Unity in Action, Second Edition

6 Creating a basic 2D platformer

This chapter covers

• Moving sprites around continuously
• Playing sprite-sheet animation
• 2D physics (collision, gravity)
• Camera control for side-scrolling games

Let’s create a new game and continue learning about Unity’s 2D functionality. Chapter 5 covered the fundamental concepts, so this chapter will build on those to create a more elaborate game. Specifically, you are going to build the core functionality of a 2D platform game. Also called a platformer, it’s a common type of 2D action game, best known for classics like Super Mario Brothers: a character viewed from the side runs and jumps on platforms, and the view scrolls around to follow. Figure 6.1 shows what the end result will be.

Figure 6.1 The final ...