When it comes to putting a figure to the number of different video games there are today, it’s next to impossible. For example, Steam is said to feature 30,000 games but this is surely just a fraction of the total. As for how many video gamers there are, we can be a little more precise. According to figures, around 2.6 billion people all around the world are regular players with many more who simply like to watch others in action on sites like Twitch.
But, with so many games available to play, it can be hard to pick out which ones in particular offer the most satisfying gaming experiences. Luckily, some games just choose themselves, particularly for players who favour one particular genre over the rest. So here’s a selection of six to choose from, depending on the sort of game you like.
Driving – Forza Horizon 4
Each version of the Microsoft driving game is, quite simply, better than the last and in Forza Horizon 4, the game developers have excelled themselves once again. In this manifestation of the game, the action takes place in various locations around the UK including the city of Edinburgh, the Lake District and the rural area of the Cotswolds. As these places suggest, there are plenty of different styles of race to enjoy in any one of over 650 different cars.
Where the game particularly succeeds is in introducing an arcade feel to the action, something that’s lacking in many other driving games. There are also two downloadable content expansions to the game – Fortune Island that incorporates a treasure hunt and Lego Speed Champions that was released in June 2019.
Horror – Resident Evil 3
The original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis was released in 1999. Games have moved on a long way since then – and this is reflected in this 2020 reboot of the original. The action takes place in Racoon City which is in the throes of a zombie apocalypse. This has been caused by the outbreak of a virus that has been created by the shady Umbrella organisation. The game’s main protagonists, Jill Valentine and Carlos Oliveira, have to survive attempts to kill them as they strive to create a vaccine for the virus.
The game was an instant success on release, shipping almost 2 million copies and receiving high praise for its lavish production values. It’s also a lot of fun to play.
Strategy – Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
If you’re something of an empire builder, then you won’t find a better game to do it with than Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. This turn-taking strategy game gives you the chance to start with a single settlement and gradually build up to a programme of world domination. How you do it is up to you – military might, cultural influence, diplomacy and trade are all viable options.
Since its original release in 2016, there have been two expansion packs, Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm, which have helped to keep this endlessly fascinating game fresh and full of new challenges.
Poker – 888Poker
Poker is arguably the most popular card game in the world. So, when it comes to finding one of the best ways to play it online, it pays to go for one of the biggest names – 888poker.com. Originally established in 2002, 888poker offer the sort of gaming experience you’d expect with a wide choice of variants including Texas Hold’em, Omaha Stud and a number of other options. Fans of fast-moving action particularly go for the Blast game which is played against the clock and can win them up to 10,000 times their original stake.
The graphics are sharp and good looking and the controls are intuitive and straightforward. There’s even the option to play for free as you get accustomed to the way the online game works. Add to this generous joining bonuses and it’s a winner all the way.
Puzzles – Opus Magnum
For lovers of all things puzzling and magical, Opus Magnum is a must. The object of the game is to perform the ancient art of alchemy by converting base metals and other materials into gold. There are a number of chapters to complete and the player, on completing each one, is judged and scored according to three factors: the speed of completing the task, the cost of the materials to complete it and how efficiently it has been achieved.
Many elements of the game have actions in common with computer programming, a fact which helped it win the Excellence In Design award at the Independent Games Festival Awards in 2017.
