The best game that combines platforming and exploration

Key Takeaways

  • Platform games blend 2D and 3D perspectives and emphasize exploration to create a compelling gameplay experience.
  • Some games prioritize exploration over platforming.
    starbound
    ,
    Greece, FEZ,
    and
    Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
  • games like
    Hollow Knight, Cap of Time,
    &
    terraria
    Focus on navigation while integrating platform elements.



platform game It has been one of the most popular genres in video games, with a long history and numerous titles to rise to the top. Of course, because it's an old genre, different games allow for original takes and innovations to sprout up, allowing you to do more than just follow the same gameplay loop you started out with.

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8 of the best games that combine 2D and 3D platforming

Platform games are often associated with a 2D perspective, and although the genre sometimes transitions to 3D, these games straddle the line between perspectives.

There were many different ways to mix the gameplay of platform games. quest This is one way to create a very engaging game. Today's video game worlds and their exploration can be a satisfying experience, but that doesn't always mean success. Whether you have a small or large world to explore, these experiences can be developed and can help platformers continue to see the success the genre has seen in 2D or 3D games.


7 starbound

A game with extensive exploration but limited platforming


starbound

system

PC-1 Xbox-1

released
December 4, 2013

Open Criticism Evaluation
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Some platform games with exploration focus more on one of these aspects than the other. starbound Here is an example of this: These are games that players can openly explore, but that use less sophisticated gameplay in terms of platforming.

But it's still a beloved game that platform game fans should definitely try. Since procedural generation is at the heart of the worlds players can explore, there are many planets to visit, but they all have many differences from one another. There is also a large modding scene to further enhance the fun of exploration. The platforming may not be as fluid as other games, but the exploration makes up for it.

6 Greece

Immerse players in beauty through exploration.

platform game

adventure

indie games

puzzle

released
December 13, 2018

developer
nomada studio

Open Criticism Evaluation
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Platformer games don't always push exploration as a core concept for gameplay reasons. Greece Players tie exploration into gameplay as they move through different stages and complete different puzzles.


But the highlight of the game is the visual beauty of the world that emerges as you explore it. This encourages players to continue traversing platform sections to witness the jaw-dropping artwork displayed throughout the landscape. Visual elements are also used in platforming through symmetry, etc.

5 special economic zone

A variation of a platform game that emphasizes exploration and discovery

released
April 13, 2012

Open Criticism Evaluation
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Platformer games are generally considered 2D. mario series. special economic zone It is a 2D game that allows players to rotate the world between four 2D views, essentially making it 3D.


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The ability to rotate the world allows players to complete puzzles and explore different sections in unique ways. The exploratory aspect may not be as grandiose as some platform games, but special economic zone There is a heavy emphasis on discovery, with the key element of world rotation allowing for endless discoveries. Rotation is simple, but surprisingly creates a unique gameplay element that changes the way players travel through the 2D platformer.

4 Ori and the Will of the Wisps

The already acclaimed series offers players open world exploration.

released
March 11, 2020

developer
moon studio

Metroidvania games and platformers are used together due to the similar nature of their gameplay. You move through the levels using platforms at various elevations in a (usually) 2D style. One of those games, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, It's a title highly regarded by everyone, not just platform game fans.

Players will travel through an open world with a focus on exploration. Numerous items and upgrades can be found throughout the world, and players can unlock abilities that grant access to previously unreachable areas. The game's colorful art style also helps encourage exploration of the world.


3 hollow knight

A title focused on equal parts platforming and exploration.

released
February 24, 2017

developer
team cherry

Open Criticism Evaluation
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hollow knight It's one of the most acclaimed games ever made, and its world is one of the reasons for its success. Difficulty is often mentioned as it is unique to the genre as a platformer, but the game also focuses on exploration.

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Hollow Knight is full of challenging boss fights, but some of them take the challenge to another level. The most difficult bosses in the game are:

There are many regions to explore that are interconnected, but you don't have to travel to all of them. Players can tackle almost any area they want. At least if you have the means to traverse such a place. Some are blocked by obstacles that the player can pass through abilities or items. All exploration takes place through platform gameplay, with Soulslike aspects in combat and progression mechanics providing a unique experience as you travel the world.


2 hat of time

This is a no-brainer for those looking for a platformer with a focus on exploration.

released
October 5, 2017

developer
breakfast gear

Open Criticism Evaluation
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hat of time Originally starting out as a Kickstarter game, it blossomed into an instant classic upon its release in 2017, becoming a must-play for fans of platform games. Played in a 3D style, players control Hat Kid across different worlds through platform gameplay that includes: super mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.

This platforming style allows players to explore a variety of areas, from traditional linear levels to large open world areas. Within the world, players embark on collection competitions to obtain Pieces of Time, which is the main objective of the game. Made with cute aesthetics, A Hat In Time The platforming gameplay offers a quirky experience for anyone looking for a simple yet fun game.


1 terraria

Popular platform game with a focus on exploration

platform
PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Vita, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, 3DS, Stadia, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

released
May 16, 2011

Open Criticism Evaluation
strong

terraria I think it needs no introduction as it is one of the most popular games ever made. game play terraria It focuses on exploring three randomly generated worlds of different sizes. Played in small, medium and large sizes, you'll fight numerous enemies while collecting materials to help you progress.

Platforming is another feature of gameplay, setting the game in a 2D view. Some have more platforming than others, like Underworld, or create arenas to fight different bosses. But when paired with the world and exploration through the platforming gameplay, it provides an incredible experience that demonstrates why this game is so beloved.

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