They all have precise and snappy movement, with upgrades and new abilities that add complexity without stodge.
As for 3D platformers, Super Mario 64 remains a glowing example of how movement makes exploration joyful.
Elden Ringis a terrible platformer.
It’s stiff and awkward and less gymnast, more Gimli on the Buckfast.
But this is what makes its platforming sections good.
Souls games have always had the odd platforming section.
And do a jump… after a massive run-up.
I’m not saying that Souls should’ve given your character more movement options, oh no.
I’m saying itslackof options makes its rare platforming moments (terribly) good.
Take a game like Ori, for instance.
Jump dash roll, or dash jump roll?
But in Souls you’ve got one route, and one way of going about it.
Don’t execute the falls and awkward jumps perfectly and you’ll plummet to your death.
Now we’ve gotElden Ring, and its addition of a dedicated jump button.
Suddenly there’s no need for a massive run up.
Ledges can be scaled with relative ease.
But make no mistake: that jump is a torturous hop when you’re faced with a sheer drop.
Jumping isn’t that easy to steer, either.
A look to the sky, a prayer, a deep breath, and off you pop.
Ah, but before you jump!
Utilise those camera angles and scan that gap one last time.
Here you must channel the mentality of a golfer and survey the terrain.
But it’s your limited toolset that makes the game’s platforming so awfully good.
You’re a long jumper, golfer, and I’d say a bit of a free climber too.
You’ve got fine margins to work with, lest you plummet to your death with one slip.
With every hop or fall in the game, you must COMMIT.
There’s no backing out, no ways to recoup your losses if you get things wrong.
Space you don’t have.
Make it through in one piece and it’s almost always a miracle.
The sense of relief that washes over you when you do bridge the gap encapsulates platforming in Elden Ring.
You’re not Ori or Celeste, you’re just a Tarnished person on the Buckfast.
And somehow you’re making it work.
