Dead

- adjective.

Dictionary definition:
Not endowed with life, lacking sensitivity of feeling.

Video game definition:
Paired with the prefix 'un,' usually refers to zombies, Dracula or other mutant creatures that go bump in the night.

Usage:
Dead Rising pits one lone hero against thousands of zombies.
Left 4 Dead pits four lone heroes against thousands of zombies.

See also:
Red Dead Redemption, House of the Dead, Dead Space, Dead to Rights, Dead or Alive, Dead Rising, Evil Dead, Regeneration, Dead Head Fred, Touch the Dead, Kane & Lynch Dead Men



Eternal

- adjective.

Dictionary definition:
Without beginning or end.

Video game definition:
Without beginning or end. Until the game credits roll, that is.

Usage:
We know, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem has appeared twice on this list already.
Eternal Sonata takes place in legendary pianist Frederic Chopin's head. No, seriously.

See also:
Eternal Poison, Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana, Legend of Spyro: Eternal Night, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.



Hero

- noun.

Dictionary definition:
A man of distinguished ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

Video game definition:
A man of distinguished ability in playing plastic instruments and/or defeating supervillians.

Usage:
We swear, No More Heroes for the Wii includes motion-controlled actions designed to make you look like a dork while playing it.
Guitar Hero made millions of teens believe playing "Freebird" is easy in real life.

See also:
DJ Hero, Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days, Spyro: A Hero's Tail, Medal of Honor Heroes, Band Hero, Marvel Super Hero Squad, Spore Hero, Heroes of Mana, Hammerin' Hero, Company of Heroes, Justice League Heroes, Bionic Heroes, City of Heroes, Heroes of Might and Magic, Skate City Heroes, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes.



Legend

- noun.

Dictionary definition:
A non-historical or unverifiable story handed down by tradition from earlier times and popularly accepted as historical.

Video game definition:
A non-historical or unverifiable story handed down by rock gods and annoying blue fairies.

Usage:
Brutal Legend is probably not going to be as good as Psychonauts.
I heard the next Legend of Zelda game is going to reveal that Tingle is actually Link's brother from an alternate universe.

See also:
Legend of Spyro, Musashi: Samurai Legend, Tomb Raider: Legend, Kengo: Legend of the 9, Legend of Heroes, Legend of the Dragon, Legend: Hand of God, Taito Legends, X-Men Legends, Untold Legends, Legends of Wrestling, Burnout Legends, Overlord: Dark Legends, Soul Calibur Legends, Indianapolis 500 Legends, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Mega Man Legends.



Mario

- noun

Dictionary definition:
A male given name: from the Roman family name Marius.

Video game definition: A male given name from the Nintendo family name Money, usually associated with plumbing and/or a variety of international sports. (OK, so we sort of cheated on this one but come on -- there are 140 results for 'Mario' when you search on MobyGames)

Usage:
Mario Kart was better when it didn't involve a plastic wheel attachment.
I can totally do a speed run of Super Mario Bros. in under four minutes, wanna see? Wait, where are you going?

See also:
Mario Kart, New Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, Mario Party, Mario & Luigi, Mario Golf, Super Mario Strikers, Mario Super Sluggers, Mario vs Donkey Kong, Paper Mario, Mario and Sonic: Olympic Games, Mario Power Tennis, Super Mario World.