2D Platformer control schemes

[Jadwick]

First off, yeah I'm new here, been lurking for a bit now though so I'd thought I'd join.

Secondly, I've asked this question to my friends and on other forums and everyone seems to have a different opinion on this. I'm looking for the most popular and arguably the most even layout of buttons for a 2D platformer control scheme.

My setup would be:
arrow left - move left
arrow right - move right
arrow up - aim up
arrow down - aim down
a - shoot
d - crouch
space - jump

This splits the keys to about the same amount controlled by either hand. Lots of other people seem to prefer WASD keys for movement though.

What keys would you use for what? Keeping in mind you can only use the keyboard, and that not everyone has a full numpad.

 

[Keoul]

Spoiler: Derpy Derp

I prefer this thing

But I bet you're referring to a keyboard so I'll just tell you my Rayman Origins config
Arrow keys for directional + Up for jump
A= run
S= Jump
D= Attack

 

[Lugbzurg]

I guess it depends on the game. I've always used the arrow keys to move. Years ago, I'd use Right Ctrl or Enter to jump. But these days, I normally use "X" or "S" to jump in 2D platformers.

 

[shrekfan246]

I don't see why I would only be allowed to use a keyboard... my computer supports my PS3 controller just fine, and to be honest, considering the only 2D Platformer I really grew up with was Sonic on the Sega Genesis, yeah, I prefer controllers for them.

And that's just artificially excluding any platformer that's on a console, which exist in quite the fair quantity.

Anyway, if I have to choose a control scheme using the keyboard, then arrow keys would be movement, ASD and possibly Space would be functions, depending on what the game requires.

 

[major_chaos]

I prefer this config

What this guy said. There are several things M+KB does much better than a controller, platformers are not one of them. I have been playing Super Meat Boy and They Bleed Pixels lately and I can't imagine trying to do that without a gamepad, hell TBP flat out tells you its better with a controller when you start the game.

 

[ShinyCharizard]

I prefer this config

I second this.

 

[Remaiki]

What this guy said. There are several things M+KB does much better than a controller, platformers are not one of them. I have been playing Super Meat Boy and They Bleed Pixels lately and I can't imagine trying to do that without a gamepad, hell TBP flat out tells you its better with a controller when you start the game.

Isn't it SMB that tells you it's better? Even despite that warning, I just cannot use gamepads. For evidence, I managed to get to and complete the TLB of SMB. Cotton Alley was still a ***** though, but I think that wasn't going to change even if I used a gamepad.

Anyway: WASD for movement, shift for running if it's in the game, space for jumping.

If a game has shooting or attacking, it changes completely: Arrow keys for movement, shift for running, z for jumping, x for primary attack and C for secondary attack.(If the game has it.)

 

[Squilookle]

I prefer this one:

All buttons make you jump. So easy. So simple. You'll never hit the wrong button by mistake.