1-up

This redirect is about the computer and video game term. For the website, see 1UP.com. For the term "to one-up someone", see one-upmanship. For the band, see Extra Life (band). For the illScarlett album, see 1UP!

1-up (or “1UP”, 1-UP” etc.), pronounced "one up", is a term in console video gaming that commonly refers to an item that gives the player an extra life, to complete the game.

History

The term "1-up" appeared in American pinball games in at least the 1970s, perhaps earlier. These games often gave players multiple chances. When a ball was lost in the gutter, the next ball was loaded and the game continued. If a player met certain conditions (such as a high score), they received an "extra ball," or "extra life." Later, this concept was applied to arcade games. The inclusion of extra lives was very common in video games from the 1980s on, even in otherwise 'realistic' combat-themed games.

"1-up" was first seen in multi-player pinball and other arcade games. In these games, "1UP" meant that it was player one's turn. Likewise, "2UP" meant it was player two's turn, and so on. In some cases, arcade games also used this terminology to designate which score was whose. "1UP" followed by a score indicated it was player one's score, for example. It is believed in some circles to be short-hand for "player 1, step up to the machine," since a standard pinball table only has enough space and control mechanisms for one player to operate at a time.

The use of the term "1-up" to designate an extra life first appeared in Super Mario Bros., where the player could collect 100 coins to get an extra life, or alternatively, the player could also find a green mushroom (later called a 1-up Mushroom) that would give the same effect. Upon either of these conditions being met, a "1-UP" would appear over the in-game character's head.

References

• Thomas, David. Scott Jones and Shana Hertz (ed.). The Videogame Style Guide and Reference Manual (PDF). Power Play Publishing. p. 11. ISBN 978-1-4303-1305-2. Retrieved 2007-08-11. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

See also

• Health (gaming)
• Power-up