Video shops: gaming jargon and genres

Adventure: One of the least violent video game genres to be found in the video shop, with a heavy emphasis on puzzle-solving.

Dance/rhythm: Make sure you have the required controller before renting one of these games from the video shop, so that the game can synch properly to the music.

Fighting: These games are a great option if you're heading down to the video shop with a friend, as they pit player against player.

First-person-shooter: A real-time fast-paced action game where the player acts as the protagonist.

Hot-seating: If a game in the video shop advertises this as a characteristic, it means it has the potential for more than one player, but not more than one console.

Hybrids: Remember that no matter how your video shop is divided in terms of genre, not all games are single-genre games. Ask your video shop for help if you can't find the one you want.

Platform: Donkey Kong is seen as the godfather of this video shop genre, defined by its navigational character that requires lots of timing and jumping.

Puzzle: A bit like a traditional puzzle but one that requires a trip to the video shop rather than just grabbing a pen and paper. Think Tetris.

Racing: Another good choice from the video shop if there are more than two of you—though, of course, you can race against the machine or even yourself.

Role-playing games: The type of adventure game you see in the video shop that involves a specific challenge and character.

Shooter: One of the oldest game genres in the video shop. Classic examples include Defender and Space Invaders.

Simulations: Games that try to re-create a specific event or experience. SimCity is the most famous of this genre.

Sniping: These games require the tactical use of weapons to "kill" other players.

Sports: As well as playing sports, these video-shop games usually involve some kind of team management.

Strategy/tactics: like simulations, but turn-based rather than played in real-time. If you like control-centred games then head to this shelf in the video shop.

Survival horror: This video-shop genre does what it says on the tin: it's a horror game where your main aim is to survive...