The cinematic platformer is a genre that isn't exactly getting a lot of new entries, but Playdead is one developer that's keeping it alive with some very successful results. But what do they owe to the games of the past, and where do they stand to gain by dropping some long-held conventions? Also featuring fifteen minutes of gripes about Somerville, another recent title in the genre that unfortunately doesn't live up to its pedigree. You know how it goes: it's the video essay / review / critique you've always wanted. Is that enough keywords for you, algorithm?

All game footage was recorded (and played) by me. Featuring:
Limbo
Inside
Little Nightmares
DARQ
Flashback: Quest for Identity
Another World
Heart of Darkness
Somerville
Elden Ring
Celeste
The Talos Principle
Prince of Persia (SNES)
Super Mario World
ICO
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
3:02 - Limbo & Inside: Experience
9:44 - Limbo & Inside: Gameplay
18:18 - Gushing about ICO
20:48 - Stray thoughts
23:42 - Somerville
35:20 - Conclusion