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RetroforceGO! records episode 91 tonight: Platformers photo

As we sat around in the jacuzzi on our yacht the other night, it occurred to us that we've come almost a full hundred episodes without doing a show on platformers. Upon realizing this, Chad nearly spit out his champagne -- which would have been fine, as that is exactly what the jacuzzi was filled with in the first place -- but at that moment we were all in agreement that this should be rectified immediately.

Thusly, this week's show will be about platformers. Why we love them, why we hate them, so on and so forth in the usual manner in which we do things around here. Please leave us your questions after the jump, and feel free to check back tomorrow for the new episode.


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105 comments | showing # 1 to 50

Phoenix Gamma's Avatar
Phoenix Gamma at 05/28/2009 13:03
On a scale of one to ten, how annoying is it to have to press Up on a D-Pad to jump in a platformer?

I'd also like to give a shoutout to Mischief Makers for being the best 2D N64 Platformer. Can I please have it on Virtual Console?
pendelton21's Avatar
pendelton21 at 05/28/2009 13:07
In recent years there's been a lot of indie platformers being made, such as Cave Story, You Have To Burn The Rope, and Gravitation. Do you think these games are better than platformers of old, or will nothing beat the draw of an old Mario title?

Also, what's the greatest support item created to help out a platformer protagonist?
Cataract's Avatar
Cataract at 05/28/2009 13:09
Platformers? Now I'm happy.

Alright, quick question. Was there one platformer that you remember as being especially harder than most others of it's time? Or was there one point in a platformer that stuck out solely because it was so much harder than everything leading up to it.

For me, the one part that comes to mind is from Super Mario Brothers, either in world 3-1 or 4-1. Throughout the level, you are chased by a Lakitu throwing spiny shells at you, forcing you to run through the entire level. At one point, you have to make a long jump onto a platform thats just as wide as Mario is, and jump off. I remember as a kid that this part took a lot of trial and error.
Magnalon's Avatar
Magnalon at 05/28/2009 13:09
Haha nice Target header!

For Chad: How awesome is Jumping Flash, aka one of the best platformers ever made, where you play as a robot bunny who can jump hundreds of feet in the air?

Remember Mario RPG where you would have to "prove" your identity as Mario, in a real-life situation, by jumping super high for them? Which RFG member would be the best "real life platformer?"
Hamza CTZ Aziz's Avatar
Hamza CTZ Aziz at 05/28/2009 13:09
I love your new photo caption fad
kavorka's Avatar
kavorka at 05/28/2009 13:09
You should totally talk about Blaster Master (NES). Frogs, tanks, and flying robot antennae that shoot blips of laser. Totally effing sweet.
conehead the barbarian's Avatar
conehead the barbarian at 05/28/2009 13:09
It seems like almost every platformers has that one super easy common enemy (example:goombas), if a platformer was made starring you what would that enemy be?

Also I was wondering what you're favorite character is in DK64?
rhk's Avatar
rhk at 05/28/2009 13:11
What are you guys' all time favorite platformers? Your favorite 2D one and 3D one [Besides Mario]
Harris Hatsworth's Avatar
Harris Hatsworth at 05/28/2009 13:11
OMG!! Platformers!!! Best day ever!

The Donkey Kong Country series, best platformer or bestest ever platformer?

Why do you guys think that companies refuse to go back into old-school 2D platformers? With the graphical power of the 360 and PS3 (even the Wii to some extent) a 2.5D Donkey Kong Country-esque title could look fantastic and play fantastic but companies are instead locked into the Ratchet and Clank/Jak and Daxter model. Why are 2D platformers the exclusive domain of the DS and PSP when they could succeed on consoles (or in a more horrifying way, 3D platformers on handhelds).
TheChemist's Avatar
TheChemist at 05/28/2009 13:13
What was the most infuriating sequence you have had in a platformer game? You know the one that makes you want to break the cartridge in two?
Mirax's Avatar
Mirax at 05/28/2009 13:15
What was the most frustrating way you died in a platformer? I ask because every gamer has one of these moments when you miss a jump, or a monster bumps on you mid-jump and you just want to break your controller with your bare hands.
Scary Womanizing Pig Mask's Avatar
Scary Womanizing Pig Mask at 05/28/2009 13:16
Do you guys feel simultaneous multiplayer platformers (not like the Mario switch off) are an underutilized subgenre (only Little Big Planet comes to mind), or one do to failure. It's hard to get it right in 2D (unless it's a race mode) what with one player holding up the other, but four players exploring one big 3D level just sounds like to much fun to pass up! Any of you guys have particular mlutiplayer platformers of note, or feelings on the topic?
ygro wok's Avatar
ygro wok at 05/28/2009 13:17
What are some of the best two player co-operative platformers? I love playing Sonic 2 with a friend controlling Tails, although, the game isn't really designed for that since the screen only centers on Sonic. I also remember ToeJam and Earl 2 on Genesis being pretty fun buts its been a loooong time since I played that.

Oh, and please discuss Alex Kidd for the Sega Master System, because Miracle World and Shinobi World are awesome platformers. I love how they took the Shinobi universe and entered Alex Kidd into it. I wish Sega would bring Alex Kidd back and do that with more of their games. Alex Kidd in Phantasy World anyone?
Draconianviper's Avatar
Draconianviper at 05/28/2009 13:17
Most 2D platformers are mostly considered as action games. However many have also followed the adventure/RPG route. One game I enjoyed growing up was probably the Willow arcade game.

Also, remakes seem to be the rage with Bionic Commando and Klonoa. What Retro platform game(arcade/console) would you like to see get a graphics update? Would you change any of the mechanics of that game or add on new features or would it just be an updated look?
Lunarmoth's Avatar
Lunarmoth at 05/28/2009 13:17
What a worst way to die in a platformer never ending pit of doom, or sharp objects of doom. Or maybe it that bad guy just put in the right place to f*#( with your gaming mojo.
Scary Womanizing Pig Mask's Avatar
Scary Womanizing Pig Mask at 05/28/2009 13:18
Also, if you could be a block from any platformer, which block would you be (I'd pick the bouncy music note ones from Super Mario Bros. 3. Don't know why, I just really dig them :3)
odber's Avatar
odber at 05/28/2009 13:19
Platypus form episode :O


... oh you meant platform, nevermind
Tubatic's Avatar
Tubatic at 05/28/2009 13:21
What's the most satisfying sequence, skill-wise, you've ever had to pull off in a 2D platformer? That one thing you finally completed and yelled at the screen about.

The airship levels in the last world of Super Mario 3 comes to mind.
JoZo's Avatar
JoZo at 05/28/2009 13:21
Whats the worst enemy you've encountered in a platformer
gatorsax2010's Avatar
gatorsax2010 at 05/28/2009 13:21
In what ways do you prefer 2D platformers to 3D platformers, and vice-versa?

Thoughts on collectathons? I know this isn't quite retro, but I loved the Banjo-Kazooie games on N64. DK64 was a bit much.

What's your favorite platformer structure? Hop-and-bop like Mario, the addition of shooting, like Mega Man/Metroid? Action platformers or puzzle platformers?

Favorite platformer bosses? (I expect Yoshi's Island to be discussed here.)
Isay Isay's Avatar
Isay Isay at 05/28/2009 13:22
It's my wife and my 5th anniversary tomorrow, do I get any type of shout out/serenade?

On topic - are there any oft-maligned platformers that could benefit by adding tighter controls (I’m looking at you Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero)? Is there any more essential gaming mechanic in another genre than the jumping in a platformer?

Retro related - do you think there will be any retro related announcements at E3 this year? Would you be excited for a DSi virtual console? Any games you would like to see reimaged/reimagined/refabricated or whatever the ad wizards are calling it?
gatorsax2010's Avatar
gatorsax2010 at 05/28/2009 13:23
Also, now that Draconianviper mentioned "Willow," I expect to hear Chad's famous sheep/goat/whatever it was impression.
SadCheese's Avatar
SadCheese at 05/28/2009 13:25
How do you like your jumps? Floaty, so that you can steer your character where he, she, it falls, or stiff like Ghosts and Goblins.

Also, could The Lost Vikings be considered a platformer even though only one character could jump.
Kamikaze Slowey's Avatar
Kamikaze Slowey at 05/28/2009 13:25
How do yall feel about platforming in a 3d game? especially a FPS. Some it works for me, like the Half Life series. I think if you cant se your feet, you shouldn't have to do platforming situations
Kamikaze Slowey's Avatar
Kamikaze Slowey at 05/28/2009 13:25
How do yall feel about platforming in a 3d game? especially a FPS. Some it works for me, like the Half Life series. I think if you cant see your feet, you shouldn't have to do platforming situations
Jordan Grim Devore's Avatar
Jordan Grim Devore at 05/28/2009 13:26
Since we all know that Donkey Kong Country 2 is the best platformer ever created, what's your favorite animal? Rambi? Squawks? If anyone says Glimmer, I will come to your house and kindly murder you while you sleep.
snotrocket's Avatar
snotrocket at 05/28/2009 13:26
Why the hell is it called a platformer? I think of a platform being flat, but most of these games have castles and big ass trees you climb. How can something be flat but yet be a gigamile high?! Are the people who started the term "platformer" still calling the Earth flat?!
KyleGamgee's Avatar
KyleGamgee at 05/28/2009 13:28
In many platformers you reach a section where you have to ASCEND as opposed to advancing left to right, so you do switchbacks left-to-right, right-to-left. Tons of games did this, Batman (great game) for the NES is the one I can think of off the top of my head. My question is this:

Were these sections MORE aggravating because you could fall at get set back very far into the level, or were they PREFERRED because falling didn't mean instant death -and at least you could save yourself and try again without costing a life?
purplepeopleeater's Avatar
purplepeopleeater at 05/28/2009 13:28
When Donkey Kong country first came out, everyone loved it. The grpahics were amazing for the time and it gave the Super Nintendo another 3 years of dominance. I recently went back to play the game thinking that I would love it as much as I did when it came out. However, I had a serious case of retro-goggles. The game just isn't as fun and the controls aren't as tight as I remember. Do any of you feel the same way?
goodgamer77's Avatar
goodgamer77 at 05/28/2009 13:29
What do you think was the first great platformer? I know Pitfall gets a lot of praise, but which one do you really think started it all?
Magnalon's Avatar
Magnalon at 05/28/2009 13:33
@purplepeopleeater
Haha I know that's directed to RFG but, "no". Not at all. I go back and play DKC 1 and 2 monthly, and they're still amazing. Personally, I think DK himself is supposed to be clunky, but I never have problems controlling Diddy and Dixie.
Halidar's Avatar
Halidar at 05/28/2009 13:33
Evil two parter question:

1.)What do you think about the complete 180 Sonic 2 takes for its last boss, making it so damn punishing. (ie 2 bosses in a row and no rings on the level)

2.)What do you think of the direction that Pitfall took? Climbing from the original to pitfall 2, super pitfall, pitfall mayan adventure, and the playstation version with Bruce Campbell.
Spartacus's Avatar
Spartacus at 05/28/2009 13:33
I posted this last week, but it was after recording started, so I don't think anyone read it, but I apologize if I'm being an attention demanding infant.

But I met a kid last week whose name was Solomon Key.
NihonTiger90's Avatar
NihonTiger90 at 05/28/2009 13:35
What's the best platformer you've played that nobody else has played? What makes it so awesome?
naia-the-gamer's Avatar
naia-the-gamer at 05/28/2009 13:36
In a world filled with realistic 3D environments in games, do you think there is still room to expand on the 2D platformer? Do you think we'll ever see a retail 2D platformer again? Braid did some amazing things for the genre but was also a downloadable title.
imaginarythomas's Avatar
imaginarythomas at 05/28/2009 13:37
Performers are a dime a dozen now as much as they ever were. What do you think was the greatest innovation of the "Run,Jump,Collect" genre?
lwelyk's Avatar
lwelyk at 05/28/2009 13:40
Is Yoshi's Island the best platformer ever?
There is a correct and an incorrect answer to this.

What is your favorite of the Sonic games?
Mine would be Sonic 3 & Knuckles, I just loved the level design in that game.

Also Super Mario World or Super Mario Bros. 3?

How awesome is Super Mario Bros. 2?
(Answer: SO awesome)

What do you think of 3D platformers?
Personally, I am not very fond of the COLLECT 100+ THINGS BY REDOING LEVELS OVER AND OVER AGAIN formula. It's really something that developers need to break away from.
Tattoojoe3rd's Avatar
Tattoojoe3rd at 05/28/2009 13:42
? What would be the best animal to make an all new platforming game on?

For me I have to go with my puppy Anna she is a Pembrooke Welsh Corgi and with her abnormally short legs and nub of a tail I think it would be hilarious and fun to look at plus they are the favorite dog of the Queen of England so she could have some sort of adventure where she rescues the queen hahahaha
Darkanubis87's Avatar
Darkanubis87 at 05/28/2009 13:44
i remember loving the Darkwing Duck NES game only because the show it was based on.

Speaking of, how did the citizens of St. Canard not know he was darkwing duck, when fucking LaunchPad went around calling him "D.W.". I mean that's like peter parker having a retarded friend who called him "Spidey" all the time.
AdamT's Avatar
AdamT at 05/28/2009 13:44
Jazz Jackrabbit was an awesome platformer. Bubsy was not.

No one mentioned Henry Hatsworth yet! It was a great combination of puzzle and platforming.

Topher: How would you classify games like Contra, Gunstar Heroes and Metal Slug?
q-pa's Avatar
q-pa at 05/28/2009 13:48
What does it take to make a really great and memorable platformer level?

Is it a lot of stuff to do (SMB3/SMW)? Is it doing something you've never done before (the better MegaMan levels)? Is it its sheer size (Sonic 3)? Is it presentation (DKC, Sonic CD)...?

I'd love to hear your thoughts & what your most memorable ones are.
Discarded Couch Sandwich's Avatar
Discarded Couch Sandwich at 05/28/2009 13:48
What to you guys is more easy on the eye: colourful fat sprites or colourful fat polygons?
alpha486's Avatar
alpha486 at 05/28/2009 13:52
How ridiculous is the concept of "double jump"? I love it, so I try not to think about it too much.

Also, Metal Storm is awesome.
Palidi's Avatar
Palidi at 05/28/2009 13:53
Mmm...I remember back in Kirby Super Star when I had a friend over and he'd take over control of my partner dude I made from my power thing. Oh, and the Goemon games. Good tiems...

So 3 questions then:

Do you guys have any favorite memories of playing a co-operative multiplayer platformer with a friend/family/someone special?

Do you feel that platformers, in general, have worked as well with multiplayer components as they do with only a single player component?

Platformers with fall damage, or without fall damage?
Zcdrike's Avatar
Zcdrike at 05/28/2009 13:53
Why does the theme song for Yoshi's Island sound like the soviet theme?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxBwelptag&feature=related
Zero Atma's Avatar
Zero Atma at 05/28/2009 13:54
What is a man?
eYak's Avatar
eYak at 05/28/2009 13:54
I prefer the platformers that give you a wide range of moves - what's a platformer with badass moves you could recommend?
JTHomeslice's Avatar
JTHomeslice at 05/28/2009 13:56
Weirdest setting a platformer has been in?
Zero Atma's Avatar
Zero Atma at 05/28/2009 13:58
Similarly to Naia's question, do you think we'll start seeing more 2D platformers with 3D effects (as we call them, 2.5D platformers)? By this I mean 3D rendered characters/backgrounds/etc. but limited to 2D movement space. Bionic Commando Rearmed is a prime example. Will this be relegated to remakes, or will we see new entries in franchises, or even new IPs, with this style? Do you WANT more of these games?
Tactix's Avatar
Tactix at 05/28/2009 13:58
I'm not sure if these count as platformers (I think they do) but my favorites were Little Nemo the Dream Master and Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers.

Did you guys play Little Nemo? Wasnt the music AMAZING!? And as far as Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers goes, did you also throw your friend/brother/significant other off the ledges to their death like I did? (I was a scrappy kid :P)

Anyway, I wish I could be at the E3 karaoke with you all! :( Have a great time, and sing some songs for me! (Chad! Pleeeeeaaaaase do something from Wicked! I just saw it and it was excellent <3)
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