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7 Games for Non-Gamers

7 Games for Non-Gamers

A lot of people assert that they just plain don’t like video games. I think I can see where they’re coming from, too. From the outside, video games can be daunting and the culture can sometimes seem either unaccepting or overwhelming. Difficult mechanics complicate matters further.

But as much as I sympathize with that point of view, I stubbornly insist that saying you don’t like games is about as bold a claim as saying you don’t like movies, music or books. Sure, maybe you don’t like a majority of them, but it’s more often a case of having not found the right game for your particular tastes. For that reason, I have assembled a varied list of games for non-gamers with the added requirement that they also have some sort of appeal to “hardcore” gamers. That way, you can share your wonderful hobby with the people you care about, without either party growing bored.

Telltale’s The Walking Dead: Season One and Two

Telltale’s The Walking Dead: Season One and Two

I bet you were expecting this list to be strictly cooperative, weren’t you? That would be excluding some of the most fun games to play on the couch with a loved one.

Telltale is a company that knows how to craft a story that draws players in. The “choose your own adventure,” approach to gameplay is accessible to almost anybody with the capacity to push buttons, or, really, even shout out choices. And those choices are what make playing the game with another person so interesting. You can learn a lot about a person by observing how they empathize with poor Clementine throughout the game’s touching narrative.

Just don’t get mad at one another when choices lead to the death of a beloved character. It’s bound to happen.

Hearthstone

Hearthstone

Hearthstone was an easy sell to a non-gamer friend of mine. She really had no experience with games at all, but marketing Hearthstone as a tactical battle of wits with cool art and a sense of humor struck a chord with her. The real selling point, however, was that Hearthstone places no emphasis on reflexes and allows gamers to grow into it without crushing their self-esteem.

Now that the title is available on so many platforms, with more platforms to come, it’s only going to grow in popularity. Couple the availability with a free price of admission and a few single campaigns and Hearthstone becomes one of the perfect games to introduce non-gamers to the hobby.

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

I’ve chosen this game because it’s my favorite of the franchise, but really, any of Traveler’s Tale’s LEGO games will work. Just pick the franchise that suits the non-gamer’s interest most appropriately.

The games are quirky, full of characters, and the puzzles are simple without being mind-numbingly dull. The cooperative gameplay, however, is where the game really comes through. It’s fun to work together towards goals without ever really having to explain what the buttons do. Not more than once, anyhow.

It’s also a guilty pleasure to beat up on one another, since it doesn’t harm progress and merely results in a cute, non-violent looking scattering of plastic. Parents, play this with your kids if you get a chance. You won’t regret it.

Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8

Over the decades, Nintendo has carefully crafted a title that anybody has a chance of winning. The way the items are distributed allows players to stay grouped together, never feeling like they’re uncontested or hopelessly behind.

It doesn’t hurt that their primary cast of characters are cute, lovable, and recognizable by pretty much everyone. If, however, you do not own a Wii U, track down a Gamecube. Mario Kart Double Dash is an amazing substitute that allows players to ride in the same kart which makes the game even easier to learn.

Portal 2

Portal 2

Portal 2 has the controls of an FPS, which is confusing at first for newcomers. But it also has an absence of enemies, affording players the luxury of time. Portal 2 ‘s cooperative mode gives each player two portals a piece and asks players to navigate the environment by cleverly using momentum, gravity and timing. Every action taken by a player helps them to arrive at the puzzle’s conclusion, so even if one player is solving a majority of the puzzles, both players feel helpful.

The game’s antagonist is also a riot, and the ability to make the two co-op characters emote at one another is adorable.

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts is an endearing title that allows players to explore the worlds of various Disney characters as a brand new character, Sora. As players explore the familiar worlds of their childhood, they’ll also be introduced to Final Fantasy characters, RPG mechanics, and that special, magical feeling that a good game is capable of providing.

Kingdom Hearts begs to be explored, and may even lead non-gamers to check out other RPGs. In particular, Final Fantasy games since they may already have grown attached to the characters.

Bioshock

Bioshock

Bioshock may be a tough sell since the mechanics may not be overly kind to newcomers. But the atmosphere is brilliant and the storytelling showcases what games are capable. It’s a perfect example of what happens to a narrative when a player is given agency, and it’s a remarkable trait that only games are capable of.

It’s also scary, and fear is a very engaging emotion. If you have a horror fan in your life, try playing Bioshock with them. Even if it doesn’t scare them, they may just fall in love with the unique world.

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