1 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

that story while achieving objectives and gaining levels by defeating enemies. Combat is carried out in thoughtful turn-based fashion rather than frantic real time melees, allowing for more decision-making.

Strategy: Somewhat similar to role-playing games, strategy games typically put you in command of some form of military force and set you against an aggressor whom you must destroy. Careful planning and wise money management are usually a necessity to success.

Sports: The name says it all. These games simulate a variety of sports, either closely following reality or wildly skewing the rules to make for a more innovative experience.

Puzzlers: These games give you a variety of problems to solve, whether they're slow or methodical or set against a clock, and you must use your brain to get through a series of mounting challenges.

Musical Simulation: If you've played Guitar Hero or Rock Band you'll understand these games instantly. A newer genre, musical simulators place you behind some kind of musical instrument and rate how well you do in performing a variety of songs.

This list isn't comprehensive, of course. Each genre invariably has a number of sub-genres that fit specific games. Most games out there will fall into one or more of these categories, however, thus allowing gamers to easily decide which games they're more likely to play before they even turn on their console.

Learn more about this author, Matt Bird.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Video game genres: An introduction?
We want to hear your view. Write now!