History Main / PlatformingPocketPal

* Kazooie from ''VideoGame/BanjoKazooie'', who rides around in Banjo's backpack.
* ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot'' has Aku Aku, a mask companion that grants Crash hit points, and invincibility on third summoning.
* Zigzagged in ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryReturns''. In normal gameplay, Diddy spends his time mounted on Donkey Kong's back, from where his supports his buddy with a DoubleJump jetpack or a long-ranged projectile shot while DK handles the actual platforming. However, Diddy is perfectly capable of dismounting DK in multiplayer, at which point he will be as vulnerable to the platforming as DK is, depending on the skill of the second player.

* Similarly, Clank from ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank'' is a robot who can fold into a backpack for Ratchet to wear. In a bit of a reversal, a number of vital items get built into him over the course of the first game (and carry on into most of the rest), so he actively ''helps'' you though the game. Levels in which he is unavailable often make you feel his absence.

** Played for laughs in ''VideoGame/RatchetAndClankAll4One''. In 1-player mode, playing as Ratchet, Captain Qwark, or Dr. Nefarious will have Clank on your back like in a normal ''Ratchet'' game (until combat or puzzles require him to get off). The exception comes if you decide to play as Clank himself; if you do, your AI partner is Qwark, who somehow folds himself into a smaller size than Clank in order to sit on his back.

** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioSunshine'' equips Mario with the talking, water-squirting backpack FLUDD.

** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'' has Cappy the Bonneteer, a hat ghost who merges with the shredded remains of Mario's hat to reform it. He's a more helpful version than most, as he instills Mario's reformed hat with new boomerang and trampoline powers, as well as the [[BodySurf Capture]] ability.

* ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4'' has Metal Gear Mk. II, who turns invisible while following Snake around.

[[caption-width-right:350:Clockwise from top left: ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot'', ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxter'', ''VideoGame/RatchetAndClank'', ''VideoGame/BanjoKazooie'']]

A Platforming Pocket Pal is an [[NonPlayerCompanion adventuring companion]] in an action game who, for whatever reason, is not hindered by the action segments. It could be a small flying or shoulder-mounted creature, or an AttackAnimal that easily follows you wherever you run and jump to. It could be a sentient magic item that the hero carries around, or a high-tech device with artificial intelligence worn as an acessory. It could even be a ghost or spirit of some sort. Regardless of the reason, the benefit of the Platforming Pocket Pal is that the game makers can add another character and more complexity to the plot without having to worry about him getting left behind or being limited in how they design levels. They may or may not have direct impact on gameplay, but it doesn't matter.

A Platforming Pocket Pal is an [[NonPlayerCompanion adventuring companion]] in an action game who, for whatever reason, is not hindered by the action segments. It could be a small flying or shoulder-mounted creature, or an AttackAnimal that easily follows you wherever you run and jump to. It could be a sentient magic item that the hero carries around, or a high-tech device with artificial intelligence. It could even be a ghost or spirit of some sort. Regardless of the reason, the benefit of the Platforming Pocket Pal is that the game makers can add another character and more complexity to the plot without having to worry about him getting left behind or being limited in how they design levels. They may or may not have direct impact on gameplay, but it doesn't matter.

A Platforming Pocket Pal is an [[NonPlayerCompanion adventuring companion]] in an action game who, for whatever reason, is not hindered by the action segments. It could be a small flying or shoulder-mounted creature, or an AttackAnimal that easily follows you wherever you run and jump to. It could be a sentient magic item that the hero carries around, or a high-tech device with artificial intelligence. It could even be a ghost or spirit of some sort. Regardless of the reason, the benefit of the Platforming Pocket Pal is that the game makers can add another character and more complexity to the plot without having to worry about him getting left behind or being limited in how they design levels.

* Zigzagged in ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryReturns''. In normal gameplay, Diddy spends his time mounted on Donkey Kong's back, from where his supports his buddy with a DoubleJump jetpack or a long-ranged projectile shot while DK handles the actual platforming. However, Diddy is perfectly capable of dismounting DK in multiplayer, at which point a second player can pick him up.

* Zigzagged in ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryReturns''. In normal gameplay, Diddy spends his time mounted on Donkey Kong's back, from where his supports his buddy with a DoubleJump jetpack or a long-ranged projectile shot. However, Diddy is perfectly capable of dismounting DK in multiplayer, at which point a second player can pick him up.

* Averted in the ''[[VideoGame/MarioAndLuigi Mario & Luigi]]'' games; you have to control both of them.

A Platforming Pocket Pal is an [[NonPlayerCompanion adventuring companion]] in an action game who, for whatever reason, is not hindered by the action segments. It could be a small flying or shoulder-mounted creature or AttackAnimal that easily follows you wherever you run and jump to. It could be a sentient magic item that the hero carries around, or a high-tech device with artificial intelligence. It could even be a ghost or spirit of some sort. Regardless of the reason, the benefit of the Platforming Pocket Pal is that the game makers can add another character and more complexity to the plot without having to worry about him getting left behind or being limited in how they design levels.

A Platforming Pocket Pal is an [[NonPlayerCompanion adventuring companion]] in an action game who, for whatever reason, is not hindered by the action segments. It could be a small flying creature or AttackAnimal that easily follows you wherever you run and jump to. It could be a sentient magic item that the hero carries around, or a high-tech device with artificial intelligence. It could even be a ghost or spirit of some sort. Regardless of the reason, the benefit of the Platforming Pocket Pal is that the game makers can add another character and more complexity to the plot without having to worry about him getting left behind or being limited in how they design levels.

* ''VideoGame/{{Klonoa}}:''
** Huepow the ring spirit from ''VideoGame/{{Klonoa}}: Door to Phantomile.'' He's a floating blue orb who stays in Klonoa's ring during gameplay, but comes out to talk during cutscenes.
** Lolo from ''VideoGame/{{Klonoa}} 2: Lunatea's Veil'' is also an example. Despite being human(ish), she also has the ability to enter Klonoa's ring during gameplay segments.
* The more recent games in ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' have given Link a wide variety of pocket pals. The tradition started with ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', which gave Link the FairyCompanion Navi to [[NinjaButterfly give him advice]]. ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'' gave him a similar companion.

* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'':
** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioSunshine'' equips Mario with the talking, water-squirting backpack FLUDD.
** The Pixls in ''VideoGame/SuperPaperMario''. They float, so there's little problem with platforming.
** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'' has Cappy the Bonneteer, a hat ghost who merges with the shredded remains of Mario's hat to reform it. He's a more helpful version than most, as he instills Mario's reformed hat with new boomerang and trampoline powers, as well as the [[BodySurf Capture]] ability.

* Daxter from ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxter'' is an "ottsel", a small animal which Jak carries around.
* Similarly, Clank from ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank'' is a robot who can fold into a backpack for Ratchet to wear. In a bit of a reversal, a number of vital items get built into him over the course of the first game (and carry on into most of the rest), so he actively ''helps'' you though the game. Levels in which he is unavailable often make you feel his absence.
** Then there's the [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Giant Clank]] sequences, in which the heroes do a bit of role reversal and Ratchet rides on Clank's back (which actually [[FridgeLogic doesn't make much sense]], as Ratchet and his little arsenal are a bit of a OneManArmy even at regular size, whereas normally Clank tends to rely on cleverness over firepower. Wouldn't it be better for Ratchet to follow on foot, or at least sit up on Clank's shoulder where he could aim some of those guns?)
** Played for laughs in ''VideoGame/RatchetAndClankAll4One''. In 1-player mode, playing as Ratchet, Captain Qwark, or Dr. Nefarious will have Clank on your back like in a normal ''Ratchet'' game (until combat or puzzles require him to get off). The exception comes if you decide to play as Clank himself; if you do, your AI partner is Qwark, who somehow folds himself into a smaller size than Clank in order to sit on his back.
* Tails from ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2'' is capable of flying with his tails when he falls too far behind. This doesn't explain why he can escape being crushed and [[GameplayAllyImmortality doesn't take damage]], though.
* Kazooie from ''VideoGame/BanjoKazooie'', who rides around in Banjo's backpack.
* [[MonsterAllies Helpers]] in ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' are susceptible to level hazards, but if you leave them behind too far, they just zip over from offscreen. Also, if their life meter runs out, instead of dying instantly, they flash and explode for several seconds before actually disappearing. This gives Kirby enough time to turn them into inanimate objects, eat them, and pop them back out fully healed. They can also revive themselves on their own by touching another enemy that gives a copy ability (but curiously, not if it's whatever ability they currently are).

* ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4'' has Metal Gear Mk. II, who turns invisible while following Snake around.
* Certain [[EnergyBeings cyber-elves]] in the ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' series. The third game classifies them as "Satellite Elves".
* ''VideoGame/CaveStory'' has sections where you work with Curly; she moves, fires, and takes damage same as you do, but she can't be killed. [[spoiler:At least, not while still fighting with you.]]
** She's not really an example at that point--she's just a companion. In the [[BonusLevelOfHell bonus level]], however, she follows the trope more closely, as she is strapped to your character's back.

* In ''VideoGame/IllusionOfGaia'', Lilly can turn herself into a dandelion seed and fly around to get to wherever she needs to be. She hitches a ride with the protagonist while exploring Mu and later searching for Lance at the Great Wall.

* Averted in the [[VideoGame/MarioAndLuigi Mario & Luigi]] games; you have to control both of them.
* In ''VideoGame/{{Astal}}'', Bird follows Astal around once freed, and can be commanded to perform various actions. Bird's movement is directly controlled by the second player in CoOpMultiplayer, and even in single-player mode during a certain BossBattle where Astal is trapped.
* In ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'', [[WesternAnimation/{{Pinocchio}} Jiminy Cricket]] serves this role for Sora. He keeps a journal of the game's events and rarely appears in cutscenes.
* ''Videogame/EightEyes'' has Cutrus, the falcon who normally rests on Orin's shoulder but who can be sent out by special commands or with the Player 2 controller. Cutrus is inseparable from Orin, but likewise vulnerable.
* ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersia2008'' has Elika, who is, rather unusually for this trope, just as human as the Prince (player character), but doesn't cause any trouble for the player during platforming section by the virtue of being a) just as good at LeParkour and b) having a sophisticated [[VideoGameAI AI]] that preemptively gets out of the Prince's way during complex acrobatic sequences.

* In ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'', [[Disney/{{Pinocchio}} Jiminy Cricket]] serves this role for Sora. He keeps a journal of the game's events and rarely appears in cutscenes.

* ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersia2008'' has Elika, who is, rather unusually for this trope, just as human as the Prince (player character), but doesn't cause any trouble for the player during platforming section by the virtue of being a) just as good at LeParkour and b) having a sophisticated AI that preemptively gets out of the Prince's way during complex acrobatic sequences.

* In ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts'', [[Disney/{{Pinocchio}} Jiminy Cricket]] serves this role for Sora. He keeps a journal of the game's events and rarely appears in cutscenes.

* ''VideoGame/SuperMarioSunshine'' equips Mario with the talking, water-squirting backpack FLUDD.

* Since the series was produced by the same guy (Creator/MasahiroSakurai) who did the ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'' games, the co-op in ''[[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl Brawl]]'''s ''Subspace Emissary'' mode works much the same way as ''Kirby Super Star'', with Player 2 as your Platforming Pocket Pal. However, since the second player-controlled character can still be killed by being knocked off the screen by an enemy, and both players share the same amount of extra lives, the ''platforming'' isn't any more difficult in co-op, but the fighting itself becomes ridiculously frustrating on higher difficulties.

* The Pixls in ''VideoGame/SuperPaperMario''. They float, so there's little problem with platforming.

* Daxter from ''Franchise/JakAndDaxter'' is an "ottsel", a small animal which Jak carries around.

* Since ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros Brawl'' was produced by the same guy (Creator/MasahiroSakurai) who did the ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'' games, the co-op in the ''Subspace Emissary'' mode works much the same way as ''Kirby Super Star'', with Player 2 as your Platforming Pocket Pal. However, since the second player-controlled character can still be killed by being knocked off the screen by an enemy, and both players share the same amount of extra lives, the ''platforming'' isn't any more difficult in co-op, but the fighting itself becomes ridiculously frustrating on higher difficulties.

* ''SpyroTheDragon'' has Sparx, a dragonfly companion who gathers nearby gems and serves as a health meter, changing color as you take damage. In games where you have other playable characters, Sparx follows whoever you're playing as.

* ''8 Eyes'' has Cutrus, the falcon who normally rests on Orin's shoulder but who can be sent out by special commands or with the Player 2 controller. Cutrus is inseparable from Orin, but likewise vulnerable.

Friends are nice to have, but for a platform game hero, they can be hard to keep. With all the difficult running, jumping, and sliding you have to do, what if your sidekick can't keep up? He could fall down a pit, get stuck behind a door, be left behind by a moving platform, or dozens of other inconveniences that get in the way of keeping an adventuring party together. But there's a solution to those problems.

A Platforming Pocket Pal is an adventuring companion in an action game who, for whatever reason, is not hindered by the action segments. It could be a small flying creature or AttackAnimal that easily follows you wherever you run and jump to. It could be a sentient magic item that the hero carries around, or a high-tech device with artificial intelligence. It could even be a ghost or spirit of some sort. Regardless of the reason, the benefit of the Platforming Pocket Pal is that the game makers can add another character and more complexity to the plot without having to worry about him getting left behind or being limited in how they design levels.

This trope is distinct from but may overlap with ExpositionFairy, FairyCompanion, SpiritAdvisor, and MissionControl. Not to be confused with PartyInMyPocket or TookAShortcut.

* Tails from ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2'' is capable of flying with his tails. This doesn't explain why he can escape being crushed and [[GameplayAllyImmortality doesn't take damage]], though.

* Helpers in ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' are susceptible to level hazards, but if you leave them behind too far, they just zip over from offscreen. Also, if their life meter runs out, instead of dying instantly, they flash and explode for several seconds before actually disappearing. This gives Kirby enough time to turn them into inanimate objects, eat them, and pop them back out fully healed ([[BellisariosMaxim don't ask]]). They can also revive themselves on their own by touching another enemy that gives a copy ability (but curiously, not if it's whatever ability they currently are).

* Daxter from ''JakAndDaxter'' is an "ottsel", a small animal which Jak carries around.
* Similarly, Clank from ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank'' is a robot who can fold into a backpack for Ratchet to wear. In a bit of a reversal, a number of vital items get built into him over the course of the first game (and carry on into most of the rest), so he actively ''helps'' you though the game. Levels in which he is unavailable often make you feel his absence.
** And sometimes Clank runs off on his own to participate in a horrendous ScrappyLevel.
*** Clank's levels in ''A Crack In Time'' are [[RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap much better]].

A PlatformingPocketPal is an adventuring companion in an action game who, for whatever reason, is not hindered by the action segments. It could be a small flying creature or AttackAnimal that easily follows you wherever you run and jump to. It could be a sentient magic item that the hero carries around, or a high-tech device with artificial intelligence. It could even be a ghost or spirit of some sort. Regardless of the reason, the benefit of the PlatformingPocketPal is that the game makers can add another character and more complexity to the plot without having to worry about him getting left behind or being limited in how they design levels.

* Since ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros Brawl'' was produced by the same guy (Creator/MasahiroSakurai) who did the ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'' games, the co-op in the ''Subspace Emissary'' mode works much the same way as ''Kirby Super Star'', with Player 2 as your PlatformingPocketPal. However, since the second player-controlled character can still be killed by being knocked off the screen by an enemy, and both players share the same amount of extra lives, the ''platforming'' isn't any more difficult in co-op, but the fighting itself becomes ridiculously frustrating on higher difficulties.

* ''VideoGame/{{Klonoa}}''
** Huepow the ring spirit from ''VideoGame/KlonoaDoorToPhantomile''. He's a floating blue orb who stays in Klonoa's ring during gameplay, but comes out to talk during cutscenes.
** Lolo from ''VideoGame/Klonoa2LunateasVeil'' is also an example. Despite being human(ish), she also has the ability to enter Klonoa's ring during gameplay segments.

!!Examples:

* ''{{Okami}}'' gives Amaterasu the help of Issun, a wandering artist who is very tiny and hides in Ammy's fur. There are also several parts of the game where she has people riding on her back, [[spoiler:including Issun himself after she gets shrunk]].

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* Similarly, Clank from ''RatchetAndClank'' is a robot who can fold into a backpack for Ratchet to wear. In a bit of a reversal, a number of vital items get built into him over the course of the first game (and carry on into most of the rest), so he actively ''helps'' you though the game. Levels in which he is unavailable often make you feel his absence.

* Huepow the ring spirit from ''VideoGame/{{Klonoa}}: Door to Phantomile''. He's a floating blue orb who stays in Klonoa's ring during gameplay, but comes out to talk during cutscenes.
** Lolo from ''Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil'' is also an example. Despite being human(ish), she also has the ability to enter Klonoa's ring during gameplay segments.