Make a pixel art platformer with AI

A platformer is a game where you run and jump across a level, avoid hazards and reach a goal. Pixel art suits it: small, crisp sprites read well at speed. It is a great first project because the core is simple to describe and easy to feel: if the jump is fun, the game is halfway there.

We will go from a blank prompt to a playable platformer, then refine it by chat. You do not need to write any code.

A strong prompt names the genre, what the player does, the goal, and the vibe. Keep it short and clear. For our platformer:

A pixel art side-scrolling platformer where you run and jump across floating islands, avoid spikes, collect gems, and reach a flag at the end. Bright and cheerful, with a bouncy feel.

That single sentence gives OddShed a clear target: the genre is a platformer, the verbs are run and jump, the goal is to reach the flag, and the vibe is bright, bouncy pixel art.

Send the idea, answer the question cards, and approve the plan. When the preview loads, play it, and check the controls, effects and sound the build includes.

Play through once and notice what stands out. Maybe the jump feels heavy, the level is too short, or you want more to collect. Those notes become your next requests.

In a platformer, the jump is the heart of the game. Tune it first, one change at a time, and play after each one:

• Make the jump a little higher and floatier.
• Let me hold the button for a higher jump and tap for a small hop.
• Add a short moment where I can still jump just after leaving a ledge.
• Make landing feel solid with a small screen shake.

Keep adjusting until the jump feels good to you. This is the part most worth your time.

With the jump feeling right, add depth to the level and the goal:

• Make the level longer with a few more islands and gaps to clear.
• Add moving platforms in the second half.
• Add a patrolling enemy I have to time my jumps around.
• Count the gems I collect and show the total in the corner.
• Show a short win screen when I reach the flag.

Last, tune the look and sound so it all fits the bright, bouncy vibe from the prompt:

• Use a cheerful palette with a soft sky-blue background.
• Add a little particle puff when I collect a gem.
• Add a gentle bounce sound on jump and a happy chime on the flag.

Each build that changes the game saves a restore point first, so try bold ideas and roll back from the Timeline tab if one misses. Export any milestone you want to keep.

When the platformer feels finished, share it by link to get feedback from a friend, or publish it to the public game library for anyone to play. Players do not need an account to play your game.

For another worked example, try the guide on making a tower defense with AI.