Mechanics That Changed Gameplay Forever

grammar fascist writes "A feature at 1up.com explores the various gameplay devices that revolutionized videogaming, and you might not believe how simple they are: life bars, power-ups, bosses, and combos make the list. From the article: 'As good as these ideas may sound on paper, they don't always work in execution. Sometimes they don't even make sense. But every once in a while, a game designer comes up with a fantastic concept that engages the player -- and influences the work of other designers.'"

Comments

They missed a biggie

[systemic chaos]

Where does "computer-generated breasts on cover" fall into this list? Hey, I mean, it moves packages...

Errors

[MilenCent]

I love searching these articles for errors. There are fewer than I expected -- attributing the origin of a health total to a game by *SNK* seemed obviously false at first, but the game offered, Ozma Wars, came out shortly after Space Invaders. (That's real early.) And I respect the writers for remembering Gaplus.

Doesn't mean the article's entirely accurate though:

Power-ups: I'm reasonably sure Pac-Man wasn't the first.

Chain Reactions: Missile Command's "matchbook" explosions far predate those of Bomberman.

Time Manipulation: Ladybug has a freeze-the-enemies item, as does Q*Bert.

Spread Shot: Oh please, Contra was NOT the first game to do this.

Canine Sidekick: What? Stupid.

Co-op play: Eliminator predated Gauntlet.

Re:And RTS?

[doti]

Have you ever heard of Total Annihilation?

It is to C&C, Starcraft and other RTSs what chess is to checkers.