"So, what are these videogames I keep on hearing about?"

[captainwalrus]

Peggle. Fun, addictive, and simple.

 

[Uilleand]

Mass Effect...I've already addicted two totally non-gamers by starting them on M.E.
They get so hooked on the story...then squeal with glee as Thorian creepers explode under shotgun fire...

 

[Flour]

I'd probably make that person play a Mario game on the SNES.

The NES ones are too cheap, and I wouldn't make someone start a 3d game. If one enjoys the somple things, that person might enjoy the more complex things.

Even if that person doesn't like 3d, but enjoys 2d, there are enough hand-held platformers to keep that person busy for at least a year.

 

[axlr4]

tetris hell yea!....r.i.p. m.jackson

 

[hagaya]

Halo, no question.

Suck doesn't represent videogames.

In my opinion it is Super Mario Brothers. Nintendo got gaming started with that one, and it is most people's "first game." It's simple, fun, unique, and Mario is pretty much the most iconic IP in gaming.

 

[JenXXXJen]

It'd have to be Zelda, because Zelda is pretty damn awesome.

 

[barryween]

GTAIV. It IS the definition of interactive AND immersion.

 

[Slash Dementia]

I'd probably show Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Either that, Mass Effect or Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

 

[ae86gamer]

I'd show them one of the greatest games ever, PaRappa the Rapper. I'd show them it because its fun, somewhat easy, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Spoiler: Awesome

 

[hazakura]

First try Something simple that the person could relate to, I.E. Wii-sports, then show them something thats more cinematic like Far cry 2,Crysis, Fallout 3, or Call of duty 4/WAW.

 

[Eldritch Warlord]

Super Mario World. Don't ask me why, but I don't even really need to think about it. The answer is Super Mario World.

This.

Because it's so awesome yet so simple. I would most definitely not show a non-gamer something 3D, it takes a very specific mental talent to imagine a 2D projection as a 3D space. Remember that if you ever try to convert a non-gamer (not specifically directed at you Good morning blues).

 

[PersianLlama]

Super Mario World. Don't ask me why, but I don't even really need to think about it. The answer is Super Mario World.

Always start at the classics i.e. Super Mario for the NES. Keep it simple and fun.

Exactly!

Halo, no question.

I wouldn't start them off with a shooter, and if I did it'd be Goldeneye.

 

[Andaxay]

I'd definitely start simple. Sonic 2, the original Crash Bandicoot on PSOne, and New Super Mario Brothers if they were considering handheld gaming.

 

[Adam]

Id slap him over the back of the head and shout at him for keeping his head in a cardboard box, then I would give him final fantasy 7 and devil may cry with a PS2

 

[Wafflestomper99]

I think a 2D platformer like an old mario would be great to show someone who had no real concept of a video game. Super Mario World seems like it'd be a winner. It's fun and easy to grasp, but contains lots of secrets, nuances and special side stuff to unlock for the real Mario losers (like me). Then you could show the evolution of games from the simple platformer to the RPGs, RTS', and FPS'.

 

[Shepard's Shadow]

Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Bioshock, or Portal.

 

[A random person]

A Mario game. He just embodies gaming.

 

[More Fun To Compute]

Pac-Man Championship Edition. If you have to ask, it is because Pac-Man is pure beauty and truth in video game form.

 

[hopeneverdies]

Half-Life 2. Or Portal.

That is actually a lot harder than you think to get them to play. My mom had trouble in the first room with the cube on Portal, if that says anything about her skill. Apparently using both hands to play a game is pretty foreign to non gamers. I asked her, "Is it really that hard to use your left hand for movement and the right hand on the mouse to look around?