Graphical depictions of a statistical quantity, most often the player-character's current status. Most often takes the form of a straight or circular line that empties and fills as the stat's value changes.
A graphical representation is often prefered to a numerical point-count display, as it reduces the feeling that the game is entirely numbers-driven, despite the fact that all computerized games must be so. RPGs are the perennial exception, as long-time players really seem to like numbers. A graphical display is also easier to understand at a quick glance, which is all you can find time for in a non-turn-based setting.
Ammo counts are usually depicted as just a set of numbers, often rounds in weapon/rounds in reserve; however, a graphic to accompany this quantity is becoming more common.
The main types are:
- Alliance Meter
Shows how well-liked and trusted your in-game avatar is by the game's competing factions. - Armor Meter
Shows the amount of armor/shields left. - Awesomeness Meter
Shows the greatness of the spectacle, kills and/or stunts you make. - Break Meter
Shows how close the enemy is to entering "broken" state, where it takes more damage than usual. - Charge Meter
Shows how powerful your in-game avatar's "charged" attack will be when you launch it. - Completion Meter
Shows how much of the game's content you haven't uncovered yet. - Experience Meter
Shows how close your in-game avatar is to the next Character Level. - Karma Meter
Shows your in-game avatar's moral standing on the scale from the Absolute Evil to the Paragon of Good. - Life Meter
Shows how close your in-game avatar is to death.- Shared Life-Meter
When more than one character (or one character with multiple destructible parts) gets their health from the same Life Meter. - Multiple Life Bars
It's more complex than a single pile of Hit Points.
- Shared Life-Meter
- Mana Meter
Shows how much magical resource your in-game avatar has left to cast spells. - Oxygen Meter
Shows how much longer your in-game avatar can stay underwater. - Sanity Meter
Shows how close your in-game avatar is to a complete mental breakdown. - Sprint Meter
Shows how far your in-game avatar can sprint. - Visibility Meter
Shows how likely the enemy is to spot you while you're trying to hide. - Wanted Meter
Shows how much your in-game avatar is wanted by the setting's authorities.
