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What are the best games to introduce to someone who has never played video games?

13

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Considered

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Dec 28, 2023

Last
Updated

13 Games Considered

Best games to introduce to someone who has never played video games	Price	Genre	Platforms
-- Don't Starve Together	$14.99	Roguelike, Survival, Horror	PS 4, Windows, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, Switch
-- Papers Please	-	-	-
-- Firewatch	$19.99	Narrative, Adventure, Walking Sim	-
-- The Stanley Parable	-	Adventure, Interactive Story	Windows, Linux, Mac
-- Portal	-	-	-

Don't Starve Together

Top Con

Steep learning curve

The first few attempts will last only a couple of in-game days. This is because the game has various punishing mechanics, which you can only learn through trial and error. One such mechanic is the darkness, which will kill you in under a minute if you don't have a light source. Followed by packs of hounds that randomly spawn to kill you. In most cases preparation is key and you can't prepare without knowledge. See More

Top Pro

Pleasantly twisted sense of humor

There's a dark sense of humor that pervades the game. There's a humanoid spider boy who can grow a beard of silk. There's a living chest called Chester who acts like a dog. There's also silly info text, werepigs, trees that retaliate when you chop them, and many other things. See More

HealthySuaixtix's Experience

I LOVE this game, but it has too steep a learning curve for introducing video games. cmon See More

Specs

Genre:Roguelike, Survival, Horror

Co-Op:2-4 Player Local

Top Con

Very unforgiving game

Top Pro

Tweak the gameplay settings to fit any skill level

The game gives you a lot of customization options. You can change the length of day, weather patterns, and spawn rates for resources and monsters. This allows you to adjust the difficulty level to suit your skill and preference. See More

Top Con

Can get repetitive

You'll have to repeatedly collect a lot of basic materials like twigs, grass, and ore. This is because most of the starting recipes share the same required materials. Even later in the game you'll be doing many repetitive tasks. Gathering enough firewood for winter is especially bad because you have to chop down dozens of trees. All of this is made worse by the limited inventory space, causing you to make the same trip multiple times. See More

Top Pro

The further you get, the more you will learn

Starting out you'll only be gathering twigs and grass, maybe chop a tree. You'll also gather basic food such as mushrooms and carrots. Then you'll start building your encampment, learning how the day/night cycle and the seasons work. Later on you'll start building massive farms, refridgerators, fortifications, and many other things. All of this is done for the sake of not starving. As the game progresses, you will encounter mechanics such as drought, forest fires, the rainy, season, the cold and many others. To counteract these you need to plan properly and will probably die the first time around. Once your knowledge reaches a certain level, you'll be able to survive indefinitely. See More

Top Pro

Unique mix of 2D and 3D art offers a change of pace

Don't Starve Together has a very unique art style that places two-dimensional characters in a three-dimensional setting. Even the waves in the sea look like cardboard cutouts used in a puppet show. This look and feel to the graphics is a nice change of pace from ultra-realistic games. See More

Top Pro

Great replay value

Don't Starve Together has randomly generated (customizable) levels, unlockable characters, a story mode, and you can also play it with up to 5 other friends. All of this helps keep subsequent attempts/playthroughs fresh. See More

Top Pro

Deep and varied crafting system

The crafting system has a lot of depth to it and there are tons of items to make. Starting with the recipe for a torch and a pickaxe. You can also make weapons, armor, and various laboratories that enable new technologies. Building new stuff and advancing is the key to surviving the coming winter. See More

Papers Please

Top Pro

Unique puzzle solving through clue based deduction

Papers Please has a unique puzzle solving element. Instead of using mathematical logic, or quick matching thinking, the puzzles in Papers Please involve checking people's background information to make sure everything matches the immigration requirements and following clues to find anything amiss. See More

Top Con

Multiple playthroughs can be repetitive

The gameplay itself, once the player gets a grasp of it can get repetitive upon multiple playthroughs due to there really being not much deviation as there is only a singular gameplay mechanic. See More

Specs

Steam Rating:Overwhelmingly Positive

Top Pro

Simple gameplay mechanic that is easy to understand

For newcomers to gaming the gameplay mechanic is quite easy to grasp as it is basically a spot the difference type of game, though presentation is quite above most similar gameplay style games on offer. This makes for a game that is intuitive to even a novice that is also intriguing because of the story. See More

Top Pro

Will require making moral decisions

There is a fine line to walk while playing, whether it is worth following the rules and ruining lives or bending the rules at the risk of getting caught in order to help destitute people. The moral choices in the game are often difficult and require hard decisions which adds depth to the game that is not often found in similar titles. See More

Top Pro

Endless mode

Once the main story is beaten there is an optional endless mode for those that want to see how long they can play without losing. See More

The Stanley Parable

Top Pro

Different endings based on your decisions

Even decisions that seem to be very simple may lead to a completely different ending. See More

Top Con

Meta humor and structure

To someone unversed in video games, much of the humor, narrative, and ideas, would almost certainly go over their head - and even some of the choices would probably not be explored. See More

Specs

Steam Rating:Very Positive

Genre:Adventure, Interactive Story

Top Pro

Shows how easily games can blow your mind

The Stanley Parable is definitely one of the games that start a little bit boring but then comes with twists and unexpected situations that will blow your mind. Expect the unexpected. See More

Top Pro

Easy controls

Unlike other games you just have to learn how to walk, look around and activate things like doors or switches. No endless keyboard shortcuts. See More

Top Pro

Short story

You may "finish" the game within a couple of hours which makes it suitable for short play sessions. See More

Portal

Top Pro

The sequel contains an AI powered by a potato

If that is not funny, then nothing is. See More

Top Con

Outdated graphics

The game was released in 2007, making it somewhat of an older title, because of this the graphics will not be on par with modern releases. See More

AmiableCephisso's Experience

I loved Portal. It was the first game I ever played, and it definitely got me hooked into gaming. It isn't usually time-sensitive, and it's fairly challenging for a beginner. See More

Specs

Steam Rating:Overwhelmingly Positive

Top Pro

Making it halfway and completing unlocks new content

Getting to the halfway point in Portal will unlock challenge maps and finishing the main story will unlock advanced chambers. See More

Top Con

Somewhat short

Portal takes 2-3 hours to complete which means it can be completed in one sitting. This may not be enough game for the money for some people and should be considered before purchasing. See More

Top Pro

Merges first-person shooting mechanics with platforming and puzzle-solving

Portal uses an engine that was meant for a first person shooter and creates puzzles that need solved through various stage with the use of platforming. While not the very first game to merge platforming with and FPS the puzzle aspects make it unique in that no other game had done this specific combination yet. See More

Top Con

Portal mechanics not used much to their best ability

Certain parts of the game sees the player using portals to manipulate sentry guns that fire rockets in order to progress in that stage, Mechanics like this make for a really enjoyable way to manipulate ones environment but sadly are not used too often. See More

Top Pro

Character-driven

Even though the only organic sentient being in this game is the player's character, this game features some of the most memorable and intriguing characters in fiction or in gameplay. GladOS obviously, but also the drone robots that sweet-talk the player to a sudden death (and then forgive you when you dismantle them), the clues left behind by former test subjects, the abandoned hints of what the lab used to be like. It tells a story without telling a story, and immerses you more than most other games can ever hope to achieve. See More

Top Pro

Innovative gameplay

Portal has won multiple awards for innovative design. Using a first person view and portals that allow one to traverse a room through one placed in one location to the other placed in another location to solve puzzles was and still is a very unique game design. See More

Top Pro

Made people fall in love with an inanimate, virtual object

The game made people emotionally attach to The Weighted Companion Cube and feel uncomfortable when later forced to incinerate it. See More

Top Pro

Created one of the most memorable characters in gaming history - GLaDOS

GLaDOS, or Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System, is the main antagonist of Portal games. She is voiced by Ellen McLain with the voice later processed to sound closer to how a text-to-speech program would synthesize a voice. GLaDOS initially functions as a guide to the player and is only later revealed as a manipulative, narcissistic, sinister and passive-aggressive character that wants to kill the protagonist. GLaDOS is the main force that moves the humorous yet dark narrative of Portal series with her remarks being simultaneously hilarious and terrifying. See More

Top Pro

The game leaves clues to a deeper story

Throughout both Portal games there are hints left in various forms that fill in more of the story, including information about Chell's personal history. See More

Top Pro

Humorous telling of a dark story

Portal is known for its humor. Even years after it's been out in the world people are still quoting and referencing it in everyday situations. See More

Top Pro

Requires solving spatial and physics based puzzles using portals

The main mechanic of the game revolves around solving different puzzles using a handheld portal device - a device that can bend space and time to create a wormhole through which you can move. See More

80 Days

Top Pro

Stylish design based on Jules Verne

With the Steampunk motif and the way that the game transitions, users can see that a lot of style and imagination was used in the creation of the game. Being that it is based off of Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in 80 Days", fans of the author should find a lot to like here and those new to the author should be able to find something they like being that it is an established classic. See More

Top Con

Single playthrough is short

Lasting about 2 hours a single playthrough is pretty short, though with all the branching story triggers there is plenty of reason to play over and over again. See More

Specs

Genre:Gamebook / RPG

Controller Support:No

Top Pro

Uncovered routes stay uncovered on next replay

Once completing a playthrough the routes that were uncovered will stay uncovered for the next playthrough, thus helping the player chart better courses the more they play the game. See More

Top Pro

Branching story that will take multiple playthroughs to experience it all

The way the game plays out there are many story options that will be triggered due to previous choices in the game. Being that it branches out like this it will take many playthroughs to experience all of the stories options. See More

Top Pro

Heavily focused on reading

Pretty much a visual novel, 80 Days should interest anyone who enjoys reading and makes for a great introduction to the visual novel genre due to it being spearheaded by a big name in text adventure fiction, Jon Ingold. See More

Stardew Valley

Top Pro

Great freedom in designing your farm

When creating your own farm you aren't just limited to plowing fields for planting crops. You can also dig wells, put down fences, and even build various structures such as barns or stables. This allows you to build a farm that firmly matches your goals and sense of aesthetics. See More

Specs

Genre:Farming Simulation, Role-Playing

Co-Op:Online and Local, up to 4 players

Top Pro

A great mix of genres

While Stardew Valley is primarily a farming simulator, it also has social interaction elements and combat elements. The social interaction elements allow you to interact with people around the town. You can befriend them, get quests from them, hang out with them, and even find a significant other to go out with and eventually marry. It can be very addictive to max out your relationship with everyone. The combat elements are introduced when you unlock the dungeon, allowing you to battle creatures such as slimes, golems, and even mummies. While the combat is pretty simple, having you just swing your weapon, it's very satisfying to whack away at enemies. If farming ever starts feeling stale you can try either of these to mix it up, allowing you to keep the game fresh for a longer time. See More

Top Pro

Great soundtrack

When you work on your farm, go fishing, explore or just walk around the town you'll be accompanied by a really nice soundtrack. It's sometimes upbeat, sometimes soothing, and sometimes even melancholic, with every track matching each location and season perfectly. There's also a wide variety of instruments used, including a piano, accordion, banjo, synths, and many others. This allows you to listen to the soundtrack for hours without getting tired of it. Sometimes it's very hard to believe Stardew Valley and its soundtrack was produced by just one person. See More

Top Pro

Very fulfilling to play

Stardew Valley is a very simple game where you're free to do anything and everything at your own pace. This includes building your farm, planting and harvesting crops, and exploring the world among many other things. It will feel enjoyable no matter how fast or slow you do it. This coupled with the colorful/pleasing art style and the great soundtrack makes it an extremely pleasing experience. See More

MineCraft

Specs

Genre:Indie / Survival / Sandbox

Co-Op:8 Player Online / 4 Player Couch / 8 Player LAN/ Infinite Player Servers

Controller Support:Yes

Beat Cop

Top Pro

Players are required to make meaningful decisions that have meaningful consequences

In order to progress in the game, players have to make a variety of difficult decisions. For example, accepting a bribe may improve your relations with the Mafia but reduce your overall reputation with your fellow police officers. You can choose to play a good cop that plays by the rules, but it's not easy. You can issue tickets even for cars that are not breaking any laws, but those tickets count towards your daily ticket quota. Issuing them may have long-term consequences. In order to reach their daily goals, the player must make the choice they think will get them closer to it. Whether that is the moral choice or not is entirely up to the player themselves. The right choice will reward the player, the wrong choice however can greatly penalize and set them back. See More

Top Con

In-game time management could have been handled a bit better

Five minutes in-game are equivalent to a couple of real-world seconds. This makes time go awfully quickly in Beat Cop. The idea is that time needs to go quickly in order for the player to strategize and think hard about which choices they will make during a single day. This fact is further emphasized by NPCs repeating again and again that you will not be able to complete all of your tasks. The problem is that it's perfectly possible to complete all given tasks in even such a small timeframe. You have a daily minimum number of tickets you have to write, if you reach double of your daily quota the game will reward you for that. But because in-game time management is poor, it's quite easy to even quadruple your daily quota which seems to not have been predicted by the game creators since the game gives no rewards whatsoever for reaching more than double your ticket quota. See More

Specs

Steam Rating:Very Positive

Genre:Adventure, Puzzle, Point-and-click,

Top Pro

Deals with relevant issues

Even if it's set 30 years ago, Beat Cop manages to make a statement about issues relevant today. Problems like race, police brutality, and corruption are dealt with with a good dose of satire and introspection. It throws the player into a hostile environment and asks them to make important decisions under extremely high pressure and difficulty where doing something immoral is often seen as the simplest and fastest way of reaching your goals. The quota-based system is reminiscent of the statistics-based systems many countries employ to measure a cop's performance. This blurs the line between moral and immoral choices. Do you choose to take the high road? Or do you make an immoral choice in order to reach your goals faster? This way, Beat Cop shines a light on the many difficulties policemen have to address every day and the game does so while remaining impartial and without throwing needless accusations around. See More

Top Pro

Perfectly captures the feel of classic cop shows and movies

PRO Perfectly captures the feel of classic cop shows and movies Beat Cop successfully captures the general feel of '80s shows and movies about cops. It's got all the stereotypes people find and enjoy in those shows and movies. All the cliches make it seem like it's straight out of Miami Vice. See More

Proteus

Top Pro

Simple mechanics

Proteus is more a walking simulator than a game, which makes it a great introduction to the controls of a first person view title as that is all one will really do, walk around. There are no real goals to the game other than walking to advance the seasons of the environment in order to see them. No confusing settings, no skill tress or complicated mechanics, which is great for people that find those types of things confusing or too stressful. See More

Top Con

Pretty short

The game can be finished in about an hour, or even less if one is rushing. So while the game is fun to experience, once completed one knows pretty much what to expect and may not make for the best option when considering the cost compared to longevity. See More

Specs

Steam Rating:Very Positive

Top Pro

Works well on low resource hardware

This is great for those that do not own a dedicated gaming rig and just have a low resource system such as a laptop or low priced tower since more people will be more likely to own such a device, which makes for a great introduction to gaming while not having to sink a large amount of money into a rig. See More

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