1UP has erected a list of 20 important gameplay innovations. And while the list does not contain every crucial addition to gaming's evolution, each entry is significant, and more so than not, is taken for granted by today's average gamer.Imagine Double Dragon without combos ... Bomberman without chain reactions ... Gauntlet without co-op ... Bionic Commando without the grappling hook ... Contra without the spread shot! Heck, imagine no life bars or power ups! Or how about this: no boss battles! Yes folks, gaming would be bleak without the great minds that have carved out its history.
1Up's list of 20 important innovations (divided by category):
The Basics
Life Bar / Hit Points
Power Ups
Magic Spells
Bosses
Handy Features
Grappling Hook
Character Customization
Sniper Shot
Enemy Power Acquisition
Omni-Directional Fire
House of Style
Combos
Ice
Transformers
Chain Reactions
Time Manipulation
Spread Shot
Side By Side
Canine Sidekick
Cooperative Play
Tag-Teaming
Vehicles
Online Communities
