The Beginner’s Guide to Videogames
I have a 6 year-old sister who loves playing videogames with me. She learns new things everyday that she plays, and I find it fascinating to watch her learn about the mechanics and conventions of games that I loved to play when I was her age. Even yesterday, I watched her jump out of her chair and squeal in excitement after she learned she could jump of off Mario’s hat in Mario Odyssey… though her experimentation and growth hasn’t always been constructive. She’s whined in a fit after trying to play the first level in Cuphead, has fallen into pits in Mario Kart, and has struggled to beat the first boss in Donkey Kong Country. But every once in awhile we’ll strike gold and find a game she loves that will be challenging enough to keep her interested without the frustration.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, my sister’s foray into gaming has reminded me that everybody starts somewhere–that gaming isn’t something that comes naturally and not everybody knows what makes a platformer a platformer, or an RPG an RPG. I’ve also learned that not all games are for newcomers to gaming. So now, in response to that, I want to introduce a new informational segment to you: The Beginner’s Guide to Games, where I outline the systems, mechanics and basic history of a category of games and recommend a handful of titles to start off anyone who wants to jump into the world of gaming.
There are a lot of videogames in the world. So much so that it can be overwhelming for someone who’s new to it all. I want to share my passion to anyone willing, so I hope everybody can take some valuable information from this segment. Today, we’ll be talking about one of the simpler genres of games: 2D platformers.
2D Platformers: A Premiere
2D, or 2-dimensional platformers are defined by their use of only the X and Y axis’ in a game, thus they only use 2 dimensions of movement. This restricts movement in the game to two types of directions–forward and back, or up and down. The first credited 2D platformer was an arcade game released in 1980 called Space Panic–but the genre wasn’t popularized until Nintendo created the original Donkey Kong arcade game a year later.
2D platformers existed in response to technical limitations of videogame consoles in the 80s and early 90s, and as a result were the primary types of games on consoles like the Colecovision, NES, and Sega Genesis. As a result of the lack of technical prowess in the systems, 2D platformers were kept relatively basic and simple, making them perfect for newcomers to gaming. Now, because of their simpler origins, accessibility has become an intentional design aspect in 2D platformers.
2D platformers are easy to adjust to because of their simple, A to B, linear structure and limited controls. Nearly all 2D platformers have one goal: reach the end of the stage by moving right. Occasionally there will be obstacle in the way that the player has to maneuver above, and that’s where the Y axis comes into play–but that’s the extent of the gameplay for every title in the genre. By limiting the field of movement in a game to 2 dimensions, you allow for less mistakes by the player–giving a person easier access to, and control of, a controller that’s foreign to them. These two combined elements make for a genre built for newcomers to games.
The Difference Between 2D and 3D Platformers
Look at it like this: In a 3D game like Super Mario Odyssey, you have to move Mario and the camera that follows him in a full 360° on top of controlling his ability to jump vertically. Players have to think about moving Mario in a fully realized space, and acclimating to those controls can be like riding a bike for the first time.
In a 2D mario game, like Super Mario World, the camera is static and the only way the player interacts with Mario is by choosing whether he moves forward, back, up, or down. 2D platformers only require that players think in two different forms of movement and that makes it easier for them to learn from mistakes. It also makes for more tight and meticulous level design.
I think Mario’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, put it best in an interview he did in 1996:
In earlier Mario games, we were able to measure the number of pixels Mario could jump and knew exactly what was possible. But this time, [with Mario 64] we had to design the levels so that as long as your jump was “close enough”, you’d make it; it was too hard for the player to judge. This was a design change we made in the middle of development, when the game was already very complete. There was a lot of booing from the staff.
…that’s the decisive difference between 2D and 3D. At the same time, it’s what accounts for the dynamism players enjoy in a 3D game. The essence of what makes a 2D game “fun” is entirely different.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see that 2D platformers are a great starting of point for a novice who’s looking to jump into the world of videogames. But it still begs the question: Where do you start? With the robust and ever-growing history of videogames, a lot of 2D platformers have come into fruition and not all of them are newbie friendly.
If you’re gonna start anywhere, it should be with the big N. Nintendo have been the kings of 2D platformers since their inception, and they continue to make stellar titles across multiple franchises even today.
Kirby is the CUTEST
The first title that I’d say is the most accesible platformer I’ve ever played is Kirby’s Epic Yarn for the Nintendo Wii. It’s a simple game where dying isn’t much of a factor–in fact there are no lives at all. Plus, the game’s yarn aesthetic is so freakin’ cute!
There’s very little in terms of challenge in completing the levels too. The game is a very laid-back experience. There are virtually no pitfalls, very little requirement of precision movement, and the game generally gives a lot of leniency in level design.
The challenge in Kirby’s Epic Yarn comes from getting optional collectibles, which are hidden around each level, and getting the maximum score by collecting and retaining beads. Beads are considered the game’s currency, and when you get hit or die you lose a lot of them. If you want the highest rank on a level, you need to minimize death and damage. This is what makes the game so accessible to newcomers–the challenge is purely optional. If you want to you can breeze through levels at your own pace or you could take time to learn the game’s systems.
Kirby’s Epic Yarn also just embodies relaxation. Its soundtrack is filled with quiet and easygoing tracks that fit the vibe of the game perfectly. I mentioned the game’s yarn aesthetic prior, but I must emphasize that this, along with the game’s color palette, just makes the game feel like a soft, delicate experience. You can even find some of the enemies sleeping throughout the level, which is absolutely adorable!
You Can’t Go Wrong With Mario
If you’re looking to get into some of the classics, Super Mario World for the Super Nintendo can be found nearly everywhere nowadays–and is arguably considered the best of all of the 2D mario platformers because of how it streamlined the mario formula. It can be found on all of Nintendo’s online virtual console apps on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS. It can also be found in the Mario All Stars Pack for the Wii–which comes bundled with all of the NES Mario platformer’s too.
Rayman Origins is a Fantastic Entryway!
Veering away from Nintendo, other companies have released several stellar 2D platformers that are very unique gameplay-wise. Rayman Origins is one of Ubisoft’s best games and is a fun, balanced return of the Rayman franchise. On top of that, it’s a co-op game too! It can be found on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, 3DS, PC, and Mac. If you can’t easily aquire that game, perhaps playing its equally as good sequel, Rayman Legends, will be an easier experience? It can be found on Wii U, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation Vita, PC and even the Nintendo Switch.
We Can’t Forget About Shovel Knight
On a final note, there’s a stellar indie 2D platformer that has been praised for being a meticulously designed retro-style game, and that is Shovel Knight. Being in the style of NES Mega Man and Castlevania games, Shovel Knight is a delightful game that offers moderate challenge and is a strong representation of what 2D platformers are all about. Shovel Knight can be found on the 3DS, Wii U, PS4 and the Nintendo Switch E-Shop.
In Conclusion
The 2D platformer is a genre that has always been built for newcomers in mind, and while certain games like Cuphead aren’t very easy, they are still a great starting off point for anyone who is looking to start a journey in playing games.
If you’re new to gaming and this list has helped you in any way, please let me know! Do you have any recommendations of 2D platformers I could’ve included in this? I’d be happy to hear it.
Zach
The Gaming Chronicler 