Types of Video Games

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Types of Video Games 
Get informed about the major video game categories. 
Articles within this series 
Overview 
Types of Video Games 
How Computer and Video Games Are Rated 
Are There Benefits to Video Games? 
Detriments of Video Games 
5 Mistakes That Can Turn Your 
Child Into a Video Game Junkie 
How to Choose Video Games Wisely 
Hooked! The Addictive Power of Video Games 
8 Signs Your Child is a Video Game Addict 
Safeguards for Video Gameplay 
Next Steps / Related Information 

by Vicki Caruana, Chris Caruana and Olivia Bruner 

There are eight major video game categories: 

Action 
Action games tend to have a large amount of violence due to their fast­paced nature. This is the category that most "M" (mature­rated) 
games fall under which are inappropriate for children. Some games are milder but may contain suggestive themes. Action games may pit 
person against person or person against animal/alien. Some examples of such problematic games include Halo, Star Wars: Jedi Knight 
and Enter the Matrix. 

Adventure and Role Playing 


Adventure and role playing games are usually less graphic than action games and typically have an element of surrealism and/or fantasy. 
Many times these games are combined with a role playing element and allow the character to initiate dialogue. While less intense than 
action games, they often do include violence. It should be noted that these games tend to be among the most addictive due to the narrative 
fantasy themes. Examples of this genre are Starfox Adventures, Final Fantasy, Legend of Mana and Billy Hatcher. 

Arcade 
Arcade games can be almost anything from the violent Street Fighter to the classic Pacman. This category includes games that cover the 
entire spectrum of ratings. Many older arcade games have been updated and turned 3­D. Some examples are Pacman, Soul Caliber 2 and 
Frogger. 

Strategy 
Strategy games most often involve tactical movement of troops and/or players. These games may be warfare based or may be as simple as 
chess. The content of many of these games can be appropriate for children but they tend to be difficult to play. Combat is often slower 
paced and allows time for strategic thinking. Some examples are Advanced Wars I & II and Chessmaster® 2000. 

Simulation 
Simulation games are often aircraft simulations. You get to fly a jet or a helicopter. Most have nothing more to them other than the 
destruction of enemies; rarely they use excessive language. Some games in this category include Secret Weapons Over Normandy and 
SimCity.

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Types of Video Games  Page 2 

Driving 
Driving games are most often racing, but some are also crash derby or mission­based. Players usually get a choice of car and get better and 
better cars over time. Some of these games are Project Gotham Racing, ATV Offroad Fury, and the highly offensive Grand Theft Auto. 

Puzzle 
Puzzle games are almost never rated higher than ‘E’ (for everyone). They all take thinking and logic skills. A common puzzle game is 
Tetris. Many others are Tetris­like or involve color matching skills. Many games incorporate puzzle aspects but are not true puzzles. Some 
of the puzzle­incorporating games fall under Action or Role­Playing. 

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Overview 

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How Computer and Video Games Are Rated 

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http://www.family.org/entertainment/A000000996.cfm  19/04/2008 12:36:08 PM 

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