From caveman to Mario: How “Prehistorik” Paved the Way for Side-Scrolling Fun!

I remember the first time I laid eyes on a side-scrolling game. The pixels danced across the screen in a mesmerizing ballet of colour and movement, beckoning me into a world where the only way was right… or occasionally left, if there was a secret bonus area or if I missed a jump and needed a do-over. This was the era when side-scrolling games were not just games; they were doorways to other dimensions, places where I could be a knight, a space marine, or, quite fittingly, a caveman with an insatiable appetite for mammoth steaks.

Side-scrollers, for the uninitiated, are games where the action unfolds from a side perspective, with characters generally moving from the left side of the screen to the right (or vice versa) as they traverse diverse landscapes, jump over pitfalls, and dodge or defeat enemies. The concept is simple, yet it has an undeniable charm that has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. It’s like reading a book where each page flip reveals a new challenge and adventure, except you’re the protagonist, and the story changes with every playthrough.

The beauty of side-scrolling games is their accessibility. Anyone can pick up a controller, press right, and start their journey. There’s no need for a manual when the fundamental mechanics of running and jumping are hardwired into our primal instincts. It’s almost as if these games are tapping into something deep within us, something that’s been there since our ancestors first stood upright and decided that horizontally was the way forward.

The Evolution of Side-Scrolling Games

The story of side-scrollers is as evolutionary as it is revolutionary. The primordial soup of gaming was teeming with ideas, and it was only a matter of time before the fittest of those ideas leapt out of the water and started hopping across the screen. Early games like “Pitfall!” on the Atari 2600 gave us a taste of what was to come, with its jungle explorer hero swinging from vines and leaping over crocodiles. It was simple yet set the stage for genre-dominating gaming for years.

As technology advanced, so did the capabilities of these games. The NES era heralded a golden age for side-scrollers with titles like “Super Mario Bros.” and “Castlevania.” These weren’t just games; they were epics painted on a digital canvas, with more complex levels, evolved gameplay mechanics, and stories that went beyond “save the princess.” The worlds were more extensive, the enemies more cunning, and the secrets more rewarding to uncover.

But evolution is not without its missing links, its unsung heroes that bridge the gap between the primordial and the present. It’s easy to overlook the contributions of lesser-known titles that laid the groundwork for the icons we celebrate today. These games tested the waters, tried new things, and set the stage for the Marios and Sonics of the gaming world. They may not have had the same commercial success, but their DNA is embedded in the genre, waiting to be rediscovered by those willing to delve into the history of side-scrolling adventures.

The Birth of “Prehistorik”

Amid this evolutionary tale, a game emerged from the mists of time, a club in hand and a glint in its pixelated eye. “Prehistorik,” a title that conjures images of a simpler time when all a man needed was a big stick and an even more enormous appetite. This game would be a crucial link in the side-scrolling family tree, even if it didn’t bask in the same limelight as the Italian plumbers of the world.

“Prehistorik” was born when side-scrollers were experimenting with new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what could be done with a 2D plane. It didn’t have the backing of a giant like Nintendo, but it had heart, and sometimes, that’s all you need to make a mark on history. The game was developed by a dedicated team who saw potential in the prehistoric setting, a place untapped by the side-scrollers of the time.

What set “Prehistorik” apart was its setting and humour. Instead of castles or outer space, players were treated to a world filled with dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, and enough prehistoric puns to make a caveman groan. It was a breath of fresh air, a reminder that video games could be funny and didn’t always have to take themselves seriously. “Prehistorik” was a game that laughed with you, even as it sent you tumbling into a pit because you mistimed a jump.

By Titus France – I took this screenshot in an emulator., Fair use, Link

Features and Gameplay of “Prehistorik”

“Prehistorik” was not just a novelty but a fully-fledged side-scroller with features that kept players glued to their screens. The protagonist, a lovable caveman with an appetite that would make a T-Rex think twice, had to navigate through levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and food – so much food. The objective was simple: eat to survive and whack anything between you and your next meal.

The gameplay of “Prehistorik” was an array of platforming goodness. Players had to jump, duck, and club their way through levels that were as challenging as they were whimsical. The game didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polished it to a sheen that made it irresistible. There were power-ups, hidden areas, and a points system that rewarded exploration and a healthy appetite.

One of the standout features of “Prehistorik” was the humour infused into every bite. The caveman’s animations were exaggerated and full of character, from the way he scratched his head in confusion to how he celebrated a victorious feast. The enemies were not just obstacles; they were part of the joke, each with their quirks that made them memorable. This attention to detail gave “Prehistorik” its charm and set it apart from the pack.

Impact and Legacy of “Prehistorik”

It’s easy to dismiss “Prehistorik” as a footnote in the annals of gaming history, but to do so would be to overlook its impact and legacy. This game showed the world that side-scrollers could be more than just platforms and power-ups; they could be vehicles for humour and storytelling. It may not have had the same reach as some of its contemporaries, but it left an indelible mark on those who played it.

The legacy of “Prehistorik” can be felt in how it influenced the genre. It proved that a game could be challenging and funny, that players could laugh in the face of their failures and keep returning for more. Its influence can be seen in the countless side-scrollers that followed, games that didn’t take themselves too seriously and understood the value of a good chuckle amidst the chaos.

Perhaps the most significant impact of “Prehistorik” was how it contributed to the evolution of the side-scrolling genre. It wasn’t a revolutionary title, but it was an evolutionary one. It took what worked, added its flavour, and created something unique. “Prehistorik” showed us that even in a world of high fantasy and intergalactic warfare, there was room for a game about a hungry caveman just trying to fill his belly.

Influences on Popular Side-Scrolling Games, Including Mario

It’s no secret that “Super Mario Bros.” is the king of the side-scrolling castle, but even a king can learn something from his subjects. “Prehistorik” may not have had the same clout as Mario, but it left its footprints in the side-scrolling kingdom for others to follow. The game’s humour, level design, and character-driven gameplay offered a new perspective on what a side-scrolling match could be.

Mario games are known for their tight controls, imaginative levels, and iconic power-ups, but they also have a sense of fun and whimsy that resonates with players of all ages. “Prehistorik” took a similar approach, albeit with a prehistoric twist. It embraced the ridiculousness of its concept and ran with it, much like Mario games do with their fantastical settings.

The influence of “Prehistorik” can be seen in how Mario and other side-scrolling games began incorporating more humour and character into their worlds. From the expressive animations of the characters to the playful enemies, there’s a hint of the caveman’s spirit in the moustachioed plumber’s adventures. It’s a subtle influence but one that has contributed to the genre’s enduring appeal.

Modern Side-Scrolling Games Inspired by “Prehistorik”

As we march forward, it’s clear that the spirit of “Prehistorik” lives on in modern side-scrolling games. Indie developers, in particular, have taken the torch and run with it, creating games that feel like love letters to the titles of yesteryear. These games blend nostalgia with innovation, offering fresh takes on a classic genre.

Modern side-scrollers like “Celeste,” “Hollow Knight,” and “Shovel Knight” demonstrate that the lessons learned from games like “Prehistorik” are still relevant today. They feature challenging gameplay, endearing characters, and a sense of humour that harkens back to the days of the caveman. These games prove that the side-scrolling genre is as vibrant and exciting as ever, with plenty of new territory to explore.

The inspiration drawn from “Prehistorik” can be seen in how these modern games focus on tight controls, creative level design, and an emphasis on exploration. They’re not afraid to make players laugh, even as they test their skills with devious traps and cunning enemies. It’s a formula that has stood the test of time and will continue to inspire developers for generations to come.

Why Side-Scrolling Games Continue to be Popular

The enduring popularity of side-scrolling games is a testament to their timeless appeal. In a world where gaming technology has advanced to the point of photo-realistic graphics and sprawling open worlds, there’s still a special place in our hearts for the simplicity of the side-scroller. They remind us that sometimes, the most fun can be had in two dimensions.

Side-scrolling games are popular because they perfectly balance challenge and accessibility. They’re easy to pick up but can be devilishly hard to master. They cater to casual players and hardcore enthusiasts, offering short bursts of fun or marathon sessions of platforming precision.

Another reason for their popularity is the sense of nostalgia they evoke. For many of us, side-scrollers were our introduction to video games, and playing them is like revisiting old friends. They take us back to when our biggest worry was making that next jump or finding the secret level. It’s a feeling that modern games, with all their complexity, can sometimes struggle to replicate.

Conclusion

“Prehistorik” may not be the first game that comes to mind when we think of side-scrolling classics, but its significance cannot be overstated. It bridged the gap between the old and the new, reminding us that at the heart of every great side-scroller is a sense of fun and adventure. From caveman to Mario, the legacy of “Prehistorik” is etched into the DNA of every side-scrolling game that followed.

So here’s to “Prehistorik,” the unsung hero of the side-scrolling genre. It may not have the fame of some of its peers, but its impact is undeniable. It showed us that there’s room for humour, heart, and side-scrolling fun, even in the most unlikely settings. And that’s something worth celebrating, no matter which era of gaming you hail from.

As we look to the future, we can be sure that side-scrolling games will continue to evolve, bringing new ideas to the table while honouring the legacy of games like “Prehistorik.” They remind us of where we’ve been and a beacon for where we’re going. So, let’s grab our controllers and embark on the next adventure, one side-scrolling screen at a time.