Glossary

Terms I use across my reviews — 133 terms.

  • Arcade

    Fast, simple, score-driven play in the spirit of coin-op cabinets.

  • Battle Royale

    An online mode where many players drop into a shrinking map and one survives.

  • Card & Board

    Digital card games and board-game rulesets.

  • Fighting

    A one-on-one combat game with combos and special moves.

  • Hack & Slash

    An action game of relentless melee combat and combos.

  • Indie

    A game made by an independent team, without a major publisher.

  • Music & Rhythm

    A game where you hit inputs in time with the music.

  • Party

    A game of mini-games for groups, on the couch or online.

  • Platformer

    A game about jumping and precise movement across platforms.

  • Point & Click

    An adventure played by clicking objects and dialogue options.

  • Puzzle

    A game built on solving puzzles and logic challenges.

  • Racing

    A racing game with vehicles, from arcade to simulation.

  • Roguelike

    A game with randomised runs and permadeath: every attempt starts fresh.

  • Shooter

    An action game centred on aiming and gunplay, in first or third person.

  • Simulation

    A game that simulates real systems: flight, driving, cities, farms or lives.

  • Stealth

    A game where you progress quietly and avoid detection.

  • Visual Novel

    A narrative game of text, art and choices.

  • Documentary

    A non-fiction genre that documents real people, events or subjects, often combining interviews, archival material and observational footage.

  • Film-Noir

    A stylised crime genre marked by moral ambiguity, hard-boiled protagonists, femmes fatales and high-contrast shadowy cinematography.

  • Musical

    A genre in which songs and dance numbers are part of the storytelling, advancing the plot or revealing the characters' feelings.

  • Sport

    A genre centred on athletes, teams or competition, where training, rivalry and the decisive game drive the drama.

  • Co-op

    A gameplay mode where players work together to achieve a common goal, rather than competing against each other. This can involve completing missions, solving puzzles, or fighting enemies as a team.

  • StrategyΣτρατηγικής

    Strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim. It involves selecting the best means and tactics to reach a desired outcome.

  • Live Service

    A game model where content is continuously updated after the initial release, often with new stories, characters, or features. It aims to keep players engaged over a long period.

  • Tv-Series Addict

    A person who loves television series, often watching many episodes in a row (binge-watching).

  • Kali

    Kali is a Hindu goddess, often associated with power, violence, and destruction, but also with liberation. She is frequently depicted with dark skin, four arms, and a protruding tongue.

  • ADSL

    ADSL is a data transmission technology that enables internet access over existing copper telephone lines. It provides asymmetrical speeds, with a faster download speed than upload speed.

  • forums

    Forums are online platforms where users can post messages, ask questions, and discuss various topics. They are often organized into categories or threads for easier navigation.

  • Guild

    A guild is an organization of professionals or artisans who share common interests and goals. They often appear in role-playing games as player groups.

  • Guild Tabard

    A distinctive garment worn by members of a guild, often emblazoned with the guild's emblem or colors. It serves to identify and display a player's allegiance within a role-playing game.

  • HELEXPO

    HELEXPO is the national exhibition and conference organizing body in Greece. It manages exhibition centers and organizes trade fairs, conferences, and cultural events.

  • ISDN

    ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a set of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network services over the traditional circuits of the public switched telephone network.

  • Kali

    Kali is an IPX network emulator for DOS and Windows. It enables legacy multiplayer games to work over a modern TCP/IP network such as the Internet.

  • modem 56K

    A 56K modem was a type of modem that used a telephone line to connect to the internet. It offered a maximum download speed of 56 kilobits per second.

  • TeamSpeak

    TeamSpeak is a proprietary voice-over-IP (VoIP) software that allows users to speak with each other. It is often used by video game players for coordination during gameplay.

  • VDSL

    VDSL (Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) is a DSL technology that provides faster internet connections over existing copper telephone lines. It is often used to deliver broadband services to homes and businesses.

  • Warglaives

    Warglaives are an iconic fantasy weapon, often depicted as two curved blades attached to a handle held from the center. They are known for their versatility and potential for swift, fluid attacks.

  • ICQ.

    ICQ was an early instant messaging program released in 1996. It allowed users to chat in real-time, send files, and play games.

  • spoiler

    Information about the plot or outcome of a story that reveals a significant part of it and can diminish a viewer's enjoyment. It typically refers to twists, endings, or character identities.

  • Δράσης

    A genre of films, TV series, or video games characterized by intense physical action sequences, combat, chases, and explosions. It often features a protagonist facing significant challenges and dangers.

  • Κατασκοπικά

    Spy fiction is a genre of films, TV series, or video games centered on secret agents, espionage, and international intrigue. It often incorporates elements of action, mystery, and political machinations.

  • CinephileΣινεφίλ · Movie Lover

    A person who has a deep love and appreciation for cinema. They often possess extensive knowledge of film history, directors, and genres.

  • Gamer

    An individual who plays video games, either casually or as a dedicated hobby. The term can refer to anyone who plays games, regardless of platform or genre.

  • Shooters

    Shooters are a video game genre where the primary gameplay mechanic revolves around using weapons to eliminate enemies. They often feature gun combat and require quick reflexes and strategy.

  • Survival

    Survival games are a video game genre that typically places players in a hostile environment with minimal resources. The goal is to survive by gathering, crafting, and managing resources while facing threats.

  • MS-DOS

    MS-DOS was an operating system developed by Microsoft. It was widely used on personal computers before the prevalence of graphical user interfaces.

  • Gameplay

    Gameplay refers to the way a player interacts with a video game. It encompasses the rules, objectives, mechanics, and the overall player experience.

  • Metroidvania

    A subgenre of action-adventure video games characterized by a large, interconnected map that the player explores progressively. Progress often requires acquiring new abilities or items to access previously inaccessible areas.

  • Motion Capture

    Motion capture is a technology used to digitally record the movement of people or objects. This data is often used to animate digital characters in films, TV series, and video games.

  • Open World

    A video game genre where players can roam freely through a virtual world, rather than being restricted to linear levels or areas. It often features non-linear gameplay and the freedom to explore and complete objectives at their own pace.

  • Post-credit Scene

    A short scene that appears after the main end credits of a film, TV show, or video game have concluded. It often contains a joke, a twist, or a preview of future events.

  • Reboot

    A reboot is a new beginning for a franchise, disregarding previous continuity and starting the story from scratch. It often retains core elements of the original but introduces new characters, plots, or tones.

  • Remake

    A new production of a previously released film, TV series, or video game that retains the original story and characters but often updates the technology and aesthetics. The aim is to introduce the work to a new audience or improve upon aspects of the original.

  • τέσσερις πράξεις

    A narrative structure that divides a story into four distinct parts, often with the third act being the most intense. This structure allows for more detailed character and plot development compared to the classic three-act structure.

  • Artificial Intelligence

    Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence by machines, especially computer systems. It involves learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding.

  • Covid-19

    COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on film and television production and distribution.

  • Vassilis SpanoulisΒασίλης Σπανούλης

    Vassilis Spanoulis is a Greek former professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest European players of all time. He has won three EuroLeague titles and been named EuroLeague Final Four MVP three times.

  • CMS

    A CMS, or Content Management System, is a software application used to create and manage digital content. It allows multiple users to collaborate and publish content without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

  • Joomla

    Joomla is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) for publishing web content. It is used to build websites and online applications.

  • lag

    Lag is a noticeable delay between a user's input and the system's response, often due to network issues or hardware performance. It can impact gaming or streaming experiences, making them frustrating.

  • Anbu

    Anbu are a secret ninja organization in the Naruto universe, performing dangerous missions for their village such as assassinations and espionage. They wear masks and are known for their loyalty to the Kage.

  • Bushidō

    Bushidō is the code of the Samurai, a set of moral principles that guided their lives and conduct. It encompasses virtues such as honor, loyalty, bravery, and self-discipline.

  • Drums of War

    Drums of War is a metaphorical expression referring to the growing tension and preparations that precede a conflict or war. It is often used to describe the escalation of events leading up to a major confrontation in a story. In World of Warcraft, Drums of War were craftable Leatherworking items with 50 charges. When used, they granted a short-range buff that increased the Attack Power and Spell Damage of nearby party members.

  • Enhancement Shaman

    An Enhancement Shaman is a specialization in World of Warcraft focused on melee combat, using magical enhancements on weapons and attacks. They also channel the power of the elements to empower their abilities.

  • Guild

    A guild is an organization of individuals with shared interests or a common profession, often found in role-playing and fantasy games. Members collaborate to achieve collective goals, such as completing quests or acquiring resources.

  • Hatamoto

    Hatamoto were high-ranking samurai in Japan who served the Tokugawa shogunate directly. They had the right to an retinue and were important officials.

  • Kuge

    Kuge were a class of Japanese court nobles who dominated the Imperial Court in Kyoto. They were distinct from the samurai, who were the military nobility.

  • MMORPG

    An MMORPG is a genre of role-playing video game played online by a large number of players simultaneously in a shared virtual world. Players create characters, explore, complete quests, and interact with each other.

  • Rōnin

    A rōnin was a masterless samurai during Japan's feudal period. They often wandered and offered their services as mercenaries.

  • Samurai

    Samurai were the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan. They served their feudal lords with a strict code of honor known as Bushido.

  • Shogun

    The Shogun was the military dictator of Japan during the feudal period, wielding actual power while the Emperor was largely a ceremonial figure.

  • 📂 Evidence Lockerο φάκελος

    Behind every great movie, TV series, or video game lies a story that most people will never discover. Evidence Locker is where those stories come together. It is a constantly growing archive of knowledge dedicated to creative decisions, behind-the-scenes moments, production secrets, Easter eggs, historical inspirations, technological innovations, and the countless details that helped shape the worlds we love. Every Evidence is a case file of its own. Some uncover forgotten stories, others explain long-standing myths, reveal fascinating facts, or shed light on creative decisions that went unnoticed. And sometimes, instead of providing every answer, they raise new questions that are still waiting to be solved. Evidence Locker is not a collection of trivia. It is not an encyclopedia. It is a carefully curated archive of stories worth telling, built upon verified facts, trusted sources, and thoughtful research. Every Evidence connects to the wider Playview universe, linking titles, creators, and related discoveries into a living network of knowledge that continues to grow with every new case. Each new Evidence expands the archive. Every new case reveals another story that makes your favorite movie, TV series, or game even more extraordinary. Because behind every great story, there's always another one waiting to be discovered.

  • The Wallwall · τοίχος

    Every great mystery begins with a wall full of clues. In our case of course, The Wall is much more than a social feed. It is the living map of our community—a place where every recommendation, review, profile update, reaction, and conversation leaves its own mark. At first glance, it may look like an endless collection of small moments. In reality, each one is another clue. Another piece that reveals what inspires, excites, and connects people through the Games, Movies, and TV Series they love. No story is ever written by just one person. Pop culture is shaped by millions of experiences, memories, and perspectives. Every time someone recommends a hidden gem, shares an opinion, uncovers a fascinating trivia fact, or talks about a memorable scene, they add another piece to our collective cultural puzzle. That is why The Wall is filled with clues. It doesn't tell you what you should watch or play. Instead, it invites you to discover the bigger picture for yourself. A review might lead you to a forgotten classic. A piece of trivia could completely change the way you see a favorite movie or game. A conversation might introduce you to people who share the same passion you do. Every new clue makes The Wall a little richer. Every contribution reveals another piece of the world of pop culture. Together, those pieces become something far greater than a database or a social network—they become a living community built by people who explore, remember, discover, and celebrate the stories they love. Follow the clues. Discover the stories behind them. Leave your own mark on The Wall.

  • DPS

    DPS, or "damage per second," is a metric used in video games to quantify the effectiveness of a character or weapon in dealing damage to enemies over time. It indicates how much damage an entity can inflict each second.

  • immersion

    The feeling of being fully absorbed or present within a fictional environment, such as a video game or a film. It involves the suspension of disbelief and focus on the experience.

  • loot

    Loot refers to items, equipment, or resources acquired by players in a video game, typically after defeating enemies or completing quests. It can include weapons, armor, currency, or other valuable objects.

  • MMO

    An MMO is a video game capable of supporting a large number of players simultaneously on the same server. Players interact with each other within a shared, persistent virtual world.

  • NPC

    A non-player character is any character in a video game not controlled by a player. These characters often provide quests, information, or interact with the player.

  • anti-hero

    An anti-hero is a central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes, such as moral integrity or bravery. They often exhibit flaws, questionable moral choices, or self-serving motivations.

  • History

    History refers to the narrative of events, real or fictional, that form the plot of a film, TV series, or video game. It includes the development of characters, conflicts, and the ultimate outcome.

  • Family

    A family is a group of people related by kinship, marriage, or adoption. They often share a common household and support each other emotionally and financially.

  • Animation

    Animation is a method by which still images are manipulated to appear as moving images. It is an optical illusion of motion due to the rapid succession of static images.

  • War

    War is a state of armed conflict between states or groups, characterized by widespread violence, destruction, and loss of life. It often involves military operations and political upheaval.

  • Biography

    A biography is a literary genre that recounts the life story of an individual, written by someone else. It focuses on significant events, achievements, and personal experiences of the subject.

  • Comedy

    Comedy is a genre of entertainment intended to evoke laughter and amusement from an audience. It often involves humorous situations, witty dialogue, and exaggerated characters.

  • Western

    A film genre typically set in the American Old West during the 19th century. It often features cowboys, Native Americans, sheriffs, and gunfights.

  • Mystery

    A mystery is a genre of narrative that focuses on solving a crime or an unexplained problem. It often involves a detective or an investigator trying to uncover the truth.

  • Fantasy

    Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction characterized by magical and other supernatural elements as the main plot, theme, or setting. It often involves imaginary worlds, mythical creatures, and heroic quests.

  • Horror

    The horror genre is a film, television, or video game genre designed to evoke fear, terror, or revulsion in the audience. It often features supernatural elements, monsters, or psychological tension.

  • Thriller

    A genre of film, television series, or video game designed to evoke intense feelings of excitement, suspense, fear, and surprise in the audience.

  • Crime

    An illegal act punishable by law. It often forms a central plot element in films and series.

  • Romance

    A romance film is a cinematic genre that focuses on love stories and relationships. It typically explores the development, challenges, and eventual outcome of romantic bonds between characters.

  • Sci-Fi

    Science fiction is a genre that uses speculative, fictional science and technology, often exploring the impact of science and technology on society. It often involves space travel, alien civilizations, or futuristic environments.

  • Adventure

    Adventure is a narrative genre where the protagonist embarks on a perilous journey or quest. It typically involves action, exploration, and overcoming obstacles.

  • Drama

    Drama is a genre of storytelling that focuses on emotionally charged situations and character conflicts. It often explores themes such as love, loss, betrayal, and redemption.

  • ActionAction games · action movies · action TV series

    Action is a film (or games or tv-series) genre characterized by intense sequences, often involving fights, chases, and explosions. The protagonist typically faces significant challenges and dangers.

  • Multiplayer

    A feature in video games where multiple players can play together within the same game environment. This can occur locally on the same device or over a network.

  • Single-player

    A video game intended to be played by a single player. The player does not compete or cooperate with other players in real-time.

  • gameplay loops

    Gameplay loops are recurring sequences of actions a player performs and the game system's reactions. These loops form the core of the player's experience and dictate the pace and progression of the game.

  • mindfuck

    A slang term describing a story, film, or experience that is so complex, confusing, or unexpected that it causes mental disorientation or subverts the viewer's expectations. It often involves plot twists, non-linear narratives, or challenges to one's perception of reality.

  • Game of the Year Award

    A Game of the Year (GOTY) award is an accolade bestowed by various media organizations upon a video game deemed the best released during a specific year. These awards recognize excellence in areas such as gameplay, story, graphics, and audio.

  • quest

    A quest is a long or arduous search for something. It often involves a journey and a series of challenges to overcome in pursuit of a goal.

  • RPG

    A video game genre where the player controls a fictional character who embarks on a quest in a fictional world. The character grows stronger and acquires new abilities as the game progresses.

  • film grain

    Film grain is the random texture of small metallic silver particles that become visible in the printed image of a photographic film. It is a visual characteristic associated with analog cinematography.

  • IP

    IP stands for "Intellectual Property". It refers to an intangible asset created by the human mind, such as a story, characters, or a franchise. IP is legally protected and can be licensed or sold.

  • side quests

    Side quests are optional tasks in a video game that are not essential to completing the main storyline. They often offer additional rewards, experience, or expand upon the game world's narrative.

  • skill trees

    A character progression system in video games where players unlock new abilities or enhancements by choosing paths on a visual diagram. Each choice typically leads to further options, creating a "tree" of possibilities.

  • CGI

    CGI refers to computer-generated imagery. It is the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, print media, video games, films, television programs, commercials, and simulators.

  • watermark

    A faint, translucent mark or logo embedded into an image or video, often to indicate ownership or origin. It is used to deter unauthorized use or distribution of the content.

  • steam

    Steam is a digital video game distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. It provides features such as digital rights management, multiplayer matchmaking, video streaming, and social networking services.

  • Google Keep

    Google Keep is a note-taking service developed by Google. Launched on March 20, 2013, it is available on the web, as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS.

  • Origin Story

    An origin story is a narrative that explains how a character, group, or object acquired their abilities, characteristics, or existence. It often details the events leading to their creation or transformation.

  • easter egg

    A hidden message, image, or feature in a movie, TV show, or video game. It often serves as a reference to another work or an inside joke.

  • binge-watching

    The act of watching multiple episodes of a television series or multiple films consecutively, typically in a single sitting or over a short period. It is often associated with on-demand streaming services.

  • animated cutscenes

    Animated sequences that interrupt gameplay in a video game, often to advance the story or introduce new characters. They can be pre-rendered or generated in real-time by the game engine.

  • BBS

    A BBS, or Bulletin Board System, was a computer system acting as a server, allowing users to connect via modem to exchange messages, files, and play games. It was popular before the widespread adoption of the internet, often operated by individuals.

  • linear gaming

    A game is linear when its story progresses in a predetermined sequence, guiding the player from one point to another without significant deviations. The player follows a specific path or series of events designed by the game's creators.

  • point-and-click adventures

    Adventure games where the player interacts with the game world primarily by using a mouse to click on objects or locations. They typically involve puzzle-solving and exploration.

  • replayability

    The ability of a video game to be played multiple times without becoming monotonous or losing its entertainment value. This often stems from random elements, multiple choices, or different scenarios.

  • SCUMM

    SCUMM (Script Creation Utility for Maniac Mansion) is a game engine developed by LucasArts for their point-and-click adventure games. It allowed designers to create interactive environments and puzzles without needing to write code from scratch for each game.

  • Beaux-Arts

    Beaux-Arts was the dominant architectural style in France from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. It is characterized by classical revival, symmetry, and rich ornamentation.

  • collectivism

    A social theory that prioritizes the needs and goals of the group over those of the individual. It emphasizes interdependence and shared responsibility among members of a community.

  • Art Deco

    Art Deco is an international style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in France before World War I. It is characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation.

  • Objectivism

    A philosophical school developed by Ayn Rand, which holds that reality exists independently of consciousness, that human beings should live by rationalism, and that an individual's moral purpose in life is the pursuit of their own happiness or rational self-interest. It also advocates for laissez-faire capitalism as the only moral socioeconomic system.

  • foreshadowing

    Foreshadowing is a literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. It often appears at the beginning of a story or a chapter and helps the reader develop expectations about the coming events.

  • VCR

    A videocassette recorder (VCR) is an electromechanical device that uses removable videocassettes containing magnetic tape to record and play back analog audio and video. It was a common household entertainment item from the 1970s to the early 2000s.

  • VHS

    VHS (Video Home System) was a standard for analog video recording on videotape cassettes, popular from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. It was widely used for renting and purchasing movies, as well as for recording television programs.

  • banality of evil

    The phrase "banality of evil" was coined by Hannah Arendt to describe the idea that evil can be perpetrated by ordinary people who are simply following orders and not thinking about the consequences of their actions. They are not necessarily evil or psychopathic, but rather thoughtless or incapable of critical thought.

  • the volume

    The volume is a virtual production space that utilizes large LED screens to display digital environments, allowing actors to interact with them in real time. This technology often replaces traditional green screens, offering more realistic lighting and reflections.

  • slow burn

    A narrative technique where plot, character development, or tension unfolds gradually over an extended period. The climax or full revelation of events is intentionally delayed to build anticipation.

  • used future

    A subgenre of science fiction that depicts a future where technology is advanced but worn, used, and integrated into everyday life. It contrasts with a sleek, pristine, or utopian vision of the future.

  • lifeblog

    Playview is an Entertainment Lifeblog: a personal, living space where the movies you watch, the shows you follow, and the games you play stop being just 'titles' and become a digital diary of your entertainment. At its core, it’s not just a list or another media database. While most sites focus on the content itself—reviews, ratings, and trivia—Playview, as a lifeblog, puts the user at the center. It’s not just about whether a game scored a 9/10; it’s about how it fit into my daily life, when I started it, when I put it down, and what it left me with when I crossed the finish line. If a traditional lifeblog tracks a person’s steps, locations, and daily photos, Playview—as an Entertainment Lifeblog—captures their emotional and mental journey through media.

  • jump scares

    Jump scares are a technique used in horror films and video games to startle the audience suddenly. They typically involve an abrupt change in image or sound, often accompanied by a loud, unexpected noise.