History:
In the beginning all the video games that were developed were almost Action Games; for example Pac –Man, Space Invader, Paper Boy, Robotron and Doom etc.
Action Games are defined as the video games that emphasizes on physical challenges that includes hand-eye coordination and reaction time.
Action Games include any game where physical tests of skill are challenged. Players may have to encounter tactical and exploration challenges. Action Games require high reaction speed and hand eye coordination so it is very difficult to apply strategic planning while playing the game. The faster the Action Game, the more challenging it would be. Players are under time pressure while playing these games. Action Games also involve puzzle solving games but they are quite simple.
Design of a Game:
Levels:
There are different levels of a game and a player advance in a game by completing series of levels. Levels are grouped by theme which involves similar scenes and enemies. Every level has a challenge that is to be accomplished by a player. Older games forced the users to restart the level after dying but now you can save the game and there are also checkpoints that make the game more interesting for the player. The only differences in the levels are the change in scenes and the appearance of enemies and their unpredictable path.
Levels in an Action Game may be linear or non linear. In some levels the exits are hidden behind the enemies and in some levels you have to find the exits by exploring the level.
Action Games are made difficult by locking the doors, time restriction and when a player loses his life.
Abilities of a Character:
Different Action Games have different characters and they have different capabilities. For example players may find power up in a game and they can increase their power or sometimes they are provided with such powerful attacks that they can destroy number of enemies in a single shot.
Obstacles and Enemies:
Players have to encounter with enemies and obstacles while completing the level. There would be many obstacles such as traps, locked doors etc and enemies will attack you from different directions and you have to kill them by saving your life and health.
There are many subgenres of Action Games such as:
· Beat them up’s
· Fighting Games
· Maze Games
· Platform Games
· Shooter Games
Rhythm and Dance Games