Gamestar Mechanic Element Scrolling Spaces

Gamestar Mechanic Element Scrolling Spaces

by Carrie Casey

​Scrolling Vertically or Horizontally

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​A vertically scrolling video game or vertical scroller is a video game in which the player views the field of play principally from a top-down perspective, while the background scrolls from the top of the screen to the bottom (or, less often, from the bottom to the top) to create the illusion that the player character is moving in the game world.^[1]

Continuous vertical scrolling is designed to suggest the appearance of constant forward motion, such as driving. The game sets a pace for play, and the player must react quickly to the changing environment.

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​Horizontal Scrolling Video Games

​A side-scrolling video game, sometimes shortened to side-scroller, is a game in which the action is viewed from a side-view camera angle, and the screen follows the player as they move left or right. The jump from single-screen or flip-screen graphics to scrolling graphics during the golden age of video arcade games was a pivotal leap in game design, comparable to the move to 3D graphics during the fifth generation.^[1]

Multiple Choice

Is a river traveling horizontally or vertically?

• horizontal

• vertical

Multiple Choice

Is traveling in a car horizontal or vertical?

• horizontal

• vertical

Multiple Choice

Is a skyscraper (building) horizontal or vertical?

• horizontal

• vertical

Multiple Choice

Is a volcanic eruption horizontal or vertical?

• horizontal

• vertical

Multiple Choice

Can an object move both vertically and horizontally?

• yes - it can start by moving vertically then move horizontally (think of a spaceship)

• no - never

• I still don't get horizontal & vertical

​Challenge: Make Your Own Scrolling Game

​Things to Consider:

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​ The design of the game space    

The challenge of the game    

The pacing of the game    

The story of the game    

The visual design of the game

​Things to think about while designing your game

​What horizontal and vertical game spaces did you chose?  

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 How did the play of the game change from horizontal scrolling to vertical scrolling?    

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How did gravity play a role in the creation of the game play?  

​ Is one space more fun to play in than the other?

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Why do you think this is the case?

​The Scrolling Challenge

​1. First start out as a Horizontal Platform Game

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​2. Move to a Vertical Game.

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​3. Remember to change the gravity in your game.

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​4. Your game play must be 10 to 20 seconds horizontally and 20 to 30 seconds vertically.

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5. One level -- No Pairs are needed for this game.​