History Main / DepthPerplexion

* ''IWannaBeTheGuy'' has both Depth Deception and this.

A fairly common [[ClassicVideoGameScrewYous FU]] found chiefly in SideView. Before the days of 3D graphics, gamers were only concerned with three layers: the background, the foreground, and the "main layer" in between that the player actually resided on. This is the only layer that is supposed to matter. Sometimes the foreground might [[ObstructiveForeground block your view]], and [[BackgroundBoss some]] [[InvincibleMinorMinion guys]] may attack from the background, but that's it.

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* Speaking of being unable to walk behind trees ... don't even get me ''started'' on the {{Pokemon}} games.

The most common instance of this is enemies and bullets (''their'' bullets) that go through walls by overlapping them. Most gamers just take this for granted, as it has been happening since ''SuperMarioBros'' with bullet bills, if not earlier than that.

** While we're on the subject of ''TheLegendOfZelda'', this trope also affects at least one main series game: ''[[TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening Link's Awakening]]''. The game uses isometric perspective but lacks Z-layers, so it's possible to, say, jump between platforms and get hit by an enemy on the ground "below" Link because the enemy and Link are at the same height on the screen, even though perspective implies they shouldn't be touching. This was fixed in the ''[[TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames Oracle]]'' games, which use the same engine.

** While we're on the subject of ''TheLegendOfZelda'', this trope also affects at least one main series game: ''[[TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening Link's Awakening]]''. The game uses isometric perspective but lacks Z-layers, so it's possible to, say, jump between platforms and get hit by an enemy on the ground "below" Link because the enemy and Link are at the same height on the screen, even though perspective implies they shouldn't be touching. This was fixed in the ''[[TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames 'Oracle]]'' games, which use the same engine.

** While we're on the subject of ''TheLegendOfZelda'', this trope also affects at least one main series game: ''[[TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening Link's Awakening]]''. The game uses isometric perspective but lacks Z-layers, so it's possible to, say, jump between platforms and get hit by an enemy on the ground "below" Link because the enemy and Link are at the same height on the screen, even though perspective implies they shouldn't be touching. This was fixed in [[TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames the ''Oracle'' games]], which use the same engine.

* The first ''WizardsAndwarriors'' game had floating treestumps in the forest level.

* [[{{Shmup}} Space shooters]] in general are likely to allow enemies and their bullets to fly in front of walls in your way, and yet they still affect your layer. Sometimes walls are electric or made of HardLight that enemies can pass through to avert this.

A fairly common [[ClassicVideoGameScrewYous FU]] found chiefly in SideView. Before the days of 3D graphics, gamers were only concerned with three layers: the background, the foreground, and the "main layer" in between that the player actually resided on. This is the only layer that is supposed to matter. Sometimes the foreground might [[ObstructiveForeground block your view]], and [[BackgroundBoss some bosses]] (and maybe [[InvincibleMinorMinion a few Mooks]] for good measure) may attack from the background, but that's it.

* ''TheLegendOfZeldaCDIGames'' had numerous problems with that. For an example, a top part of one of the pillars blocks the player but the bottom part doesn't.

** Also seen in ''[[ConTra Super C]]''.

** ''Warcraft II'' had submarines which could only hit other ships; they could hit over land. This is a limitation of the pathing code of both games, although it's made up by the fact that a unit that shoots another makes itself visible(and thus shootable) even if you wouldn't see it normally.

* As quoted, ''TheWizardOfOz'' for the SNES features some incredible examples. Aside from the mouse, there are are grandfather clocks you can go in front of... but the hands on them [[CollisionDamage hurt you]].

* Mega Man is an early example of a game where your bullets go through walls.
* In CastlevaniaDawnOfSorrow, the Final Boss (Menace) can hit you (for a lot of damage) with a foot that is clearly in the background behind Soma. It even is of a darker shade to emphasize that is indeed in the background.

The most common instance of this is enemies and bullets that go through walls by overlapping them. Most gamers just take this for granted, as it has been happening since ''SuperMarioBros'' with bullet bills, if not earlier than that.

* The NES game based on ''RobinHood: Prince of Thieves'' was insane with this: Much like the ''Little Red Hood'' example above, the game played out in an isometric perspective, which factored into the collision detection, forcing players to swerve around towers so as not to walk straight into their peaks ''on ground level''.

* Pretty much the same problem was present in the overworld of ''Mickey's Racing Adventure'' for the Game Boy. The Treehouse Glade in particular is made rather maze-like by your inexplicable inability to walk behind trees. And don't even get me ''started'' on the {{Pokemon}} games...

* ''TheLegendOfZeldaCDIGames'' had numerous problems with that.

When this trope is in effect, you can throw all the rules of background vs. foreground out the window. Those GoddamnBats clearly flying in front of bricks that block you will still kill you with CollisionDamage if you get near them[[hottip:*:if they're GoddamnedBats, and you're not a OneHitPointWonder, then they're probably positioned ''just'' right to drive you into something that ''will'' kill you instantly]]. See that thunderstorm in the distant background? It'll kill you if you're in front of it when lightning strikes.