Definitions Flashcards
AI ( Artificial Intelligence )
This term is descriptive of how smart CPU-controlled characters behave in a game. For example, if an enemy soldier runs for cover when he sees a grenade, it’s an indication of AI. It’s generally harder to defeat foes that display good AI.
Anti-Aliasing
A programming technique (or hardware capability) that automatically smooths jagged edges, and is often used for making low-resolution images look more attractive.
CPU
Technically it stands for Central Processing Unit, but in the context of video games it’s general term is USD to describe the elements of the game controlled by the computer programme and not the player. For example, when playing a basketball game you may control one player and the CPU will control the others
Cut-Scenes
Short intermissions typically presented between stages to convey elements of a storyline. Three can be live or computer generated video clips, and are usually non-interactive.
Fatality
In certain fighting games this is a gruesome act inflicted on your opponent after defeating him. It was popularised by the Mortal Kombat franchise.
First-Person
A point of view which lets you view the action through your characters eyes. You never see your own body, except maybe your arms. It was made popular by flight simulators shooters like Doom.hg
Frame-Rate
A term that describes the smoothness of motion in a game. The image on a television screen is really a series of still images shown in rapid succession. A normal TV show is broadcast at 33 FPS (frames per second). Certain games cannot display the action at this rate due to various reasons, and as a result the animation can appear choppy. Higher frame-rates like 66fps result in more attractive fluid animation.
Newb
A derisory term used to describe new players of a game, the use of which presumes lack of expertise on the part of the user.
Isometric View
Instead of viewing the action directly from above or directly from the side, an isometric view allows you to look at the action from a diagonal, tilted overhead angle.
Platform Game
A game that requires you to jump in platforms of various sizes. These games also typically involve collecting items and jumping on enemies. Examples include, Super Mario Bros (NES) Sonic the Hedgehog, (Genius) and Jake and Daxter (PS2).
Polygons
Small individual shapes that fit together to form complex 3D Models. Detailed 3D objects are composed of thousands of polygons
Sandbox
Describes an open-ended, go-anywhere style of play employed in games like Grand Theft Auto 3.
Role -Playing Game (RPG)
Lengthy slow moving games with elaborate storylines that typically involve going on a quest. Although traditionally turn-based, modern RPG’s tend to incorporate real-time elements.
Resolution
A term that describes the level of detail in a game’s graphics. An image on a television screen is actually a series of pixels strung together. High-Resolution images look more detailed and life-like, while low-resolution image tend to look blocky or jagged
Respawn
Describes the act of returning to the field of play after being killed. Often associated with first person shooters.
Shmups
Short for “ shoot em ups” Often used to describe 2D shooting games
Shovelware
Cheap, poorly programmed games that often flood the market to take advantage of a new trend or system
Sprite
Animated images that form objects or characters in 2D games. These dominated video games until the Playstation popularised 3D, polygon graphics in the mid-90’s.
Survival Horror
A genre popularised by Resident Evil (Playstation 1996) . A survival horror game is an intense 3-D adventure involving encounters with zombies and other monsters.
Texture Mapping
The programming technique that draws graphical patterns on polygons. This allows smooth surfaces to appear bumpy or shaded.
Third-Person
Unlike first-person, this point of view lets you see the character you are controlling.
