Student Project: Platformer Dissertation

About the Project

As part of my third-year dissertation, I investigated the future of platforming games. Specifically, I explored whether players continue to prefer traditional 2D side-scrolling gameplay or gravitate toward more modern 2.5D and 3D first-person styles.

To support this research, I designed and developed a Unity-based platformer incorporating three distinct perspectives:

• Traditional 2D side-scrolling
• 2.5D top-down gameplay
• 3D first-person platforming

The project required researching existing platformers—from classic titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Rayman, and Mega Man, to modern interpretations including Mirror’s Edge, Dying Light, and others.

After evaluating player feedback and gameplay analysis, I concluded that traditional 2D side-scrollers remain the most widely preferred. However, developing a multi-perspective platformer provided valuable experience in camera systems, control schemes, and gameplay design.