Platform Games
Platform games were one of the most popular game genres of the 80s.
Platform games typically involve climbing ladders, jumping between
platforms or jumping over objects in order to complete a specific
goal. The games below illustrate some of the best examples of platform
games and demonstrate how the genre has moved from fixed to scrolling
screens and into 3D.
Arcade screenshot
| Platform |
Arcade |
| Developer |
Nintendo |
| Released |
1981 |
| Number of Players |
1 |
Arcade cabinet
Designed by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto Donkey Kong is a Multi
level Mario adventure in which he must save his girlfriend, Pauline,
from Donkey Kong before time runs out. Features the basic building
blocks of platform games for years to come. The levels include jumping
between Girders, moving elevators, and conveyor Belts. Enemies include
flames, barrels, and bouncing rivets.
Atari 800 screenshot
| Platform |
Atari 800 |
| Developer |
Big Five Software |
| Released |
1982/83 |
| Number of Players |
1 |
Atari 2600 version cover
One of the first platform games on a home computer, Miner 2049 shows
perfectly the basic principals of a platformers established with
Donkey Kong.
Manic Miner screenshot
| Platform |
ZX Spectrum |
| Developer |
Bug Byte |
| Released |
1983 |
| Number of Players |
1 |
Manic Miner cover
Manic Miner is a 20-stage platform game starring Miner Willy written
by Matthew Smith. One of the first games many people played on the
spectrum manic miner still plays well today with versions being released
on the Gameboy.
Knight Lore screenshot
| Platform |
ZX Spectrum |
| Developer |
Ultimate Play the Game |
| Released |
1984 |
| Number of Players |
1 |
Knight Lore cover
As Sabreman, you must negotiate a series of trap-laden rooms in
order to reach the cure to a disease which transforms you into a
werewolf at sunset.
BurgerTime screenshot
| Platform |
Intellivision |
| Developer |
Matel Electronics |
| Released |
1983 |
| Number of Players |
1 |
BurgerTime cover
Intellivision version of the classic arcade game where the cook has
to make burgers while being chased by pickles, eggs and hotdogs armed
with only pepper to freeze them. Remade loads of times such as Mr
Wimpy for the Spectrum.
NES Bubble Bobble screenshot
| Platform |
Arcade / Most 8 bit platforms. NGP, GBA. |
| Developer |
Taito |
| Released |
1988 |
| Number of Players |
2 |
NES Bubble Bobble cover
Guide jumping, bubble-shooting dinosaurs around non-scrolling platform
screens. Loads of levels which ooze playability. Another step forward
in platform gaming and one that has proved very popular - being updated
on virtually every platform going.
Super Mario World screenshot
| Platform |
SNES |
| Developer |
Nintendo |
| Released |
1992 |
| Number of Players |
1 |
PAL UK classic re-released box
Introduced gamers to a new character, Yoshi and made good use of
the SNES graphical abilities for end of level baddies. Part of its
success is the way you have such good control of Mario. Some classic
platforming levels and a fine example of a platform game with scrolling
levels rather than a fixed screen.
Super Castlevania IV screenshot
| Platform |
SNES |
| Developer |
Konami |
| Released |
1991 |
| Number of Players |
1 |
Super Castlevania IV cover
Remake of the previous NES versions, features detailed backgrounds.
The music is very dark and utilizes the SNES sound capabilities
to its best. Features a whip which can be used to swing between
platforms. Not the first game to implement this but one of the best.
Super Mario World 64 screenshot
| Platform |
N64 |
| Developer |
Nintendo |
| Released |
1996 |
| Number of Players |
1 |
The first successful translation of a platform game into 3D environments
and freedom of movement. Has been copied but never bettered.
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