Is Platformer Level Design That Important?
When you create a video game, you may create a masterpiece – intentionally or by accident. If you intend to make a platformer game, then you should pay a lot of attention to the good platformer level design. Thanks to such an approach, you will be able to create interesting, difficult but enjoyable places for players to move in.
For example, classic platformer games such as Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, or Celeste have memorable levels that keep players coming back and playing these titles after the decades since their release. In addition, the BandurArt team is going to explore this aspect of game development in detail.
In 2D and 3D platformers the game design is equally important. The smart level design is not only for making the title look nice. Also, a good design makes sure that users have fun while playing the best gaming titles. A top-notch 3D or 2D platformer level design seamlessly leads players, yet it still provides difficulties. It keeps the right balance between difficulty and prize, giving players satisfaction but not annoying them.
What Are the Basics of 3D and 2D Platformer Level Design?
Creating a level for a platformer game is similar to building a thrilling rollercoaster. The main aspects of the 2D and 3D platformer level design are the game’s flow, the balance of difficulty, and player engagement.
The game’s flow refers to the ease with which a player navigates through a level. The best gameplay flow is when the player doesn’t feel trapped or disoriented. The platformer experience in 2D and 3D format feels smooth, with each jump, climb, or run being logical. Imagine Mario running and jumping accurately, or Sonic speeding through the loops and ramps at high speed – these are examples of the great gameplay flow.
The balance’s difficulty means finding the point between challenge and reward for a player. When players manage to surpass hurdles, they must experience a sensation of accomplishment. That is simple, the game turns uninteresting. If it gets too difficult, players might quit. Good balance in level design grows hard slowly, bringing more hurdles as players improve.
The concept of player engagement is about keeping players interested. Use different environments, distinct obstacles, and stash/secrets to keep them engaged. This will make them more likely to explore all parts of your level design and return for another round.
What Is the Difference In Level Design for a 2D Platformer and a 3D Platformer?
Also, you need to understand the differences between 2D and 3D platformers. When it comes to 2D platformer game level design, the developers use a flat surface where movements concentrate on horizontal and vertical directions. Accuracy is very important because players can only move left, right, up or down. Just like with the 2D game background development, the game devs have to be very careful and precise when making a 2D platformer and design of the levels.
On the contrary, when you are making a 3D game platformer, you have more room to move around, which gives depth to your levels. This brings up new methods of testing players’ skills but also demands greater focus on camera angles and player viewpoint. When you understand these basics, it’s like the starting point for making the great 3D platformer level design unique. Remembering these rules can help you design awesome 2D and 3D platformer levels that players enjoy.
Making the Platformer Level Design – The Best Software
There are a few basic tools and software platforms you can learn and use for creating a good level design in platformer games:
1) Unity
Unity is a game engine that many people use to create platformers. It’s flexible and has a friendly interface. There are plenty of Unity assets available, and the community is supportive for aspiring developers. It can be used for both 2D and 3D platformers, providing strong features in physics, animation, and scripting. Also, you can make with Unity 2.5D platformer level design – something in between these two different formats.
2) Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is known for its beautiful graphics and strong performance, and is a top pick too. It might take more effort to learn than Unity but it provides unmatched visual quality. Unreal Engine suits those developers who want to make very detailed 3D platform games. Also, it offers Blueprints which is a visual scripting system used to build the mechanics even when they lack profound programming understanding.
3) Platformer Level Design Generators
Tiled and Ogmo Editor are examples of a good platformer level design generator. These tools can be exceptionally great for making 2D levels. If you use one of these 2D platformer level design generators, they can help you make tile-based maps. Tiled and Ogmo Editor helps to concentrate on the level design specifically which makes them great for developers that prefer a simple development method without unnecessary extras.
Check the comparison of the best tools for making the platformer easy level design:
| Tool | Features | Ease of Use | Price |
| Unity | Versatile, large asset store, 2D & 3D | Beginner-friendly | Free (with Pro upgrade) |
| Unreal | High-fidelity graphics, Blueprints | Intermediate | Free (royalty-based) |
| Tiled | Tile-based map creation, simple UI | Easy | Free |
| Ogmo | Lightweight, focused on 2D design | Very easy | Free |
It is highly recommended to invest time and effort in learning how to use all these tools if you intend to create the best platformer level design out there.
How to Design a Platformer Level?
Creating a 2D or 3D platformer level design can be an exciting imaginative process but still, you are to follow the basics steps to tame your fantasy and turn an idea into a real gaming project.
1) Layout Planning
Begin with a plan. Draw your level on paper or utilize a digital tool, concentrating on the primary shape and movement. Think of the starting point of where the player begins and where they finish. Sketch the main sections that require a player to jump, kill enemies, or go through the obstacles. This layout 2D platformer level design is the most important for the whole gaming project. Check this YouTube video explaining the layout basics in detail.
2) Player Progression
In addition, think about how the player will move forward at the game’s level. Introduce new mechanics in your game as the player moves on. Begin with basic jumps and raise the difficulty little by little. Introduce fresh difficulties such as shifting platforms, foes, and riddles. Make sure that there is a progression of skills, where players can enhance their experience while they progress in the game.
3) Add Puzzles
Puzzles make any platformer level design more interesting. They give a pause from action and force players to think. Switches, keys, and doors can be used for creating interesting puzzles. Make sure that your puzzles are easy to understand and have logical solutions. Put visual hints to steer players in the right direction, but not too obvious. This is how you should plan the 3D and 2D puzzle platformer level design.
4) Testing and Iteration
After completing the level design, play it many times or hire playtesters. Notice any places that may not feel smooth or when difficulty increases suddenly. Check the input from other players and developers. Take this feedback to make your game levels better, if it is possible. Repeating is important for a smoother platformer game level design.
Innovative 3D and 2D Platformer Level Design Ideas That You Can Use
1) Vertical Levels
Use vertical levels: Instead of the standard horizontal arrangement, consider creating vertical levels. This concept could provide new game elements. Vertical levels present a distinct kind of platforming experience, putting emphasis on precise climbing and falling mechanics that can be seen in games such as “Celeste”.
2) Non-Linear Paths
Emphasize different paths and secret ways. Levels that are not straight encourage searching and playing again. Games such as “Hollow Knight” are good at this, having many paths for players to follow to achieve the same goal. This platformer level design keeps players engaged as they discover new secrets and shortcuts.
3) Interactive Environments
Create interactions within environments. This involves adding objects that players can manipulate, like platforms that move, walls that break, and obstacles that change. For example, “Rayman Legends” has stages in which gamers need to interact with the surroundings for advancement. This makes the game more interesting and difficult at once.
4) Theme-Based Levels
Create the levels with special themes. This will make your game visually and mechanically exciting. For example, the design of a level can be influenced by certain themes like a cityscape, desert, or forest. In “Super Mario Odyssey”, each level is based on unique themes that affect the level’s visuals and obstacles as well as how it functions in terms of gameplay experiences that are distinct from one another.
Some of the Best Examples of Platformer Level Design
- Celeste. It is famous for its precise controls and difficult vertical levels. Every level brings in fresh features that expand on what has been learned before, making the game interesting continually;
- Hollow Knight. Provides a big, complex world with different paths that are not straight. It motivates players to explore and find concealed places, creating the sense of being big and full of secrets;
- Rayman Legends. This game shows very interactive environments, where players can move items to go ahead. Rhythm-based levels of this video game stand out as a fresh concept, matching the jumping and running actions with music beats. It is truly the example of the best level design for a 3D platformer;
- Super Mario Odyssey. The use of theme-based levels provides a variety of experiences. Every kingdom has its distinct appearance and mechanics, guaranteeing that players always encounter fresh elements;
The Common Challenges When Making the Platformer Level Design
- If a level is too hard, it can make players feel frustrated. Difficult parts should be spaced out and followed with easier levels for the balance;
- When players feel lost, they might quickly lose their enthusiasm. Make sure to show the way using visual hints such as arrows, lights or unique points of reference;
- The same actions over and again could make players feel bored. Make your levels interesting with new mechanics/locations and different speeds;
The Basic Platformer Level Design Tips:
- Your game levels offer a good balance between being challenging and not overly frustrating. Include the checkpoints so players do not have to start from the beginning every time they fail;
- Mix different mechanics with the balance. Switch between platforming, puzzles, and battling with enemies;
- Players should see what is happening on the screen by using colors that contrast with each other and visual elements that are easy to understand.
- Encourage players to explore by hiding secret areas and bonuses. These secrets can give extra lives, power-ups, or help in finding shortcuts;
- Imagine players moving in 2D and 3D dimensions, and adding verticality for more depth and intricacy;
- Select camera views that enhance the playability and give clear sights. Steer away from angles that might hide key elements;
- Players should always understand the next step. Use lighting, colors, and noticeable places to direct players in a way that feels natural;
What do you think about these platformer level design tips? Do you find them useful? The BandurArt team advises you to visit the Reddit thread where beginner devs discuss the nuances of 2D platformer level design.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the theme important for the simple 2D platformer level design?
The theme is very important when you start planning your platformer level design. The properly picked themes give the game’s world feeling, environment, and visual character. A good theme makes things look better and affects the level of structure and puzzles. For example, a jungle theme like in Donkey Kong presumes including the vines for swinging on and secret paths hidden by thick foliage. On the other hand, the futuristic sci-fi theme might include the moving neon-lit platforms with the obstacles with lasers. Choosing the right theme can help in storytelling, a smoother flow, and keeping players more immersed.
- How can environmental storytelling be used in platformer level design?
The implementation of environmental storytelling can be done with the details you see, how levels are arranged, and what things you can interact with. For instance, putting broken structures in a post-apocalyptic theme suggests a world that’s falling apart. Meanwhile, the hidden artifacts in fantasy worlds share interesting tales. It is easy to tell the story through the surrounding NPCs and environment. Use the background details, ambient sounds, and level progression to stimulate certain emotions and immersion. This approach makes each level more interesting and unforgettable to explore.
Conclusion
These were the tips and guides for making the platformer level design unique, creative, and great. Learn, study, and add something each time you create a new level for your 2D or 3D platformer game. The BandurArt team wants to inspire beginner developers who are currently thinking over their game levels for indie or AAA platformers. We will continue you on your journey to successful game development! Stay tuned!
