Action games have come a long way since the release of the first game in the 1970s. Super Mario Bros, released in 1985, created the platform for other games in the genre with its jumping and running levels. The 1990s saw the rise of the first-person shooter genre, with games like Doom, Quake, and Half-Life offering better graphics, sound, and advanced gameplay mechanics. The 2000s saw open-world games, with Grand Theft Auto and Assassins Creed offering players massive open worlds to explore. Developers are constantly pushing the boundaries with new mechanics and graphics, and virtual reality technology and streaming services are also changing the way players consume games.
The Evolution of Action Games: From Mario to Assassin’s Creed
Introduction
Action games are one of the most popular video games genres, offering players intense gameplay and adrenaline-fueled experiences. These games have come a long way since their inception, with the first action game being released in the 1970s. Today, we have advanced action games like Assassins Creed and Grand Theft Auto which have revolutionized the genre. This article will take you through the evolution of action games, from Mario to Assassins Creed.
The Early Years: Mario and Sonic
The first notable action game was released in 1985, known as Super Mario Bros. This game was a major success and created the platform for other games in the genre. The game involved the player controlling the character Mario as he ran and jumped through levels to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Bowser. The game’s mechanics were simple, but it was a challenging game that required the player’s skill to progress.
Another popular game from this era was Sonic the Hedgehog, which was released in 1991. The game was similar to Super Mario Bros, with the player controlling a character to traverse levels to complete objectives. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay and unique level design.
The Golden Age: Doom, Quake, and Half-Life
The 1990s saw the rise of the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. Doom, released in 1993, was the first FPS to gain mainstream popularity. The game placed players in a violent, demon-infested environment, where they had to use their weapons to fight their way through levels. Doom’s success led to the development of other popular FPS games such as Quake and Half-Life, which were more story-driven.
These games revolutionized the FPS genre by offering players better graphics, sound, and more advanced gameplay mechanics. They introduced new concepts like multiplayer modes and character customization, making them extremely popular among gamers.
The Modern Era: Assassins Creed and Grand Theft Auto
The 2000s saw the rise of open-world games like Grand Theft Auto and Assassins Creed. These types of games offered players massive open worlds to explore, with numerous side quests and activities to complete.
Assassins Creed, which was first released in 2007, focused on stealth and parkour. The game allowed players to explore historically accurate locales and participate in assassination missions. The game’s success led to the development of sequels with improved gameplay mechanics and graphics.
Grand Theft Auto, on the other hand, offered players a chance to explore a massive open world, complete with vehicles, weapons, and NPCs. The game’s level of freedom and the ability to participate in illegal activities like theft, murder, and drug trafficking made it popular among adults. The game’s success has led to multiple sequels, each with improved graphics and more advanced mechanics.
The Future of Action Games
The future of action games looks bright, with developers constantly pushing the boundaries with new mechanics and graphics. Virtual reality technology is also becoming more prevalent, with games like Beat Saber and Superhot VR providing a unique gaming experience.
The rise of streaming services like Google Stadia, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Now is also changing how players consume games. These services allow players to stream games over the internet, eliminating the need for consoles and high-end computers. The future of action games is exciting, and we can expect to see more advanced gameplay mechanics, better graphics, and more immersive experiences.
Conclusion
The evolution of action games has been exceptional, with games becoming more advanced with each passing year. From the simple mechanics of Super Mario Bros to the open-world gameplay of Grand Theft Auto and Assassins Creed, the genre has come a long way. The future of action games looks bright, and we can expect more advanced and immersive experiences in the years to come.