Saturday, 20 April 2013

Can Obstacle Course Races Serve As Fine Platforming Training?

By Rob Sutter


Picture a landscape where you have a lot of room to move about it but throw in gaps to jump over as well as tall heights that have to be climbed. Obstacle course races feature these characteristics and then some, allowing you to go about activities that are high in intensity. It seems like this great level of action can be seen in certain video games. In terms of jumping, climbing, and things of that nature, I believe that platforming games can be told about.

"Sonic the Hedgehog" was as fast a game as you could find back in the 90's and I don't think anyone could dispute that. He can jump and avoid hazards with the best of them but it's clear that his defining trait was his speed. Even Mario on his best day could not exactly match up to Sonic on his worst at that period of time. While Sonic is easily one of the quicker video game characters in history, I'd be lying if I said that he isn't somewhat older than most.

Maybe you want something that's more modern by comparison; Faith from "Mirror's Edge" stands as a good one to note. She has the ability to fight, like any action heroine should, but the fact that she's skilled in the way of parkour only helps her character. Then again, it seems like she would need it if she's running and jumping across building tops. There are also a number of other games that can fit in with her, Nathan Drake from "Uncharted" being one of the more noteworthy characters in current gaming.

Obstacle course races may not be heavily featured in today's gaming scene but I think a number of titles may see popularity. Look to the "Madden" series, for example; it has been very successful in the past since many people enjoy the gameplay. It's familiar to players and whether or not the tired formula could use a revamp hinges on the people you ask. Regardless, games featuring these races could be made and events the likes of Spartan Race can stand to be utilized as well.

One also has to consider how complex the developers want these potential titles to be. If you ask me, it depends on how much work is put into them and the amount of creativity when it comes to incorporating obstacle course races and the many hazards and trials that go along with them. Above all else, though, they have to be fun to play. Considering that sports games are easy enough to pick up and get into, maybe this won't be too much of a challenge.




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