Recursion Walkthrough

In computer science, recursion is defined as the repeated application of a procedure to solve instances of a small problem in order to solve a bigger problem where an algorithm is used to reduce the large problem to a base case. Recursion is also the name of this puzzle-based platform game.

What does recursion have to do with Recursion, you may ask. I'll answer that question later in this article, but first, let's overview the game. The goal of Recursion is to reach the flag on each of the thirty levels while avoiding traps and evading enemies. If you run into a trap or an enemy, you will die and have to restart the current level. There are no score penalties for dying, however, and you are given unlimited lived in this platform game. Your progress is also saved at the end of each level, so you can continue from where you left off the next time that you play.

The keyboard is used to control Recursion (although you could use a game controller using a utility such as JoyToKey). The left and right arrow keys move your character and the up arrow key jumps. When you are upside down, the down arrow key is used to jump. If you ever get stuck on a level, you can manually restart by pressing the R key.

Now, to answer your question: What does recursion have to do with the game, Recursion? In this adventure game, small problems must be solved to reach your ultimate goal (the flag) on each level. These small problems include collecting keys, flipping switches, and more. This does not fit exactly into the computer science definition of recursion since the problems that are being solved are not reduced to a base case. The main reason why this platformer is called Recursion is due to its wrapped screen. If you move off of the left side of the screen, you will end up on the right. Jump through the top of the screen ans you will be at the bottom. This is useful for getting to hard-to-reach places and solving some of the puzzles that are present in the game. Be careful though because the recursive screen also applies to your enemies!

Recursion is a fun platform game that combines retro-style gameplay with a creative twist. If you are looking for platform game that will test your ability to think ahead as well as your visual-spatial cognition rather than one where you just run and jump, then Recursion is the perfect adventure game for you!