For some people, playing online games is a favourite kind of pastime. What else is one to do while standing in line, commuting, or even working? Jokes aside, playing games has a soothing effect on us. They make us calm and satisfied, though they can equally cause an adrenaline rush. As well as that, there are some online games that really get your full attention when they become your main source of income (yes, that's possible). So, let's take a look at some of the most common types and see which appeal to you the most.

Arcade style games

Pacman, Tetris, Super Mario…The games vary greatly, but all of us who grew up playing real-life arcade games are huge fans of these. Arcade games can be downright simple such as Tetris or involve going through levels collecting coins in search of a damsel in distress, a la Super Mario Bros. Compared to the latest types of games, they are pretty straightforward and common, but that's exactly why they will never lose their popularity.

Strategy games

These have gained in popularity in recent years. Different types involve different kinds of strategies, so there is no universal solution. These are the type of games in which the outcome largely depends on your choices rather than your technical expertise, which is quite appealing for many. Not to mention an engrossing storyline.

There are two subcategories:
⦁ Real-time strategy game (RTS), in which the protagonist(s) move across the map and try to conquer the locations. You have to make decisions really fast here. Examples: League of Legends, Age of Empires, Starcraft, and so on.
⦁ Turn-based strategy games (TBS) – in games such as Total War, Heroes of Might and Magic, or Civilization, you can make your decision after you pause the game

Casino games

Millions of people all over the world are playing some kind of casino game. While some are doing it just for fun, others have turned their online gaming skills into a serious business. The good thing about online casino games is the fact that you can play for free, or start investing some cash when you become more experienced.
There are several types of online casino games for your pleasure:

⦁ Poker – you can forget about "reading" your opponent's poker face in an online realm. On the other hand, no one can do that to you, too.⦁ Slot games – for all those who like taking their chances in the simplest way possible,

⦁ Roulette – as close to the real thing as it gets,

⦁ Blackjack – a card game, but you play against a dealer.

Of course, since there can be money involved, it's highly advisable you play only at reliable websites. You can follow this beginner guide for online casino games as a good starting point.

First person shooter games (FPS)Everybody has become familiar with the craze over Counter-Strike. Even though it all may seem like random shooting at the bad guys, there is some strategy involved, too. As a matter of fact, a lot of female players who like excitement but are turned off by the killing criteria opt for strategy games instead. Online shooting games are often played from a soldier's perspective. There are two modes, depending on a player:

⦁ Quest/Story mode (Single player)

⦁ Multiplayer mode.

The first one is pretty obvious, while the latter can include several missions, such as capturing the flag, seek and destroy mission, deathmatch, and so on.

Sports games

If you're not into cards, wars, or games of chance and you would rather spend your free time doing some kind of sport, beware! Sports games have proved irresistible to all true sports fans out there. This is basically a dream come true – you are in charge of your favourite team, and you go for the trophy!

So, which one is the right for you? Do you go for thrills and chills, have you got enough time to think hard, or do you simply enjoy seeing a line of blocks disappearing into thin (digital) air? Whatever it is, don't forget the ultimate rule: you should be having fun! Otherwise, you've completely missed the point.