Games for Non-Gamers
- Thread starter Saelune
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Get him something like a simple RPG or a platformer or that SEGA collection on the 3DS, that has variety. Want to dazzle him, tyr Super Mario 3D Land/World, its a step-up from 2D, but doesn't come with the hardships of 3D. If he wants to relax, why not Pilotwings or a Kirby game on the 3DS? There is also mobile games like Cut the Rope, Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Piano Tiles (the originals, not their cash-grabbing sequels). Anyone of these should do the trick, OR if all else fails, Tetris is the way to go, I have yet to see a non-gamer not being pleased by Tetris.
Yes, try puzzle and adventure games. And story-based games in general.
Definitely nothing with QTEs, so no Telltale games. Those are instant turn-off for non-gamers, because they don't have a good handle on the controls yet.
In general, I'd go with games like Tetris, Kami, Thomas Was Alone, 80 Days [http://www.inklestudios.com/80days/], Portal, The Stanley Parable, Talos Principle, Journey, Plants vs. Zombies...
And since he likes James Patterson, I'd add Grim Fandango, The Shivah, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, and the Professor Layton series to the list.
I'd definitely steer clear of Nintendo staples such as Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, and Animal Crossing. Most adult non-gamers (pretty much anyone who didn't grow up with those games) tend to find those unappealing because of... well, because of how childish those appear to be.
This might be worth a watch:
Definitely nothing with QTEs, so no Telltale games. Those are instant turn-off for non-gamers, because they don't have a good handle on the controls yet.
In general, I'd go with games like Tetris, Kami, Thomas Was Alone, 80 Days [http://www.inklestudios.com/80days/], Portal, The Stanley Parable, Talos Principle, Journey, Plants vs. Zombies...
And since he likes James Patterson, I'd add Grim Fandango, The Shivah, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, and the Professor Layton series to the list.
I'd definitely steer clear of Nintendo staples such as Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, and Animal Crossing. Most adult non-gamers (pretty much anyone who didn't grow up with those games) tend to find those unappealing because of... well, because of how childish those appear to be.
This might be worth a watch:
I would stick with 2D platformers if I were you, stay away from anything with crafting mechanics or resource management (as that shit is kryptonite for non-gamers). I think the Wii and Wii U have some Mario games that would probably be a good start. I dunno since I don't own the system but my generally non-gaming Dad is really into the Wii right now after he strained his back muscle.
If he wants a PC game, there is this board game called "Armello" that is pretty fun and easy to pick up.
If he wants a PC game, there is this board game called "Armello" that is pretty fun and easy to pick up.
I absolutely love Extra Credits...but that video was surprisingly useless. It seems to neglect that most non gamers dont know how to CONTROL the game. I dont have to look at my hands or the buttons to play games, but any non-gamer I give a controller to, they dont know where B or X or even what the bumpers are.Zaltys said:
Thats really my issue, is games that are intutive enough or forgiving enough to learn how to literally play them. Understanding or liking them is another thing entirely. Mario games do seem like generally the best cause you move left/right and jump.
Anyways, I intend on giving it a go tomorrow, so I will update the topic after he tries a few of the games recommended that I have.
Pandemic for android or iOS. That shit is addictive. Like the board game only for loners and less messy.
He sounds just like my dad, who once got super addicted to Tetris when he deigned to try one of my games. Can't go wrong with Tetris. He'll pick up the simple mechanics in a jiffy and have a blast.
What better gateway into gaming is there? No big scary and confusing open world to get utterly lost in, no complex controls to master, very few game mechanics to learn about, very little need for digital dexterity. Even a basic 2D platformer like Mario Bros can be daunting for someone who's never made a character jump over something once in his life. And despite not having any of those things, Tetris still makes you feel smart for the simple task of moving and rotating blocks.
What better gateway into gaming is there? No big scary and confusing open world to get utterly lost in, no complex controls to master, very few game mechanics to learn about, very little need for digital dexterity. Even a basic 2D platformer like Mario Bros can be daunting for someone who's never made a character jump over something once in his life. And despite not having any of those things, Tetris still makes you feel smart for the simple task of moving and rotating blocks.
I agree. I was kind of disappointed. I could imagine a newcomer feeling utterly lost in a bunch of the games, or genres mentioned there. A new gamer should start with something with simple controls. I remember watching my friend's fiancee try to play Limbo and it took forever for her to figure out that you could jump in more directions than simply straight up.Saelune said:
Well, I'm gonna suggest an RPG for if he's willing to get into something that is a long experience.
And since Final Fantasy VII is my all time favorite game that I play yearly, I'm going to surprise no one and suggest Final Fantasy IX.
Yes, IX. It's a solid game with great characters and plot. It's not too bad on the eyes even today. It has great music. And I don't think that it's too hard for someone who doesn't play games to play. Worse case scenario, he might need to grind a little (made easier by the "Level Up" ability).
And since Final Fantasy VII is my all time favorite game that I play yearly, I'm going to surprise no one and suggest Final Fantasy IX.
Yes, IX. It's a solid game with great characters and plot. It's not too bad on the eyes even today. It has great music. And I don't think that it's too hard for someone who doesn't play games to play. Worse case scenario, he might need to grind a little (made easier by the "Level Up" ability).
I'll second this and suggest getting an iPad, there's tons of great puzzle games available, and it will keep his mind agile and occupied.CaitSeith said:
Hmmm
Maybe something like Diablo 2/3.
Diablo 2 was the only game that my dad got into, and he forced himself to stop because it was too addicting, haha.
Also, mario games, or platformers in general. Easy to grasp, fun to play.
Pokemon as suggested would be a great choice. Requires no reactions, easy to grasp, fun to play.
Maybe something like Diablo 2/3.
Diablo 2 was the only game that my dad got into, and he forced himself to stop because it was too addicting, haha.
Also, mario games, or platformers in general. Easy to grasp, fun to play.
Pokemon as suggested would be a great choice. Requires no reactions, easy to grasp, fun to play.
Something simple. Not because I think non-gamers are morons who would Game Over on Level 1 of Kirby, I've had my own father kick my arse on Forza numerous times.
I say simple because if he's bed-ridden for a month, you don't want to try giving him Skyrim.
Nintendo is a no-go as well. Generally, most people of that age group see Nintendo games as overly childish.
I would recommend the App Store, as long as he can keep away from Microtransations. Crossy Road, Plants VS Zombies and Land Sliders are all quite fun.
I say simple because if he's bed-ridden for a month, you don't want to try giving him Skyrim.
Nintendo is a no-go as well. Generally, most people of that age group see Nintendo games as overly childish.
I would recommend the App Store, as long as he can keep away from Microtransations. Crossy Road, Plants VS Zombies and Land Sliders are all quite fun.
Since he likes mysteries would he be willing to try the Nancy Drew computer games?Saelune said:
They are point and click mystery games with plenty of puzzles to solve. The game is also very forgiving to players. Do something to either get yourself killed or kicked off of the case? Don't worry you can just use the Second Chance button. The Second Chance button drops you off at the place you were at right before you made your mistake. So if you forgot to save before doing something it's no big deal.
There are also about 32 games from the series to choose from so you got plenty of choices. You can also choose to start with whichever game catches your interest. In the later games there are some callbacks to early games, but for the most part you don't need to have played one game to be able to play another. Only exception to this is Ransom Of the Seven Ships. You are going to want to play Stay Tuned for Danger before you play that one.
They sell bundle packs where you get a bunch of games on one disc, and they are usually pretty cheep to get.
OK, how much does he like convoluted plots and puzzles?
I mean, you have a 3DS, right? How about 3 games from Zero Escape series, namely 999, Virtues Last Reward and Zero Time Dilemma? You can even play together.
How about Final Fantasy, for example, IV, V or VI?
Please answer so that I may adjust my recommendations.
I mean, you have a 3DS, right? How about 3 games from Zero Escape series, namely 999, Virtues Last Reward and Zero Time Dilemma? You can even play together.
How about Final Fantasy, for example, IV, V or VI?
Please answer so that I may adjust my recommendations.
I think I am going to try to stick to Wii U games (virtual console too) cause new (ie made for it, as opposed to SNES games) 3DS games arent cheap, and I dont know how he would fare on such a small screen...and to be honest, I am loathe to give up my 3DS >~>Mister K said:
I see a lot of people recommending rather faster paced games or games the require some dexterity. Obviously I don't know about things like arthritis or ability etc
I'd pick stuff like escape the room or point and click adventures, like broken sword ... even the if the latter has some fucking bizarre logic to them. You can take 1,000 hours and there is no timing or quick reflexes, can literally play it with one finger and it's mostly story driven.
I'd pick stuff like escape the room or point and click adventures, like broken sword ... even the if the latter has some fucking bizarre logic to them. You can take 1,000 hours and there is no timing or quick reflexes, can literally play it with one finger and it's mostly story driven.