‘Roll’ Meaning in Gaming | Esports Terms Explained
Roll is a term that refers to a defensive move in many games, where the player or the character performs a quick and agile movement, usually on the ground, to dodge attacks. Roll is usually done by pressing a button or a key, or by moving the joystick or the mouse, in a certain direction. Roll is also known as dodge, evade, or dash.
The purpose of roll is to avoid or reduce damage, by moving out of the way of incoming attacks, such as bullets, swords, or spells. Roll can also be used to reposition or escape, by moving to a better or safer location, such as behind cover, on higher ground, or out of sight. Roll is often associated with action, adventure, or fighting games, where the player or the character has to face enemies in close or ranged combat.
Roll can have both benefits and drawbacks for the player or the character, depending on the game and the situation. Some of the benefits and drawbacks of roll are:
Benefits
These are the advantages of roll, as it can improve the survival and the performance of the player or the character. Some of the benefits are:
It increases the mobility and the agility, by allowing the player or the character to move faster and more fluidly, especially on the ground.
It decreases the vulnerability and the exposure, by reducing the hitbox and the visibility of the player or the character, especially during the roll animation.
It enhances the flexibility and the versatility, by giving the player or the character more options and control over the movement, such as changing direction, canceling actions, or combining moves.
Drawbacks
These are the disadvantages of roll, as it can harm the survival and the performance of the player or the character. Some of the drawbacks are:
It requires precise timing and spacing, as the player or the character has to roll at the right moment and the right distance, to avoid the attacks. If the player or the character rolls too early, too late, too far, or too close, they might still get hit or miss the opportunity.
It reduces the stability and the accuracy, by affecting the balance and the aim of the player or the character, especially after the roll animation. This can make the player or the character more prone to falling, stumbling, or missing.
It risks the stamina and the cooldown, by consuming or depleting the energy or the resource of the player or the character, especially if the roll is spammed or abused. This can make the player or the character more tired, weak, or vulnerable.
What are Some Examples of Games that Have Roll?
Roll is a feature that is used in many games, across different platforms and genres. Some of the most popular and well-known examples of games that have roll are:
Dark Souls: This is one of the most challenging and rewarding action RPG games that have roll. In this game, the player controls a character that has to survive and fight against various enemies and bosses, in a dark and Gothic fantasy world. The game has a complex and realistic combat system, where the player has to use different weapons, armor, and skills, and also roll to dodge the attacks. The game also has a unique mechanic for roll, called the i-frame, where the player is invincible for a brief period during the roll animation.
Legend of Zelda: This is one of the most successful and iconic action-adventure games that have roll. In this game, the player controls Link, a hero that has to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule, from the evil Ganon, in a colorful and whimsical fantasy world. The game has a simple and intuitive combat system, where the player has to use different items, weapons, and abilities, and also roll to dodge the attacks. The game also has a unique mechanic for roll, called the roll attack, where the player can perform a powerful strike after rolling.
Gears of War: This is one of the most revolutionary and influential third-person shooter games that have roll. In this game, the player controls a soldier that has to fight against a horde of alien invaders, called the Locust, in a gritty and dystopian sci-fi world. The game has a dynamic and immersive combat system, where the player has to use different guns, grenades, and chainsaws, and also roll to dodge the attacks. The game also has a unique mechanic for roll, called the active reload, where the player can reload faster and more efficiently after rolling.
To Sum Up
Roll is a term that refers to a defensive move in many games, where the player or the character performs a quick and agile movement, usually on the ground, to dodge attacks. It can have both pros and cons for the player or the character, depending on their skill and preference. Roll is often used in action, adventure, or fighting games, where the player or the character has to face enemies in close or ranged combat. Some of the most popular games that have roll are Dark Souls, Legend of Zelda, and Gears of War.