Mastering the World of Games - Game Genres, Mechanics, and Terminology

Game Genres - From Roguelike to Metroidvania

Being offered, all with different gameplay mechanics, themes, and experiences, the vast array of game genres is astounding. Let us take a look at some of the most popular and influential game genres.

Roguelike

Roguelike games are characterized by procedurally generated levels. There are layout and challenge differences every time one plays through. Most of these games also feature permadeath, meaning that dying and then having to start over from scratch; this increases the stakes and intensifies the experience. Among the best known titles available are Hades and The Binding of Isaac. The promise of changes in level design through each gameplay with endless waves of enemies remains the motivation for players to keep coming back for more.

Soulslike

Inspired by the Dark Souls series, soulslike games give emphasis to challenging combat, intricate level design, and deep lore. They usually have a steep learning curve, where success is a product of precision and patience. The rocks that make the soulslike genre so beloved are difficulty and the satisfaction one feels in overcoming tougher enemies and boss fights. Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are two examples.

Metroidvania

Metroidvania is an exploration, platform, and puzzle genre, named after two iconic games: Metroid and Castlevania. These games usually consist of huge, interlinked worlds that open up with the gain of new power or tools. One of the characteristics of the genre is that it is full of discoveries as players unlock new areas and secrets for every gained upgrade. Some very popular Metroidvania are Hollow Knight and Axiom Verge.

8-Bit Era - Inception of Digital Gaming

The name of the 8-bit era means the fundamental vocabulary for the gaming culture--creation of video games, really. It probably does not require further elaboration, since we regard an era as the epoch of Pac-Man and Space Invaders: quite simple in graphics and sound so as to be nostalgic. Due to hardware limitations, home consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System were introduced into the world, and of course games were not something simple to design.

16-Bit Era - The Rise of Complexity

The early 1990s brought the 16-bit SNES and Genesis systems, with older maps of this era raising graphics to more detail, richer narratives, and superior gameplay. Winners of Max Dynamic: Super Mario World and Sonic the Hedgehog are older titles that hold high regard in this era. It was during this era that some franchises matured, with platformers and RPGs enjoying widespread popularity.

3D Era - Entering the Third Dimension

With the coming of the mid-1990s and the advent of PSX-Sony and N64-Nintendo, the 3D era dawned. Games started drifting from 2D towards 3D worlds, offering greater depth, exploration, and immersion. Game titles like Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time sets new standards of the 3D gaming potential. This period changed the very environment interaction from the player's perspective into one of dynamically far open-world experiences we have today.

Modern Era - The Era of Heavy-Asteroid Damage and Open Worlds

Hyper-realistic graphics, huge open worlds, and breathtaking levels of detail in-game environments mark a modern age in gaming. With the arrival of such consoles as the PS5 and Xbox Series X and further PC development, players can now enjoy near-photorealistic visuals, complex AI, and massive multiplayer experiences. Witcher 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Cyberpunk 2077 symbolize the technological magnificence of this age.