FPS Games Inquiry

[Phil Walker]

Greetings All!

It seems I have been under some kind of misconception of what exactly a FPS game is. So, I was wonder if some of you could tell me (in detail) what it takes for a game to be a FPS?! I've heard some games are, which doesn't sound right, so could use your help!

To better explain my thinking, I'll describe one I have that I think is and one I've seen is. The one I have that I think so is; Cabela's Grand Slam Hunting N. American 29. This is how this one is "setup". After equiping and "suiting up", you are taken to a region of choice. However here is why I think this one is a FPS. When you hunt the ONLY view is through YOUR eyes, thus 1st person. Now, I've heard Empire Earth IS a FPS, yet you DON'T have this view! So, WHAT EXACTLY is a FPS and HOW is one designated in SIMPLEST AND DETAILED terms ?!


Sincerely,
Phil

[Keith Heitmann]

Quite simply FPS = First Person Shooter.

That's the simplest description, however most games that allow the player to play in a "first person" mode as if he were there have been called FPS.

The game I posted about list night "Knights of the Temple" I called it a FPS simply because it allows you to play as if you were actually there in person even though you won't be shooting anything. You might be sword fighting instead.

FPS, in my opinion is becoming a generic term for "in person" type games. sort of what like Xerox became to copied documents. It is losing its specific identity and ist being associated with a wider range of games.

Your hunting game would be a FPS, as are my SWAT 3, and CounterStrike Condition Zero games. Some games like "IL-2" or "Flight Simulator" could be consdiered FPS types too but they have their own distinctive catagory called "Flight Simulation".

[Phil Walker]

OK, I THINK I understand now. In the case of a flight simulator IF you get the view of actually being in the "driver's seat" (cockpit) that I would agree with. I knew what the letters stood for and figured the "Shooter" was generic in any case. My misconception was the "being there" issue as in the case of Empire Earth as you don't "see things" through anybody's eyes. So, that is what raised my quandry BUT I see now ! Thankfully though, I WAS right in my conclusions ;D !!!

Sincerely,
Phil

[Phil Walker]

Well back again to this subject but from a different angle.

I DO understand that FPS games are what they are and the abbreviations have taken a now generic approach. However HOW would you TRULY classify games like Empire Earth in it's TRUEST sense?! If initials are used also PLEASE define them. I know a "CB" refers to "City Builder" and the afore mentioned FPS as to what it stands for. But as to others I'm lost. When initials are used I'm not sure what is being said as I have heard and seen RTS, yet I don't EVEN know what it stands for.

Additionally maybe I WILL ask what ALL the abbreviations stand for and what genres they belong to. So, a FULL list would be appreciated too!


Sincerely,
Phil

[Keith Heitmann]

RTS = Real Time Strategy

Basically it applies to games that generally are no the I-go-you-go turn-based games and were both sides are constantly playing and repsonding to each other's moves in real time.

I don't believe there are that many other abbreviations in use that I'm aware of anyway. FPS and RTS are the most generally used of them all. CB tends to be used mostly by those of us that play citybuilders and isn't a universal abbreviation for that sort of game by non-players.

[Phil Walker]

OK, fair enough! Although I guess there SHOULD be another as you mentioned. That being TBS for Turn-Based Strategy ;D! If not recognized, tell me where and I'll submit it!!!

So, in a way EE IS a RTS then, right?! And for that matter Lords 3, as things happen in a "coinciding" manner versus Lords 2 which is Turn-Based.

Right in my thinking or WAY OFF??


Sincerely,
Phil

[Keith Heitmann]

EE and Lords 3 would be RTS. Lords 2 would be a turn based game.

[Phil Walker]

Gotcha and THANKS ;D!!!

Now I can honestly say I TRULY understand and learned somethig today. Not only that but generated some activity as this site HAS been dead lately, or so it seems anyway !!!


Sincerely,
PHil

[Redbirdy]

"4X" is also a term in use out there. Generally applying to strategic space sims like Space Empires or Stars. To be honest I can't recall what all the Xs stand for but basically it's Exploration, Exploitaion, and two others... sort of defining the pattern of play during a normal game.

-J