Genre & Subgenre Guide

[tactical_nuke]

Please refer to this post when adding Genres and Subgenres to entries.

Genres are in bold. This categorizes the entry in a broad way that makes lists on the site organized. Beyond that, a game's Genre describes the gameplay of a title which is important for listing the actual content of games.

Subgenres are underlined. This is where you get into the specifics of the gameplay. The aim is to elaborate further on the title's gameplay. This is typically where confusion tends to arise so please use your judgement; especially on games that blur categorization. Use of multiple Subgenres is encouraged when applicable and should be separated by a " / " for consistency and clarity. Remember: almost every entry has at least one Subgenre.

Please make sure to read the notes in italics. You'll see them set off by "*". They'll tell you about more in depth categorizing rules.

NOT subgenres:
"arcade" - Gaming establishments have existed for decades and housed a wide range of electronic games. To use it as a descriptive term is too vague.
"space shooter" - Whether or not it takes place in space is irrelevant to the gameplay.

Action

Pure action games have gameplay based on real-time interactions that challenge the reflexes. There can be some text, story, or NPCs but they are never the main focus. For example, a game like Bayonetta is actually Action/Adventure because while Beat Em Up mechanics are at it's core, the game is much more complex and story driven. The primary appeal and challenge of the action genre is to test the player’s physical skills, such as timing, precision, or reaction speed. This can be done by aide of an onscreen character or object. In a nutshell, reaction time or reflex games, story elements are non-existent or there to provide context and not deepen the gameplay.

Beat 'Em Up - The gameplay consists of advancing through stages while primarily using hand to hand/foot combat. - Streets of Rage, Turtles In Time, Final Fight, Simpsons Arcade, Etc.
Hack 'N Slash - The gameplay consists of advancing through stages while primarily using blades to fight off hordes of enemies. - Golden Axe, Gauntlet, Etc.
Swipe 'N Slice - Use of touch screen is required as you slice things on screen. - Fruit Ninja
Snake - Variations of the classic game. - Centipede
Side-Scroller - Similar to platformer but less jumping and platforms. You're still getting from A to B though. -
Maze - The player must traverse maze-like levels. Gameplay  is varied in this section. While strategy is required to play, do not add these games to that Genre. - Pac-Man, Ecco The Dolphin, Devil World
Action Puzzle - You'll be running around or doing other actions to solve puzzles. - Katamari, World of Goo, deBlob, LIMBO
Trajectory - Sort of like a reverse Tower Defense. - Angry Birds
Breakout - The ball, the bricks, the paddle. - Arkanoid, Alleyway
Pong - Rudimentary table tennis. - Color TV Game 15, Pong Consoles, Video Olympics
Run 'N Gun - Combines platforming and shooting elements. May be listed under Platformer genre if shooting elements are very light. - Contra, Earthworm Jim, Alien Hominid, Jazz Jackrabbit, Metal Slug, Gunstar Heroes, Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Etc.

Adventure

Adventure games have situational problems for the player to solve, with very little or no action. The gameplay typically involves gathering information and items as well as exploring to solve puzzles and advance the plot. If there is action, it is generally confined to isolated minigames. The gameplay revolves around the story elements. In a nutshell, games that require contextual problem solving.

Text Adventure - The most classic Adventure Subgenre. You are required to input text in these games to advance. Not to be confused with Visual Novels which has you primarily reading text. - Zork, Many early text-based PC games, Etc.
Puzzle - The problems presented to you are puzzles, which you solve to advance the plot. - Professor Layton
Visual Novel - A Japanese gaming tradition. A choose-your-own adventure novel brought to life with branching paths, sprites, items, backgrounds and music. "Dating sims" belong here as "Visual Novel / Adult", not under Simulator. - Saya No Uta, Steins;Gate, Ace Attorney Series, Etc.
Point & Click - You primarily interact with your environment, using a cursor to complete these games. - Sam & Max, Monkey Island, Jurassic Park on Sega CD, X Files, Leisure Suit Larry, Etc.
Interactive Video - Games in this section utilize video to test the player in real time. - Night Trap, Space Ace, Time Gal, Dragon's Lair
Choose Your Own Adventure - If an adventure game doesn't fall into any other Adventure Subgenre, you should use this. - Plumbers Don't Wear Ties

Action-Adventure

Action Adventure games engage both reflexes and problem-solving, in both violent and non-violent situations.  They may require many of the same physical skills as action games, but also offer a storyline, numerous characters, an inventory system, dialogue, and other features of adventure games. Examples include Zelda, God of War, Tomb Raider, Beyond Good and Evil, Resident Evil, Hitman, GTA etc.
In a nutshell, the game should have actiony, reaction time based gameplay but also have adventure elements with problem solving, inventory, NPCs, text and stories that influence your gameplay experience.

No Subgenre - These game are pure Action/Adventure. - *The Legend Of Zelda
First Person
Third Person
Survival
Survival Horror - The gameplay focuses on surviving violent onsloughts of macabre enemies. - Resident Evil, DinoCrisis, Dead Rising, Alan Wake, Blue Stinger, Silent Hill, Etc.
Sandbox
Stealth - The main gameplay style has you sneaking around enemies. - Metal Gear, Splinter Cell, Mark of the Ninja
Metroidvania - Metroidvania games generally feature a large interconnected world map the player can explore, though access to parts of the world is often limited by doors or other obstacles that can only be passed once the player has acquired special items, tools, weapons or abilities within the game. - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Wonderboy, Demon's Crest, Metroid, Steamworld Dig, etc.

*The only Zelda game that is not Act/Adv is Zelda II. That is categorized as Genre: RPG Subgenre: Action RPG. Western RPG elements are present in these games but at its core, the Zelda formula is Act/Adv. If you think one of the side games isn't Act/Adv please let us know.

Classic Shooter

In a Classic Shooter, the player character engages in a lone assault, often in a spacecraft or aircraft, shooting large numbers of enemies while dodging their attacks. Games may include player characters on foot and a variety of perspectives. Shoot 'em ups call for fast reactions and for the player to memorize levels and enemy attack patterns.

3D - StarFox, Wing Commander
Single Screen (AKA Fixed) - Space Invaders, Asteroids
Horizontal - Gradius, Parodius, Magical Chase
Vertical - Galaga
Rail/On-Rails - The game moves you through the stage and it's up to you to aim and shoot. - Sin & Punishment, Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles, House of the Dead, Dead Space Extraction
Light Gun - Games that utilize a Zapper, Menacer, Guncon, SuperScope, Etc. - Duck Hunt, Time Crisis, ActionMax games, T2
Bullet Hell - Touhou
Tube - Tempest
Shooting Gallery - Like a Rail Shooter but fixed.

Compilation

For single titles that include multiple games of different genres. The only thing separating these games should be menus and not a whole other over-arching game. Let me make it clear that Party games are NOT Compilations. Party games have an overall competition connecting all the mini games and as such belongs under Game Simulator >> Party.

Misc. Genres & Subgenres - Please put all the Genres and Subgenres in the Subgenre field. If all the games are of the same Genre, the entry should not be in this section. Instead, Compilation can be included as a Subgenre in this case while the common Genre is used.
Demos - You can specify in the Subgenre that the title is a demo sampler. All rules in this guide apply just the same whether said title is a demo or not.

Education

*These games mix gameplay with teaching. Most of these are Early Childhood rated games. Please don't put stuff like recipe guides or language coaches in here. Software with no gameplay goes in Genre: Non-Game Subgenre: (Insert Use Here).

Early Childhood - ABCs & 123s - Kid's shows liscenced games etc.
Health - Bronkie The Bronchiasaurus, Captain Novalin
Training - Brain Age, Big Brain Academy
Language - Talkman
Math, Language, Etc. - Lightspan PS1 games

*Games with environmental messages attached can have Edutainment as a Subgenre. - Awesome Possum, Captain Planet

Fighting

Fighting games emphasize KOing your opponent- either human player or CPU. Use of 2D, 2.5D or 3D is reccomended when adding the Subgenre.

1V1 - These games are the typical 2 characters on screen per match type. - Mortal Kombat, Godzilla, Virtua Fighter, Tekken, Bloody Roar, Killer Instinct, Etc.
Tag Team - The matches can have you switch out multiple characters that you selected. - Marvel Vs. Capcom, Skullgirls
Pro Wrestling - Games based on Pro Wrestling sports entertainment. - WWE, M.U.S.C.L.E., Pro Wrestling on NES, Celebrity Death Match, Def Jam
Martial Arts - Certain martial arts are mainly simulated in the gameplay. - MMA, Bruce Lee
Party Brawler - 2 - 4 characters fight on the battlefield. These games take on much of Super Smash Bros.' elements. - Smash Brothers, Playstation Allstars, Dream Mix TV World Fighters

Fitness

Games in this Genre are very much separate from simulations because they physically train your actual body. Please note, even though DDR has a calorie burning mode, that is not the main focus of the game and cannot be added here. The main selling point of the game should be getting fit.

Meditation - Deepak Chopra's Leela
Yoga - WiiFit
Cardio - Zumba, Anything with a pedometer accessory
Sports - NFL Training Camp, Kinect Sports
Health - "For your health." - Glucoboy

Game Creator

Games in this section fuction mostly as applications for creating your own games. The Genre of game you're creating should be in the Subgenre section, as the main focus is making the game.

Misc. Genres & Subgenres - Depends on what you're making. - RPG Maker, Fighter Maker, WarioWare DIY, Mario Maker

Game Simulator

The gameplay in these games are based off of other existing games of skill/chance that are usually not electronic.

Trivia - Seen It?, You Don't Know Jack
Board Game - Monopoly, Clue, Family Game Night
Card Game - UNO
Trading Card Game / Card Battle - Trading and Collecting Card Games - Pokemon Trading Card Game, Yu-Gi-Oh!
Gambling - Caesar's Palace
Game Show - Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Jeapordy! Etc.
Party - The game's main focus is playing with friends. Different from a mini-game compilation in that it must have an overarching game to connect them. - Mario Party, Sonic Shuffle, Rayman Raving Rabbids, B.U.T.T.O.N.
Pinball - Pinball on NES, Metroid Prime Pinball, Mario Pinball Land, Pokemon Pinball, Etc.

Music/Rhythm

The player must input or perform a series of commands or movements to the rhythm of music.

No Subgenre - You're generally just hitting buttons to the beat. - Pop'n Music, Parappa the Rapper
Dance - DDR, Dance Central, Just Dance
Dance Simulator - No actual feet movement is required. - Space Channel 5
Karaoke - Karaoke Revolution, Singstar
Instrumental - The type of instrument used can also be added as a Subgenre. (ie Guitar, Drums, Band) - Wii Music, Donkey Konga, Guitar Hero, Guitar Freaks, Taiko Drum Master, Samba De Amigo
DJ - DJ Hero, Beatmania

Non-Game

There is no gameplay in these software entries. They have other uses but are not considered hardware. Due to sheer quantity, PC software will be held to higher standards for database approval.

Trailer(s) - Demo discs with just trailers. If there are playable demos, please add to their respective Genre.
Books - The King James Bible, 100 Classic Books, Story Books
Reference Books - Encyclopedias, Dictionaries
Cook Book - DS Cooking Guides
Info - Similar to an Encyclopedia but with info on only one subject.
Utility - Video Testing, Online Startup Discs, DSi Apps, PSP Media Manager, Notebooks, other tools/apps, Etc.
Movie/Video - PSP Movie UMDs, GBA VideoNow, CDi Movie Discs
Ambient Video - Software for background noise and video. - Aquarium HD, Fireplace
Programming - BASIC
Chatbot - A program that has AI converse with you. - Abuse
Interactive Tour - A digital tour, often of a museum or real-life place. There is no gameplay to speak of, except for moving to sections and listening/reading info. Not a point & click game.
Tech Demo - Software used to show off the technical capabilities of a platform.
Fortune Telling - Taboo The 6th Sense
Expansion - Software that exists to add content to an existing stand-alone title. Not playable by itself. No DLC please.
Slideshow - Not video, just a power point type slideshow. - Various 3DO software
Cheat - ActionReplay, GameShark

Platformer

The player is primarily tasked with jumping and maneuvering around objects.

2D - Super Mario Bros., Gex, Bonk, Sonic, Donkey Kong Country, Etc.
2.5D - Mixes 2D and 3D - At the same time. Switching between them doesn't count. (That'd be 2D / 3D) - Kirby 64, Yoshi's Island, Tomba
3D - Super Mario Bros., Gex, Bonk, Sonic, Donkey Kong Country, Mirror's Edge

Puzzle

Games that test your mind. Include logical thinking and spacial interaction.

Word - Crosswords
Number - Sudoku
Matching/Pairing - Bejeweled, Lights Out
Action Puzzle (AKA Puzzle Platformer) - You'll be running around or doing other actions to solve puzzles. Please note, this Subgenre can be under Action or Puzzle; it depends on which elements take more priority in game. - Mario & Wario, Marble Madness, Spindizzy, Sokobon
Hidden Object - Where's Waldo, I Spy
Falling - Tetris, Dr.Mario, WildSnake, Tetris Attack, Wario's Woods, Panic Bomber
Upwards - Bust-a-Move
3D - Some puzzle games can only be described as 3D. Perhaps it's like a Rubik's Cube type game; that would go in here. - Tetrisphere

Racing

A game where a race against computers or human players is the main focus. Vehicles are typically used. Monster truck rally-like games are also included here due to driving being a central gameplay mechanic.

No Subgenre - Just classic car racing. - Gran Turismo, Forza
Misc. Vehicles - Insert vehicle as the Subgenre. - Motorcycle, Jet Ski, Etc.
F1/Grand Prix -
NASCAR - Indy 500
Street/Drag - TestDrive, Need for Speed, Fast and the Furious
Offroad - ATV, DiRT
Futuristic - Star Wars Episode 1 Racer, Venetica
Kart Racing - Characters in Go-Karts. Weapons are commonplace. - Mario Kart, Crash Team Racing, Diddy Kong Racing
Combat - Akin to a monster truck rally; fighting in cars. - Twisted Metal, Vigilante 8

RPG

This Genre has its roots in classic tabletop gaming. Battle systems are incorporated into the game that utilize numbers and sometimes chance. Common elements include character parties, leveling up, enemy encounter systems and extensive item lists. Please note, the name Role Playing Game is not a licence to call any game where you play as a character an RPG.

Dungeon Crawler - The game is based primarily on traversing dungeons, opening chests, etc. - Dungeon Master
MMORPG - RPGs with tons of human players playing alongside you. - WoW, LOTR Online
Rogue - Randomly generated dungeons are explored. - Rogue
Tactical (AKA Strategy RPG) - This RPG subgenre incorporates strategic gameplay such as tactical movement on an isometric grid. A distinct difference between tactical RPGs and traditional RPGs is the lack of exploration. Tactical RPGs instead emphasis on battle strategy. Usually the game will hop you from battle area to battle area with prep sequences in between. - Fire Emblem, Shining Series, Langrisser, Master of Monsters, Ogre Battle, Vandal Hearts, Guardian War, Final Fantasy Tactics, Sakura Wars, Disgaea, Project X Zone
Turn Based - The basic RPG Subgenre. Random encounters lead to taking turns fighting, leveling up, Etc. - Final Fantasy, Phantasy Star, .hack, MOTHER
Action RPG - Incorporate Action Genre elements into gameplay such as real time combat. - Ys, Dragon Slayer, Tales of Destiny, Zelda II, Project X Zone
Sandbox - Players are given a large amount of freedom and free-roaming environment. - Minecraft, The Elder Scrolls
Creature Collector - Caught monsters make up your party and you fight with them. - Pokemon, Digimon

Shooter

The genre of shooting games commonly associated with the first person shooter. This genre extends to other non-classic shooting games and are usually more realistic in its gameplay.

First Person - Call of Duty, Battlefield, Medal of Honor
Third Person - Gears of War
Tactical - First person shooters that demand realistic coordinated tactics. - SOCOM, Ghost Recon
Arial Combat - Ace Combat, JASF
Naval - Shipwreckers, BattleStations
Mech - MechAssault, Gundam, Custom Robo

[tactical_nuke]

Simulator

These games range from offshoots of strategy games that are geared towards doing your own thing to straight emulations of real things.

X Builder - Solve for X. - SimCity, Zoo Tycoon, Rollercoaster Tycoon, Spore Creature Creater
Management - Government or business management. - Farm Simulator, *Football Manager
Vehicle - Games that aim to simulate a cockpit or driving seat realistically. May contain combat. - Top Gun
Life - Simulates people and the everyday things they do. - The Sims, Animal Crossing, Oregon Trail, **Harvest Moon
Art - The game is about making works of art! - Mario Paint, Art Academy, Color a Dinosaur, Inchworm Animation, ACME Animation Studio
Editing - Arranging video and audio. - The Sega CD Music Video Creator Games
Magic - Master of Illusion
Pets - Nintendogs, Kinectamals
Space Flight - Psi 5 Trading Company, Star Flight
Fashion - Games where the primary focus is shopping, designing clothing, modeling, doing hair/make-up or any combination there of.

*Games where you play as the manager and not the player go in this section, not sports.

**Harvest Moon is a strange game to categorize because it is a Life & Management sim as well as a RPG. It is foremost a simulater, however, as RPG elements are lighter.

Sports

Simply, games with sport-influenced gameplay. You take control of the player(s).

Compilation - Wii Sports
Baseball - MLB
Bowling - Brunswick Bowling
Boxing - Rocky, Punch-Out!!, Ready to Rumble, Don King Prize Fighter
Cricket -
Rugby -
Swimming - Micheal Phelps: Push the Limit
Extreme Sports - Skateboarding, BMX, SSX, Surfing, California Games, Etc.
American Football - Please don't just add "Football" the US is not the only country in the world. - Madden, 10-Yard Fight
Football/Soccer - FIFA
Golf - Tiger Woods, PGA Tour
Futuristic - Must be added along with the specific sport in the Subgenres. - Rocket League, Cyberball, Speedball 2100, Dead Ball Zone, Etc.
Hockey - NHL, Gretzky, Stanley Cup
Hunting - Cabella
Archery - Link's Crossbow Training
Fishing - Black Bass
Lacrosse -
Winter - Slalom, Skiing, Etc.
Tennis/Badminton - Super Tennis, Mario Tennis
Track & Field - Track & Field on NES
Olympic - Sonic & Mario At The Olympics, Caveman Games
X Ball - Games like dodgeball and wallball can go in here as well. - Super Glove Ball, Battle Dodgeball
Billiards/Pool - Side Pocket, World Championship Pool
Darts - Championship Darts

Strategy

Strategy games emphasize tactical combat management and gameplay. Note that employing strategies are part of many games but only specific games have Strategy as a main focus. Examples of games that shouldn't be in this genre: Pac-Man (Action), Zoo Tycoon (Simulator), Chess/Checkers (Game Simulator).

RTS - Real time strategy games have you controlling your team while time passes in game. - Age of Empires, StarCraft
MOBA - Multiplayer online battle arena games are based off RTS games but include action elements. - LoL, Dota 2
War - Artillery, missile trajectory, war management is emphasized. - WarGames
MMORTS - Strategy games with many online players. -
Real Time Tactics - These games get into the nitty gritty of war strategy with emphasis on actual fighting of units. - Total War
Tower Defense - Simpler strategy games that have you defending a static point. - Plants Vs. Zombies
Turn Based  -  The game operates like most strategy games but uses a RPG-like turn based combat system. - Advanced Wars, Godzilla 2 on NES, Sid Meier's Civilization
Time Management
Resource Management

The Hardware Classes

These should be simple to categorize. I've added examples of Subclasses for the sake of the guide.

Acessory - Stylus, Cartridge Adaptor, Modem, Etc.
Cables - AV, AC, Controller Extension, Link, Etc.
Controllers - Turbo, Wireless, Dance Mat, Motion, Arcade Stick, Etc.
Memory/Backup - Memory Card, RAM Expansion, Etc.
System - Handheld, Bundle, Etc.

Other Notes:

*Subgenres assigned to Edutainment, Compilation and Demo may include the Genres listed above as well as the Subgenres.

*Subgenre Modifiers may be used to elaborate on the game's perspective and other details. These include but are not limited to:
2D - Super Mario Bros., Bonk
2.5D (These games are mostly rendered in 3D but the gameplay operates in a left and right, 2D manner. This set path may twist and turn but primarily stays 2D on a 3D environment.) - Kirby 64, Super Smash Bros., Etc.
Isometric (A 2D game with graphics that give it a 3D look.) - Marble Madness, Q*Bert, Sonic 3D Blast
3D - Super Mario 64
First Person - Portal
Third Person - Dead Rising
Top Down - Ikari Warriors, Total Carnage
J (To denote Japanese RPGs (JRPGs)) - Hyperdimension Neptunia, Earthbound, Final Fantasy, Phantasy Star, Etc.
Futuristic - Usually applied to Sports or Racing. In some cases, it can be used as a stand-alone Subgenre.
College/Pro - Applied to sports.
Side-scrolling - Applied to action games. Avoid pairing with platformers and run ’n guns due to redundancy.

*When Genres are mixed to form the gameplay style or a game has strong elements of more than one Genre present, the Genre with most influence on gameplay is to be the main Genre, everything else should be under Subgenre.

*Please pitch in with examples. There are many Subgenres that need more examples to be clearer as to what it's all about. If you think I missed any Subgenres, please suggest them.

*If you think I am outright wrong on anything in this guide, please let us know and we can discuss as a community and perhaps get a tally going.

[tactical_nuke]

So can I get some feedback on this? Did I miss anything? Can we start using this guide? Can staff add the new Genres and fix the Breakout/Pong label?

[Shadow Kisuragi]

Sorry - somehow missed this. I'll take a look through when I get a chance.

[Duke.Togo]

I'm not a giant fan of "Shoot 'em up." How about something that better reflects the sub-genre like "Single Screen/Scrolling Shooter"?

I don't like a Genre called Adult. The other genres attempt to classify the type of game, but this is just about content. Perhaps an Adult sub-genre in the appropriate genres. For example: Bubble Bath Babes would be Genre: Puzzle Sub: Adult, while Hot Slots would be Genre: Game Simulator Sub: Adult.

I've said it before, but I don't care for a Genre labeled Homebrew. As above, all the other categories attempt to categorize gameplay, where this one is about release date. I would propose putting homebrew games into their appropriate category with a sub-genre of Homebrew if people really want that info.

All-in-all a thorough and solid start. Good job Flee.

[ae.tc]

... I've said it before, but I don't care for a Genre labeled Homebrew. As above, all the other categories attempt to categorize gameplay, where this one is about release date. I would propose putting homebrew games into their appropriate category with a sub-genre of Homebrew if people really want that info.

All-in-all a thorough and solid start. Good job Flee.

agreed, great work here - am a big proponent of 'homebrew' releases, but the genre field should focus on the primary type of gameplay -- although information regarding homebrew & independent commercial titles is still important

[SirPsycho]

I feel like the information about homebrew games should be reserved for a completely different field. There are some areas of the database that aren't utilized as much, like the Overview and Trivia section, that would be perfect for this information.

[Shadow Kisuragi]

Or, perhaps, Release Type?

[tactical_nuke]

I can always make a section of Subgenres that span many Genres and put Adult and Homebrew in there. They do seem to fit better in the Subgenre field. Seems like a pretty unanimous change. Any opposed to this? Also I like Shadow's idea of making Homebrew a release type cause that's really what it is.

As for the Shoot Em' Up dilemma, I can split it into the two that you suggested Duke. If anyone has a better way of splitting it up do tell.

[Duke.Togo]

After hearing it I really like the Release Type field for Homebrew. That would make a lot of sense.

As for the Shoot Em' Up dilemma, I can split it into the two that you suggested Duke.

Honestly, I'd even be fine with both of them fitting in one sub-genre labeled "Single Screen/Scrolling Shooter" if that is simpler. That way it would cover everything from Galaga to Gradius.

Thanks for doing all this work Flee, and being open to feedback.

[tactical_nuke]

Hmm I think shooter needs those modifiers, Horizontal and Vertical made into Subgenres. As well as 3D and single screen as Subgenres. That should cover all the space shooters and be easy to remember when adding a game.

[tactical_nuke]

Also this thread should be pinned and thanks Duke.  

[tactical_nuke]

Also also I'll be making a to-do list in the second post soon to keep track of how far we are reworking this.

[tactical_nuke]

Added the To-Do list!

LETS GET SCRATCHIN

[ApolloBoy]

Everything looks good so far, but shouldn't wrestling games be considered sports games? Why is wrestling under the "Fighting" genre but not boxing?