# Solo Platforming

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/w1xczQmyygo>" %}

Platformers are action games with challenges requiring skillful use of controls and quick decision making. They appeal to competitive players as multiplayer or singleplayer games.

## Characteristics

***Dominate!***

Race to the finish.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>SPATIAL CHALLENGES</strong></td><td><p><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2699">⚙️</span> Moving platforms<br><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="26a0">⚠️</span> Hazards &#x26; obstacles</p><p><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2795">➕</span> <a href="../experience-design-techniques/game-design/ramp-of-difficulty"><strong>Increasing difficulty</strong></a><br></p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>TIME LIMIT</strong></td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="23f1">⏱️</span> Timers<br><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="1f3c3">🏃</span> Competition<br><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="26a1">⚡</span> Speed &#x26; agility to win</td></tr><tr><td><strong>FLEXIBILITY</strong></td><td><p><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2194">↔️</span> Side scroller or 3D</p><p><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="1f4a0">💠</span> Full game or add-on</p><p><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="1f4c8">📈</span> Varied difficulty levels<br></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Keys of Success

* **Everyone Can Play -** Run, jump, slide, climb, etc
* **Flexible Play Modes -** Multiplayer or singleplayer, use of space, full game or add-on to a game
* **Play for Long -** Endless replay value through PowerUps, spawned hazards, and multiple levels

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>NEED TO HAVE</strong></p><ul><li>Well planned terrain &#x26; spatial logic</li><li><a href="../game-rules-guide/time-trial">Timer on HUD</a></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>NICE TO HAVE</strong></p><ul><li>Life system</li><li><a href="../../logic-guide/text-quests-and-icons#dialogue-states-for-quests">Quest dialogue states</a></li><li><a href="../../docs/components/display/visual-fx">Rewarding VFX</a></li><li>Varied difficulty levels</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Game Loops

Below is a general game loop diagram for this genre. Your game's loops may vary.

<figure><img src="https://331512196-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn%2Fuploads%2F8zECoeueuBgTA0hJTsbc%2FObby%20Parkour%20Gameplay%20Loops.png?alt=media&#x26;token=af6199d5-8dc1-4b90-a727-71e979f1caa8" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Platformer</p></figcaption></figure>

## Learn to Create It

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>GAME MAKER TEMPLATE</strong></td><td><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/IkEFpAI8Rhr6Djb24MpMdD60icV_b1E0XgvF2TaycD3kKHcY-vvJL02Az8471Ihu8YoI1iXvDwmHqXO_CcwkWBNe7TOOaXx2I9tNDUhVnemV0HXAZNDBlLjMllrqTn0tViljL3kLmRvvyCUM9TqsCyW1pg=s2048" alt=""></td></tr><tr><td><strong>LOGIC TO EXPLORE</strong></td><td><ul><li>Life system</li><li><a href="../game-rules-guide/time-trial">Timer on HUD</a></li><li><a href="../../docs/components/status/avatar-checkpoint">Checkpoints</a></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Make it More Interesting

Consider ways to add to or change the core structure of this game type to challenge and motivate players differently.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>MAIN OBJECTIVE</strong></td><td><p>⚠️ Added <a href="../experience-design-techniques/game-design/risk-and-reward">risk vs. reward</a></p><p>❤️ Death free run</p><p>🔢<a href="https://docs.sandbox.game/en/v/creators/game-maker/creative-guides/experience-design-techniques/game-design/ramp-of-difficulty"> </a>Ranking system</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>RAMP OF DIFFICULTY</strong></td><td><p>🌟 <a href="../../docs/components/nft/nft-sensor">NFT Sensor</a> perks</p><p>⏩ Shortcuts</p><p>➕ Bonus challenges</p><p>🎲 Random items</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>CORE DECISIONS</strong></td><td><p>🎛️ Fallen players control gameplay</p><p>🔧 Adaptive difficulty</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

> **PRACTICE: Modify the Life Jumper template to increase the fun:**
>
> * Teams
> * Consumables
> * Global & local variables

### Useful Logic

* [**Time Trial Rule Preset**](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/creator/game-maker/creative-guides/game-rules-guide/time-trial) (time)
* [**Collect Points Preset**](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/creator/game-maker/creative-guides/game-rules-guide/collect-points) (points)
* [**Point Race Preset**](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/creator/game-maker/creative-guides/game-rules-guide/point-race) (time + points)

## Tutorial Videos

### Creating a Parkour Race Quest

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/Hv6xk4POMGY>" %}

### Creating a Side Scroller

Some Platformers are 2D with a locked camera. The same kind of camera adjustments can be modified to create a top-down Experience, too.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=6&list=PL_AqeWVYruhqQ6bL09VQqEZ3KcWMYyOei&v=YlomJaIbl1Q>" %}