rail-based

rail +‎ based, likening the experience to moving along a rail

rail-based (comparative more rail-based, superlative most rail-based)

1. (video games) Of a game wherein a player character automatically moves along a preset path.
   • 2002, Andy Slaven, Video-game Bible, 1985-2002, →ISBN:

     The design of the boss characters is interesting, and the multiplayer mode is a nice touch, but the graphics are far too drab for a rail-based shooter.

   • 2009 February 20, David Carnoy, “CNET News Crave New details on 'Metal Gear Solid 4' for iPhone”, in c|net‎, retrieved 2013-01-31:

     The game is apparently sort of a rail-based shooter, and you use your finger to aim and tap the screen to shoot.

   • 2011 September 16, Scott Stein, “30 best iPad games”, in CBS News‎:

     The brainchild of Reisuke Ishida, the creator of Taito's cult hit Space Invaders: Infinity Gene, Groove Coaster is a rail-based rhythm game set to dozens of tracks from Taito video games.

   • 2012 June 15, “EGM DoubleTake: Far Cry 3”, in Electronic Gaming Monthly‎, archived from the original on 11 February 2013:

     The Far Cry series is known for offering up an open-world alternative to the rail-based experiences of most mainline FPS titles, […]

   • 2012 July 16, Matt, “Major Mayhem: Save hostages, create combos, and even blast some chickens!”, in iPad Game Ratings‎, archived from the original on 24 August 2012:

     It is a rail-based game, so the only movements you really have to control is jumping in the short action sequences that break up the "shooting zones," if you will.

• rail shooter
• on rails

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