Xbox Solution:
Choosing a Genre
Video games have become a common gift for people of all ages. However, if you’re giving the game to a child, you’ll want to make sure you choose an appropriate title. We cover the most common genres below. Most games, however, fall under more than one genre, and new genres and variations are developing every day.
First-Person Shooters (FPS): In these games, you have the first-person perspective, as if you were looking through the eyes of the main character. This is one of the most popular genres available for the Xbox. Halo® is possibly the most well known, but there are several other fine choices available. Nowadays, FPS games have intricate stories that will keep you interested until the end of the game. Keep in mind that most of these games may be violent. If you are unsure whether the title is appropriate, rent it and play it yourself first.
Roleplaying Games (RPG): The player takes the role of one of the main characters. Other characters often help the hero. The hero has certain skills such as speed, strength, magical powers, and morale, which develop during gameplay. RPG games are story driven, and goals include (but are not limited to) finishing a quest, leveling up, defeating an evil power by finding and using an important artifact, or saving someone/something from danger or peril.
Phantasy Star Online
Roleplaying games can be played either from a first-person or a third-person perspective. The point of view usually changes as the action occurs to and/or around the character. The battle between good and evil is usually the central theme. Fighting and solving puzzles are both present in this genre. MMORPGs (Massive Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games) are basically the same as RPGs except that they are usually played over an Internet connection with many other players. Phantasy Star Online is an RPG.
Both RPGs and MMORPGs will take a bit of ingenuity and cognition, so be sure your child is up to the challenge.
Action: These types of games often combine different genres: shooting from first-person shooters, fighting, precision walking and jumping from platform games, and solving puzzles from adventure games. They are usually fast-paced games that require good reflexes. The typical action game has one central character. A quest, often consisting of several missions, is played with the character. The missions are often very linear and are part of one story that forms the background for the game. The action genre covers many titles, even titles you may consider to be a sport or racing title, so choose wisely.
Strategy: Strategy games vary greatly from title to title and focus on using your mind and wits to advance through the game. Strategy games such as The Sims™ Bustin' Out (which carries a Teen rating) allow your child to assume the role of a virtual representation of themselves or a random person. InThe Sims, your child is responsible for day-to-day activities, such as hygiene and social skills. Building a successful Sim is done by meeting your responsibilities and keeping your Sim’s life on an upward track, an easy way to teach your child the importance of working hard and time management. Other strategy games are available, and most should be suitable for the majority of gamers.
The Sims Bustin’ Out
Platform: Blending rich environments and adventure with puzzles and cartoon-like graphics, platformer titles have stood the test of time. Two of the more popular platform titles available are Blinx™: The Time Sweeper™ and Voodoo Vince. Both titles challenge players to solve puzzles to progress through the game. As they progress, they are treated to more pieces of the story line.Blinx: The Time Sweeper is rated E for Everyone and gives the player control over time to determine the solution to the puzzles. Platform games are a simple way to teach kids problem-solving skills as well logic and reasoning abilities while still allowing them to have fun.
Voodoo Vince
Fighting: Fighting titles are among the most infamous games. Many of today's fighting games are rated T for Teen. However, they should be checked carefully before purchasing for children under certain ages. Two of the most popular Xbox fighting games are SoulCalibur® II and Capcom vs. SNK 2: E.O. While fighting games are violent by nature, neither of these two titles are gory. Capcom vs. SNK in particular contains a more suitable style for children; the characters are not in 3-D and have more of a comic design.
Puzzle: Puzzle games allow players to solve riddles or overcome obstacles by matching patterns, finding missing/hidden articles, or solving color-coded puzzles. Puzzle games also include dance/rhythm games that play music and challenge players to try to keep up with the beat by pushing color-coded buttons at the appropriate time.
Simulation: Simulation games model real-life situations. Strategy war games mimicking historic battles are simulations; so are racing games that allow you to adjust tire pressure, spoiler drag, etc. Microsoft's Flight Simulator is probably the most well-known game in the simulation genre for PC. Simulation canalso include such games as RollerCoaster Tycoon® where the focus of the game is to build and manage a theme park. Simulation titles are a great way to educate your child on some of the every day tasks we find ourselves involved with.
RollerCoaster Tycoon
Sports: Almost any sport you can think of has a virtual equivalent. There are generally two types of sports games: arcade and simulation. In arcade games, the characters have unrealistic capabilities; it is the reaction of the player that counts, not the accurate representation of the sport. In these types of sports games, violence may be more likely. The simulation games try to portray the sport as realistically as possible. The player has to know all rules and tactics of the sport he is playing to win. Within the sports genre, there are management simulation games where the player becomes the coach or general manager of a team and is responsible for training his players, buying equipment, and so on, as well as trying to win the competition.
Most sports titles will be suitable for all ages, with the exception of only a few. Check the back of the box and read the description and choose your child's favorite sport.
Developing Genres
As we mentioned, new genres are born every day. One is the family genre, an excellent addition to the library. Titles such as Monopoly Party, Nickelodeon Party Blast, and Trivial Pursuit Unhinged can be played by the entire family. Is there a better way to spend the weekend than getting up at 7:00 AM to play a game with your kids? Invest the time into researching your selection, and you and your children will reap the rewards of a great gaming experience!
What Do You Think?
Tell us what your favorite genre is by casting your vote on our poll, click here. And don’t forget to check out our new Kid Corner on XboxSolution.com.
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