I have a distinct taste in video games. I would describe the kind of games I like as “complex games that utilize problem solving in the gameplay loop that I can sink a lot of time into“. I think you could describe a lot of games like this, but here are examples of how my favorite types of games fit into this framework.
Fighting Games
Fighting games are defined by their complexity, in both mechanics and executional requirements. It’s not a particularly popular genre, because for many it feels like work rather than play. For me, though, that’s the best part.
I will admit I’m a Smash player before I’m a traditional fighting game player, but I love the theory that fighting games adhere to; neutral/advantage/disadvantage, safe/unsafe, highs/mids/lows, combos, mixups, etc.. Even the most basic fighting game is super interesting, and each series and even entry within a series will vary greatly.
Competing in local Smash tournaments for the last couple years has been an absolute blast and I wouldn’t change it for a thing. Practicing combos, studying matchups, and figuring out your opponent in real time. Although I am facing extreme burnout from Smash as of writing this, I still love the game, the genre, and the dedication of the community.
(J)RPGs
Japanese role-playing games are generally distinguished from role-playing games because of the existence of a party. These games tend to have many characters to manage in the party, and often the player must strategize what characters that party has active and the equipment, spells, skills, etc. of those characters. Combined with unique battle systems and lots of different numbers, this can get complex really fast, and JRPGs often require a deep understanding of these mechanics to progress.
I love building my team and being rewarded for it. I’m not actually all that great at JRPG strategizing, but beating a difficult boss because I kitted out my team and successfully strategized how to beat the boss is extremely satisfying.
JRPGs also have fantastic stories and convincing worlds, and that certainly adds to my enjoyment and appreciation of the genre.
“Automation” games
These types of games don’t always quite fit into one genre. What I find fun about these games is automating and regulating lots of interconnecting systems. Here’s some examples:
Simulation Games
These are games that are meant to simulate something complex, such as a colony on a different planet or a theme park. These games often have you micromanaging many different aspects to keep things running smoothly, as well as solving problems as they pop up.
A favorite of mine in this genre is RimWorld. As strange, brutal, and often unforgiving as RimWorld is, I find that it scratches that simulation itch very well. Feeling your community grow as you progress is very satisfying.
Building Games
These are games that give the player a lot of tools and presents them with a problem. The tools can be utilized in many different ways to accomplish the same goal.
The only good example I can think of this would be Modded (as in, with modifications installed) Minecraft. That’s not to say there aren’t other games like this – I can think of at least two – but they are often inspired by Minecraft’s modding ecosystem. My favorite mods are definitely Botania and Create, because they are explicitly designed to give the player tools to solve problems (such as getting more materials) instead of handing them the solution.
Conclusion
I like to be challenged when playing games. Solving a problem with the tools you are given gives such a primal gratification. I don’t dislike puzzle games, but I just have more fun with games where the win condition is not purely “solve the puzzle”. I really have the most fun with games that require lots of learning and thinking.