The Gaming Experiment

After talking to some coworkers about their love for games, one issue seemed to pop up more than any other. Their significant other doesn’t like games; some are vehemently against even the concept of games, while others are in the ‘too complicated’ camp. I am lucky to have a fiancée that not only supports my videogame habits, but also partakes in videogames herself. Some of her favorites have been the Grand Theft Auto series, LittleBigPlanet, and Beyond Good and Evil.

Here is a list of games that I thought would be the best to bring your significant other into the fold. Some of these games might seem too complicated, but with some patience, they will be on their way to videogaming success.

Overall Best Game for Beginners:

LittleBigPlanet (Media Molecule)

This was one of my favorite games of last year, and the controls are extremely simple. Two buttons, one to jump, the other to grab. This is a 3D side scrolling platformer. In the vein of older Mario style games, however, everything was created using the included in-game level creation system. Even creating a basic level is easy, fun, and not frustrating like other games.

There are a ton of customizable options for your Sackboy or Sackgirl, from costumes to stickers and even in game items that will really allow you to make this game your own.

Runners Up: Wii Sports, Rock Band 2

Best Fighting Game:

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Nintendo)

I wrote about my love for fighting games a couple weeks ago or so. Though I really love Street Fighter IV, Tekken, and Soul Caliber, one fighting game I forgot to mention was Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros Brawl. Though it is a very technical game, with tournaments and really dedicated player base, in my opinion, it is also a great starter fighting game. You’ll notice a lot of characters that you’ve seen before, like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Sonic, and Snake. The levels are a lot of fun, and there are cool items to battle your opponents with. The moves list is deep, but it is also tailored to a novice fighting game fan.

Runners up: Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, Tekken: Dark Resurrection

Best Rhythm Game:

Rock Band 2 (Harmonix)

Rhythm games have really grown in popularity over the last couple years. With games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band really pushing the envelope by adding new instruments and having band specific editions. My most anticipated game of this year is The Beatles Rock Band. I would have to say that the best rhythm game for beginners is Rock Band 2. I have purchased too many downloadable songs for RB and RB2 since it first broke out on the scene. This game is a better option than the Guitar Hero Series, because since GH debuted, the track mapping (when to press the buttons) has become increasingly more difficult, even at the lower difficulties, while Rock Band has made the ramp from easy to expert a more gradual climb. This has really allowed for more people to jump in and do well. I know what you’re going to say, they made Rock Band 2 too easy, while Guitar Hero is for ‘hardcore gamers’. Maybe that’s true, but I like to play these games and do well, not struggle. The DLC content is also extensive and great for music lovers of all tastes.

Runners Up: Guitar Hero World Tour, Wii Music

Best Sports Game:

Wii Sports (Nintendo)

Wii Sports comes bundled with every Wii purchase. It has five games, bowling, baseball, golf, boxing, and tennis, a nice variety but they never really master any of them; however, this is really a great starting place for any beginner. None of the games are particularly difficult or deep, and golf can sometimes be frustrating. However, games like bowling and tennis are fun and intuitive. This is a great way for any beginner to dip their toes into sports games.

Runners Up: Tiger Woods 10, NHL 09

Best First Person Shooter:

Team Fortress 2 (Valve)

Picking the best first person shooter (FPS) for beginners is probably the most difficult genre to choose, maybe only RPG’s are harder. I think though, Team Fortress 2 (TF2) is one of the best and most beginner friendly FPSs out there. This is strictly a multiplayer game, with team deathmatch and capture the flag variants; pretty standard for most multiplayer games nowadays. There are several character classes with different abilities and weapons that allow any beginner to find their preferred gamestyle. The character models are fun looking and have a personality of their own. I really love this game, and play it often on the PC.

Runners Up: Halo 3, Left 4 Dead

Best Racing Game:

Burnout Paradise (Criterion Games)

I have loved the Burnout series since the first game. Paradise is bigger and better, with an open world concept that lets you drive up to a stop light and begin an event. This game is a great foray into racing games because crashing isn’t only ok, it’s applauded and a huge part of the game. The cars are unique with different qualities, like being built like a tank but slower, or as quick as a Ferrari but can’t take a hit. The event types are also varied enough that you’ll want to come back. And like I talked about before, they added motorcycles, so that changes thing up even more. I love this game!

I was thinking about a good beginner’s role playing game (RPG) but I couldn’t think of one that was truly beginner friendly. If you can think of a good one, let me know in the comments. Or even if you disagree or want to add other games let me know in the comments too, and I can have a follow up post.

I work under the assumption that anyone can love games, it’s just how you present them that makes all the difference in the world. Look back at the NES controller, a directional pad, two action buttons, start, and select. Now controllers have two analog sticks, a d-pad, face buttons, and triggers. They can be intimidating, but how you introduce games is all that matters, and then the intimidation ends, and fun gaming begins.

P.S. Happy Canada Day