Playing a Video Game/Choosing the Right Type of Video Game

Every gamer is different, and therefore will enjoy different video games. Choosing the right game type is important for the overall enjoyment of the game.

Roleplaying Games
Technically, all games are roleplaying games (RPGs), which require you to play a role, however most games deemed as 'true' roleplaying games contain a system of levels and statistics, as well as missions in the form of quests. These games require a moderate to high level of concentration while playing, and are designed for hardcore gamers.

These games can feature either first-person or third-person perspective, and many times contain a system of fighting, usually along with a wide array of weapons, in their gameplay.

Further reading on Wikipedia: Role-playing game

Puzzle
Puzzles were made way back when they didn't have video games. Puzzle games keep these creations 'alive', in a sense. These games usually focus on one main puzzle, although there are some out there that focus on many different puzzle types, or many similar puzzles. Some brain training games also include puzzles.

Puzzle games are usually 2D, and are usually played by the casual gamer. Puzzles have also been incorporated into many other genres of games, and playing puzzle games can help you become better at other types of games.

Further reading on Wikipedia: Puzzle Video Game, Puzzle

Online Games
Online games are a dime a dozen. Many of them are 2D, although you can find some that are 3D. There are many sites which house popular online games. Online games can be very addicting, and are many times used as a stress reliever.

Online gamers are usually casual, although some are hardcore. Many online games appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers due to the fact that many fangames can be found online, which appeal to the casual gamer more than the actual games do.

Further reading on Wikipedia: Online Game

Massively-Multiplayer Online Games
Massively-multiplayer online games are usually referred to as MMOGs. MMOGs are very popular, and always include some sort of multiplayer interaction. MMOGs can either be text-based or graphical, with most of the graphical MMOGs being 3D.

Massively-multiplayer online games can be multiplayer versions of many game types, such as first-person shooters(MMOFPS) and roleplaying games(MMORPG). Depending on the type of multiplayer game you choose, it can be harder or easier to play as simply a casual gamer.

Further reading on Wikipedia: MMOG

Platformers
Many platforming games are old and considered classics. However, there are newer platforming games out in stores, so if you want a taste of the old times or you want to walk right into the action, platforming games are for you. Generally played by casual gamers, it isn't hard to be a hardcore gamer playing platforming games.

Contrary to popular belief, platforming games can be either 2D or 3D. Platforming games are most commonly the former, and feature a side scrolling view. These games commonly include enemies with jumping as the main attack to defeat them, as well as bosses similar to the enemies.

Further reading on Wikipedia: Platform Game

First Person Shooter
First person shooters, commonly known as FPS games, demand a moderate-level of concentration while playing. These games can be easily played by both hardcore and casual gamers, and are a popular type of game.

FPS games nearly always feature only a first-person perspective. Usually these types of games use projectile weapons, namely guns, however some have been known to use swords, knives, and bows in their gameplay.

Further reading on Wikipedia: First Person Shooter