Platforming and Movement in Hylics 2

Platforming in Hylics 2 can be frustrating due to some inconsistencies in air movement and jumping, this guide seeks to explain some odd features of the platforming system and help anyone having trouble with it.

Introduction

When I first started out playing this game, it was really annoying to me how it seemed that the game would refuse to make Wayne jump at times. It seemed to me like maybe my keyboard was broken or something. Now I know that it's just a quirk of the arrow keys setup, and I want to share my findings with anyone who was in my position.

NOTE: IF YOU ARE HAVING THE ISSUE WHERE YOU CAN ONLY MOVE IN CARDINAL DIRECTIONS WHILE IN THE AIR, JUMPING, ETC., YOU CAN REBIND THE MOVEMENT KEYS TO WASD AND IT WILL WORK PERFECTLY FINE.

Basic Movement

As noted in the beginning area, you move with the arrow keys and jump with the spacebar. In addition to this, you can run with (Z) and roll when on the ground with (C). By default, in order to run you must hold the run button. You can change this in options if you like.

Moving in an ordinal direction is faster than moving in a cardinal direction. This effect is most noticeable in the cave dungeon section, where it is quite a bit faster. This applies to both running and walking.

Interestingly, for a short period after you roll off of a ledge, you can jump in the air with precise timing. As you can see here:

Running Vs. Walking

You might be wondering: "Why on earth would I walk? Running is much faster and my goodness does Wayne walk slowly." To that, I would like to say that it's important to know when each is better.

Running

Running is useful for moving quickly both in the overworld map and in locations and building momentum for much further distance when jumping. However, due to the way the game engine works, it can sometimes hinder you as well! While running, moving over any kind of uneven terrain, such as a small hill or descending stairs, can cause you to go airborne momentarily. This can cause issues if you're trying to evade an enemy by rolling, as you could instead air-dash accidentally!

Walking

Walking is useful in circumstances where you need fine-tuned movement, such as the rooftop platforming section where running might cause you to overshoot your landing. Also, when walking, you're much less likely to become airborne unless you walk off of a ledge, which means your rolling will be much more consistent.


Note that holding an Air-dash is faster than running, as you can see here:
Personally, I made it through half of Hylics 2 and without even touching the run button. In fact, I only learned that it existed while making this guide. The entire time I was using airdash! In fact, I still prefer airdash for fast movement and walking when platforming.

Air Movement: Slow Descent, and Air-Dashing

Slow Descent

Slow descent is performed by holding the jump button down at any point while falling. You can release slow descent and start it again if you so desire, though there is a slight cooldown after releasing slow descent. You can perform a slow descent before and after an airdash, if you wish.

Air-Dashing

You may air-dash in any direction you desire to. While you may use slow descent at any time, you may only air-dash once in the air. After you air-dash, you cannot do it again until you have landed. While in the initial air-dash animation, you are able to adjust your position to the left or right, as you can see here:

After the initial animation, you are locked into a straight path until you release the dash button.

End

So concludes the basic movement guide. Thank you for reading and please let me know what you think! If I missed anything let me know and I will add it to the guide. I would consider making a video walkthrough of any platforming section if anyone asks.

GIFs made with Ezgif[ezgif.com]. You can upload a video, and you can crop it, cut it, make a GIF, optimize the GIF, and a lot more. I wouldn't have been able to make the GIFs in this guide without the site. Give it a visit!

[Mom]

To reiterate: Jump and then press the dash key to air dash

[Gandalf the Grey]

lol

[rat]

@fredKR I KNOW RIGHT?? I THOUGHT YOU HAD TO DASH EVERYWHERE TO BE FAST XD

[Gandalf the Grey]

i've almost beat the game and never knew you could run

[rat]

Neat!

[Glow Woomii]

things like the rolling-off-ledge-and-jumping-late thing are fairly common in games, its called coyote time and its meant to make things more lenient

[foofaraw and Chiquita(ARF!)]

Thanks for the help!
(Now trying to deal with mini-games...)

[rat]

@Omnises

I played this game when it first came out, there have been some changes to the default settings I guess. When I played walking was the default.

[Omnises]

Personally I think it's strange that you didn't know running was a thing. The options seemed to have auto-run on by default, so I'd have assumed some may not have known walking existed. Either way, I think that tidbit is pointed out in Wayne's House?

But I agree. The main source of frustration, even after figuring it out and getting used to it, is becoming airborne while running up slopes. I'd prefer if I didn't leave the ground unless I run off a ledge or press jump, but I used to speedrun a game that had this same exact mechanic, so I suppose I have no room to complain, lol.

[rat]

Happy to help!