The action genre of video games refers to those where the player faces physical challenges during gameplay, requiring a precise aim or quick response times.
Action games are the most popular of the genres. It also includes several sub-genres, such as beat em ups, fighting games, platform games, rhythm action games, shooter games, and survival games. Maze games, such as Pac-Man, could be considered action games, as well.
As with many other genres, overlapping genres are not uncommon. Action-adventure games mix elements of the action and adventure genres, so a decision as to which genre such a game should be listed in would depend on where the emphasis of the game is. Is the focus on the action or on the exploration? The same may be true of role-playing games, in which the gameplay often includes action.
In an action game, the player is generally assigned the role of an avatar or protagonist, and the gameplay involves navigating a game level while avoiding obstacles, battling enemies, and collecting objects. Often, the culmination of a level, the player faces off against an enemy boss who is more challenging than other antagonists encountered during that level. Typically, the player's health and lives are depleted by enemy attacks and obstacles, and a "game over" loss is encountered when the player runs out of lives.
Some action games have a final goal, or the last level that must be completed in order to win the game, while others are unbeatable, have an indefinite number of levels, and the goal of gameplay is to get as far as possible, maximizing scores.
While action games might incorporate other challenges, such as collecting objects, solving puzzles, or running races, these are not central to the game. Players in an action game might assume a role, explore a game world, and encounter challenges that require strategy, but the main point of an action game involves hand-eye coordination and high reaction speeds. As the player is under pressure, there isn't time for complex strategies.
Early video games were generally either adventure or action games. Classic action games included Asteroids, Pac-Man, and Space Invaders. Donkey Kong was an early platform game, Karate Champ was a one-on-one fighting game, and Kung-Fu Master was one of the first beat 'em up games.
Given that many video games include overlapping genres, the placement of a game within the genres section is determined by the overall focus of the game and other matters. Action games that can be played online but are not available for download should be listed in the appropriate Online Games category. Subcategories will be created for sub-genres when the number of listed sites suggests a need for it.
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Playable on desktop computers (some Windows, some Mac), tablets, and mobile (Android, iOS, and Windows) mobile devices, the games span the length of the action genre, including racing games, shooting games, war games, tower defense games, fighting games, sports, and platform games. Available games are rated by visitors to the site with from one to five stars. The number of times that a game has been downloaded is given, and downloads are free.
https://www.actiongame.com/
Based on the arcade classic, where the game objective is to destroy asteroids by breaking them up into smaller pieces, Asteroids 3D was developed in Visual C++ 6.0 with DirectX 8.1 over a period of two months and can be run under any Windows system with DirectX 8.1 and a 3D accelerator card. The game and source code may be downloaded from the site. Other resources include the storyline to the game, screenshots, and answers to commonly asked questions.
http://asteroids3d.sourceforge.net/
The Call of Duty Headquarters is dedicated to the series of Call of Duty war games, a first-person shooter video game. The website has relevent information and news regarding the Call of Duty game and the latest updates about the Call of Duty titles and competitions. The website also has forums for discussion among gamers and blogs from game developers. The website also provides videos, podcasts, screenshots, 3D screenshots, concept art and wallpapers and allows you to purchase titles.
http://www.callofduty.com
Also known as the Grant Theft Auto Network or GTANet, the GTA Network is a network of fan sites and gaming communities dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series of video games from Rockstar Games and Take 2 Entertainment. The history of the site is told, and a list of associated websites are included, particularly GTA Forums, sites focused on specific games within the series, and modification websites. Game news, an archive, and live chat are included.
https://www.gtanet.com/
Affiliated with the GTA Network, GTA San Andreas is focused on the fifth title in the Grand Theft Auto series of video games, released by Rockstar Games in 2004. An overview of the game is set forth, along with its setting, story, characters, features, and soundtrack. Game reviews and previews are included, along with a walkthrough of the game, gameplay, and hood life. Cheat codes are presented, along with screenshots, artwork, videos, and links to related sites.
https://www.gtasanandreas.net/
Set in the 18th century Caribbean Sea, the naval combat game includes more than 365 historical ports, each based on their actual locations. Every port has its own supply and demand patterns, offering trading opportunities to players, who can build any ship in the game the way they want it, tweaking its battle and sailing performance during construction. Players fight to dominate the West Indies, building ships, trading goods, attacking enemies, conquering and defending ports, and so on.
http://www.navalaction.com/
Redeemer is a video game in the shooter genre, developed by Sobaka Studio and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released for Microsoft Windows in 2017, an enhanced edition was released for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One in 2019. As the gameplay begins, the player is a former elite operative living in a mountain monastery, but then an evil corporation discovers his location. The game includes exploration, stealth, and combat. One- or two-player modes are available.
http://www.redeemerthegame.com/
The single-player, action-adventure game was published by Square Enix. The gameplay continues the narrative from the previously released Rise of the Tomb Raider, and subsequent entries in the Tomb Raider series, following the story of Lara Croft as she explores the tropical regions of the Americas seeking the legendary city of Paititi, battling a paramilitary organization, and striving to prevent a Mayan apocalypse that she unleashed. A season pass may be purchased online.
https://tombraider.square-enix-games.com/en-us/
Online since 2002, TGTAP is a fan site for the Grand Theft Auto video game by Rockstar Games and Take 2 Interactive Software. The history and an overview of the site are put forth, along with game announcements and news, screenshots, and other information about all of the games in the GTA series. Polls are published, and modifications are available for download. The site also includes an online discussion forum focused on the game. Registration is required.
https://www.thegtaplace.com/
