By Daniel Boutros
[Author's Bio]
Gamasutra
August 4, 2006

	A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games Introduction Platform Games CASE STUDIES Super Mario Bros. 3 Rayman Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Crash Bandicoot Sonic Adventure Super Mario Sunshine Jak & Daxter New Super Mario Bros. VISUALS Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4 CONTROLS Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4 REWARD ELEMENTS Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4 Pt. 5 CHALLENGE AND REWARD DESIGN Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 SHORT-TERM CHALLENGE DESIGN Pt. 1 Pt. 2 CONCLUSION Conclusion Closing Opinion 2006 Final Thoughts

Spec

Approx Head to Body Ratio

Screen
Space

On-Screen Decor

First Level

Camera

8-bit
2D

40% - 60%

Mario is a sixth of the screen high.

Static cutouts.
Platforms. Hills.
Pipes.

Abstract area at daytime.

2D flat pan.
2 axes of movement.

16-bit
2D

33% - 67%

Rayman is a fifth of the screen high.

Animated plant-life.
Animated wildlife.
Platforms.
Hills.

Tropical jungle.

2D flat pan.
2 axes of movement.

16 bit
2D

50% - 50%

Sonic is a sixth of the screen high.

Animated plant-life.
Animated wildlife.
Animated backdrops.
Multi-layered backdrops.
Far-reaching ocean.

Tropical hills.

2D flat pan.
2 axes of movement.

32 bit
3D

33% - 67%

Crash is a fifth of the screen high.

Static plant-life.
Location and era revealing statue ornaments.

Tropical jungle.

2D overhead on rails with vertical scroll.
2D Flat panning with horizontal scroll.

128 bit
3D

45% - 55%

Varies with camera.

Animated plant-life. Animated Wildlife.
Far distant animated environment.
Far-reaching ocean.

Clean, modern city with Tropical land-scapes.

3D intelligent camera with occasional fixed angles.

128 bit
3D

25% - 75%

When controllable, Zoom Out = a fifth of the screen, Zoom In = 3/4 of the screen.
Otherwise, adapts to area.

Animated wildlife.
Animated backdrops. Far distant animated environment.
Far-reaching ocean.

Tropical Island.

3D player controlled with occasional fixed angles.

128 bit
3D

40% - 60%

Zoom Out = a thirteenth of the screen.
Zoom In = a fifth of the screen.

Gameplay-relevant organic plant-life.
Far distant animated environment.
Far-reaching ocean.

Tropical Island.

3D player controlled camera, with context dependent effects.

64 bit 3D

40%-60%

Mario is a sixth of the screen high.

Static cutouts.
Various plant life.
Platforms.
Red bricks.
A Palace with animated features.
Scrolling Clouds.
Hills.
Pipes.

Abstract green area overlooking a palace at daytime.

2D flat pan.
2 axes of movement.
Horizontal scroll possible through L and R controls.