Editing Action game (section)

{{Short description|Video game genre}}
{{VG Action}}{{Video games}}
An '''action game''' is a [[video game genre]] that emphasizes physical challenges, including [[hand–eye coordination]] and [[reaction time]]. The genre includes a large variety of sub-genres, such as [[fighting game]]s, [[beat 'em up]]s, [[shooter game]]s, [[rhythm game]]s and [[platform game]]s. [[Multiplayer online battle arena]] and some [[real-time strategy]] games are also considered action games.

In an action game, the player typically controls a [[Character (arts)|character]] often in the form of a [[protagonist]] or [[Avatar (computing)|avatar]]. This [[player character]] must navigate a [[Level (video gaming)|level]], collecting objects, avoiding obstacles, and battling enemies with their natural skills as well as weapons and other tools at their disposal. At the end of a level or group of levels, the player must often defeat a boss enemy that is more challenging and often a major [[antagonist]] in the game's story. Enemy attacks and obstacles deplete the player character's [[Health (gaming)|health]] and [[Life (video games)#Extra lives|lives]], and the player receives a [[game over]] when they run out of lives.

Alternatively, the player gets to the end of the game by finishing a sequence of levels to complete a final goal, and see the [[Closing credits|credits]]. Some action games, such as early [[arcade games]], are unbeatable and have an indefinite number of levels. The player's only goal is to get as far as they can, to maximize their score.