point system , n. refers to games in which character abilities are not generated by die rolls, but are "purchased" from a pre-specified pool of character points. See also random roll system. [MC] also point-buy system.
Addendum: Point systems can be very crunchy, but ensure that all starting characters are generally of the same power level. Point Systems also offer the advantage of letting you have exactly the character you want rather than dealing with the whims of fate. On the downside, they are usually much more open to rules rape by power gamers. Hero System and GURPS were the earliest point systems, but it can be argued that White Wolf games and their imitators are basically point systems with fancy graphics. [MC]