Is there a game that fits categorically into too many different genres to be classed into any one genre (not counting something like Platform-Adventure, Action-Adventure, Action-RPG, Action-platformer, etc, don't count, since those are genres in and of themselves). The closest thing I can think of are Metroid-like games, but those are usually considered their own genre, or are considered Action-Adventures because the platforming and shooting elements constitute the "action".
And while I'm at it, is there a game that can't be considered part of any genre? I doubt there is, but it would be cool to know.
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R.A.D.: Robot Alchemic Drive for the PS2. You control a giant robot... as a human external to the robot on foot. It's kind of like using RC controls. You have to fight giant monsters and robots by moving your robot's limbs individually (walk is "move left foot forwards", "move right foot forwards", repeat) all the while controlling your human using the thumbsticks. Oh, and be careful not to squish yourself under your own foot. That's all unique enough to either be labeled a long list of genres or to fall out of anything but the broadest categories of games (like "action", which is not descriptive at all).
A lot of minigame collections could count as genre-defying. The sorts of gameplay they require is usually so varied that if you got down into the details you'd have pretty long lists out there. (Rhythm, racing, strategy, action, platforming, QTE)
Then there are games which defined new genres, like DDR. Before it, there were no music-based games to speak of.
I'm certain there are more obscure, unique titles in my collection which haven't come to mind yet.
EDIT: Rez (Dreamcast/PS2) is a rhythm-based rail shooter (or a rail shooting-based rhythm game). The gameplay was (and is) very unique. The slew of rhythm-based non-music games nowadays is probably thanks to Rez.
EDIT2: Katamari Damacy (PS2). You roll stuff up onto a sticky ball in order to recreate the stars in the sky (which your father destroyed in a fit of joy) while hyperactive cutesy music plays. The range of stuff size goes from, like, thumbtacks all the way to buildings. Fun times!
I'll nominate Electroplankton. It's not really a music composition tool/game, more like a game-ified sound generator, so I guess you could drum up a genre for it, but I don't think another game has ever done what it does.
I'll say Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but even that is a bit of a stretch. It's primary focus is of course fighting, but it also has an action story mode, some retro games, and due to Sandman, a very small sporting element in it. It can also be called a party game since it's less focused on core gamers then other fighting games.
@Holy Mackerel: Always wanted to play Katamari Damacy. Looked very intersting and I love new concepts.
I'll say Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but even that is a bit of a stretch. It's primary focus is of course fighting, but it also has an action story mode, some retro games, and due to Sandman, a very small sporting element in it. It can also be called a party game since it's less focused on core gamers then other fighting games.
and also platforming
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Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It looks like an adventure game, but it doesnt feel like your standart adventure game. Honestly, i still dont know what the hell is happening in this game (I could read the manual, but I prefer finding it out myself....somehow).
Brought up in another thread was ActRaiser for the SNES. It's a god simulation game with action platforming segments. The two gameplay types are so different that it feels weird the first few times you play it.
I've always referred to Shenmue as an RPG and Nights as a platformer. Yeah, I know they're technically not but they seem to be classed as such. Both very unique games and definately need to be experienced, however.
NiGHTS isn't a platformer, you fly for 90% of it! I can agree more with Shenmue's RPG elements though - lots of grinding and collecting of useless items for fun. Oh, and plenty of naff dialogue!
It's a bit hard to define the Thief games, without mashing a whole bunch of unrelated genres together.
Is it FPS? Well, kinda, but without the ballsy action. Is it Action Adventure? Well, kinda, but it's a touch too linear to suit that genre exactly. Is it Stealth? Stealth's a big part of it, sure. But compare this to the Tom Clancy Splinter Cell games. Is it Horror? Horror's a big part of it too, but that's hardly a consistent element throughout the game.
So it's a FPS Action Adventure Stealth Horror game? Ergh, wordy.
In the end Thief is just Thief. And damnit we need a new one. Get to work Eidos (or Square Enix, now)
Also, the Kingdom Under Fire games are equally unweildy to define. Strategy Beat 'em Up RPGs? Please.
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Topic: A Game That Cannot Be Defined?
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