Monday, April 22, 2013

Obstacle Course Races as Platforming Training

By Rob Sutter


Imagine an environment where there is wide terrain to run across, jumps to make, and heights to ascend. These are the kinds of qualities that obstacle course races share and I don't think that there are many activities that are as physically demanding as these. When you think about it, these kinds of races can almost be correlated to video games with plenty of action and a good number of hazards, too. Platforming video games seem to fit the bill as well as any other.

The "Sonic the Hedgehog" games are easily some of the most fast-paced you could have found on any console back in the 90's and even today, they hold up well. Between Sonic's ability to rush through levels and his ability to make elevated jumps, I don't think that even Mario could have competed with him in terms of athletics. If there was anyone who could take on a course and succeed in it, it'd be this blue hedgehog. Of course, he stands as a more vintage example.

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.

How much complexity would the developers put into these games, though? I think that all depends on the level of work that they want to incorporate. I think that it goes without saying that obstacle course races are varied and it may prove to be a challenge to find each game that these events fall under and incorporate them in a way that is enjoyable to the player. However, with the success of sports games ever since gaming began, the work may prove to be worth the reward.




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