Modes
From Wikia Gaming, your source for walkthroughs, games, guides, and more!
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Modes refers specifically to a standard set number of players a video or computer game may be played and the method of play.
A standard set of definitions is used on the Wikia Gaming. They are as follows:
[edit] Number of Players
- Single player
- Typical genres that feature only single players include RPGs, Statistical sport simulations, Survival horrors and Flight simulators.
- 1-2 players
- Two player games are becoming a rarity as most games have either moved on the online multiplayer or included four player modes. Typical genres that are limited by two player modes include 2D fighters/3D fighters, Side-scrollers, Beat 'em up and Shmups.
- 1-3 players
- Although rare in modern gaming, there are quite a few notable game franchises that have this unique mode. Most of these games, such as Rampage and You Don't Know Jack, are limited to three players because of a design feature (It's quite hard to have more than three people share a keyboard for You Don't Know Jack) or it's a physical limitation of the hardware (as in the case of the orignal Rampage arcade board).
- 1-4 players
- The most common number of players in most modern games. Most four player games are competition games that pit players against each other. Typical genres that feature this mode include Racing (console), Party games, and First-person shooters (console).
- 1-8 players
- 1-16 players
- Both of these are typical number of players allowed in online games. Typical genres include Real-time strategies and Puzzle games (handheld).
- 1-32 players
- 1-64 players
- Both of these are typical number of players allowed in online games. Typical genres include MMORPGs and First-person shooters.
[edit] Method of Play
- Alternating
- Alternating games require the player to pass around the controller/handheld console when it is no longer the player's turn. Some games (i.e. Mario Golf) allows multiple players to share a controller because no two players will be hitting the ball at the same time. This allows players who do not have the necessery hardware to play the game with their friends.
- Versus
- This mode allows players to face off against each other in a test of skill and strategy. In essence, the game replaces AI enemies with a live player, which tends to be far more unpredictable and much more interesting.
- Team versus
- A variation of versus, this mode puts players into team against each other in a competition. Most team versus games relies on teamwork, and rarely does a lone wolf succeed in such games.
- Cooperative
- At the extreme opposite of versus is cooperative, where the players will work with each other proceed in the game. This mode is rarely found in PC games, but is a common mode in most console games.
- Wireless
- Wireless play is a common term in portable gaming, denoting that the game allows players to play against each other without wires. This is in stark contrast to the usage of link cables, which is often a hassle to setup.
- Download play
- Made popular by Nintendo's Nintendo DS, download play allows players who don't have the game play a limited multiplayer mode game by having the host send out game data to players who do not have the game.
- Link cable
- Before the rise of wireless gaming, the Nintendo Game Boy allowed multiplayer games through a link cable. Depending on the system and game, the link cable can allow up to a maximum of four players to join in on one game. Without a cable hub, however, a link cable could only support two players.
- Online
