Overview
A decrease in the rate of a character's movement, usually related to what the character is carrying or doing. Such penalties are sometimes implemented for realism; for example, slowing down a character that is carrying a a heavy load of equipment. However, a movement penalty can also be used for balance reasons. A heavier, more powerful weapon may carry the trade-off of also making the player slower or less agile.
Common Elements that May Impose Penalties
- Wielding a heavy weapon such as a rocket launcher or a minigun.
- Carrying an inventory load that is close to or over a weight limit.
- Carrying or moving a corpse, crate, or other environmental objects.
- Using a weapon's scope or sights.
- Climbing a ladder.
- Moving over certain types of terrain, such as water or sand.
- In some older games, simply moving will deplete a food count; running out will result in an inability to move.
Common Penalties
- Reduction of the player's run speed or removing the ability to run or sprint. In more extreme cases, the player character may not be able to move at all.
- Not allowing the player to use a weapon while moving.
- Faster depletion of a stamina meter.
- Reduced or removed jumping ability.
- In turn-based games, the number of spaces a unit can move may be reduced.
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