PC video games have come a long way since the days of Pong and Space Invaders. PCs now offer a wide range of games for every taste. Whether you like strategy, adventure, action, or something else, there's sure to be something available for you.
The first category of PC video games is adventure. These games involve exploration and puzzle solving, usually as part of a larger narrative. Adventure games can range from text-based “interactive fiction” all the way up to virtual reality experiences. Popular examples include the classic point-and-click adventure games from the late nineties and early 2000s, and modern open-world sandbox games such as Fallout 4 or Grand Theft Auto V.
Action games are the second major category of PC video games. Action games are characterized by fast-paced, dynamic action, typically played in real-time with the player controlling a character. Popular games in this category include shooters such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, platformers such as Super Mario Bros., and fighting games like Street Fighter 2. Many of these games also feature online competitive play and tournaments.
Strategy games are another popular category of PC video games. These focus on strategic decision making rather than reflexes or character skill. Players may command an army, manage a city, build a business empire, or lead a nation to victory. Examples of classic strategy games include Civilization, Command & Conquer, and Starcraft. More recent titles include Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, Total War: Shogun 2, and Rome: Total War.
Simulation games are a fourth type of PC video games. These games involve the realistic recreation of activities and situations. Examples of simulation games include the popular The Sims series, where players create and control simulated people (“Sims”) living in virtual homes. Other examples include sports simulations such as FIFA and racing games such as Gran Turismo.
Finally, role-playing games (RPGs) let players take on the role of a character in a story-based game world. Players travel, battle enemies, learn magic spells, and fight monsters. Popular examples include the classic Dungeons & Dragons series, the classic Final Fantasy series, and more recent games such as Skyrim and Pillars of Eternity.
These are some of the major categories of PC video games. Each of these game types offers something different, but all of them provide hours of entertainment. With technology advancing so quickly, who knows what new kinds of games will soon be available?
