2D platformer games have been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, with classic titles like Super Mario Bros and Sonic the Hedgehog becoming household names. But which game can lay claim to being the first 2D platformer? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of 2D platformer games and uncover the origins of this beloved genre. Join us as we explore the game that started it all and discover how it laid the foundation for the countless platformers that followed. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, this article is sure to provide some fascinating insights into the world of 2D platformer games.
The first 2D platformer game is considered to be “Pitfall!” which was released in 1982 for the Atari 2600. Developed by Activision, the game featured a character named Pitfall Harry who navigated through a jungle environment, avoiding obstacles and collecting treasures. The game was a commercial success and helped establish the platformer genre, which would go on to become a staple of video game culture.
The Origins of Platformer Games
The Evolution of Video Games
The evolution of video games can be traced back to the early days of arcade gaming. The first video games were simple, involving minimal graphics and gameplay mechanics. However, as technology advanced, video games became more complex and sophisticated.
Early Arcade Games
The first video games were simple, consisting of simple graphics and gameplay mechanics. One of the earliest games was Pong, which was released in 1972. Pong was a simple game that involved a ball bouncing around the screen, and players had to hit the ball with a paddle to score points.
Space Invaders was another early arcade game that was released in 1978. It was a popular game that involved shooting aliens as they descended from the top of the screen. This game was significant because it popularized the shooter genre and introduced the concept of scoring points.
Pong and the Birth of Video Games
Pong was a revolutionary game that marked the beginning of the video game industry. It was simple, yet addictive, and became a huge hit in the late 1970s. Pong was a simple game that involved a ball bouncing around the screen, and players had to hit the ball with a paddle to score points.
The game’s simplicity belied its significance. Pong was the first video game to be mass-produced and sold in arcades. It was also the first game to use a computer monitor instead of a traditional TV screen. Pong’s success paved the way for the development of other video games, and it remains an important milestone in the history of video games.
Space Invaders and the Rise of Arcade Games
Space Invaders was another significant game that was released in 1978. It was a popular game that involved shooting aliens as they descended from the top of the screen. This game was significant because it popularized the shooter genre and introduced the concept of scoring points.
Space Invaders was also important because it helped to establish the arcade game industry. Prior to Space Invaders, most video games were simple and did not require a significant investment. However, Space Invaders was different. It was a complex game that required a significant investment in hardware and software.
As a result, Space Invaders helped to establish the arcade game industry as a viable business model. It paved the way for the development of other arcade games, and it remains an important milestone in the history of video games.
Home Consoles and the Birth of Platformer Games
The advent of home consoles marked a significant milestone in the evolution of video games. The first home console was the Magnavox Odyssey, which was released in 1972. However, it was not until the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985 that home consoles became popular.
The NES was a revolutionary console that introduced the concept of platformer games. Platformer games are games that involve the player jumping and running across a 2D plane. The first platformer game was Super Mario Bros., which was released in 1985.
Super Mario Bros. was a revolutionary game that introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as power-ups and secret areas. It was also the first game to feature a character with a distinct personality and backstory. Super Mario Bros. was a huge success, and it helped to establish the platformer genre as a staple of the video game industry.
The NES and Super Mario Bros.
The NES was a revolutionary console that introduced the concept of platformer games. Super Mario Bros. was the first platformer game, and it was released in 1985. The game was a huge success, and it helped to establish the platformer genre as a staple of the video game industry.
Super Mario Bros. was a groundbreaking game that introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as power-ups and secret areas. It was also the first game to feature a character with a distinct personality and backstory. The game’s success paved the way for the development of other platformer games, and it remains an important milestone in the history of video games.
The Golden Age of Platformer Games
The 1990s marked the golden age of platformer games. During this time, many classic platformer games were released, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Donkey Kong Country, and Super Mario World. These games
The Defining Features of Platformer Games
Jumping and Platforming
The earliest platformer games were simple side-scrolling affairs that relied heavily on jumping mechanics. Players controlled characters who could jump over obstacles and enemies, and sometimes even perform double jumps or special moves. The first platformer games were simple, but they set the stage for a genre that would become one of the most beloved in gaming history.
The First Platformer Games
One of the earliest examples of a platformer game is the 1983 game “Pitfall!” developed by Activision for the Atari 2600. The game featured a character named Pitfall Harry who navigated a series of obstacles and enemies while attempting to find a hidden treasure. While not a perfect example of the platformer genre, “Pitfall!” is often credited with being one of the first games to feature jumping mechanics and a large, open world to explore.
Super Mario Bros. and the Rise of Platforming
However, it was the 1985 game “Super Mario Bros.” for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) that truly popularized the platformer genre. In “Super Mario Bros.,” players controlled the titular character as he ran, jumped, and fought his way through a series of side-scrolling levels, collecting power-ups and rescuing Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser. The game’s success led to a wave of imitators and innovations, and it remains one of the most beloved and influential games of all time.
Sonic the Hedgehog and the Reinvention of Platforming
In 1991, Sega released “Sonic the Hedgehog,” a game that reinvented the platformer genre with its fast-paced gameplay and iconic blue hedgehog protagonist. Sonic’s ability to run at high speeds and perform spinning attacks made him a unique and exciting character to control, and the game’s colorful, imaginative levels and catchy soundtrack helped to establish it as a classic of the genre.
Collecting and Exploration
Another defining feature of platformer games is the emphasis on collecting and exploration. Many platformers involve the player collecting items or power-ups that allow them to progress further into the game, while others feature open-world environments that encourage players to explore and discover hidden secrets.
The Legend of Zelda and the Birth of Open-World Platformers
One of the earliest examples of an open-world platformer is the 1986 game “The Legend of Zelda” for the NES. In “Zelda,” players controlled the character Link as he explored a large, interconnected world filled with dungeons, secrets, and puzzles to solve. The game’s success led to a long line of sequels and imitators, and it remains one of the most beloved and influential games of all time.
Donkey Kong Country and the Reinvention of Collecting
In 1994, Rare released “Donkey Kong Country” for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), a game that reinvented the platformer genre with its colorful graphics, catchy music, and innovative use of collectibles. The game featured a large cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and collectibles to find, and its sequels continued to build on this formula, creating some of the most beloved platformer games of the 1990s.
The Contenders for the First 2D Platformer Game
The Candidates
Manic Miner
- Released in 1983 by Mathew Smith
- Featured simple graphics and basic gameplay mechanics
- Players controlled a character named “Jim” who navigated through underground mines
- Included a variety of enemies and obstacles, such as fire and spikes
- Was highly influential in the development of future platformer games
Jet Set Willy
- Released in 1984 by Matthew Smith
- Featured improved graphics and more complex gameplay mechanics compared to Manic Miner
- Players controlled a character named “Willy” who navigated through a series of mansions
- Included various enemies and obstacles, such as guards and booby traps
- Introduced the concept of collecting items to progress through levels
Wonder Boy
- Released in 1986 by Escape
- Featured improved graphics and more complex gameplay mechanics compared to previous contenders
- Players controlled a character named “Wonder Boy” who navigated through a series of island levels
- Included various enemies and obstacles, such as fire-breathing creatures and falling platforms
- Introduced the concept of upgradable weapons and power-ups
Dragon Bubble
- Released in 1987 by Konami
- Players controlled a character named “Draco” who navigated through a series of levels filled with bubbles
- Included various enemies and obstacles, such as spiked balls and moving platforms
- Introduced the concept of multi-directional scrolling levels
Chuckie Egg
- Released in 1983 by A&F Software
- Players controlled a character named “Chuckie” who navigated through a series of farm levels
- Included various enemies and obstacles, such as chickens and bottomless pits
- Introduced the concept of a sidekick character (in this case, a hen) who could be used to solve puzzles
The Evidence
The History of Gaming
The history of gaming dates back to the early 1970s, when the first video games were developed and released. The industry saw significant growth in the 1980s with the rise of home computers, which made gaming accessible to a wider audience.
The Birth of the British Gaming Industry
The British gaming industry played a significant role in the development of 2D platformer games. In 1984, Acornsoft released “Hunt the Wumpus,” a text-based adventure game that featured a 2D landscape for players to explore. This game laid the groundwork for future 2D platformer games.
The Rise of Home Computers
The rise of home computers in the 1980s led to a surge in the popularity of video games. Computers such as the Commodore 64 and the Apple II were among the most popular home computers of the era, and they played host to a number of early 2D platformer games.
The Design of the Early 2D Platformer Games
The early 2D platformer games were characterized by simple graphics, limited sound, and relatively basic controls and mechanics.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in early 2D platformer games were typically simple and blocky, with limited color palettes. The characters and environments were often represented by basic shapes and lines. Sound effects were limited to simple beeps and bloops, and there was often no music.
Controls and Mechanics
The controls in early 2D platformer games were simple and straightforward. Players typically controlled a character who could move left, right, up, and down using a joystick or arrow keys. The mechanics of the games were often simple as well, with players typically tasked with navigating a character through a series of obstacles or enemies.
The Verdict: Which was the First 2D Platformer Game?
The Winner: Manic Miner
The Legacy of Manic Miner
The Influence on Future Platformer Games
Manic Miner, developed by Matthew Smith and released in 1983, is widely regarded as the first 2D platformer game. It introduced several innovative features that would become staples of the genre, such as multiple levels, a character with limited lifespan, and a variety of enemies and obstacles to overcome. Its success spawned numerous imitators and inspired the development of numerous other platformer games.
The Place in Gaming History
Manic Miner was one of the earliest video games to be developed for the ZX Spectrum home computer, and it helped to establish the platform as a popular gaming device. Its innovative gameplay and addictive nature made it a hit with gamers, and it helped to establish the 2D platformer genre as a mainstay of the video game industry.
The Influence on Future Platformer Games
Manic Miner’s influence on the platformer genre can be seen in many subsequent games. For example, the game’s use of multiple levels and a character with limited lifespan was copied in many later games, including the classic game “Jumping Jack” and the popular game “Super Mario Bros.”. The game’s innovative use of jumping and climbing mechanics also influenced many other platformer games, such as “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “CastleVania”.
The Place in Gaming History
In conclusion, Manic Miner is widely regarded as the first 2D platformer game, and its innovative features and addictive gameplay have made it a lasting influence on the genre. Its legacy can be seen in many subsequent platformer games, and it remains a classic of early video game history.
The Importance of the First 2D Platformer Game
The Evolution of the Gaming Industry
The first 2D platformer game was a defining moment in the evolution of the gaming industry. It was a pivotal development that laid the foundation for a genre that would become one of the most beloved and enduring in gaming history. The impact of this groundbreaking game can still be felt today, as it continues to influence and inspire developers and gamers alike.
The Rise of the Platformer Genre
The first 2D platformer game was a watershed moment for the platformer genre, which would go on to become one of the most popular and beloved genres in gaming. The game’s success spawned a host of imitators and innovations, as developers sought to capitalize on the new style of gameplay that the platformer genre offered. Over time, the platformer genre would come to encompass a wide range of subgenres, including side-scrollers, metroidvania-style games, and more.
The Impact on Gamers and the Gaming Community
The first 2D platformer game had a profound impact on gamers and the gaming community as a whole. It introduced a new style of gameplay that was accessible, engaging, and exciting, and it captured the imaginations of gamers of all ages and backgrounds. The game’s iconic characters, memorable music, and challenging gameplay helped to establish a new standard for the platformer genre, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.
The Future of Platformer Games
The Evolution of Platformer Games in the Modern Era
The Indie Revolution
- The rise of indie developers in the gaming industry has led to a surge in creativity and innovation in platformer games.
- Indie developers have taken the platformer genre in new directions, experimenting with unique mechanics, art styles, and narratives.
- This has led to a proliferation of new and exciting platformer games that have redefined the genre and expanded its boundaries.
The Evolution of Graphics and Sound
- Advancements in technology have allowed for more sophisticated graphics and sound in platformer games.
- This has enabled developers to create more immersive and visually stunning worlds for players to explore.
- The use of 3D graphics and advanced audio techniques has further enhanced the player experience and added new dimensions to the platformer genre.
The Future of the Platformer Genre
The Latest Trends and Innovations
- One of the latest trends in platformer games is the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology.
- VR allows players to fully immerse themselves in the game world and interact with it in new and exciting ways.
- This has the potential to revolutionize the platformer genre and bring a new level of realism and interactivity to the player experience.
The Next Generation of Platformer Games
- The next generation of platformer games is likely to build on the trends and innovations of the past.
- This includes continued advancements in graphics and sound, as well as the integration of new technologies such as VR and artificial intelligence (AI).
- As the platformer genre continues to evolve, players can expect even more exciting and immersive experiences that push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming.
FAQs
1. What is a 2D platformer game?
A 2D platformer game is a type of video game where the player controls a character that runs, jumps, and interacts with the environment across a two-dimensional plane. The character typically moves left, right, up, and down, and the objective is to overcome obstacles, defeat enemies, and reach the end of each level.
2. What is the first 2D platformer game?
The first 2D platformer game is a matter of debate, as there were several early games that featured elements of platforming. However, one of the earliest and most influential 2D platformer games is considered to be “Pitfall!” which was released in 1982 for the Atari 2600. The game featured a character named Pitfall Harry who navigated a series of obstacles and enemies across a two-dimensional plane.
3. Who created the first 2D platformer game?
The first 2D platformer game was created by several different companies and individuals, as the video game industry was still in its infancy at the time. However, one of the earliest and most influential 2D platformer games, “Pitfall!” was developed by Activision and designed by David Crane.
4. What were the controls for the first 2D platformer game?
The controls for the first 2D platformer game, “Pitfall!” were relatively simple, as the game was designed for the Atari 2600 console which only had a joystick and a single button. The player controlled Pitfall Harry by moving him left and right using the joystick, and jumping over obstacles and enemies by pressing the button at the right time.
5. How did the first 2D platformer game influence the video game industry?
The first 2D platformer game, “Pitfall!” was a pioneering title that set the stage for many of the platformer games that followed. It introduced many of the key elements that would become staples of the genre, such as running, jumping, and obstacle-filled environments. The game’s success also helped to establish the video game industry as a viable form of entertainment, paving the way for the many games and consoles that would follow in its wake.