What is "Powerup Key"?

A power up key refers to a specifc item or skill granted to the player that can be used to open a lock mechanism.

Powerups can be items that have a primary utility (such as bombs which are primarily used to kill enemies), that is, they grant the player with enhanced abilities, advantages or temporary boosts. To add more complexity and depth to gameplay, these powerups may also have the ability to open a door or remove a specific obstacle in the level. Powerup keys can be skills that a character has, as well, like jumping or using ropes to go from one place to another, which let the player progress through the level or reach to a secret area.

Powerups can be found or earned through gameplay progression, achieved completing challenges or acquired strategically. Players use these abilities for their main functions because the game presents them with a tutorial or hints that show how these mechanics can be used. As the game progresses, level designers will introduce doors, walls or other mechanisms that can be opened only by using these powerups. The more uses a game mechanic is given by designers, the more will emergent gameplay be encouraged.

Many adventure and action games introduce powerup keys as a mean to add complexity to mechanics. In Shadowman, for instance, the character gets different powerups that may also work as keys for different gates or areas. Some of these are called "Gad", with allow the character to touch and walk on fire, or swim in lava. Once they obtain these skills, the player is encouraged to revisit some areas that were blocked before as these abilities are used as powerup keys.