Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
text is perceived as a more natural and seamless system. Of course, in some cases,
such a concept can cause confusion and it cannot be applied to games with very
complex input frames, but projects such as platformers can use it in a full manner.
Some platform games have command-based input. Players give their avatars some
indication, rather than marking positions or targets on the screen. This traditional
paradigm is close to button-based controls in arcade cabinets, with the only differ-
ence that touch gestures are used as input. Horizontal swipes can be used for the
horizontal movement of the protagonist, vertical ones are for jumping, and a double
tap is used as a fire trigger.
There are some platform games that are mostly oriented to fast dynamics. They
move a protagonist automatically and players only need to tap on the screen at the
right time to command their avatars to jump or shoot. This is the simplest type of
control system; nevertheless, it works fine and many arcade games use it. They are
so fast that players simply have no time for more complex controlling. All they can to
do is tap on the screen as fast as possible.