Rhythm game or rhythm action is a genre of music-themed action video game that challenges a player's sense of rhythm. Games in the genre typically focus on dance or the simulated performance of musical instruments, and require players to press buttons in a sequence dictated on the screen. Many rhythm games include multiplayer modes in which players compete for the highest score or cooperate as a simulated musical ensemble. Rhythm games often feature novel game controllers shaped like musical instruments such as guitars and drums to match notes while playing songs. Certain dance-based games require the player to physically dance on a mat, with pressure-sensitive pads acting as the input device.
Players using a dance pad to play Dance Dance Revolution, one of the most successful rhythm games
Screenshot of StepMania, an open-source game similar to Dance Dance Revolution
An impromptu group of Rock Band 2 players
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 games, beat 'em ups, shooter games, rhythm games and platform games. Multiplayer online battle arena and some real-time strategy games are also considered action games.
Space Invaders (1978), an early shoot 'em up
Kung-Fu Master (1984), an early side-scrolling beat 'em up
Street Fighter II (1991), a fighting game