Video puzzle game is a genre of video games that emphasize puzzle solving. The types of puzzles can be logic, strategy, pattern recognition, sequence solving, word completion, or, in some cases, just pure luck.
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Description
There is no strict definition of a puzzle game. The gameplay is usually abstract, involving arranging geometric shapes to fulfill some goal or constraint. In some games the player directly manipulates the objects, in others it is the environment that is controlled. Some require quick reflexes, others have a slower, contemplative pace.[1] Often edge matching or colour matching plays an important role.
Types of game
Some puzzle games feed the player a random assortment of blocks or pieces that they must organize in the correct manner, such as Tetris, Klax and Lumines. Tetris, designed in 1985, is considered one of the most important video puzzle games and has spawned many sequels, variations and clones of the "falling block" variety.[2] Others present a preset game board and/or pieces and challenge the player to solve the puzzle by achieving a goal (Bomberman, The Incredible Machine). Some of the games in the former category have a mode that plays like the latter. For example, in both Tetrisphere and Tetris Attack, there is an actual "puzzle mode" in which the player must clear a pre-defined board within a certain amount of moves. Many adventure games and action-adventure games contain puzzle elements. For example, Resident Evil, Silent Hill and the Legend of Zelda series. Because puzzle games are often so abstract, the term is sometimes used as a blanket term for games with unique and otherwise indescribable gameplay. Every Extend Extra is an example of this. Puzzle games are often easy to develop and adapt: from dedicated arcade units, to home video game consoles, to personal digital assistants and mobile phones. The game Minesweeper is notable because of the large installed user base (the game comes bundled with the Microsoft Windows operating system).
See also
References
- ^ Miller, Skyler. The History of Puzzle Games: Introduction". GameSpot UK. Retrieved on 2007-09-18.
- ^ Miller, Skyler. The History of Puzzle Games: Tetris". GameSpot UK. Retrieved on 2007-09-18.
