What is a "core game"?

[Descendency]

What do those terms really mean?

We use them a LOT but if you were asked to "define" them, how would you?

If we use criteria like. . .

All FPS gamers are core gamers
Games that require both hands are core games

Then we are obviously defining an aspect of core gaming according to our opinion. If we collect all of these 'rules' then we have a definition.

So what is "our opinion" on core games?

[MasterSword]

...

Do you mean "hardcore" games?

[Darth Alec]

I'd assume so.

Games that present a deep gameplay.

That's how I do it.

[vrrroom]

a game that isn't on wii

[Icemage]

Originally Posted by vrrroom

a game that isn't on wii

That's not fair. The Wii has its fair share of core games.

They're not necessarily good core games, but it has them.

---

As far as core game definition goes, I'd say any game that sells to a sizable section of passionate, non-casual gamers would be a core game. A collection of games of this nature that share a genre would represent a core gametype.

Examples of core gametypes are:

First Person Shooter (Halo, Haze, Unreal Tournament, etc.)
RPG (Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy, Blue Dragon, etc.)
Platformer (Super Mario Galaxy, Prince of Persia, etc.)
Flight Simulation (Lair, Ace Combat, etc.)
Real Time Strategy (Starcraft, Command and Conquer, etc.)
Rhythm (Dance Dance Revolution, Rock Band, Guitar Hero, etc.)
...and there's lots more.

[Argon]

A general rule of thumb would be:
1. If it's hard, it's hardcore. ie. Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden, Ghouls and Ghosts, Contra
2. If it's ridiculously time consuming, it's hardcore. ie. any game that takes 20+ hours to beat.
3. If large groups of people sink incredible amounts of time doing it, and make it competitive, it's hardcore. ie. Tetris.
4. If the game offers significant depth and replayability--meaning the game might be difficult, but isn't unfair, (again, DMC and Ninja Gaiden), it's hardcore.


The definition of hardcore isn't as well-defined as that, but if two or more of those rules hold you've got a match that I'm sure there are some people who agree with.

[Dax]

Gamers who now RE4 Wii is better than Mario Rehash 8.

Originally Posted by Dax

Gamers who now RE4 Wii is better than Mario Rehash 8.

RE4 Wii is about 15276723816376457361981672538190182731 times better than any Mario Party could be.

[Darth Daver]

A core game is a game that fits into a consoles main demographic. I.e. The people that Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft are aiming their consoles at. Usually defined as a system seller.

A Hardcore game is pretty much what Argon said.

A game that aims at regular gamers.