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Similar to what amp316 said, whether a game is defined as "casual" or "hardcore" is completely determined by the way a person plays it.

Playing Zelda in itself is pretty hardcore, but if you try a speed run or refuse to collect any heart containers, then it becomes more hardcore.

Mass Effect is also hardcore in itself, but if you use an online guide and play in the lowest difficulty, then it is less hardcore.

A game in itself cannot be casual or hardcore. The gamer's skill and time investment ultimately determines the hardcore level to the individual gamer.

Now a game can be universally "casual" or universally "hardcore" if a majority of people play it in that manner (FarmVille and Skyrim respectively) but it still ultimately comes down to the way it is played. it's all relative.