Ludonarrative Dissonance

Game Mechanics is a term used in reference to games (typically video games) where there are abilities determinant on the ruleset of a game (i.e. hit points/health points, levels, stats, instant death to bottomless pits, save files, item or technique limitations, etc.) that aren't viable for usage as part of the feats of a character.

For example, in the Golden Sun series of games, you are able to equip different Djinni to give you access to different classes and techniques that you can utilize. The Hermit class has access to moves like Hail Prism while the Ninja Class doesn't. This is due to the limitations imposed by the game to only allow you to equip a certain amount of Djinn to make fights more strategic for the players. Outside of the game, they would be fully capable of equipping all of the Djinn to access all of the different classes and moves, as it's just a game mechanic.

Ideas such as health points are largely game mechanics as mentioned earlier as well. This is because of the idea of being able to wither down somebody isn't realistic to how durability functions in reality. In most cases, the idea of withering down somebody would just imply that you are comparable to them, not that everybody else who would attack that person would be able to do the same thing. If you whittle down a Galaxy level being's health, you'd be comparable in that you are also likely Galaxy level. However, if a Planet level character tried the same thing, it would fail, and they'd ultimately not be able to harm them.

Game Mechanics are limitations and features imposed for the game to operate, using them in any sort of debate or profile is fallacious and inaccurately representing a character.

It should be noted, however, there are cases where what might be a game mechanic might otherwise be treated canon by a game. Undertale is a good example of this as while save files are usually just relegated as being game mechanics, the game makes numerous references to them as characters acknowledge the mechanic and use it themselves. OFF is another example where there are open references from characters knowing of the presence of characters such as the player acknowledging these mechanics as something present. Mechanics can be canon, but they require substantial proof in order to be considered.

Game Limitations

It has been explained by various different game designers that it is truly hard to make the strength of their character translate to the gameplay. God of War 3's director Corey Barlog has even explained that there are times in games where you just have to accept that a character is not going to be at the level the narrative is pushing them, this is due to wanting to make the game more fun. For example, if a character is FTL the designers would realistically need to animate every step of them causing an explosion or leaving massive fire trails. There's also the fact that the game would go far too fast for you to play and everything would be a constant white screen. Therefore arguing a character cannot be at a tier or speed because they haven't shown it in gameplay is completely ridiculous and goes against the nature of how an author would be able to make his game work.

Examples of Game Mechanics

• Kratos struggling to lift a chest.
• Mario getting one-shotted by goombas.
• Final Fantasy characters (and by proxy most RPG characters) taking turns during a battle.
• Grand Theft Auto Characters being able to tank several bullets and explosions.
• Star Wars characters being able to tank lightsaber attacks.
• Characters in Modern Warfare being able to survive Grenades

Important note:

For a more in-depth explanation on the subject, here is an article defining what Game Mechanics are.

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