Prototype – Shapeshifting
In “Prototype”, players take on the role of Alex Mercer, a scientist who gains the ability to shapeshift after a viral outbreak. Players can use this power to disguise themselves as anyone they come across, allowing them to infiltrate enemy strongholds and gather information. Shapeshifting in “Prototype” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the nature of identity and the fluidity of self.
Deus Ex – Gene Splicing
In the world of “Deus Ex,” gene splicing is a technology that allows humans to augment their physical abilities beyond the limits of nature. Players take on the role of Adam Jensen, a security officer who becomes heavily augmented after a terrorist attack. Gene splicing in “Deus Ex” allows players to enhance their strength, speed, and reflexes, as well as give them the ability to see through walls and hack into computer systems. Gene splicing is not only a powerful tool in the game, but it’s also a commentary on the impact of technology on humanity and the ethical implications of genetic engineering.
Infamous – Electric Manipulation
In “Infamous,” players take on the role of Cole MacGrath, a bike messenger who gains the ability to manipulate electricity after a freak accident. Players can use this power to shock enemies, blast them with lightning, or even fly through the city. Electric manipulation in “Infamous” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the power of nature and the dangers of playing with forces beyond our control.
Bioshock – Plasmid Usage
In the world of “Bioshock,” plasmids are genetic modifications that grant users superhuman abilities. Players take on the role of Jack, a man who finds himself in the underwater city of Rapture, where plasmids are a common tool for both survival and war. Players can use plasmids to shoot fire, summon swarms of bees, and even control the minds of their enemies. The use of plasmids in “Bioshock” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the impact of science on society and the dangers of playing god.
Spider-Man – Web-Slinging
In the “Spider-Man” games, players take on the role of Peter Parker, a young man who gains the ability to shoot webs from his wrists after being bitten by a radioactive spider. Players can use this power to swing through the city, web up enemies, and even create web-based gadgets. Web-slinging in “Spider-Man” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the responsibilities that come with great power.
X-Men – Mutant Powers
In the “X-Men” games, players take on the role of various mutants, each with their own unique powers. These powers range from flight, to super strength, to energy manipulation. Players can use these powers to fight against the forces of evil, and also to explore the themes of prejudice, acceptance, and the struggle for equality. The use of mutant powers in “X-Men” is not only a powerful tool for players but also serves as a commentary on the themes of prejudice, acceptance, and the struggle for equality.
InFamous 2 – Ice Manipulation
In “InFamous 2,” players take on the role of Cole MacGrath, a bike messenger who gains the ability to manipulate ice after a freak accident. Players can use this power to freeze enemies, create ice slides, and even summon giant ice pillars. Ice manipulation in “InFamous 2” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the power of nature and the dangers of playing with forces beyond our control.
Pokemon – Magic Guard
In the “Pokemon” series, players train and battle with a variety of different creatures known as Pokemon. Each Pokemon has its own set of moves, including “Magic Guard,” a unique move that has become a fan-favorite among players. Magic Guard is a move that protects the Pokemon from all non-damaging moves, such as status conditions, entry hazards and Life Orb recoil, making the Pokemon immune to indirect damage. This move is particularly useful for Pokemon that are frail, but have a powerful move set. It allows them to be more aggressive, and to take on a more supportive role in battle. Magic Guard is a move that is not commonly seen, but when it is, it can turn the tide of battle and surprise the opponent.
Metal Gear Solid – Stealth
In the “Metal Gear Solid” series, players take on the role of Solid Snake, a stealthy agent who must infiltrate enemy strongholds and complete various missions. The stealth mechanics in “Metal Gear Solid” are unique in that they allow players to avoid direct confrontation with enemies and instead rely on stealth, distraction, and deception to achieve their goals. The stealth mechanics in the game not only provide a sense of realism but also add a layer of strategy to the gameplay, encouraging players to think before acting and to approach the game in a different way.
Fire Emblem – Weapon Triangle
In the “Fire Emblem” series, players take on the role of a commander leading an army of soldiers in a tactical RPG. One unique aspect of the game’s combat system is the weapon triangle, which gives different types of weapons an advantage or disadvantage against other types. For example, swords are strong against axes, but weak against lances. This weapon triangle adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must not only consider the strengths and weaknesses of individual units but also take into account the weapon triangle when making decisions on the battlefield.
Portal – Portal Gun
In the “Portal” series, players take on the role of a test subject armed with a portal gun, a device that creates two interconnected portals. The portal gun allows players to traverse obstacles and solve puzzles by creating portals on walls, floors and ceilings, allowing players to travel instantly between them. This unique gameplay mechanic not only adds a layer of puzzle-solving to the game but also encourages players to think outside the box and to approach challenges in a different way.
Kirby – Inhale Ability
In the “Kirby” series, players take on the role of the titular character, a pink, marshmallow-like creature who has the ability to inhale large objects and enemies. By inhaling enemies, Kirby can gain their abilities and powers, such as the ability to shoot fire or fly. This power not only allows players to defeat enemies and solve puzzles, but it also serves as a commentary on the nature of adaptation and the ability to take on new abilities and perspectives. The inhale ability also serves as a unique gameplay mechanic in the series, allowing players to constantly change and adapt their playstyle.
The Sims – Control over Life and Death
In “The Sims,” players have the power to create and control their own virtual people, known as Sims. Players can control every aspect of their Sims’ lives, from their careers and relationships to their physical appearance and personalities. However, players also have the power to end their Sims’ lives, whether it be by neglect or by actively killing them. This power not only allows players to manipulate the game world, but it also serves as a commentary on the nature of life and death, and the responsibility that comes with playing god.
The Legend of Zelda – Time Travel
In the “The Legend of Zelda” series, players take on the role of Link, a young hero who gains the ability to travel through time. Players can use this power to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and change the outcome of events. Time travel in “The Legend of Zelda” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the importance of understanding the past to shape the future.
Dragon Age – Magic
In “Dragon Age,” players take on the role of a mage, a powerful spellcaster who can harness the power of magic to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. Players can choose from a variety of different magic schools, each with their own unique abilities and spellcasting styles. Magic in “Dragon Age” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the nature of power and the responsibilities that come with it.
Final Fantasy – Summoning
In the “Final Fantasy” series, players can summon powerful creatures known as Espers, to aid them in battle. These creatures possess their own unique abilities and can turn the tide of battle in the player’s favor. Summoning in “Final Fantasy” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the nature of friendship and the power of trust.
World of Warcraft – Transformation
In “World of Warcraft,” players can choose from a variety of different races and classes, each with their own unique abilities and powers. However, players also have the ability to transform into powerful creatures known as “forms,” which grant them even greater strength and abilities. Transformation in “World of Warcraft” is not only a powerful tool for players, but it also serves as a commentary on the nature of identity and the fluidity of self.
Super Mario Bros – Power-Ups
In the “Super Mario Bros” series, players take on the role of Mario as he sets out to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Bowser. One of the defining features of the series is the power-ups that Mario can collect throughout the levels. From the classic mushroom that makes Mario grow larger, to the fire flower that allows him to throw fireballs, to the cape feather that gives him the ability to fly, power-ups in “Super Mario Bros” provide players with new abilities and ways to play the game. These power-ups not only make the game more fun and entertaining but also add a layer of strategy to the gameplay as players must decide when and how to use them.
These are just a few examples of the many unique powers and abilities that can be found in video games. These abilities not only provide players with a sense of immersion and agency in the game world, but they also serve as a way for developers to create new and exciting gameplay experiences. From gene splicing and electric manipulation to shapeshifting and weapon triangles, these powers are not just a tool for the player but also a medium to convey a message and to make the player think. Next time you’re playing your favorite game, take a moment to appreciate the unique abilities and powers that make your gaming experience so much fun and entertaining. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to be able to inhale their enemies like Kirby or zap them with lightning like Infamous’ Cole MacGrath? And let’s not forget about the good old fashioned “throwing fireballs” move, it’s always a classic.
