Genre

A genre is a set of criteria for distinguishing different games from one another in terms of types of gameplay.

Action

Action games are largely defined as reflex-based games that typically feature a lot of violent force. Platformers and Beat 'em Ups are considered part of this genre.

Games of this type include Super Mario Bros. and Super Metroid.

Adventure

Adventure games are characterized by exploration, puzzle solving, and interaction with game characters. Games of this type are focused more on narrative than reflex-based challenges.

Games of this type include Legend of Zelda.

Fighting

Fighting games are competitive games that pit two fighters (or more) against eachother. These type of games generally include attack combos and each button corresponds to a different attack.

Games of this type include Super Smash Bros..

First Person Shooter

First Person Shooter (or FPS) are games that take place from the perspective of the player's avatar. Generally in these games all that can be seen is the players arm or arms (or sides of the helmet, depending on game). Games of this genre have an emphasis on constant action and exploration.

Games of this type include Metroid Prime Hunters.

Party

Party games are designed for multiplayer, typically making use of the four controller ports in the Nintendo 64 and later Nintendo systems. These games typically feature a variety of minigames for the players to compete in.

Games of this type include Mario Party and WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!

Pinball

Pinball games are based on classic Pinball Tables, though are often set up for boards not possible with real tables. Generally a game will include multiple tables for play, generally following some kind of theme, such as from a franchise of games.

Games of this type include Metroid Prime Pinball and Mario Pinball Land.

Puzzle

Puzzle games, as their name implies, are based on puzzle-solving to find a solution. This can include a multitude of gameplay types, though most tend to be based on Tetris-like play.

Games of this type include Dr. Mario and Tetris Attack.

Racing

Racing games are speed-based with first place typically being the goal. Exceptions often exist, such as in score-based games like Excite Truck. A subgenre of Racing also includes Kart games, which employ weapons to be used during a race.

Games of this type include F-Zero and Super Mario Kart

Rhythm

Rhythm based games incorporate music and tests the player's ability to follow the beat. This can range from inputting the corresponding controls on the controller, or can use a dance mat or other accessories, like the [[DK Bongos.

Games of this type include Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix and Donkey Konga.

Shooting

Shooting (or Shoot 'Em Up) games usually take place in the cockpit of a flying or space ship. These games can be platform type shooters (such as Space Shooter) or 3D games like Star Fox.

Games of this type include Star Fox 64.

Simulation

Simulation games are less action-oriented and generally act to simulate some part of the real world, such as building a city, the life of a person, or raising a pet.

Games of this type include Nintendogs and SimCity.

Sports

Sports is generally a broad genre that incorporates a multitude of real-life sports set in a realistic or fictional setting. Racing games are generally not considered part of the sports genre.

Games of this type include Mario Tennis and Super Mario Strikers.

Strategy

Strategy games are typically ones that rely on planning and tactics, most often used in war games. These games tend to rely very little on luck and can either be Real-Time games or Turn-Based.

Games of this type include Advance Wars and Pikmin.

Survival Horror

The premise of survival horror games, is just that. To survive. The player is often dropped in a scenario, in which, the player dies relatively easily. he or she will have to solve puzzles, and gain weapons in order to fend off the enemy that is attempting to do away with them.

RPG

Role-Playing Games (or RPGs) are games that generally are composed of a group of characters that increase in power, usually through a means of experience, throughout the game.

Games of this type include Fire Emblem and Pokémon.