The Geek Dictionary: Gamer, Volume one
Idea TOTALLY jacked from BB. Though this is sort of a supplement.
Console - The main box of a video game system. The actual XBox, PS2, etc. What the games go in.
Paddle - Archaic term for controller, still used by some. Derives from the Atari 2600 'Paddle' controller, which featured a dial and a single button.
S/L model - The different models of Microsoft XBox controllers. The original L model was hated by the public for it's incredible bulk, so the smaller, more streamlined S model was released. Few people prefer the L model over the S.
Dual Shock - The Playstation controller of choice. The original was tiny, and somewhat fragile and uncomfortable. The Analog controller was released to combat this, in addition to adding two analog sticks, and it had a very short run before it was replaced by the vibrating Dual Shock. The PS2 uses a Dual Shock 2, identical except for analog buttons.
Analog - The opposite of Digital. Where Digital is off or on, Analog can register in between. Hence, analog buttons can sense how hard you're pressing them, and send diffrnet signals based on this.
Analog sticks - The control method of choice on new consoles, replacing the outdated D-pad. An Analog stick can sense a greater range then the eight directions of the digital D-Pad
D-Pad - Four buttons, arranged in an up/left/down/right pattern. Used for directional control in games. Can support an additional four commands by combining the buttons into diaganols, for a total of eight directions.
Square/Circle/Triangle/X/R1/R2/R3/L1/L2/L3 - The buttons of the Playstation's Dual Shock. The bold colors and shapes of the controller make button placement easier to remember then the letters of other controllers.
A/B/X/Y/Black/White/Left Trigger/Right Trigger - The buttons of the XBox controller. The Gamecube has a similar control scheme.
Memory card - Used for saving your progress in games. Required on the PS2 and Gamecube, and optional for the XBox, due to the internal hard drive. Replaced the battery used for data saves in older consoles.
Cart - The form of games before CDs were implemented. Not to be confused with 'Kart', which is a genre of games the involve racing small vehicles.
CD/DVD/Minidisc/Disc - The games. Put them into the console to play.
Network/Ethernet/LAN- A cord used with the XBox to connect two or more consoles, allowing up to 16 people to compete at once. The PS2 uses 'firewire', though not near as many games support it.
RCA/Coaxial/RF - The cord that plugs the console into your TV. Modern consoles use RCA, but a coaxial adapter still can be purchased. Older or cheap TVs rarely support RCA.
FPS - First person shooter. Intense action/strategy based genre, where you play from the view of your character. Doom, Half-Life, and Wolfenstien are all FPS games.
Third person shooter - Genre where you watch from behind your character. Tomb Raider is a Third Person Shooter.
RTS - Real Time Strategy. A thought-based genre, usually placing you as a commander of a war. Command and Conquer and Starcraft are RTS games.
Turn based Strategy - Slower stretegy games that allow you time to think and plan. Less realistic, and more strategic. Space Empires is a Turn Based Strategy.
Adventure - Games based around plot and character development. Characterized by collecting a half ton of worthless shit that will ALWAYS be important later on. King's Quest, Gaberial Knight, and Broken Sword are all Adventure games.
RPG - Role Playing Game. The definition of an RPG is a gray area, but if it has levels, experience points, irritating females, angsty males, and huge killer creatures, it's probably an RPG. Most Final Fantasy games are RPGs, as is LUNAR, and Dragon Warrior
Platformer - Simple games that usually based on reflexes. Mario and Sonic are platformers.
Halo - Quite possibly the best known game of all time, Halo is a shining example of quality in an age where gaming is a common entertainment. The Master Cheif and his green MJOLNIR armor may even be more recognizable then italian plumbers or fast hedgehogs.
Okay, what'd I forget?
Console - The main box of a video game system. The actual XBox, PS2, etc. What the games go in.
Paddle - Archaic term for controller, still used by some. Derives from the Atari 2600 'Paddle' controller, which featured a dial and a single button.
S/L model - The different models of Microsoft XBox controllers. The original L model was hated by the public for it's incredible bulk, so the smaller, more streamlined S model was released. Few people prefer the L model over the S.
Dual Shock - The Playstation controller of choice. The original was tiny, and somewhat fragile and uncomfortable. The Analog controller was released to combat this, in addition to adding two analog sticks, and it had a very short run before it was replaced by the vibrating Dual Shock. The PS2 uses a Dual Shock 2, identical except for analog buttons.
Analog - The opposite of Digital. Where Digital is off or on, Analog can register in between. Hence, analog buttons can sense how hard you're pressing them, and send diffrnet signals based on this.
Analog sticks - The control method of choice on new consoles, replacing the outdated D-pad. An Analog stick can sense a greater range then the eight directions of the digital D-Pad
D-Pad - Four buttons, arranged in an up/left/down/right pattern. Used for directional control in games. Can support an additional four commands by combining the buttons into diaganols, for a total of eight directions.
Square/Circle/Triangle/X/R1/R2/R3/L1/L2/L3 - The buttons of the Playstation's Dual Shock. The bold colors and shapes of the controller make button placement easier to remember then the letters of other controllers.
A/B/X/Y/Black/White/Left Trigger/Right Trigger - The buttons of the XBox controller. The Gamecube has a similar control scheme.
Memory card - Used for saving your progress in games. Required on the PS2 and Gamecube, and optional for the XBox, due to the internal hard drive. Replaced the battery used for data saves in older consoles.
Cart - The form of games before CDs were implemented. Not to be confused with 'Kart', which is a genre of games the involve racing small vehicles.
CD/DVD/Minidisc/Disc - The games. Put them into the console to play.
Network/Ethernet/LAN- A cord used with the XBox to connect two or more consoles, allowing up to 16 people to compete at once. The PS2 uses 'firewire', though not near as many games support it.
RCA/Coaxial/RF - The cord that plugs the console into your TV. Modern consoles use RCA, but a coaxial adapter still can be purchased. Older or cheap TVs rarely support RCA.
FPS - First person shooter. Intense action/strategy based genre, where you play from the view of your character. Doom, Half-Life, and Wolfenstien are all FPS games.
Third person shooter - Genre where you watch from behind your character. Tomb Raider is a Third Person Shooter.
RTS - Real Time Strategy. A thought-based genre, usually placing you as a commander of a war. Command and Conquer and Starcraft are RTS games.
Turn based Strategy - Slower stretegy games that allow you time to think and plan. Less realistic, and more strategic. Space Empires is a Turn Based Strategy.
Adventure - Games based around plot and character development. Characterized by collecting a half ton of worthless shit that will ALWAYS be important later on. King's Quest, Gaberial Knight, and Broken Sword are all Adventure games.
RPG - Role Playing Game. The definition of an RPG is a gray area, but if it has levels, experience points, irritating females, angsty males, and huge killer creatures, it's probably an RPG. Most Final Fantasy games are RPGs, as is LUNAR, and Dragon Warrior
Platformer - Simple games that usually based on reflexes. Mario and Sonic are platformers.
Halo - Quite possibly the best known game of all time, Halo is a shining example of quality in an age where gaming is a common entertainment. The Master Cheif and his green MJOLNIR armor may even be more recognizable then italian plumbers or fast hedgehogs.
Okay, what'd I forget?