The Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

The Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

Key Takeaways

  • Platformers blend 2D & 3D perspectives, emphasizing exploration to create engaging gameplay experiences.
  • Some games prioritize exploration over platforming, include Starbound , GRIS, FEZ, and Ori And The Will Of The Wisps.
  • Games like Hollow Knight, A Hat In Time, & Terraria focus on exploration while incorporating platforming elements.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the world of video games has evolved significantly over the years, and one area that stands out is the focus on exploration in platformers. From my perspective, these games offer an immersive, engaging experience that allows players to traverse vast, intricately designed worlds, collecting treasures, battling enemies, and uncovering secrets.

Video game platformers have carved out a rich and diverse niche in gaming over time, boasting a deep history and an impressive number of contenders vying for top spot. Given their age, this genre offers ample opportunities for creative twists and groundbreaking ideas to emerge, rather than simply rehashing the initial gameplay dynamics.

One method of diversifying the gameplay in platformers is through fostering a sense of exploration, which can lead to an extremely captivating gaming experience. Modern video games, with their expansive worlds ripe for exploration, offer rewarding experiences, but not necessarily victory. Whether the world to be explored is big or small, it contributes to these engaging experiences and keeps the platformer genre thriving, whether in 2D or 3D formats.

7. Starbound

A Game With Extensive Exploration But Limited Platforming

The Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

Certain platformer games, like Starbound, emphasize exploration over precise platforming, offering players vast areas to discover while providing less polished mechanics for jumping and navigating obstacles.

Yet, this game remains cherished among fans of platformers and is worth trying out. Its unique feature lies in procedurally generated worlds, offering a multitude of planets to discover, each distinct from the others. Furthermore, a thriving modding community adds even more depth to the gaming experience. While the platforming may not be as seamless as some other games, the exploration aspect more than compensates for it.

6. GRIS

Uses Exploration To Immerse Players In Its Beauty

The Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

In some platformer games, the idea of exploration isn’t necessarily central to the game mechanics. However, in the game GRIS, exploration is intertwined with gameplay, where players journey through diverse levels and solve intricate puzzles along the way.

Nevertheless, what truly stands out in this game is the stunning visual aesthetics of the environments during exploration. These breathtaking sights encourage players to persist with the platforming segments, hoping to catch glimpses of the awe-inspiring artwork scattered across the landscapes. At times, these visuals even influence the platforming mechanics, like through symmetry.

5. FEZ

A Twist On Platformers That Emphasizes Exploration And Discovery

The Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve often found platformer games to be predominantly two-dimensional, with the iconic Mario series setting the trend. However, FEZ takes this concept and spins it on its head by presenting itself as a 2D game, yet offering the ability to rotate the world between four different 2D perspectives, thereby creating an intriguing 3D experience.

In FEZ, the player can twist the game world, enabling them to solve puzzles and investigate various areas in an original manner. Although the exploration may not be as expansive as some platformers, FEZ places great importance on discovery. The fundamental feature of rotating the world offers countless discoveries. This rotation introduces a distinct gameplay aspect that is straightforward yet remarkably alters the player’s experience within a 2D platformer.

4. Ori And The Will Of The Wisps

Provides Players With Open-World Exploration In An Already Acclaimed Series

The Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

Metroidvania games and platformers share similar gameplay mechanics because they both involve navigating levels with multi-tiered platforms in a typically 2D environment. A fine example of such a game is “Ori and the Will of the Wisps“, a title that isn’t just for fans of platformers, but one that anyone should consider playing due to its widespread acclaim.

Adventurers will traverse an expansive, open environment, emphasizing discovery. Scattered across this world are numerous objects and enhancements waiting to be found. As the player progresses, they’ll unlock skills that allow them to revisit previously inaccessible locations. The game’s vibrant visuals serve as a motivator to delve deeper into the world.

3. Hollow Knight

A Title That Focuses On Its Platforming And Exploration In Equal Measure

The Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

Hollow Knight has earned immense praise in the gaming community, with its immersive world playing a significant role in this accolade. As a platformer, it’s known for its challenging gameplay, which sets it apart from others within the genre. However, exploration is also a key focus of the game, adding depth to the player’s experience.

There are many interconnected regions in this game where you can wander freely, though not all paths are essential for your journey. Players have the liberty to explore almost any area they find intriguing; however, certain locations may be barred by barriers that can only be surmounted using specific abilities or items. The exploration takes place within a platformer setting, with elements of Souls-like combat and progression, resulting in a distinctive adventure as you traverse the world.

2. A Hat In Time

A No-Brainer For Those Wanting A Platformer Focused On Exploration

The Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

Originally crowdfunded via Kickstarter, A Hat In Time blossomed into a beloved classic when it was launched in 2017, earning a place on the playlists of platformer enthusiasts everywhere. The game’s action takes place in a 3D environment, allowing players to guide Hat Kid through diverse worlds using gameplay reminiscent of both Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.

On this game platform, players can venture into diverse settings, ranging from conventionally sequential stages to expansive open environments. Inside these worlds, the objective revolves around gathering Time Pieces, which serve as the primary focus of the game. With an adorable visual style, A Hat In Time offers a delightful journey through its platforming exploration, providing a charming experience for those seeking a straightforward yet entertaining game.

1. Terraria

A Renowned Platformer Focused Heavily On Exploration

The Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And ExplorationThe Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

Without a doubt, the acclaimed game Terraria hardly requires an introduction, given its status as one of the most beloved titles ever developed. The core gameplay experience in Terraria revolves around delving into a world that is randomly generated across three distinct scales: small, medium, or large. Players traverse this realm, battling a myriad of enemies while gathering resources essential for advancement.

In this game, platforming forms a significant aspect of the gameplay, and it’s displayed in a 2D perspective. Sometimes, the platforming becomes more prominent, like when navigating through the Underworld or designing arenas to battle various bosses. But even when combined with different worlds, traversing these environments through platforming gameplay offers an extraordinary adventure that highlights why this game is so well-loved.

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2024-12-05 16:35