Glossary Entry: Instakill
Definition
An instakill attack or hazard refers to something that will instantly kill a character regardless of how many hit points or other defenses they have. The term itself is a portmanteau of instant kill.
As an example, platformers often use spikes to depict an instakill hazard: if you're playing a platformer and see large spikes on the ground, walls, or ceilings, you can expect your character to die the second they touch a spike.
Bosses are also known to have instakill attacks; whether or not this is a good thing depends on the game. In many cases, these are an example of fake difficulty, which is usually extremely annoying.
As an example, platformers often use spikes to depict an instakill hazard: if you're playing a platformer and see large spikes on the ground, walls, or ceilings, you can expect your character to die the second they touch a spike.
Bosses are also known to have instakill attacks; whether or not this is a good thing depends on the game. In many cases, these are an example of fake difficulty, which is usually extremely annoying.
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