Game guides, glossaries, trivia and quizzes for the most popular video games Game guides, glossaries, trivia and quizzes for the most popular video games

Video Games

Video games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment. There is something about a good story that infiltrates the mind and makes us think. Video games offer the type of experiences we don't get in the normal world.

Video game popularity began with games like Pong and advanced with Intellivision, Atari and Commodore 64 to Nintendo, Playstation and Xbox releasing new systems every few years.Video game player jargon has also come of age with new terms hitting the internet frequently to include the word gamerz.

At gamerisms, it is our intention to offer a comprehensive video games glossary, and focus on video game genres or types of games.

The 10 game genres classified and reported are fighting, shooting, adventure-action and war games, racing, puzzle/board games, educational games, simulation=SIM, sports videogames plus 12 Poker Software Reviews.

Game Players
Video Games Glossary

Casual Gamers

are typically referred to as gamers who enjoy video games but may go long stints without playing and are content to play occasionally or do not really get into the game.

Retro Gamerz

video games glossary term for players of older systems, such as Atari or Intellivision or the original Nintendo Entertainment System. Another concept that the typical retro gamers enjoy is playing ROMs on their computer, which are games played through a program that emulates the original system on your computer, either Mac or Windows.

Sports Gamers

refers to gamers who only play sport related titles. Most sports have a corresponding video game today. From baseball to soccer to paintball, all sports are represented.

The growing popularity and ease of access to online play has propelled the sports gamer industry to a new level. It is now possible for a video game player to connect with people from around the world. Sports gamerz find this especially challenging since they can test their skills one on one with gamers on another continent.

Hardcore Gamers

play every day and sometimes all day. These gamerz concentrate on the latest and greatest games, have the best equipment and spend a large portion of their time playing video games.

Additionally, the hardcore video game player label defines gamers who play one game all the time, are obsessed with it, and have become masters of it as well. An example of a game like this is World of Warcraft.

Import Gamerz

These gamerz are focused on games that are either released overseas and often in a different language, released prior to the release in the gamerz country or gamerz who collect and play games that are exclusive to another country and thus must be imported.

Cyber Athletes

This is the video games glossary term for gamers who play for a living. In recent years, professional organizations for enthusiastic video game players have taken off and become big business. Gamerz who play for money and as a career in some cases are referred to as cyber athletes.

Video Game Genres
An Introduction

Main game genres:

  • Fighting
  • War
  • Shooting / first person shooter
  • Racing
  • Sports
  • Educational games

Educational games

  • Puzzle
  • Quiz
  • Logic
  • Strategy
  • Math games

RPG / Action-Adventure

Most video games fall into these 2 categories.

  • SIM (Simulations)
  • RPG (Role-playing game)
  • FPS (First-person shooter)
  • MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game)

Video Game Genres
Defined

Video games are the latest toys that all enthusiastic gamerz enjoy and want to have. Several different genres and titles are classified as Action Adventure.

Role-playing or multiplayer games certainly qualify, as do first person shooters, fighting and war games. Into this genre mix, you can add sport videogames like Ultimate Fighting Championship 2009 Undisputed and racing titles like Need for Speed. Suffice to say, there is a plethora of gamer title selections and that is always a good thing. At gamerisms, we attempt to classify video game genres/hybrids and group titles - no easy task.

In the end, we focused on the game title and plot as with fighting or war games that may qualify for two genres. Therefore, you will find Call of Duty in the War games review and Grand Theft Auto review in fighting games. Below is an overview for each of the 10 genres to include Poker Game Software.

Click on one of the Video Game Genres below to read more about it.

RPG (Role Playing Games)

Role-playing games are often a basis for some players to focus their entire lives around. If a normal video gamer finds it enjoyable to become immersed in a story, the avid role-playing gamer will have a nerdgasm at the mere mention of their preferred series.

Role-playing games position the player in the story as a character that directly interacts with their environment in a dynamic story-driven manner. The concept behind these games is that a character starts out with limited skills and abilities. Over time they grow stronger, more skilled and more capable overall.

There are generally two styles of role-playing video game genres defined that are considered pure RPG's.

JRPG

There is the JRPG that is a game based in the Japanese style of linear game play with a story and plot involved. These may rely heavily on Japanese references in their story.
The Final Fantasy series has generally been this model of game play in its older iterations.

Free-Form RPG

There are also free-form RPG's that are non-linear which are more often seen as the design concept of western developers. These games have an overarching story to them but the character gets to it as they progress and have lots of room to explore.

RPG's of the latter type are found in the world's most popular video games, the MMORPGs. Games of this type are massively multiplayer online games that have many players from around the world. The most popular RPG of this type is World of Warcraft that boasts a roster of several million players.

The gamerz that play this particular RPG have been known to spend a great deal of their free time devoted to building their characters.

There are also hybrid video game genres defined that combine simulation games with role-playing to create historically based role-playing games or tactical strategy role-playing games. When these were introduced into the role-playing environment a few decades ago, they produced a shockwave throughout the videogame development world that is still being felt today.

Action / Adventure

Action Video Games or Adventure Games and corresponding hybrids are one of the most prolific genres. Pure action video games or adventure games are more about the journey and dealing with the world than it is about combat. There may be a few videogames with minor combat elements, however for the most part; these video games are a call to action to solve a puzzle within the game setting more than anything else.There may be a mystery to solve or a crisis to survive.

While a hardcore soldier, police officer, or marine might be able to pick up a weapon and defend them selves readily, the main character in these videogames is an untrained civilian. This forces them to think critically instead of going in guns-a-blazing, because whatever crisis exists might just eat them otherwise.

Fighting

Fighting Video Game Genre has been appealing to passionate gamers since the beginning. Going back to the classic Combat on the Atari 2600, zealous gamerz have never been able to get enough of this genre. These video games continue to be released year after year, and while great games are rewarded with record sales, it takes more than guns and blood to make great games. If the game play is lacking in features or action, gamers will vote with their wallets and skip the title.

FPS (First-Person Shooter)

First Person Shooter: Video Game Genres Defined consists of combat scenarios wherein the gamer shares the character's point of view and sees the virtual world of the game through the character's eyes. A third person shooter game offers a perspective where the gamer views the character from behind, 3/4 overhead or all around.

The variations in game play are the gamerz perspectives within the 3D environment of the game. There are many more similarities than differences. For example, a true shooting game must have an arsenal ranging from lightweight firearms to heavy artillery. First Person shooter games or shooting games are popular due to their visceral quality and overall immersion levels.

There is no doubt that this first-person perspective allows avid gamerz to become so engrossed in a game that they lose all track of time.

Shooter games were introduced back in the days of Wolfenstein on the PC, which in turn met its perfect match in those early days with the cult classic video game Doom. When Doom first hit store shelves, a shockwave ran throughout the gaming community. Gamers would spend countless hours blasting the evil alien denizens that had taken on the demonic aspects of humanity's worst fears.

Puzzle

Puzzle Video Game Genre including board games is one of the most popular in the market today.

This genre is sometimes called the puzzle/gaming genre due to the fact that it includes any number of sub-genres. Notable types of sub-genre are puzzle games, card games, board games, and games based on popular television game shows such as Jeopardy and Deal or no Deal. This overall genre is about videogames that challenge the mind far more than they challenge the reflexes.

Simulation

Simulation Video Game Genre or SIMS comes in many forms. The most notable are world or nation building games, dating simulations, hybrid games, various business simulators and historical war simulations. The basic premise of SIMS is that they simulate some part of life, even if that part of life does not yet exist or has not existed for a very long time.

Sports

Sports Games offer a vast array of titles for the different gaming systems and gamerz interests. For example, NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA, WWE, Major League Baseball and Ultimate Fighting Championship video game titles.

Sport titles feature simulation=SIM that provide the look and feel of playing traditional physical sports. Some emphasize playing the sport while others focus on the strategy behind the sport. This genre remains extremely popular today and is incredibly competitive.

Racing

Racing Video Game Genre attracts gamerz from all walks of life: young gamerz not old enough to actually drive, single guys & gals, dads who are too smart to actually drive like that anymore, and even grandparents have been known to get into the action. Racing titles run the gamut from realistic driving SIM=simulation video games to bang ‘em up demolition derby arcade games, and even multiplayer games. Whatever the taste of the gamers, there is a racing game selection for him or her.

War

War Video Game Genre titles that are recognizable to gamers would be the Medal of Honor series, Halo series, Ghost Recon and Call of Duty.

The Medal of Honor series are simulation games that allow the gamerz to take on the role of a soldier in a historical wartime scenario such as WW II.

The Halo series is a setting that takes place in a distant possible future where humans are at war with an advanced alien race.
The Ghost Recon series presents excellent videogame play featuring squad-based tactical shooter.

Educational

Educational Video Games cover a wide range of titles and are designed as learning tools for all ages. Several examples include geography, child-reading tools, word games, quizzes, math and logic games plus language learning.

Poker Game Software

Poker Game Software is included within the genres section to assist poker players looking for an edge. Poker Calculators, the most requested type of poker assist software offers odds, draws and profiling stats. They keep track of all the important statistics and calculate all the important numbers for you instantly for both the mathematical and human aspect of the game. There are 12 software reviews including single game and tournament play.

Video Games Glossary

Video Games Glossary A

l33t
gamerz speak=leet, is an abbreviation for elite meaning a powerful video game player.
A Game
first of 3 game ratings. This is a fair to good game title.
AA Game
middle rating, known as a Double A Game or Double A Title video game.
AAA Game
term for a Triple A Game or Triple A Title video game. The best rating. Additional ratings are from fair to worse at B, C, D, and F respectively.
AI
a branch of computer science related to teaching computers to think and act like humans=artificial intelligence. In computer games, AI techniques are used to find shortest paths through complex situations, anticipate a gamerz moves and fight like a human opponent, adapting quickly for each move.
Analogue Stick
Although we take it for granted today, the analogue stick on a controller first hit the mainstream with the Nintendo 64 controller. It is now a basic feature and a standard in any video games glossary.
Auto Aim
game play procedure where the Ai of the game will assist you in aiming. This is most commonly seen in third person shooters although it is in other video games as well. The aiming square, circle, etc. will automatically go over your nearest target.
Auto Save
a common feature of many video games in the modern era, it is the technique of automatically saving your game. Usually, should you go through a certain check point, the game will save. Most games that have this feature will warn you before you start. This is done in order that you do not turn off your console while the game is auto saving.

Video Games Glossary B

Back Tracking
when a game forces you to back track over an area that you have already passed. This is common in many adventure games. Generally, you will back track through an area in order to take back an item.
Boss
the major antagonist related to the game title. His/her death is generally the goal of the game.
Bug
game title hiccup.

Video Games Glossary C

Camping
game play style wherein the player decides to sit in a particular area of a game due to the regen rate of creatures or to continually rekill respawning player characters at their point of origin.
CD Rom
the media of choice for many game consoles is the Sega CD, Sony Playstation and Sega Saturn in the mid 90’s.
Cartridge
was the way that games were played for the most part until the mid 90’s.
Clan Tag
In many games, a group of gamers who play together on a regular basis, or who are at the same skill level will create a clan. This group usually plays team games or games where being familiar with each other’s playing style, will be beneficial to the outcome of the game.
Code
programming that permits game play.
Console
video games glossary term for hardware device used to play games. Consoles perform as a camera when connected to a TV via the Vectrex.
Controller
device used to play video games to include a D-Pad=direction pad along with start and select buttons. Wii remote is another example with alternative features.
Combo
jargon for unique game action when the video game player performs a quick movement utilizing several controller buttons. Also referred to as a combo move.
Coop
jargon for group of gamerz with the same goal of battling the AI.
Crash
malfunction of the game, console or online server resulting in loss of further game play. Bummer to the nth degree.

Video Gamer Terms D

D-Pad
term for direction pad that displays as a + sign referring to right, left, up and down directions. Required to control movement of the game. If you want to C, you need the D.
Death
the end of a game character and possibly a game ender.
Ditch
you are outta there and have left the video game behind.
Dual Shock
Playstation controller that had the dual analogue sticks and the rumble feature, This design and video gamer terms are still used today for the Sony Playstation 3.

Video Gamer Terms E

E3
abbreviation for Electronics Entertainment Expo, the largest video game convention. Look for new titles released here.
E10+ rating
term for game titles for ages ten and up. Generally not overly violent in action or language.
Easter Egg
video gamers terms for signature of the creator or developer of the game title and not central to the game action.
EC-Rating
term for Early Childhood rating and suitable for all ages often featuring cartoon characters.
ESRB
abbreviation for Entertainment Software Rating Board, a panel who reviews and rates video game titles.

Video Gamer Terms G

Faceplant
death or defeat when playing online multiplayer video games.
Fan Boy
a rabid fan of a particular console or game that is unable to consider any other point of view. There is no reasoning with a fan boy.
Farming
gamer term describing the practice of killing weak monsters or enemies in large numbers in a bid to gain easy experience and money.
Final Boss
a gamers’ mortal enemy who in most cases, must be destroyed to win the game.
Free-for-all
group of gamers whose loyalty is not to the team, but to win on their own.

Video Gamer Terms G

Game Over
the bad guys/gals are gone and the win is yours.
Game play
a decisive factor of the game title involving player action and reliable programming. High marks for action and programming=excellent game play.
Gamers or Gamerz
terms used at gamerisms referring to video game players.
Gamer Tag
is a screen name used online that is unique to identify the gamer when online.
Gold
game title near completion.
Going Gold
jargon for next step in the video game production, the release.
Grind
jargon for boring recurring movements with the goal of continuing the game.

Video Gamer Terms H

Hack
gamer who attempts to control the game by illegal procedures resulting in a game ban or prosecution. Boos all round.
Hard Drive
While used by PC gamers for years, it was not until the original Xbox that a hard drive was seen as a good way for consoles to save data.
Head to Head
video game player vs. the challenging video game player.
Headshot
occurs when a character receives a hit/bullet/strike to the head.
Health
calculation of the possible death of a game character.
HP
jargon for health points, hit points or heart points referring to the calculation of the game character’s health.

Video Gamer Terms I - L

Instance
A specific occurrence of an area in a game that is designed to be used by more than one group of people. This can relate to an entire server in some cases.
Kill
the antagonist is done.
Leaderboard
tally of top video gamerz listed in order of success.
Lock-on
act of centering the main character on a certain item, thereby redirecting all attacks to that specific item.

Video Gamer Terms M - N

MMORPG
Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games are role-playing=RPG game played online where sometimes millions of gamers are interacting at the same time. Examples of these games are World of Warcraft and Diablo series.
M-Rating
refers to mature video game player over 17. Game title is sure to include violent kills and language.
Main Character
controlled by the gamer.
Maze Game
term for a game that involves a maze puzzle.
Memory card
similar to a flash drive to allow video game players to save game data.
Mini Boss
in many older games and some newer ones, the rule was that before you would face an end of level boss, you would be required to beat a mini boss. Generally, the mini boss segment occurs about half way through the level or just before the end of level boss.
Mode
term for a portion of the game play that differs from other portions.
Motion Controls
Nintendo Wii changed the way that many people viewed video games with the introduction of motion controls. Upon the arrival into the main stream, this phrase quickly became part of the video gamer terms..
Multiplayer
group video game play.
Noob, N00b or nub
jargon for a new or low-level video game player.
NPC
abbreviation for Non-Player Character and is AI-controlled.

Video Gamer Terms P

Platform
The system on which a game is played. Example, Atari, Nintendo, Xbox.
PSP
PlayStation Portable is a handheld gaming console made by Sony.
PVP
Player-versus-player
Puzzle Game
games that are mentally challenging or test the motor skills typically fall into this category. Tetris is one of the most played for this genre.

Video Gamer Terms R

Real-time
term for non-stop action game play.
Real-time Strategy or RTS
game that requires strategic calculations by the video game player.
Regen Rate
The rate at which monsters or enemy characters respawn.
Regenerative Health
many modern video games have done away with health power ups and instead have opted for a system where if your character does not take any damage, their health will regenerate.
Release
the game title is published and ready for sale.
RP
abbreviation for rating, pending and awaiting the ESRB determination.
RPG=Role Playing Game
game in which gamers build statistics, collect items and use strategy to complete quests or defeat enemies.

Video Gamer Terms S - Z

Sandbox
video gamer terms for game titles that are a ‘free for all’ for gamerz to explore.
Save
to capture game data onto a hard drive or memory card.
SIM=Simulation Game
a game where gamerz build in a virtual world. A video game player can build, play and complete quests with everything from building an amusement park to building an army to attack another gamer in the simulation.
T-Rating
term for teen rating. These game titles generally display violence and combat.
Text Adventure
one of the earliest forms of video games that displayed few graphics. You would read a story on the screen and type in the command of what you thought you should do. Do I hear a sigh of relief from gamers worldwide that we have moved beyond this stage?
W00t
expression of excitement or joy. Translated as 'We Owned Other Team' for a win.
XP
abbreviation for experience points, thus an established gamer.