Platformers come in all shapes and sizes. Some focus on exploring and collectibles, some focus on fighting a ton of bad guys, and still others even focus on players training themselves to be the best at jumping from one place to another. But there has been a rise of a particular kind of game: wonky-physics platformers.
These types of experiences tend to have players taking control of a character or being that doesn't quite have a normal feel to it, and attempting to learn its weird mechanics. While some may see this as a potential flaw, these games are meant to be played this way, and they are a surprisingly good time. Check out these games for a change to the platformer formula.
7 PogoChamp
If players are seeking a game that will get them to great heights, why not grab a pogo stick and try the ridiculous platformer PogoChamp? A recent release, the 3D platformer is a level-based game where players are given a simple control scheme: tilt and jump.
However, it is not easy to become an expert in being the ultimate pogo stick champion, but there are a variety of levels that can help the player enhance their skills. While some sections focus solely on the player jumping on platforms, other levels put players in unique situations such as pachinko and golf.
6 Struggling
While trying to master controls for a wonky-physics platformer is hard enough, trying to have two people control one being is a whole new trial in patience and cooperation. Struggling puts players in control of a monstrosity where one player controls the left arm and another player controls the right.
Players are given objectives that they must complete in each level, with most of them involving trying to get through a specific phase of the game together. If players take damage, they will see their creature become more horrifying. The game is not afraid to get as gross as possible, so horror fans may want to give this one a shot.
5 Heave Ho
Speaking of weird creatures made entirely of just a head and two arms, Heave Ho is a lot more of a light-hearted game than the last entry. Players are also in charge of an entire creature's movement instead of just one limb. That said, players must master using the creature's arms to swing from object to object.
Most levels in this game will have a few obstacles that players have to overcome to reach a goal. At the end of a world, there is an extended side-scroller where the lessons learned will help them in accomplishing the longer journey. The key to becoming a Heave Ho pro is understanding how to build momentum.
4 Human Fall Flat
How about instead of a bunch of games focused on weird shaped creatures, players are given control of a human? Seems simple enough, but Human Fall Flat has a very similar mechanic system that requires players to use their arms to maneuver through each "dream."
Players are taught to pick things up and use them in solving various puzzles. The platforming element comes when players need to overcome short gaps or even grab on to something that can help them swing over a rather large gap. Either way, players can have up to eight friends work with them to help conquer all the terrain and obstacles in their way.
3 PHOGS
Struggling focuses on the concept of two people controlling a grotesque monster, but what if two players work together as two limbless dogs attached at the belly? That is the idea behind PHOGS, a game that can be played alone or with a friend. These dogs, named Red and Blue, are placed into a colorful world where they must solve puzzles together.
One of the core mechanics that players will learn is the idea of the grabbing mechanics, which involves a dog biting down on something like a hose and having the other dog use mouth to spray water everywhere. For those that enjoy customization, collecting bones will earn the dogs fun hats to wear on their adventure.
2 I Am Bread
One of the classic examples of a wonky platformer that became popular is a game by Bossa Studios called I Am Bread. The game puts players in the role of a simple slice of bread who just wants to get toasted. Players will need to control its four corners as it attempts to navigate its way through multiple levels.
While there is a fun story mode that sets the slice of bread on an adventure of a lifetime, there are other modes like a collect-a-thon called Cheese Hunt and a speed-running mode called Bagel Race. There are also collaborations with other popular games that puts the bread in universes that players may not expect.
1 Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy
There was once a popular browser game called QWOP that had players taking a control of an athlete using only the four letter keys that are in the game's title. It was a sensation that made Bennett Foddy a prominent name in the indie game space. Years later, he released Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy.
The idea of the game was to challenge the player to learn how to transport a man in a cauldron up a large level using only a hammer. There are no save states and the controls are meant to be difficult to master. Meanwhile, players failing would lead to peaceful narrations from Foddy about the idea of failure.