How to Design a Successful Platforming Game

Опубликовал Admin
6-10-2016, 13:35
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So you like playing Mario games? You want to design a platforming masterpiece of your own? Here are some useful rules for creating platforms that will entice players to play more (instead of frustrating them). See "Tips" at the bottom of this page for a game design system!

Steps

  1. Look before you jump. In real life, you wouldn't want to jump off a cliff without checking for a safe place to land. Similarly, your game shouldn't require the player to jump to a platform that can't be seen onscreen. That doesn't mean you can't surprise the player; just avoid "leaps of faith."
  2. Keep it possible. At no point should it be impossible to complete a level. If you want the player to fall into a "trap," make it possible to continue the level (without perishing!). That means no inescapable obstacles or enemies that can't be defeated.
  3. Use strategic energy placement. Put enemies in places that fit the level design and add to the challenge in a specific way. It might seem tempting to put a bunch of enemies in one place, but don't - it's been done way too many times already. Instead, use enemies in clever ways, or to create a puzzle for the player to solve.
  4. Don't be arbitrary. Don't put coins or bonus items in places that can't be reached or that lead the player to an inevitable death. The player should be able to theoretically collect every power-up in the level, even if it is difficult to do so. So don't put doors, coins or power-ups in arbitrary places - it will only make the player frustrated.

Tips

  • Mario is all about the player's skill! Levels should be challenging, but not arbitrary.
  • If you don't have any programming experience but still want to make a game, go to this website and try your hand at designing Mario levels: http://themariogames.com And to share your levels, go here: http://www.pouetpu-games.com/index.php?section=4
  • Be creative! Clever levels are more entertaining and will make players want to play again and again.
  • These are only guidelines. If you have a really clever idea, go ahead with it, even if it breaks a rule or two. The important thing is that you try to maintain the spirit of Mario-style platforming games.
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