# Story-Driven Platformers Apocalypse Cow Blends Elements of Animated Films and Classic Games By Justin Lam | Published 2018-03-23 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apocalypse-cow References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/20/apocalypse-cow-steam-xbox-wreck-it-ralph/) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXeCgUq0ngY) Apocalypse Cow is perhaps one of the best looking indie titles to come out of GDC 2018 and manages to revive the [2D platformer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ninja-gaiden-ragebound) in fun and engaging ways. Developed by an indie studio called Monsters, this charming indie title draws inspiration from genre-classics such as Super Mario as well as the animated film Wreck-It Ralph. The inspiration from the film comes in the game's story, as players control a character named Penny who tries to figure out what caused a glitch in a digital universe populated by [video game worlds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/donkey-kong-bananza). The story concept behind Apocalypse Cow may sound basic, but the developers promise a rich and engrossing story that was rewritten three times. Penny's journey through the worlds will task players with various missions each leading up to the ultimate goal of discovering the glitch in the system. The worlds are portrayed beautifully with quirks and color, but the game also has darker undertones with gory action. Image Credit: Monsters ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Story-driven Platformers:** Developing 2D platformers with engaging storylines that incorporate inspiration from movies and television shows. - **Rich and Engrossing Storylines:** Rewriting and enhancing game storylines to provide a more immersive experience for the player. - **Dark and Quirky Design:** Designing games with a mix of bright colors and darker undertones to cater to a wider audience. ### Who This Affects Most - **Video Game Development:** Opportunities to incorporate engaging storylines, and unique and quirky designs into traditional video game genres. - **Movie and Television Industry:** Opportunities to create video game adaptations of movies and television shows with immersive storylines and vibrant designs. - **Indie Game Development:** Opportunities for independent studios to create unique and engaging games that stand out in a competitive market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Action-Based Indie Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cult-of-the-lamb.md) - [Family-Friendly Platformer Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-billy.md) - [Haunting Gaming Adventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hauntii-xbox-game.md) - [Immersive Genre-Bending Indie Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raiders-of-blackveil.md) - [Dark Meditative Digital Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-country-game.md) - [Multi-Dimensional Metroidvania Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cookie-cutter-1.md) - [Stylized Cel-Shaded Shooting Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycopunk.md) - [Retro Survival Horror Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-country.md) - [Cozy Cat-Inspired Animated Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-kitty-big-city.md)