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Sure, these days have almost every game sporting the newfangled 3D, but way back when, everyone had to live with plain old 2D. 2D, or two dimensions, limit the game to scrolling backgrounds, but some games even now make use of this basic concept.
Part ad, part game. Advergames are designed to promote a specific brand or product, usually outside the game industry.
Anthropomorphism is the concept of an object, concept or character that has human qualities or traits, such as speech, a level of intelligence similar or higher than a human's and self consciousness. "Anthro" means "of human" and related to the concept of humanity.
A bonus game occurs when playing a game (usually in arcade games). Players do something to get a "free game". Pinball machines almost always call these "specials". It could be getting a certain score, getting a rare item, or doing some specific task.
A boss fight is a culminating challenge that pits the player against one or more enemies representing a greater threat and/or difficulty than those previously faced. These scenarios typically feature unique antagonists.
Feline animals commonly kept as pets. There are many different breeds and varieties.
Somehow, one of the characters has changed their race.
Charityware (also called careware, helpware, or goodware) is software distributed in a way that benefits a charity.
Special codes or button combinations used to gain powers or advantages in a game. Generally hidden.
Attitudes towards the Clown vary from person to person. Some find entertainment and humor, others feel really creeped out by their overly flamboyant nature. Ultimately, games tend to take the path of a more horrific presentation to stimulate the atmosphere of a particular setting.
Collectibles are items such as coins, rings, gems, packages etc. that can be gathered, usually for some kind of reward, or sometimes to simply beat a level. Often (almost too often) the source of earning achievements and trophies on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
The continue is a classic gaming concept, and usually arises when the player "dies" or fails in the game. Usually some loss is tied to a continue, in a form of a "life" or something of other value.
Currency has all forms in video games. It is used to buy characters, vehicles, weapons, and more.
Sometimes you want a challenge, sometimes you wanna coast.
Earning an extra life, either by collecting a 1up or by hitting a certain score.
The last boss you face in a game, usually representing the final climax of the game.
Cold-blooded aquatic animals that have scales and breathe through gills.
Enemies that prefer to keep a distance to the ground, and swoop down occasionally to do some damage.
Game Over originally appeared in pinball machines, and later, arcade machines. When players lose at a game, it is game over.
Games that are designed to inspire the purchase of a specifically branded food product.
A grapple is a maneuver in which one character grabs an enemy and usually throws or damages the enemy. Most grapples occur in fighting games.
Gravity is a physical phenomenon, specifically the mutual attraction between all objects in the universe. In a gaming setting, gravity determines the relationship between the player and the "ground," preventing the player or game objects from flying off into space, and hopefully acting in a predictable/realistic manner.
You've made it to the end, but you can't get back to the title screen. You cannot skip the ending image. The only options are turning the console off or hitting reset.
Health is a value that gauges how much damage players can take in a game before they die or pass out. Also known as life in some games. Health is usually represented by a bar or a percentage instead of an exact amount. Found in most non sport games
It's arguably the one move that symbolizes the medium to those outside it. The ability to jump, be it onto a building, a platform, or a skull, is one of the all time most important abilities ever put in a video game.
Games made for a younger audience, usually between 3-9.
A common type of stage based around the fire and/or lava element. Often platforming heavy and inhabited by fire-based enemies.
In many platform games the protagonist will die instantly when falling off the bottom of the map, but in some situations there are places where the protagonist can still scroll down. When it's not possible to tell which are which, it is a Leap Of Faith.
Fish that are just as dangerous out of water as they are in it.
These games are based off of established licenses, such as movies, comics, or TV shows. Examples are the James Bond 007 and Spider-Man franchises.
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