Difference between revisions of "Multi-genre video game"
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| − | '''Multi-genre video games''', also referred to as '''cross-genre''', are those [[video games]] which use multiple vastly-different play mechanics throughout the game. For example, in ''[[The Adventures of Bayou Billy]]'', the game changes between a [[beat 'em up]], a [[driving video game|driving game]], and a [[rail shooter]] as you progress through the stages. | + | '''Multi-genre video games''', also referred to as '''cross-genre''', are those [[video games]] which use multiple vastly-different play mechanics throughout the game. For example, in ''[[The Adventures of Bayou Billy]]'', the game changes between a [[beat 'em up]], a [[driving video game|driving game]], and a [[rail shooter]] as you progress through the stages. Multi-genre video games began pretty early in the history of video games with titles like ''[[Jungle Hunt]]'', ''[[TRON (video game)|TRON]]'' |
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
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There is an additional concern for games built around the concept of minigames. A game which includes a dozen card games certainly uses a lot of minigames, however, they all function with very similar mechanics so I wouldn't consider it multi-genre. However, the minigames in ''[[Mario Party]]'' all feature different mechanics, so I would consider it multi-genre. | There is an additional concern for games built around the concept of minigames. A game which includes a dozen card games certainly uses a lot of minigames, however, they all function with very similar mechanics so I wouldn't consider it multi-genre. However, the minigames in ''[[Mario Party]]'' all feature different mechanics, so I would consider it multi-genre. | ||
| − | + | Also, there needs to be a distinction between multi-genre games and [[compilation games]]. ''[[The 7th Guest]]'' is a multi-genre game because all the different puzzles work as part of an overall theme, but ''[[Videocart-1]]'' for the [[Channel F]] is not because nothing ties the three games together. | |
==Examples== | ==Examples== | ||
Revision as of 17:04, 13 September 2019
Multi-genre video games, also referred to as cross-genre, are those video games which use multiple vastly-different play mechanics throughout the game. For example, in The Adventures of Bayou Billy, the game changes between a beat 'em up, a driving game, and a rail shooter as you progress through the stages. Multi-genre video games began pretty early in the history of video games with titles like Jungle Hunt, TRON
Definition
It's often difficult to decide which games should be considered "multi-genre" since most video games employ elements of various mechanics. Also, a lot of games have minigames or optional content which doesn't follow the mechanics of the primary game. I try to base the definition on what percentage of the game focuses on mechanics different than the primary. For example, the game Chrono Trigger has a racing minigame, but the amount of time playing it as a racing game is only a fraction of the time when you're playing it as an action RPG.
There is an additional concern for games built around the concept of minigames. A game which includes a dozen card games certainly uses a lot of minigames, however, they all function with very similar mechanics so I wouldn't consider it multi-genre. However, the minigames in Mario Party all feature different mechanics, so I would consider it multi-genre.
Also, there needs to be a distinction between multi-genre games and compilation games. The 7th Guest is a multi-genre game because all the different puzzles work as part of an overall theme, but Videocart-1 for the Channel F is not because nothing ties the three games together.
Examples
These are multi-genre video games which are important to me, for a complete list, see the category.
| Title | Released | Developer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 7th Guest | 1993-04-01 | Trilobyte | Includes a bunch of puzzle games, many with very different themes. |
| Actraiser | 1990-12-16 | Quintet | Alternates between a beat 'em up and real-time strategy. |
| The Adventures of Bayou Billy | 1988-08-12 | Konami | Changes between a beat 'em up, driving game, and first person shooter. |
| Glittermitten Grove | 2016-12-26 | Twinbeard | Two primary mechanics include a real-time strategy and action-adventure, but has a lot of minigames too. |
| Pony Island | 2016-01-04 | Daniel Mullins Games | Two primary are runner and logic puzzle, but has a couple other minigames. |
Links
- giantbomb.com/cross-genre/3015-5661/games - Giant Bomb.
