Best PC games

Genres

Below we explain the main features of the most common PC game genres:

• Action games
• Adventure games
• Brain and board games
• Jump and run games
• Simulation games
• Sports and racing games
• Strategy games

Action games

In an action game, you usually slip into the virtual skin, which has the task to save the world from doom or to solve certain tasks.

To do this, your character must conquer a wide variety of opponents, collect vital items or activate certain mechanisms.

The essential features of an action game at a glance:

Emphasis on the real-time aspect

The player usually has to react to a certain event within a given time frame. With a strong emphasis on the real-time aspect, there is also the challenge of reacting skillfully and quickly to certain events.

Because players are exposed to many sensations in which they have to make decisions quickly, the responsiveness is trained.

Survival strategy

The character is usually constantly threatened and also mortal, so that unscathed survival is one of the most basic requirements of an action game.

War and scenarios

As a rule, the character is in war scenarios and therefore usually has to fight, shoot or even flee.

The story often refers to different historical epochs in which there was war, but violent fantasy, horror, comic or science fiction settings are also typical.

For example

Classic action games are Assassin’s Creed, Grand Theft Auto, Tomb Raider or Resident Evil.

First-person shooter

In a first-person shooter, also known as a first-person shooter, you control your character from the first-person perspective. 

A first-person shooter has the following features:

Only firearms

You always fight against different opponents with the help of various firearms.

Editors Note

The aspect of violence is clearly in the foreground in a first-person shooter. Therefore, these PC games are usually only released for use from the age of 18.

Medium freedom of movement

You can move freely or move the figure through a freely accessible three-dimensional world. However, you always experience the world only in the direct field of vision of the character, whose movement frame is mostly limited to running and shooting movements.

Game mode freely selectable

In a first-person shooter, you can usually choose between a single-player or multiplayer mode. In multiplayer mode, you have the opportunity not only to fight alone against computer-controlled opponents but also against real online players. A large fan base has formed for many first-person shooters, who jointly contest online competitions.

For example

Typical first-person shooters are Battlefield, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike or Doom.

Third-person shooter

In a third-person shooter, you see your character from the perspective which is directly behind or slightly above the figure.

The following elements await you in a third-person shooter:

Firearm use

Since it is also a shooting game, the focus is on the use of weapons and ranged combat in a third-person shooter.

So, there are many gunfights between your character and their enemies.

Additional movement

Options unlike in a first-person shooter, you have a larger field of vision because you can easily look at the figure and the field from above.

Also, this enables more or different movements, e.g. B. climbing or jumping and also driving in vehicles.

Pronounced plot or narrative level 

It is typical for these shooters that they have a more complex plot in which you have a greater scope of interaction.

For example, you often have to solve additional puzzles or complete special missions.

Single-player mode: Most third-person shooters are designed for single players.

For example

Well-known third-person shooters include Max Payne, Mafia and Freedom Fighters.

Shoot’em up

In a shoot, ’em up your character has the task of fighting a large number of enemy units in a two-dimensional world.

Shoot ’em up means “shoot them”. The games are colloquially referred to as shooting games.

For example

Shoot ’em ups include Blue Max, Defender, Spacewar! or Sine Mora.

Beat ’em up

Beat ’em ups are fighting games in which physical violence is used against one or more opponents. Beat ’em up games, translated, “Beat them up!” Are often called thrashing games.

For example

Typical games of the genre Beat ’em up are Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Street Fighter and Tekken.

Adventure games 

In these games, you play one or more characters who go through an adventure within a well-thought-out story. 

The following aspects are in the foreground:

Solving puzzles and tasks

The focus is on exploring areas while solving tasks and often tricky puzzles.

Action and violence generally play no or only a minor role.

Fictitious periods

The levels usually do not have to be completed within a certain time, so you have the peace of mind to devote yourself entirely to solving a problem.

The complex storyline with dialogues

In most adventure games, your character can talk to other characters. The dialogue partners pose tasks or puzzles that your character accomplishes or solves. 

This way you reach the next level and this also drives the mostly very complex plot or story. 

Point & Click

Many adventure games are designed according to the principle of point & click, ie the user clicks on the objects, paths or people to choose from and action follows. 

In contrast to many other games, distances are covered after a click is specified.

Single-player mode

Adventures are usually designed for single players.

For example

Well-known adventure games are Baphomets Curse, Deponia, Minecraft or Monkey Island.

Brain and board games

Brain and board games belong to the oldest type of game. Many of these classic games are also available for the PC.

It is mostly board, card or dice games. Also, there are newer quiz variants or extensive card games, for example with fantastic characters.

The following elements usually show brain and board games for the PC:

Fixed rules

Brain and board games have very firm rules within which you can act. Depending on the version, it depends on general knowledge, skill, luck or strategic thinking.

In mind games, in particular, you are not under time pressure when solving a problem.

Single or multiplayer mode

Many of these games require one or more opponents. The opponent can often be simply the computer.

Board games, in particular, can also be played well with friends, for example against online opponents, and thus bring even more fun.

Simulation games

Simulation games on the PC enable you as a player to put yourself in certain situations and understand them virtually.

The selection of games is very diverse: You can drive a truck, fly an airplane, control a spaceship, run a farm or do different jobs and leisure activities.

These games have three main features:

Realistic replica

The games reproduce technical functions, every day or dangerous situations in a realistic way, so they imitate both the processes and the consequences of your actions or decisions.

You can playfully test actual situations and developments. The game perspective is mostly based on which situation is simulated.

Training empathy and understanding

Simulators traditionally promote understanding and understanding of the different processes or situations.

Single-player mode

These games are usually designed for single players.

For example

Common simulation games are Flight Simulator, Farming Simulator or Sims.

Sports and racing games

In sports and racing games, you as a player have a precisely defined, sporty competition goal in mind. Score as many goals as possible or be the first to finish.

The following attributes are typical for this type of game:

Clear framework conditions

The respective course of the game corresponds to common sporting rules.

As in real competitions, you can either emerge from around as the winner or the loser. The duration of a round, game or tournament is generally limited in time

Variable perspective

Different game perspectives are depending on the type of game. It can also change within the game if this is necessary or helpful for the performance of the sporting activity.

You usually play football games from a bird’s eye view, but you can often switch to the first-person perspective for a shot or throw-in.

Different game mode

You can play sports or racing games alone, but also with several users.

Racing games come in different variations. In addition to the classic and popular car race, there are also races with a moped, monster truck, motorcycle, mountain bike, tractor or quad.

A racing game for the PC is commercially available with almost all imaginable vehicles. In a racing game, you usually have the option of freely selecting both the transmission and the look of a vehicle and the racetrack.

Depending on the race track chosen, the outside atmosphere and surroundings vary. Racing games with real locations and places are available on the market.

The field of sports games is also very diverse.

From boxing, darts and ice hockey to soccer, golf, billiards and riding to motocross or snowboarding, almost every sport imaginable is now available as a PC game in stores.

For example

Well-known sports and racing games are FIFA, Pro Evolution Soccer, Dirt Rally or F1.

Strategy games

In strategy games, you carry out actions over long periods, for example building civilizations, armies or cities or pursuing a specific goal.

These games focus on the following aspects:

Long-term development 

The plot usually extends, for example, over several epochs or is about certain wars, but also several periods in science fiction or fantasy worlds are typical.

Therefore, you often need a lot of patience and persistence for these games.

Simultaneous control of several processes

Unlike in other games, you can oversee several units, processes, battles or situations at the same time.

Therefore, good planning, multitasking and forward-looking action are required during the game.

Monitoring perspective

As a rule, you look at what is happening on the screen from a bird’s eye view or the so-called Overwatch perspective, to be able to have a good overview of the related units.

The characteristics of strategy games can differ greatly, especially concerning the playing time.

There are two basic strategy game variants:

Real-time strategy games

In a real-time strategy game, you as a player perform your interactive actions in real-time. The aim of the game is, therefore, to make the right decision in every situation and to take the resulting measures at the right place at the right time.

So-called MOBA games (multiple online battle areas) are becoming increasingly popular, in which you usually strategically control only a certain army or a thematically related structure from several game units.

These are mostly multiplayer versions. In a real-time strategy game, good responsiveness and skill are particularly important.

Turn-based strategy games

As a player in a turn-based strategy game, you carry out your interactive actions in individual game rounds; such PC games have an unlimited time frame.

A turn-based strategy game is characterized by a complex structure and profound connections. It aims at your planning ability and clear thinking.

For example

Typical strategy games are Anno, Civilization, Dota, Heroes of the Storm or Starcraft.

System requirements

Computer games differ in how demanding the graphics or how complex the processes and correspondingly complex calculation steps are. 

For a game to run smoothly or smoothly, your PC should have the necessary system requirements, i.e. suitable hardware and software components. 

3D games, in particular, are very demanding in this context.

Editors Tip!

Manufacturers generally point out the system requirements in detail in the product description or on the game packaging. On certain platforms, you can also check whether your PC has the necessary gaming hardware or software. 

When choosing the game, pay attention to the following aspects concerning the system requirements:

Operating system

PC games usually only run on Windows operating systems. 

Pay attention to the correct version of the operating system, as not every game is compatible with every version. 

Windows 7 is often the minimum requirements for complex, newer games.

Graphics components

The entire memory of the computer used by the graphics hardware is particularly important for high-performance graphics playback. This can be the main memory or a special memory module. 

Manufacturers usually state how much space is recommended, and the values ​​can be between 2–2,048 MB (megabytes). Some also indicate which graphics card models are suitable. 

For 3D games, you usually need a powerful system and working memory with 1–2 GB (gigabytes) each, a suitable graphics card as well as a 3D-capable screen and additionally 3D glasses. 

Drive

If you buy the game in the disk, you will receive it in CD, DVD or Blu-Ray. 

Your PC should, therefore, have a suitable drive for playing the data carrier.

Online access

For some games, especially multiplayer online games, Internet access from the PC is required. 

Since the necessary game data must be downloaded from servers to your PC via the Internet.

Processor

The central processing unit of your PC has to be particularly powerful for some games. Optimal cooperation between the processor, chipset, several processor cores and the main memory is essential for the performance. 

Processors that have multiple processor cores and a higher processor clock frequency are often very powerful. 

Manufacturers often state which clock frequency is optimal for a game, which can be between 700-2,500 MHz (megahertz). Particularly high processor performance is recommended for 3D displays.

Game genre

In many role-playing games, great importance is attached to the look. They usually captivate with visually stunning and opulent graphics, which is why you often require a powerful computing system. 

Action games often have to deal with powerful graphics and click processes. 

Many adventures, simulation, jump-and-run and thinking games, on the other hand, usually have fewer demanding graphics or do not have to process a lot of new data in the shortest possible time and therefore manage with less processor and graphics performance.

Controls

You can control most games using the mouse and keyboard. Additional elements such as a controller or a steering wheel usually support a quick implementation of the inputs in the game. 

A 3D mouse or a so-called fly stick is often necessary for 3D games.

Age ratings

PC games are not only enjoyed by adults, but also by children and especially young people. To ensure that the content of the game is suitable for minors, PC games usually have an age rating. 

The age marking refers to the regulations of the legal protection of minors. This is nothing about the level of difficulty of a game or its educational suitability. Rather, it is about protecting minors from inappropriate content, for example from extreme violence or immense brutality. 

Games that have not received a label, as well as games that are only approved for those aged 18 and over, may only be sold to adults.

Some games have been developed specifically for children and are mainly used for family-friendly entertainment or playfully to promote memory or dexterity and thus prepare children for kindergarten or school.  

You will usually find the following age markings on PC games:

PEGI mark

The test centre for the age rating of computer and video games in Europe is called PEGI (Pan-European Game Information). 

These are small rectangles on different coloured backgrounds with large-format numbers that indicate the minimum age. 

You will find additional symbols on the front and back of the packaging of a PC game. The marks show whether violence, vulgar language, fear, drugs, sex, or discrimination occur and whether it is gambling and online gaming with other players.

3 years old:  Suitable for all age groups, fantasy creatures, representations of violence at most in comic style, no frightening noises, an appropriate language without vulgar content

From 7 years old: Games that are already a bit scary, but could otherwise be released from the age of 3

12 years old: More extensive violence against fantasy or human-like beings, low nudity, light vulgar language

From 16 years of Violent or sexual acts, which can also exist in real life, stronger vulgar language, the consumption of stimulants and intoxicants is discussed

18 years old: Exclusive recommendation for adults, strong cruelty that can usually provoke disgust at the viewer

Equipment

There are extensive accessories for PC games that usually make a game even more realistic or entertaining or simplify operation.

Typical accessories are for example:

Controller

Controllers, also called joypads, are small, handy remote controls with buttons and possibly small levers for controlling characters. 

These are particularly advantageous in beat ’em ups since many attack techniques can be coordinated faster and better with the combination of different keys.

Headset

Especially for those who want to communicate with other users during an online game, a headset consisting of headphones and a microphone is worthwhile. 

Typical gaming headsets allow suitable programs on the PC to exchange strategies or tactics in a running game.

Steering wheel and pedals

The steering wheel and accelerator or brake pedals make virtual racing much more exciting. 

The components are often offered in a set and can be connected to the PC via common interfaces.

Virtual Reality Glasses

With so-called VR glasses, you perceive the game world almost like reality. These glasses allow a large field of vision because individual images are created and displayed from different perspectives. 

Particularly powerful variants don’t even show picture edges anymore, so you have the feeling that you are actually in the computer world and moving.

Frequently asked questions

Why are computer games played?

Computer games, as well as classic games, are played for pleasure and relaxation. PC games, in particular, create a virtual world so that a user can easily escape from reality. 

In contrast to television, a player is not passive in front of the PC screen but interacts. This promotes other skills: Games improve both cognitive and motor development. 

In computer games there are often tricky processes or missions to be completed, puzzles and complex tasks to be solved or there are stories and actions in which the user is immersed. 

This trains the grey matter or memory and expands understanding. Using the PC game improves hand-eye coordination, responsiveness and dexterity.

They can also promote multitasking and orientation skills, as many different visual impressions are processed during the game and different inputs have to be made during the game.

Also, success achieved can promote self-esteem. Games in which several real players interact also promote social skills. 

What are computer games?

PC games are programs that run on computer systems and define certain rules according to which one or more players act interactively. 

Since processes are visualized, video games are often mentioned, but the term computer games are mainly used for those variants that can be played on a PC.

How did computer games develop?

The history of computer games begins in the late 1940s and is closely linked to the development of video games. 

The first games were developed for tube or mainframe computers and were mostly simple replicas of well-known thinking or board games. After various games on mainframes worked, small and simple logic chips came onto the market in the 1970s, which made it possible to play games on public slot machines.

The game Pong, which resembles a simplified, two-dimensional form of table tennis, is very well known.

The manufacturer “Atari” created a computer that had an integrated hard disk in the keyboard. Floppy disks, on which computer games were stored and from which data could be called up, could be inserted on the side of the keyboard. As the interactive game from home became more popular over time, the demand rose steadily.

The first game consoles came onto the market in the 1980s, with the manufacturer “Nintendo ” making a name for itself.

At the same time, PC games developed rapidly, as more and more computers moved into private households in the 1980s. In the 1990s, the floppy disc withdrew, and larger data carriers such as CDs and DVDs came onto the market. This allowed more complex PC games to be developed. 

Computer games are now a very popular pastime. Games for mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets, in particular, are being played by an increasing number of people of all ages. 

Many countries have their industry for the development of new computer games, the profits of which are significantly larger than those of the respective film industry.

How do I recognize a good computer game?

Different aspects can influence which game meets your requirements.

So it depends on the genre whether you like the chosen game structure and how challenging the game can be in terms of plot, task or even visually. 

What are PC simulation games?

Everyday situations, economic processes or technical functions are virtually represented in simulation games. 

In this way, different actions and decisions on devices or in different living environments can be tested.

What should I consider before buying a PC game?

You should pay particular attention to the following aspects before buying a PC game:

System requirements

Check whether your PC meets the requirements of the computer game. This can be, for example, the correct operating system version, a suitable drive and powerful graphics and processor components or Internet access.

Age rating

Before buying a PC game, pay attention to the corresponding USK or PEGI markings. 

These give you information about which PC game is suitable for your child or yourself or is even suitable for purchase.

Genre

The genre determines the theme and game structure. Each of these can have more or less challenge or entertainment value for you.

Execution

Depending on whether you buy a game online or on a data carrier, delivery time and system requirements may differ. 

There are also various editions that either contain a complete game, only extensions or extensive encores. The edition often also decides on the price of the respective game.

Why are PC games cheaper than console games?

A PC game is cheaper than a game for the console. The reason for this is often discussed on various platforms and in various Internet forums. 

The main reason for the higher prices of console games is often the license fees of the manufacturers, which they allegedly have to pay to the manufacturers of the hardware. 

In this context, it is sometimes wildly speculated whether the license fee is payable per game or even per data carrier.

However, there is no guaranteed answer to the question of why games for the console are more expensive than PC games. 

Since the background and correlations cannot be proven and there is no concrete information on this topic, it remains controversial.

Are computer games addictive?

Frequent play, in particular, can lead to this, but the type of play also influences a possible risk of addiction. Online role-playing games, in particular, can be played 24 hours a day and cannot be played to the end – on the contrary, there are always new goals and opportunities for further development. 

The more you play, the better your character, with which the player can reward himself at any time. The many positive feedbacks let the player easily forget the time.