Editing Platformer (section)

==Concepts==
A platformer requires the player to maneuver their character across platforms to reach a goal while confronting enemies and avoiding obstacles along the way. These games are either presented from the side view, using two-dimensional movement, or in 3D with the camera placed either behind the main character or in [[Isometric video game graphics|isometric perspective]]. Typical platforming gameplay tends to be very dynamic and challenges a player's reflexes, timing, and dexterity with controls.

The most common movement options in the genre are walking, running, jumping, attacking, and climbing. Jumping is central to the genre, though there are exceptions such as [[Nintendo]]'s ''[[Popeye (video game)|Popeye]]'' and [[Data East]]'s ''[[BurgerTime]]'', both from 1982. In some games, such as ''Donkey Kong'', the trajectory of a jump is fixed, while in others it can be altered mid-air. Falling may cause damage or death. Many platformers contain environmental obstacles which kill the player's character upon contact, such as lava pits or bottomless chasms.<ref name="bycer deep dive">{{cite book | title= Game Design Deep Dive: Platformers | first = Joshua | last = Bycer | year = 2019 | publisher = [[CRC Press]] | isbn= 978-0429560576 }}</ref> The player may be able to collect items and [[power-up]]s and give the main character new abilities for overcoming adversities.

Most games of this genre consist of multiple levels of increasing difficulty that may be interleaved by [[boss (video game)|boss]] encounters, where the character has to defeat a particularly dangerous enemy to progress. Simple logical puzzles to resolve and skill trials to overcome are other common elements in the genre.

A modern variant of the platform game, especially significant on mobile platforms, is the [[endless runner]], where the main character is always moving forward and the player must dodge or jump to avoid falling or hitting obstacles.