By Kevin Zimmerman, Video Game Writer and Narrative Designer
In the world of indie gaming, the genres of platformers and beat ’em ups have carved out a unique space, entertaining players with their dynamic gameplay and visually compelling aesthetics. But does story come into play here? Well, as a narrative designer entrenched in the video game industry, I’ve observed firsthand the transformative power of story, worldbuilding, and mood specifically in these genres. Though it’s easy to dismiss the importance of narrative in games that prioritize action and skill, the truth is that a well-crafted story can elevate the gaming experience, making it unforgettable and deeply engaging.
The Influence of Cartoons and Comic Books
Let’s get one thing out of the way. A HUGE influence on indie platformers and beat ’em ups comes from the realms of cartoons and comic books. And this inspiration is not just about visuals; it’s about bringing characters and worlds to life in a way that resonates quickly and deeply with players. While it’s true that games like Celeste have shown that indie titles can transcend traditional expectations, many successful games in these genres such as Rayman, Hollow Night, Streets of Rage, and Castle Crashers lean heavily into cartoon or comic book aesthetics to great effect.
Creating a game with this aesthetic means envisioning characters that are larger than life, memorable, and instantly recognizable. Consider the iconic designs of Cuphead, with its early 20th-century inspired characters, Viewtiful Joe’s mix of retro superhero charm and lucha libre flair, or the 90s cartoon nostalgia evoked by Shovel Knight. These characters stand out not just for their visual design but for their ability to captivate and resonate with players with a character bio and arc that tugs at the heartstring–and the funny bone–with each beat of the story.
Viewtiful Joe did superheroes before superheroes were cool.
Crafting Iconic Settings
Equally important to character design is the setting. Iconic locales serve as the backdrop for our heroes’ adventures, from the time-traveling escapades in TMNT: Turtles in Time to the dark, religious undertones of Blasphemous, and the whimsical worlds of the Donkey Kong Country series. Subtlety is nowhere to be found in these genres! These settings are not just spaces to navigate; they are integral to the narrative, enhancing the story’s mood and helping to define the game’s identity.
Turtles in Time starts in Big Apple. 3AM! Straight to the point!
The Role of Story and Serialized Storytelling
But what about the story itself? In indie platformers and beat ’em ups, the narrative may not be as expansive as in genres like JRPGs or visual novels, yet it still plays a crucial role. These games rely on overarching tension and demand tight, serialized storytelling. Each level or chapter is a mini-narrative, woven together to form a compelling journey towards confronting the ultimate villain.
Villains in these games are often larger than life, too, embodying conflict and evil with no need for inner turmoil or introspection. They are designed to present immediate and unmistakable threats, driving the story forward and making each encounter memorable. This approach to villainy ensures that the story remains focused and impactful, delivering a clear and engaging conflict for players to overcome.
The iconic King K. Rool from the DKC series provides a visually stunning villain clearly influenced by Peter Pan‘s “Tick-Tock”.
The Challenge of Concise Storytelling
Achieving this level of concise and engaging storytelling is no small feat. Writers with backgrounds in novel writing or screenwriting may find the brevity and immediacy required by these games challenging. That’s why collaborating with writers experienced in comedy, improv, comic book writing, or even cartoons themselves can be particularly beneficial. The skill set required for this type of storytelling is distinct, focusing on delivering impactful, memorable narratives within a constrained format.
When done right, the story in indie platformers and beat ’em ups becomes an integral part of the player’s experience. It’s not just about progressing through levels or defeating enemies; it’s about embarking on a memorable journey that stays with the player long after the game is over. The right story can turn a good game into a classic, creating a lasting bond with the audience and setting the stage for future adventures.
In short, while gameplay mechanics are often the stars of indie platformers and beat ’em ups, the importance of story, worldbuilding, and mood cannot be overstated. By drawing inspiration from cartoons and comic books, crafting memorable characters and settings, and mastering the art of serialized storytelling, game developers can create immersive, engaging experiences that stand the test of time. As narrative designers, it’s our job to weave these elements together, creating worlds that players will want to return to, time and time again.
Cuphead is easily the biggest game to pull from the cartoon medium.
If you’re currently seeking a narrative designer or game writer who can bring your vision to life, let’s connect! Reach out to me here or on LinkedIn—I’m eager to dive into your project and explore how we can collaborate to create a game that not only captivates but also leaves a lasting impact on your players. Also, share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Are there specific challenges you’ve faced in narrative design? Or perhaps you have a success story where narrative design profoundly impacted your game?
Thank you for joining me in this discussion, and I look forward to sharing more insights into the narrative design process. Keep an eye out for the next installment in this series, where we’ll delve into the narrative intricacies of Visual Novels!
Your next game-changing story starts here.
Kevin Zimmerman 
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