Categories of Video Games: A Primer

When you go into the video game store and see racks and racks of games, how do you find the ones you are interested in? How do you know if you will like a game, besides the standard way of renting it to try it out? Use this guide to help you find the categories of games you already like to play, then consult with the video game store personnel, particularly at a smaller store where they are familiar with almost all systems and games in stock. If you are buying for someone else, it is much easier to find an interesting game for them if you know what type they like.

If you find a game you are interested in but it is not available for your system, consider buying a used console or using someone else's system to try it before you buy it. You may want to add another system to your repertoire!

Action video games are mostly of the run-and-jump variety, with the purpose being to get to the next level, then the succeeding levels, until you win (i.e., finish the game). Many games include a special ending that can only be viewed after completing all the levels. Super Mario Bros. is probably the most famous type of Action game.

Action/adventure games involve the completion of an epic quest, involving a big world and many things to do. It is an action/combat type of game. Legend of Zelda is an epic quest.

Fighter games have two opponents, usually the good side and the bad side, or your player versus the opposition. Examples include Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Wrestling.

Puzzle games are varied, but they all have the same characteristic: they require thought and action to come up with solutions. Tetris is a fast-paced puzzle game, and is one of many types that speed up with succeeding screens to force the player to manipulate the pieces with ever-increasing agility.