So I was sitting in the break room at work during my lunch, chatting with one of my superiors, a man in his mid-40's. Out of the blue, he asked, "You play video games, right?" I responded I did, when I had time. He went on to explain that he was considering trying to get into video games, and wanted some advice/help with it. Namely, what would be a good first video game for him. I thought about it, told him there were alot of factors to take into account, and asked what kind of games he thought he'd enjoy. Based on some of his feedback, I've tried to narrow down what would be a good one for him to try, but wanted to get some feedback from other gamers.
Some of his criteria: He's not interested in "casual games" like Bejeweled and Peggle, he wants to play something a bit more "hardcore." At the same time though, with it being his first game, he want's something on the simpler side (in terms of playability, not difficulty, if that makes any sense). He has some arthritis problems, so no motion controls. He also expressed an interest in the whole "video games as art" idea, so maybe something that fits in that category. Finally, since he doesn't have any systems or a high-end gaming computer, and probably won't be making such a large investment blindly, I will probably be letting him play his first game on my system, and I only have a backward-compatible PS3, so that limits our options a bit.
With all that, I narrowed down to 3 possible choices:
3. BioShock - The heavy theme and atmosphere seem like they would draw him in, but I'm a bit worried about the complexity. I know he could always set it on easy mode, but all the buttons and the more fast-paced, intense squences might frustrate him a bit.
2. Shadow of the Colossus - Pretty much all the pros and cons of BioShock, but moreso. It might be a game that would be more enjoyable for a non-gamer or casual player to watch than to actually play, as it can get a bit harder to appriciate the game asthetics when you're focusing on not falling to your death. (For a similar reason, might be worth showing him God of War.)
1. Braid - Seems a perfect blend of artistry and simplicity (only uses 2 buttons and an analog stick, I believe). Also seems like it would appeal to his intelectual side, as some of the puzzles are very challenging.
So those are the games I've been kicking around, What are some other suggestions?
The three you listed are good choices. However, if they still end up too intense or confusing for his liking (since you mentioned arthritis), ICO might also be worth a shot. You can still safely call it artistic, and it's not as hard on the hands as a shooter might be.
The Prince of Persia reboot might also be worth consideration, since I heard it was really easy and impossible to die, but still visually striking.
Hardcore and simple to play? Get him into games that have a competitive side. Fighting games, like Tekken or Street Fighter. On the surface, they're pretty simple (stick to move, buttons to attack), but playing against other humans give them depth. Starcraft, counterstirke also count, and don't require an incredibly high-end PC (a nice mouse, though).
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"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
The three you listed are good choices. However, if they still end up too intense or confusing for his liking (since you mentioned arthritis), ICO might also be worth a shot. You can still safely call it artistic, and it's not as hard on the hands as a shooter might be.
If I were going to have him play Ico, I'd have to wait until the Team ICO collection next April, as I don't own the PS3 version, and don't really want to spend 45 bucks for a used copy when I could get the HD version of it with SotC for less than that in a few months. But yes, that would be a good choice otherwise.
The Prince of Persia reboot might also be worth consideration, since I heard it was really easy and impossible to die, but still visually striking.
If I were going with any Prince of Persia game, it would be Sands of Time. The reboot was a good game, but lacks that "magic" of SoT. And I don't think the game needs to be easy, just not complex in the controls. Games with guick-time events or that otherwise require rapid pressing of multiple or the same button.
Hardcore and simple to play? Get him into games that have a competitive side. Fighting games, like Tekken or Street Fighter. On the surface, they're pretty simple (stick to move, buttons to attack), but playing against other humans give them depth. Starcraft, counterstirke also count, and don't require an incredibly high-end PC (a nice mouse, though).
I can suggest a fighting game, but two things: a) he pretty heavily hinted that he was interested in a game with a strong narrative, and fighters aren't known for that (same reason he said no to racers), and b) I don't own any and don't play them, so I can't give any recommendations based on personal experience, with the exception of Soul Calibur. So maybe SC3 or SC4?
I think the game you're obviously looking for is Demon's Souls. With its simple controls, user-friendly learning curve and colorful graphics I don't see how you could go wrong.
EDIT: On a serious note, how about Heavy Rain? Also, the upcoming Vanquish is a really interesting shooter (the demo is AWESOME) that seems to have a solid narrative and a Casual Auto mode.
At the same time though, with it being his first game, he want's something on the simpler side (in terms of playability, not difficulty, if that makes any sense). He has some arthritis problems, so no motion controls. He also expressed an interest in the whole "video games as art" idea, so maybe something that fits in that category. Finally, since he doesn't have any systems or a high-end gaming computer, and probably won't be making such a large investment blindly, I will probably be letting him play his first game on my system, and I only have a backward-compatible PS3, so that limits our options a bit.
Braid would be good in this instance. I was thinking Mario Bros. when I saw this, something like a platformer, and Braid would be good for the games as art thing. Plus, Braid is apparently a mindwarp.
Also, The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time stuff might be good, except it might be a bit too difficult. Again, I feel like if it's his FIRST game, simpler is better. Also, some really heady games would probably not be good for a newcomer based on genre, like Silent Hill 2 for instance.
I say give him something a bit older to start playing. Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past would be the perfect game to start him out with...I should really replay that game.
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That's the remarkable thing about life. It's never so bad that it can't get worse
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I'd suggest Little Big Planet. It'll work on your system. It's simplistic (to actually play, you don't need much more than the analog stick and X for the most part), but fun. It has the Mario gameplay, so it's fun. It's multiplayer, so you can play with him. There's over two million downloadable levels after the main campaign. He can also make his own stuff. The art style is interesting, as is the music. There's also a sequel coming out soon.
I also agree with Bioshock. Shouldn't be too complicated. Point, pull the trigger. Most of the rest of it is optional, and easy mode should make them unneeded.
Honestly, though. My advice? Take him to a game store with a big selection. Gamestop, Hollywood Video (if you can find any still open), Play N' Trade. Or, better yet, a local one if you know of one. Just walk through with him. Especially get an associate to help. Just walk down the shelves. Point out games to him. Describe ones he might be interested in.
Also, my big advice is to shop at Gamestop and buy used so you can get your money back if he's not interested.
sorry but i dont know much about the old ps3 system, why it limits your options other than expanding them, id want a ps3 to be able to play ps2 games, unless i dont know something serious, answer me please ;/ quotes like ''It'll work on your system'' scare me
other than that, id like to reccomend Demon's souls, hardcore(maybe too much, until you learn it then you kick a$$), nice artistic style, easy to play but hard to master ( unless you cheat using gamefaqs : ) )
I've also been considering Ratchet & Clank (the first one), as he was kind of pushing, "well, what kind of games do YOU play?", and I told him, but most seemed a bit to much for his first. R&C might be ok though.
I'd suggest Professor Layton or Ace Attorney. Both have very easy controls, no timing or reflexes required and good storytelling. Plus the DS is great for people who are new to gaming.
Oh yes, I do have a DS as well (I almost forgot, as I never use it). I could see if a handheld would interest him, but... small screens and all. Probably wants to play something on his 40" plasma TV.
I'd suggest Little Big Planet. It'll work on your system. It's simplistic (to actually play, you don't need much more than the analog stick and X for the most part), but fun. It has the Mario gameplay, so it's fun. It's multiplayer, so you can play with him. There's over two million downloadable levels after the main campaign. He can also make his own stuff. The art style is interesting, as is the music. There's also a sequel coming out soon.
Excellent suggestion.
Honestly, though. My advice? Take him to a game store with a big selection. Gamestop, Hollywood Video (if you can find any still open), Play N' Trade. Or, better yet, a local one if you know of one. Just walk through with him. Especially get an associate to help. Just walk down the shelves. Point out games to him. Describe ones he might be interested in.
Also, my big advice is to shop at Gamestop and buy used so you can get your money back if he's not interested.
We may try that. I might be suprised what kind of games he ends up going for.
sorry but i dont know much about the old ps3 system, why it limits your options other than expanding them, id want a ps3 to be able to play ps2 games, unless i dont know something serious, answer me please ;/ quotes like ''It'll work on your system'' scare me
The only PS3 models that are backwards-compatible (meaning they can play PS2 games) are the launch 60GB models, and some of the 80 GB models. Since both of those are out of production, it's very hard to find one; pretty much the only people who have them are those that bought them at launch, and those willing to shell out the extra cash on eBay. I'm one of the former.
I would definitely go with Shadow of the Colossus. That game is so beautiful I watched my friend beat it instead of beating it myself. [He was farther in his save than I was in my save. :P.] Awesome, awesome game, fairly simple, beautiful. Braid is great as well, but I feel that you may be missing out on a bit of it if you're not steeped in gaming culture. You may want to consider Portal as well.
Going to a game store and having him pick is probably a good idea, too. I know I would be very spoiled if my first game was Shadow of the Colossus, heh.
...
I need to play that game again.
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my mouth is full of winsome lies -
and eyes are full of death besides
but luckily the soul is wise -
it sees beyond my blindness and
forced failure makes a better guise,
so as i come again alive,
it feels like life's a decent plan
A lot of the games listed so far feel pretty niche, which may be a turnoff for a first time gamer.
You might be able to gain some more insight if you know what types of movies he's into. If he likes sci-fi, Bioshock or Mass Effect 2 would both be outstanding choices.
I'd probably start with COD4: Modern Warfare, though. It's easy to pickup and has loads of mainstream appeal. It's an easy transition from enjoying movies to enjoying video games, I think.
With a gameboy, definitely check out the New Super Mario Bros. Alternatively, Professor Layton games are said to be really good. You could also try something like Kirby's Canvas Curse. Scribblenauts is another really good one.
But yeah. Find out his interests and let us know. That makes it so much easier.
I can suggest a fighting game, but two things: a) he pretty heavily hinted that he was interested in a game with a strong narrative, and fighters aren't known for that (same reason he said no to racers), and b) I don't own any and don't play them, so I can't give any recommendations based on personal experience, with the exception of Soul Calibur. So maybe SC3 or SC4?
A strong narrative narrows down the field down considerably, and what some people might consider a strong narrative is as bariable as what some people consider a "good game" itself.
Anyway, I know little of SC,. but I do know that its competitive scene is far less than either tekken or SF, whcih doesn't speak well for depth based on competition.
You could suggest sims, which remains to be one of the most popular games and deep games to be made for the PC. And it lets you develop your own narrrative (just introduce him to sites like Alice and Kev).
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"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
Some of his criteria: He's not interested in "casual games" like Bejeweled and Peggle, he wants to play something a bit more "hardcore." At the same time though, with it being his first game, he want's something on the simpler side (in terms of playability, not difficulty, if that makes any sense). He has some arthritis problems, so no motion controls. He also expressed an interest in the whole "video games as art" idea, so maybe something that fits in that category. Finally, since he doesn't have any systems or a high-end gaming computer, and probably won't be making such a large investment blindly, I will probably be letting him play his first game on my system, and I only have a backward-compatible PS3, so that limits our options a bit.
With all that, I narrowed down to 3 possible choices:
3. BioShock - The heavy theme and atmosphere seem like they would draw him in, but I'm a bit worried about the complexity. I know he could always set it on easy mode, but all the buttons and the more fast-paced, intense squences might frustrate him a bit.
2. Shadow of the Colossus - Pretty much all the pros and cons of BioShock, but moreso. It might be a game that would be more enjoyable for a non-gamer or casual player to watch than to actually play, as it can get a bit harder to appriciate the game asthetics when you're focusing on not falling to your death. (For a similar reason, might be worth showing him God of War.)
1. Braid - Seems a perfect blend of artistry and simplicity (only uses 2 buttons and an analog stick, I believe). Also seems like it would appeal to his intelectual side, as some of the puzzles are very challenging.
So those are the games I've been kicking around, What are some other suggestions?
The Prince of Persia reboot might also be worth consideration, since I heard it was really easy and impossible to die, but still visually striking.
"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
If I were going with any Prince of Persia game, it would be Sands of Time. The reboot was a good game, but lacks that "magic" of SoT. And I don't think the game needs to be easy, just not complex in the controls. Games with guick-time events or that otherwise require rapid pressing of multiple or the same button.
I can suggest a fighting game, but two things: a) he pretty heavily hinted that he was interested in a game with a strong narrative, and fighters aren't known for that (same reason he said no to racers), and b) I don't own any and don't play them, so I can't give any recommendations based on personal experience, with the exception of Soul Calibur. So maybe SC3 or SC4?
Braid is in my top 5 favorite games ever so I like that choice too!
LOL
EDIT: On a serious note, how about Heavy Rain? Also, the upcoming Vanquish is a really interesting shooter (the demo is AWESOME) that seems to have a solid narrative and a Casual Auto mode.
Braid would be good in this instance. I was thinking Mario Bros. when I saw this, something like a platformer, and Braid would be good for the games as art thing. Plus, Braid is apparently a mindwarp.
Also, The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time stuff might be good, except it might be a bit too difficult. Again, I feel like if it's his FIRST game, simpler is better. Also, some really heady games would probably not be good for a newcomer based on genre, like Silent Hill 2 for instance.
I would recommend Braid.
Calvin and Hobbes
Cube Tutor
Which, what other kinds of games can you get on that? I assume there's some kind of digital download option?
Aw missed that line. Toob ad he dosen't own a Wii.
Calvin and Hobbes
Cube Tutor
:symu::symr::symg: ANIMAR :symu::symr::symg:
I also agree with Bioshock. Shouldn't be too complicated. Point, pull the trigger. Most of the rest of it is optional, and easy mode should make them unneeded.
Honestly, though. My advice? Take him to a game store with a big selection. Gamestop, Hollywood Video (if you can find any still open), Play N' Trade. Or, better yet, a local one if you know of one. Just walk through with him. Especially get an associate to help. Just walk down the shelves. Point out games to him. Describe ones he might be interested in.
Also, my big advice is to shop at Gamestop and buy used so you can get your money back if he's not interested.
My helpdesk should you need me.
other than that, id like to reccomend Demon's souls, hardcore(maybe too much, until you learn it then you kick a$$), nice artistic style, easy to play but hard to master ( unless you cheat using gamefaqs : ) )
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Είμαι Άνεργος.
Grimstringer on Cockatrice, add me if you wanna
They have alot of PS1 games for download, as well as PSN games (which are like XBLA games). Braid, Trine, Echochrome, those kinds of games.
Oh yes, I do have a DS as well (I almost forgot, as I never use it). I could see if a handheld would interest him, but... small screens and all. Probably wants to play something on his 40" plasma TV.
Excellent suggestion.
We may try that. I might be suprised what kind of games he ends up going for.
The only PS3 models that are backwards-compatible (meaning they can play PS2 games) are the launch 60GB models, and some of the 80 GB models. Since both of those are out of production, it's very hard to find one; pretty much the only people who have them are those that bought them at launch, and those willing to shell out the extra cash on eBay. I'm one of the former.
Going to a game store and having him pick is probably a good idea, too. I know I would be very spoiled if my first game was Shadow of the Colossus, heh.
...
I need to play that game again.
and eyes are full of death besides
but luckily the soul is wise -
it sees beyond my blindness and
forced failure makes a better guise,
so as i come again alive,
it feels like life's a decent plan
You might be able to gain some more insight if you know what types of movies he's into. If he likes sci-fi, Bioshock or Mass Effect 2 would both be outstanding choices.
I'd probably start with COD4: Modern Warfare, though. It's easy to pickup and has loads of mainstream appeal. It's an easy transition from enjoying movies to enjoying video games, I think.
But yeah. Find out his interests and let us know. That makes it so much easier.
My helpdesk should you need me.
A strong narrative narrows down the field down considerably, and what some people might consider a strong narrative is as bariable as what some people consider a "good game" itself.
Anyway, I know little of SC,. but I do know that its competitive scene is far less than either tekken or SF, whcih doesn't speak well for depth based on competition.
You could suggest sims, which remains to be one of the most popular games and deep games to be made for the PC. And it lets you develop your own narrrative (just introduce him to sites like Alice and Kev).
"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
Without detailed info on what you're friend likes you really are throwing darts at a board.
Some people love games like Katamari Damacy others HATE them.
Feel free to bid on my cards here!
Cute, funny, 'arty' and challenging.
Good place to start.