To make character direction changes more immediate in a platform game, which function should be employed?

The choice of using GetAxisRaw for making character direction changes more immediate in a platform game is grounded in the way it processes input. GetAxisRaw reads the input directly and returns either -1, 1, or 0 for movement axes, eliminating any smoothing or gradual changes that might be applied to the input value. This means that when a player presses a key or controller input, the character will react instantly by changing direction rather than transitioning smoothly over time, which is desirable in a platforming environment where precision and responsiveness are critical for gameplay.

In contrast, GetAxis applies a smoothing factor to the input, which can make direction changes feel sluggish or less responsive. This is less ideal in fast-paced platforming scenarios where immediate reactions to player inputs are necessary. Input.GetButton and Input.GetKey functions are more suited for single key press detection or actions rather than continuous movement, making them less appropriate for handling immediate directional changes. Therefore, GetAxisRaw is the ideal choice for a platform game setting where quick and responsive character control is essential.