Introducing someone to Games

[Haly]

Random thought of mine partly inspired by a podcast.
If you wanted to introduce games to someone who was really keen on the concept but had never played one. What games would you use? Can be as many or as few as you want but what do you think would be good examples of gaming to get them hooked?

[Davey_Pitch]

I'd probably go for something with an intuitive control scheme but also something that looked graphically impressive. Probably something like Gears of War. Set on Casual difficulty it's really easy and the ability to play co-op with them to ease them into it would be a big bonus.

Perhaps something like Dead Rising as well. Not the most intuitive of control schemes but tons of fun beating the snot out of the undead. Something like Crackdown would also be great fun for the superhero-like awesomeness.

[Streeteh]

Difficult question but strangely i think i found out the answer earlier this year. My sister hasn't played a game since dabbling on sonic on my megadrive for a handful of hours. She very generously bought me a game called Valkyria Chronicles for my birthday, a Strategy RPG. Now she asked if she could look just to see what it was all about really and tbh i assumed she wouldn't have a clue what was going on seeign as strategy RPGs aren't the simplest games in the world.

After 2 hours i felt i needed a rest but she protested, wanting to know how the story would continue. I started her a game and left her to it, after being called for aid several times in the first 10 mins she got to grips and got into it. I think she's now considering getting a PS3 off the strength of that game alone.

So it got me wondering, what's so special about that game? Shes seen me play loads of games over my shoulder over the years and always did find it intriguing but never once even mentioned having a go herself. Then i realized, it's because i usually only play shooters, beatem ups or generally real time games. When someone wants to try something for the first time they would typically want to take it slowly and get their head around the whole concept before they move along, at their own pace. This game was perfect for it, it is relatively in depth, not exactly easy and very long but the top class story driven cutscenes between each level were rewarding enough for her to persevere and also acted as a nice platform for the transition, by that i mean books and films also have similar developed storyline so the reward was similar.

Anyway, rambled a bit there, but yeah, a relatively simple turn based RPG with a good story.

[iCraig]

Depends on the genre I think. I've played games for years but I dislike RTS/Simulation/RPG on a whole. I've played Command & Conquer and it's good, but things like WoW/Guild Wars/EVE/Dawn of War seem really boring to me. I've even fallen asleep watching my flatmate play EVE before. I think any game that sends you to sleep isn't really a game

My point is that even an established gamer can often dismiss entire genres based on taste, never mind an idividual game. I think the most popular from each genre would be a good start.

For FPS I would start simple, perhaps even from the past. For FPS, I'd start with Quake III Arena. Easy to pick up, great fun, and gives you the main practice you need for fundamental FPS games. Aiming, ammo, health, boost packs/special abilities/weapon variety, teamwork etc etc. All within an acceptable level of visuals and level of skill.

From here I'd step up to the Unreal Series (2004 mostly) and then onto modern day titles like Counterstrike, Left 4 Dead, Crysis etc.

[Briggykins]

I'd steer well clear of Quake III personally, although it's simple it's incredibly quick. I'd start out with a single player game - ideally one of the pre-Quake ones without 3D. Then move on to a more modern single player with mouselook, then move on to something more complicated. After that I think they'd know everything they need to.

[divine]

Originally Posted by Davey_Pitch

I'd probably go for something with an intuitive control scheme but also something that looked graphically impressive. Probably something like Gears of War. Set on Casual difficulty it's really easy and the ability to play co-op with them to ease them into it would be a big bonus.

Perhaps something like Dead Rising as well. Not the most intuitive of control schemes but tons of fun beating the snot out of the undead. Something like Crackdown would also be great fun for the superhero-like awesomeness.

I don't think i'd agree with Gears, most people I know who don't play many games find it hard to play and get confused at how they 'randomly' stick to walls etc.

I think a large part of it would depend on the person. One of my female friends absolutely loved counter strike for example, yet others just looked bored at the mere mention of shooting and guns.

GTA always seems popular, stick a few cheats on if needs be and most people will have fun with it.

Quake Live is a good intro to shooters too, especially with its skill gradings and played out tutorials plus the fact it works in a browser.

Simple driving games too, like Trackmania.

[iCraig]

Originally Posted by Briggykins

I'd steer well clear of Quake III personally, although it's simple it's incredibly quick. I'd start out with a single player game - ideally one of the pre-Quake ones without 3D. Then move on to a more modern single player with mouselook, then move on to something more complicated. After that I think they'd know everything they need to.

QIII is single player too, you just have bots and can explore the game play types. FFA, TDM, CTF etc. I know what you mean though, there's not much of a story behind it so it's missing one aspect present in most FPS games. The reason *why* you're shooting at these aliens/zombies/terrorists/cyborgs etc.

[NokkonWud]

A heavily story driven game. Probably Final Fantasy VII or Zelda OoT.

[Will]

The only games I was ever attracted to were adventure games such of like of Monkey Island and so on. I play FPS from time to time - but it'll be in short sporadic bursts. I get bored of games very quickly and it just doesn't appeal to me. So whilst I could be sold on a game for a bit, I'd move on to something else just as fast.

If it were me trying to be convinced, I'd want something interesting, fun in terms of interaction, and a good plot/story line. Stuff where you need to have 34.7 fingers and be able to press 6.7 keys at the same time to do a certain combination of moves holds absolutely no appeal and frustrates me, so bare that in mind when suggesting those sort of games.

SImplicity is the key.

[Desmo]

Divine's shout of GTA is a good one. A story based game where you can also free roam at your own pace. Easy to pick up and just play for a while.