elements:
    • Plot and Characters: Platformers that incorporate storylines and characters into their gameplay.
    • Dialogue and Cutscenes: Platformers that use dialogue and cinematic cutscenes to advance the narrative.
  • Themes and Motifs:
    • Adventure and Exploration: Platformers that focus on exploring new worlds and discovering hidden treasures.
    • Coming-of-age and Self-discovery: Platformers that follow the journey of a character as they grow and learn.
  • Emotional Impact:
    • Tragedy and Pathos: Platformers that evoke strong emotions through storytelling and character development.
    • Hope and Inspiration: Platformers that leave players feeling uplifted and motivated.

Technological Advancements

Impact of Technological Advancements on Platformer Games

Technological advancements have played a significant role in shaping the sub-genres of platformer games. As technology has evolved, game developers have been able to incorporate new features and mechanics that have influenced the design and gameplay of platformer games. Some of the most notable technological advancements that have impacted platformer games include:

• Improved Graphics: With the development of more advanced graphics engines, platformer games have been able to offer visually stunning environments and character designs. This has led to the creation of sub-genres such as 2D cinematic platformers, which focus on storytelling and character development.
• 3D Graphics: The introduction of 3D graphics has allowed platformer games to offer more immersive environments and challenging obstacles. This has led to the creation of sub-genres such as 3D platformers, which often incorporate open-world environments and dynamic camera angles.
• Online Multiplayer: The growth of online multiplayer has enabled platformer games to offer cooperative and competitive gameplay modes. This has led to the creation of sub-genres such as multiplayer platformers, which emphasize social interaction and teamwork.
• Mobile Gaming: The rise of mobile gaming has resulted in the development of platformer games that are optimized for touchscreens and smaller devices. This has led to the creation of sub-genres such as endless runners, which focus on fast-paced gameplay and simple controls.

Overall, technological advancements have had a significant impact on the sub-genres of platformer games. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that new advancements will continue to shape the design and gameplay of platformer games in the future.

Recap of Key Points

1. Platformer games are characterized by their emphasis on jumping and running mechanics, with players navigating a two-dimensional environment.
2. The platformer genre encompasses a wide range of sub-genres, each with its own unique gameplay mechanics and challenges.
3. The key factors that contribute to the emergence of platformer game sub-genres include:
   • Technological advancements
   • Design choices and innovations
   • Player preferences and expectations
   • Industry trends and competition
4. Technological advancements have enabled the development of increasingly complex and realistic graphics, as well as new control schemes and multiplayer options.
5. Design choices and innovations, such as incorporating new mechanics or adding story elements, can also lead to the emergence of new sub-genres.
6. Player preferences and expectations, such as a desire for more challenging gameplay or a specific theme, can also contribute to the development of new sub-genres.
7. Industry trends and competition can also play a role in the emergence of new platformer game sub-genres, as developers strive to differentiate their games and stand out in a crowded market.

Future of Platformer Games

As technology continues to advance, the future of platformer games looks bright. With new developments in virtual reality and augmented reality, players can expect to experience a more immersive gaming experience.

Moreover, the increasing popularity of mobile gaming has led to the development of platformer games that are optimized for touchscreens. This has opened up new possibilities for game designers, who can now create games that are accessible to a wider audience.

Another trend that is shaping the future of platformer games is the growing emphasis on social play. Many platformer games now include multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other or work together to complete levels. This has led to the development of new types of platformer games, such as cooperative platformers, where players must work together to overcome challenges.

Finally, the rise of indie game developers has led to a proliferation of unique and innovative platformer games. These games often experiment with new mechanics and gameplay styles, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the genre. As a result, the future of platformer games looks exciting, with many new and innovative games on the horizon.

Final Thoughts

• In conclusion, the platformer game genre is incredibly diverse, with numerous sub-genres that cater to different players’ preferences and skill levels.
• The variety of platformer games can be attributed to factors such as technological advancements, evolving player demands, and the creativity of game developers.
• As technology continues to advance, platformer games will likely continue to evolve and diversify, providing players with an even wider range of experiences to enjoy.
• Ultimately, the key to enjoying platformer games is finding the right sub-genre that aligns with your interests and skills, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game and have fun.

FAQs

1. What are platformer games?

Platformer games are a type of video game that typically involve the player character running, jumping, and climbing across various obstacles to reach the end of a level or complete a specific objective. The gameplay often involves precise timing and spacing to navigate through the environment, with a focus on skill and reflexes.

2. What are some sub-genres of platformer games?

There are several sub-genres of platformer games, including:
* Side-scrolling platformers: The player character moves from left to right or right to left, with the game environment scrolling along with them. Examples include Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog.
* Metroidvania: A type of action-adventure game that features a large, interconnected world for the player to explore. The player character typically gains new abilities that allow them to access previously inaccessible areas, often with a non-linear progression. Examples include the Metroid series and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
* Puzzle-platformers: Platformer games that incorporate puzzle-solving elements, often requiring the player to use their environment to progress. Examples include Portal and Braid.
* 3D platformers: Platformer games that take place in a three-dimensional environment, often featuring more complex level designs and camera controls. Examples include Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.
* Run and gun: Platformer games that emphasize fast-paced action and combat, often featuring multiple weapons and enemies to defeat. Examples include Contra and Metal Slug.

3. What are some notable platformer games?

There are many notable platformer games, including:
* Super Mario Bros.: A classic side-scrolling platformer that introduced the world to Mario and his quest to save the Princess.
* Sonic the Hedgehog: A fast-paced side-scrolling platformer that features the blue hedgehog, Sonic, as he races through levels at high speeds.
* Castlevania: A series of Metroidvania-style platformers that follow the Belmont family as they battle against Count Dracula and his minions.
* Portal: A first-person puzzle-platformer that features the iconic portal gun and challenges the player to navigate through test chambers using their wits.
* Banjo-Kazooie: A 3D platformer that follows the adventures of Banjo and his bird companion, Kazooie, as they explore a colorful world filled with puzzles and enemies.
* Contra: A run and gun game that features two soldiers battling against an alien invasion, known for its challenging gameplay and iconic music.

4. What are some popular modern platformer games?

Some popular modern platformer games include:
* Rayman Legends: A colorful platformer with a focus on precision platforming and beautiful art direction.
* Shovel Knight: A retro-inspired platformer with a charming pixel art style and challenging gameplay.
* Celeste: A challenging 2D platformer with a focus on precision platforming and storytelling.
* Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time: A 3D platformer that continues the adventures of the classic character, Crash Bandicoot.
* Ori and the Will of the Wisps: A beautiful and challenging 2D platformer with a focus on exploration and metroidvania-style gameplay.