Axis Game Factory's AGFPRO Fantasy Side-Scroller Player serves as a specialized DLC expansion for the AGFPRO game creation platform on PC. This add-on equips users with tools to construct custom 3D side-scrolling experiences set in a fantasy theme, shifting the focus from standard top-down or first-person perspectives to a classic horizontal scrolling format. Creators build levels inside AGFPRO and then apply the side-scroller assets to produce playable games that emphasize exploration, combat, and progression mechanics.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on map creation followed by immediate testing within the same environment. Users design layouts in AGFPRO and layer in side-scroller specific elements such as start and exit points, enemy positions, and interactive objects. Power-ups grant temporary boosts including increased speed, higher jumps, and temporary invincibility, while pick-ups provide collectible rewards. Combat follows a hack and slash style where the chosen character engages enemies directly through melee or ranged attacks depending on the selected hero.
Two playable characters launch the experience: a knight suited for close-range strikes and a wizard focused on magical abilities. Each comes with dedicated animations and unique skill sets that influence movement and attack patterns. Additional assets like coins for scoring, destructible barrels that can explode on impact, and treasure chests for item rewards integrate directly into levels. Sound effects and a customizable interface complete the setup, allowing creators to adjust audio cues and on-screen displays to match their vision.
Enemy variety includes nine distinct orc types that can be resized individually for different threat levels and visual scaling. Scene linking connects multiple maps through designated exits and entrances, enabling longer play sessions that chain together without interruption. All elements remain confined to the AGFPRO platform and do not export for use in external engines.
Game Modes
Players generate their own side-scrolling challenges rather than selecting from predefined templates. The emphasis rests on single-player style runs where one character navigates a sequence of linked maps, collecting items and defeating scaled enemies along the way. Custom rules emerge naturally from placement choices, such as dense enemy clusters for intense combat sections or sparse layouts that highlight platforming with power-up timing.
Sharing occurs through the built-in AGFPRO network, letting creators distribute finished maps for others to download and play. This user-driven approach replaces traditional modes with an open system where each creation can incorporate different combinations of power-ups, enemy placements, and linking structures to produce varied difficulty and length.
Key Features and Mechanics
Mechanics tie directly to the fantasy theme with breakable objects and scalable foes that respond to player actions. Custom GUI options let builders modify menus and feedback displays, while sound integration adds atmosphere through effects tied to jumps, attacks, and item collection. The system supports endless chaining of maps, turning individual creations into extended campaigns limited only by the number of scenes connected.
Future additions were planned at launch through additional character packs, though the base set focuses on the knight and wizard with their respective abilities and animations. All programming for gameplay interactions stays internal to AGFPRO, ensuring consistent performance during both editing and play sessions.
Is It Worth Playing?
This DLC appeals primarily to users already invested in AGFPRO who want to experiment with retro-inspired side-scrolling design. It delivers immediate access to placement tools, character options, and linking features that support iterative building and testing. Those seeking a standalone game will find the requirement for the base AGFPRO software a necessary step, while creators focused on fantasy themes and hack and slash elements gain a contained environment for rapid prototyping.
Reception centers on its utility for custom content rather than polished commercial releases, suiting hobbyists and educators interested in game design fundamentals. The locked nature of assets keeps everything within the AGFPRO ecosystem, which maintains stability but limits broader distribution. Overall it provides targeted value for map makers looking to expand their AGFPRO projects into horizontal scrolling formats without additional external software.
