Jump and Shoot Games

Jump and shoot games mix platforming with action: you move through the level, hop over obstacles and shoot the enemies that show up. The selection is short, about 25 games, with classics like Metal Slug and adventures with Ben 10 or Spiderman. All are free, with nothing to download.

How to play

You move through the level, usually to the right, and have to do two things at once: jump so you don't fall or crash, and shoot to clear away whatever is attacking you. You lose lives when you get hit or fall, and you win by reaching the end of the level, often after a boss. The usual controls are the arrow keys or WASD to move and jump, with other keys to shoot, though each game shows its own when it starts.

What you'll find

• Metal Slug, with Metal Slug 4 and Metal Slug Last Mission: classic arcade action with plenty of enemies on screen.
• Action and shooting, like Boss Level Shootout, Indian Outlaw or Armadillo 1.
• Familiar characters, like Ben 10 and Spiderman Save the Town.
• A couple of adventures in Spanish, like El último guardián or Bombas en la granja.

Where to start

To get into the genre, Metal Slug is the most recognizable. You'll understand it in one run, though it's not easy to finish. If you want something lighter, the Ben 10 and Spiderman games have characters kids know, but there are still enemies and shooting, so see whether the theme suits you.

Tips

To avoid losing lives early, don't fire nonstop while you jump. Aim at what's threatening you and jump when it gets close. Enemies that come from far away can be picked off before they reach you. Don't move ahead until the screen is clear, because what you leave behind will shoot you in the back the moment you relax. And if the game lets you pick up weapons or upgrades on the way, grab them: the last stretches are brutal with the basic gun.