So what does a game need to be or do to be a platformer?

SOmeone explain to me what a platformer is. Don't just say play a mario game. I just want to know what are people opinion in what makes a platformer and what makes the old Banjo games platformers and why Banjo N&B isn't.

Please give a list of details. Like a checklist.

Platform game, or platformer, is a video game genre characterized by jumping to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles. It must be possible to control these jumps and to fall from platforms or miss jumps. The most common unifying element to these games is a jump button; other jump mechanics include swinging from extendable arms, as in Ristar or Bionic Commando, or bouncing from springboards or trampolines, as in Alpha Waves or Sonic the Hedgehog 3. These mechanics, even in the context of other genres, are commonly called "platforming," a verbification of the term "platform." Games where jumping is automated completely, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, fall outside of the genre.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_game

Wiki says it better than I ever could.

Platform game, or platformer, is a video game genre characterized by jumping to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles. It must be possible to control these jumps and to fall from platforms or miss jumps. The most common unifying element to these games is a jump button; other jump mechanics include swinging from extendable arms, as in Ristar or Bionic Commando, or bouncing from springboards or trampolines, as in Alpha Waves or Sonic the Hedgehog 3. These mechanics, even in the context of other genres, are commonly called "platforming," a verbification of the term "platform." Games where jumping is automated completely, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, fall outside of the genre.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_game

Wiki says it better than I ever could.

SpruceCaboose

banjo is a mixed genre game......vehicle gameplay meshed with platforming....but it seems like the platforming elements are taking a backseat to the vehicle gameplayxXMcClaneXx

It needs to be on Nintendo first and foremost. :Pnervmeister

so true

a game where jumpin is a central gameplay mechanicfootfoe2

[QUOTE="footfoe2"]a game where jumpin is a central gameplay mechanictoo_much_eslim

Central does not mean only. Jumping is also central in Mario games, Braid, etc.

[QUOTE="footfoe2"]a game where jumpin is a central gameplay mechanictoo_much_eslim

or SMG

and while jumping isn't the only thing you do in R&C i still consider it a platformer

Platformers need to have a focus on moving through a level while over coming obstacles instead of on combat. Platformers usually having a lot of jumping/climbing elements that are constant throughout the game. nintendofreak_2

Where platforming through obstacles is the main goal of gamplay. Be it on foot or in vehicle. That's why Banjo N&B is a platformer. Just because you ride vehicles does not mean you can't platform. You still platform inside the vehicles. organic_machine

Blaster Master FTW!

Where platforming through obstacles is the main goal of gamplay. Be it on foot or in vehicle. That's why Banjo N&B is a platformer. Just because you ride vehicles does not mean you can't platform. You still platform inside the vehicles. organic_machine

[QUOTE="nintendofreak_2"]Platformers need to have a focus on moving through a level while over coming obstacles instead of on combat. Platformers usually having a lot of jumping/climbing elements that are constant throughout the game. too_much_eslim

2-Drockguy92

[QUOTE="too_much_eslim"][QUOTE="footfoe2"]a game where jumpin is a central gameplay mechanicSpruceCaboose

Central does not mean only. Jumping is also central in Mario games, Braid, etc.

PLATFORMS thats why its called PLATFORMER! :shock: duh this whole thread seems pretty stupid to me

[QUOTE="rockguy92"]2-Dfootfoe2

For me, yeah.

Who cares?

Ill tell you right now, Banjo is more of a platfomer to me than Mirror's Edge.

I classify platformers by that certain feel.

In reality, if we're going to isolate these games, Ratchet is first, so dont go there cows!