Different Types of Video Games
A game is a structured type of play, normally undertaken for fun or entertainment, and at times used as an educational instrument. Games are often different from work, which frequently are carried out for profit, and from fine art, which tend to be more an expression of philosophical or aesthetic thoughts. The distinguishing feature of games, other than their general similarity in content and purpose, is that they frequently include an element of goal-setting. Often the object of a game is to achieve a certain objective, although the means to achieving this objective may be flexible, such that the player’s success is not necessarily confined to reach a particular destination. A game of strategy may well be played without reference to any actual event in time, and yet it may be the basis of a lasting educational experience.
The term “adventure games” refers to any type of game, using an element of adventure to enhance the experience of playing it. Adventure games tend to be set in places that the player has never visited before, presenting them with an introduction to a new culture and way of life. In many cases, these video game adaptations of famous literature are intended as a form of meta-fiction, in which the reader becomes the protagonist in his own story. In many cases, the player character is an adventurer who goes about trying to solve puzzles and solve crimes, much like a detective.
Text-based adventure games are adaptations of narrative materials written in a form other than English. In visual novels, for example, the player is required to interpret events based on description, while adventure games are more abstract and have no narrative. Most text-based adventure games are role-playing games, using a text interface, and the objective is to perform actions that are determined by a randomly generated selection from a series of options. Often, a player will need to examine information given to them by using a keyboard and mouse.
Action-adventures, as their name suggests, are set in places that the player is actively pursuing and participating in. Unlike visual novels and text-based adventure games, the player will almost always have a specific objective to pursue throughout the course of gameplay. In some cases, action-adventures may feature a secondary objective, such as finding the secret to a hidden object or solving another mystery. In many cases, the objective will be to complete the storyline, though there are a number of optional side quests that can help players advance the plot without having to do the tedious work of backtracking through previous stages.
It’s a little-known fact that almost all of the top grossing PC games of all time, as well as many of the best-selling console games of all time, fall into the action-adventure genre. As you may know, the PC gaming market is growing at a rapid pace, as evidenced by the recent success of such PC games as The Chronicles of Rydia, Neverwinter Nights, Pirates of the Burning Sea, Age of Conan and Pillars of the Earth. The genre also lends itself perfectly to online role playing games (RPGs), which has attracted a number of fan-created titles, like the popular Wizardry series and Neverwinter Online.
All of these different types of game mechanics offer their own unique sets of benefits and challenges to players. Players will spend hours developing their characters, exploring the environments, engaging in tactical combat, gaining levels and acquiring new weapons. The complexity of some of these systems may surprise you, especially if you’re a newbie when it comes to video games!