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Achievements are extra challenges added into video games that sometimes carry a point value or unlock bonus material, and are sometimes solely for bragging rights.
Alternate realities are worlds that exists next to, in parallel of, or in place of our own.
Artificial life-forms ("robots") specifically designed to mimic the appearance of human beings. Although this is a male-specific term, with female-looking machines actually being "gynoids", the term "android" is generally used universally in video games.
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, commonly refers to the programmed behaviors of NPCs in a game, whether it's the fact that a soldier takes cover behind a wall in Gears of War, or that townspeople cheer upon your arrival to their village in Fable.
Auto-aiming (or Auto-targeting) allows for a character to attack or interact with an object or enemy that's very near to the player or within their field of vision.
Levels that progress forward by themselves at a fixed rate.
A proprietary video codec (.bik/bk2 extension) developed by RAD Game Tools and used in a very large number of video games.
Necessary to sustain life in organic creatures, the crimson fluid known as blood tends to make appearances when the body's structure is compromised in some way, a very, very common occurrence in videogames.
Bonus levels, rounds, or stages give players a chance to gain extra points, powerups, or lives. Occasionally bonus stages will play completely different than the rest of the game, like as a slot machine or pinball minigame.
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.
Button Mashing is a term used to describe gameplay where certain skills can be only realized explicitly through mashing buttons, a reckless player trying to get results or when the game rewards the player(s) who bash buttons the fastest. The latter example is common in Party Games.
Often used as a catch-all term for any game's main story-driven mode of play, campaign mode usually refers to a linear sequence of levels with a continuous story and a definite conclusion, playable single-player and sometimes co-operatively.
Special codes or button combinations used to gain powers or advantages in a game. Generally hidden.
Chest-High Walls appear regularly in video games, particularly in third-person-shooters with cover mechanics.
Circle-strafing is strafing around a target while facing it. This is useful for disorienting the target's aim, making for an easier kill.
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.
Due to crafty camera angles and conveniently placed objects in the environment, the nudity in the scene is obscured from view.
Cooperative play in games allows humans to play together as a team to accomplish a task. Instead of playing against a human opponent, the team must defeat an AI. Cooperative Play in some games also means 2 human versus 2 human, this occurs in some Billiards games. (Scotch Doubles / Doubles)
The ultimate pressure feature. Players have to complete the task at hand, be it defeating opponents or cutting the right wire, in the allotted time.
A Cover System is a gameplay mechanic that specifically governs the player's ability to hide behind objects to avoid detection or enemy fire.
Games involving characters that round up local hoodlums for the good of the community.
A sight placed on the HUD used to aim and provide a point of reference to the player when looking and interacting with the game world. Although they often aim weapons, they have a variety of uses and have appeared in many games in many different forms.
A trap designed to kill off victims by crushing them. Commonly found in sacred temples though industrial variations (like car crushers) exist.
A non-interactive sequence within a game most often used for plot advancement.
An organism consisting of both natural and artificial systems.
Destructible cover is an increasingly popular feature in shooters, even those without cover systems. It is used to encourage creative tactics both in single-player and multiplayer.
The engine that powers Bionic Commando: Rearmed
Dolby Digital is an audio compression technology codec first used in movie theaters. It's now commonly used in many modern day audio/video media formats, including video games.
Any game that represents a society noticeably worse or less desirable compared to those in the present. This can relate to kinds of political and economic organisation, excessive human suffering, social problems caused by technology, or as a result of an apocalyptic event.
The 2002 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California on May 22-24.
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