Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about platform games of the 2010s, part 2.
What does Part 2 of this encyclopedia cover?
This section catalogs platform games released roughly between 2015 and 2019, picking up where Part 1 left off. It spans console, PC, and mobile titles whose core loop revolves around side-scrolling, top-down, or 3D platforming.
Who are the most frequently discussed characters in Part 2?
Fans most often reference Celeste (the protagonist of the 2018 precision platformer), Ori (the spirit at the center of Moon Studios' Metroidvanias), and the Crash Bandicoot cast in the N. Sane Trilogy remasters. These figures anchor the most active fan communities of the era.
Where should a newcomer begin exploring 2010s platformers?
Celeste is widely recommended as a first pick because its tight controls and assist options make it approachable yet demanding. For a more open, exploratory feel, Ori and the Blind Forest or Super Mario 3D World are strong alternatives.
What sets the 2015–2019 platforming wave apart from earlier years in the decade?
Indie studios claimed a far larger share of the spotlight, producing visually bold titles like Cuphead, Hollow Knight, and A Hat in Time alongside AAA entries. The period also saw a surge in precision platforming and Metroidvania hybrids that blurred traditional genre boundaries.
Which title generated the most community debate in Part 2?
Hollow Knight is the most hotly discussed entry, with fans split over whether its Metroidvania structure or its platforming sections define its identity. Celeste also sparked lengthy conversations about difficulty design and the role of mental-health themes in game design.
Does Part 2 include mobile and handheld-only platformers?
Yes, titles like Crossy Road and Jetpack Joyride appear when they introduced a meaningful design shift or cultural moment. The encyclopedia prioritizes games that shaped the broader platforming conversation, regardless of the hardware they ran on.
How does Part 2 relate to Part 1?
Part 1 covers platformers from roughly 2010 through 2014, while Part 2 handles 2015 through 2019. Cross-references link characters, studios, and design trends that span both volumes.
Are remasters and re-releases treated as separate entries?
Remasters that added substantial new content—such as the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy or New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe—receive their own dedicated entries. Straight re-releases with no new features are noted under the original title's page instead.
What milestone moments are documented in Part 2?
Super Mario Odyssey (2017) introduced the first Mario platformer to center on a possession mechanic, while Spyro Reignited Trilogy (2018) was the first modern reimagining of a PlayStation-era platformer. Celeste's 2018 launch also marked the first time a precision platformer became a mainstream cultural talking point beyond hardcore gaming circles.
How is the encyclopedia kept up to date?
Community contributors submit corrections and new entries through a public suggestion thread, and a small editorial group reviews additions before publication. The scope is limited to games released in the 2010s; titles from the 2020s are tracked in a separate upcoming volume.