Good Games for New Gamers

[Tears of Blood]

I have a few people I want to get interested in gaming, but they don't want to start playing because they say they're too hard, or they don't understand that a game can have a genuine story. So, are there any games that you would reccommend that I start off some of these prospective gamers with?

Prospective Games:

Ratchet and Clank series

Kingdom Hearts series

 

[Kollega]

If they don't understand that a game can have real story, show them Psychonauts. Or Machinarium, which may also be a good starting point.

 

[Tears of Blood]

If they don't understand that a game can have real story, show them Psychonauts. Or Machinarium, which may also be a good starting point.

Yahtzee said Psychonauts had some pretty tough moments in it. I am thinking an easier game that is easy to get into and won't frustrate someone who is totally new to games.

 

[Kollega]

Yahtzee said Psychonauts had some pretty tough moments in it. I am thinking an easier game that is easy to get into and won't frustrate someone who is totally new to games.

I, actually, don't really know what you can use for this. Only thing i can think of are adventure games - not a stonewall of new things, but something more than just another addictive puzzler. If they don't play any games at ALL, then puzzle games may be the answer. But if you want to make them gaming enthusiasts who play for the expereience, puzzle games are not enough.


Or, you know, just find a game with cute protagonist. Kirby, or maybe Ratchet. If you must charm someone, you need to be huggable.

 

[Woem]

Have them start with an iconic game like Zelda or Mario.

 

[SonicKoala]

Make them play Uncharted 1 or 2 on easy - really fun gameplay, entertaining story (albeit not the most original), and if it's on easy it's far from challenging. Or, you could start them off on a Grand Theft Auto game - if you want a GTA with a story, I'd say San Andreas (IV is just too "grey" in my opinion). If they're still too "scared" of these games, then they shouldn't be gaming, and they can go play tetris or the Wii.

 

[Tears of Blood]

Have them start with an iconic game like Zelda or Mario.

Zelda and Mario are a bit difficult if you ask me...

Okay, Zelda isn't difficult, but it's long and takes a while to get going.

Something like Ratchet and Clank or Little Big Planet.
Or perhaps some older titles like Simpsons Hit and Run.

Rachet and Clank, perhaps. Little Big Planet... I don't think so.

Make them play Uncharted 1 or 2 on easy - really fun gameplay, entertaining story (albeit not the most original), and if it's on easy it's far from challenging. Or, you could start them off on a Grand Theft Auto game - if you want a GTA with a story, I'd say San Andreas (IV is just too "grey" in my opinion). If they're still too "scared" of these games, then they shouldn't be gaming, and they can go play tetris or the Wii.

Uncharted, maybe, but I still think that's a bit too hard for a brand new gamer. "How do I shoot!?"

GTA is not exactly the first game you want to introduce someone to, despite it probably being a fairly good choice otherwise.

 

[Onichanbura]

You cant keep nitpicking all of the suggestions listed. I mean if they want to play some video games then link up their interests. if they like cars throw em some forza, if they like aimless violence then prototype or some other hack and slash based game. As far as them being "new" to it, just put the shit on easy. No game released in the past twenty years with difficulty choices have been at all complicated on easy. Then after all of that if they still ***** about it, maybe they shouldn't play video games at all.

 

[Tears of Blood]

You cant keep nitpicking all of the suggestions listed. I mean if they want to play some video games then link up their interests. if they like cars throw em some forza, if they like aimless violence then prototype or some other hack and slash based game. As far as them being "new" to it, just put the shit on easy. No game released in the past twenty years with difficulty choices have been at all complicated on easy. Then after all of that if they still ***** about it, maybe they shouldn't play video games at all.

I believe I am perfectly capable of nitpicking anything, thank you very much. =P

Anyway, as many of our contributors/writers here on the Escapist have explained for us several times now, even Easy for a lot of people who are brand new to the hobby is difficult.

I at least want them to be able to undersatnd the hobby, and why I play, even if they don't play games forever.

Orange Box

Did you even read the thread?

Oh don't worry. It's the same as when anyone answeres "Gordan Freeman" to some form of "favorite character" thread.

 

[Tears of Blood]

Mirror's Edge isn't hard, is short, and sort of has a storyline. And it's really good. Also MGS1 on the gamcube (not as good as on the PS1, but still good and the graphics won't be as shocking) can be played on a Wii, it isn't hard, and it isn't too long.

Are you sure? Are you really sure? Because I totally disagree there. MGS1 is just... not the type of game someone can just pick up and play. There's so many little nuances to the controls, it's like a mindfuck for anyone who isn't a gamer.

Mirror's Edge might be good, but I can't imagine a first-person free-running game being anything short of frustrating for a gaming retard.

MGS does have a great story, though... Maybe I could have them watch me play... Hmm...

 

[Lullabye]

I believe I am perfectly capable of nitpicking anything, thank you very much. =P

Anyway, as many of our contributors/writers here on the Escapist have explained for us several times now, even Easy for a lot of people who are brand new to the hobby is difficult.

I at least want them to be able to undersatnd the hobby, and why I play, even if they don't play games forever.

Shadow of the colossus. but ther is not much to do in between boss fights so, if they lose interest easy then its a no=no.

Gears of war is pretty introductory to games.
Then you can slowly get them nto more intense games like L4D2 or MWF2

 

[Lullabye]

oh, try oblivion.(fallout is a little too complex for many people, even i had a hard time keeping track)

 

[Tears of Blood]

Shadow of the colossus. but ther is not much to do in between boss fights so, if they lose interest easy then its a no=no.

Gears of war is pretty introductory to games.
Then you can slowly get them nto more intense games like L4D2 or MWF2

Are you kidding? I had a hard time with Shadow of the Colossus. x_x

Gears of War, maybe, but it doesn't exactly have the most brilliant story ever.

You can't go wrong with a good platform game. Try the new Ratchet and Clank games, theyre not only beautiful to play and have the fluid movement you'd expect from modern gaming, but they provide hours of gameplay you just don't get from the usual shit like Call of Duty or alike.

I like this Ratchet and Clank idea.

I rather wish I had one of the games. x_x

 

[Mr.Governor]

Halo

 

[ldbmikey86]

Super Mario Galaxy. Or any other, more next-gen platformer, like Jak & Daxter or something.