839: Weird Bird Prison
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Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine Issue 67
Demo Derby
8-4 Play 5/3/2024: GOING GOLD(EN)
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Game » consists of 2 releases. Released Oct 04, 1996
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.
In game terms alchemy is typically an item creation system. Centuries ago it was the pursuit of changing normal metals into gold, unsuccessfully.
Vehicles that can talk, think and feel.
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.
Backtracking is the act of navigating through previously explored areas, usually for the purpose of progressing in an objective-based adventure game. Players who are lost may also backtrack to reorient themselves.
Be it an “unopenable” door, a sprawling fence, a sudden outcropping of land, an ocean, a cliff (often a deadly ocean/cliff combo,) a broken-down car, an “invisible wall,” or large trees; barriers in video games manifest themselves in a variety of forms (physical and otherwise).
In video games, breaking the fourth wall occurs when a game becomes aware of its nature as a game, or when a character directly acknowledges the player.
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 cutscenes are nothing but the pages of a comic book. Audio is usually dubbed over to give them a little more life.
A grouping of characters whose eyes are abnormal.
A non-interactive sequence within a game most often used for plot advancement.
The ability to pause a story scene. This avoids missing plot points if you are interrupted or take a break, or let's you call someone to show off a game's FMV or real time animation.
Darkness is used in games to restrict access, increase tension, or just to set a mood. Often the player has access to a light source that can mitigate its effect.
Game titles that make a statement of fact or opinion.
Generally used to fool other characters or parties into thinking you're one of them or belong there for purposes of deception, spying, or accessing data.
When a song is played over the end-credits, often by a famous artist.
The concept of a game referencing another game through mockery, parody or even directly. A game reference to the same franchise does not count.
Known for their flashy appearance and superficial charisma, game show hosts in video games are often not to be trusted - outside of game show adaptations, at least.
A digital distribution platform that focuses on providing DRM-free computer games, both old and new.
An Iconic concept of video games is the use of an idle animation for the players character, when during gameplay there's no control given. It's an example of emergent game design, and is used as a way to add depth to action characters.
A gameplay mechanic allowing players to store their items and freely carry them around.
Sometimes, players experience an unfortunate event that results in all their weapons and items being taken away from them.
In certain playthroughs Sam must become invisible to retrieve his mask.
Games made for a younger audience, usually between 3-9.
When the title of the game does not appear immediately at the beginning of the game, but rather after the first mission or prologue.
The act of granting freedom to prisoners or subjugated NPCs.
These are often a departure from the conventional gameplay of a game. There have also been compilations; games including only minigames. The Mario Party series has a lot of minigames, too!
Characters controlled by the game for players to interact with, as opposed to player characters which are controlled by whomever is playing the game.
A narrative that takes an unexpected turn. Commonly, plot twists come in the form of revealing that the player character is not actually who they thought.
Point and click is an interface featured in a specific kind of adventure game, where players click on objects and characters to interact with them.
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