platformer engine w grappling hook

Platformer Engine w Grappling Hook – Swing Mechanic Proof-of-Concept

Featured by the Scratch team and widely appreciated, this platformer engine demonstrates functional grappling hook physics in a 2D Scratch-based environment. Developed as a tech demo, it prioritizes mechanical experimentation over polished visuals—though a full-game overhaul is planned.

Core Mechanics & Controls

Movement: WASD or arrow keys.
Items: Press 1 for sword, 2 for grappling hook. Left click uses active item.
Grappling hook: Attaches only to orange circles. While attached, use W/S to extend/retract line, A/D to swing. Left click detaches.
Environment: Water slows descent (dive with S). Green pads bounce (cancel with S). Gray ropes support climbing and jumping. Red spikes kill instantly.

FAQ & Known Limitations

Stuck on "you can go back" stage? Return to the previous area and check the small opening at bottom-right. Grapple buggy when retracting into overhangs—cannot be patched in this demo build. Stages loop after ~6 rooms; this is intentional for remixers. Debug: press I to teleport to mouse.

Audio & Remix Policy

Background track: AfterInfinity - Station 512-C. Hookshot sounds sourced from Legend of Zelda. Remixing for additional levels is encouraged; core code theft is not.

Play this free grappling hook platformer engine online at PlatformerOnline. Lag reduced in offline Scratch editor.