So what do you normally do on your personal computer? Which is your favorite recreational activity? And what is the first thing that comes to your mind, when you think of computers? If you ask these questions to youngsters and teenagers, they would directly shoot up with a common answer— Games. Indeed, a majority of teenagers like to play video games on their computers as their primary recreational activity. Even adults can be seen immersed in their computer screens for long hours.

Technically speaking, video game refers to an umbrella of games played on various electronic devices. While we refer to computer video games, we are referring to the games that can be played on the computer. However there are other video gaming consoles like Nintendo, Xbox and Playstation. But in this article we would focus on the computer video games.

The computer games are played on the computer with the help of a keyboard or a joystick along with the mouse. The screen of the computer gives out the video feedback, and the sound of the game is received by a headphone or speakers. However, all the computers require a Windows operating system to run these video games. Computer games are considered to be more powerful as the computer complements the requirements of the game with its graphic card and external architecture. So, Let us take a look at some of the popular and high selling computer video games.

Age of Empires II
The Age of Empires II is one of the best real time war strategy game, ever made in the history of computer video games. This game is published under the name of Microsoft, but was produced by Ensemble Studios. The game was released in 1999 following the huge success of the pervious version of the game called Age of Empires.

In this game the player has to apply some real time strategy work in building and restraining his empire till the end. The player starts the game under the dark ages and gradually upgrades his civilization to the imperial age. The player has full control over the development, production and activities of the villagers. Along with strengthening the economy of the empire, the player has to maintain an equally potent military to battle out the enemies and win the game. The player can choose to play the campaigns on the standard map. He can even choose the number and type of civilizations as his allies and enemies. Moreover the map selection and world selection can also be done by the player.

Half-Life
Half Life is one of the best ever sci-fi first person shooter video games. The game was launched in 1998 under the name of Sierra Entertainment. This game is basically a modified version of Quake. It was initially developed to be played on the computers, but following its demand and popularity, it became available for PlayStation2 console.

The game balances the inclusion of science and violence in a very balanced manner. The player is a theoretical physicist who survives an experiment which went terribly wrong and allowed the aliens to invade the earth. Now the player has to combat two enemies simultaneously— one being the hostile aliens and other being a combat team which is dispatched to eliminate the player and the scientist to cover up the incident. Now the player has to make his way out battling these two forces and surviving the battle.

These two games created history in the world of computer video games and are even played today. The companies of video games are making the games computer compatible along with console to increase their sale and popularity. So today, you can find almost every video game which can be played on your computer. [624 Words]