Written by Vivek Philendra

@vivekphilwrites_

Thumbnail Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash

Well firstly, I am so proud of you for making it so far. Over the past year, we’ve tried creating a guide to make gaming feel like the most approachable thing on Earth, even to the most technophobic folks out there. It’s with great pleasure that I say that this was the final installment of our series! It’s definitely quite daunting to get into something that’s completely new to you, but you’ve done it! Now that you’ve done all your due diligence, to help put that knowledge into action here’s a list of ten fairly accessible games for all you first-time players out there:

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a charming 2D platformer with simple controls that will help you learn your way around the controller. The game has a gradual pace and difficulty options that make it easy for beginners. Once you get a hang of the controls, it’s gorgeous visuals and vivid world is sure to have you hooked until the end.

Perfect for: Those looking for a simpler game without a lot of complex gameplay mechanisms.

Platforms: Xbox (Series X & S, One), PC & Nintendo Switch

It Takes Two

This surprising entry blew everyone away and bagged this year’s Game of the Year award. It Takes Two’s features incorporate puzzle elements and light action that ties together a wonderfully pleasant story. Buying one copy also allows access for a friend to play together with you from any corner of the world!

Perfect for: Those looking to venture into gaming with a friend, or for couples trying to discover something new.

Platforms: PlayStation (4 & 5), Xbox (Series X & S, One) & PC

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

One of the most successful video game franchises of all time, the Uncharted series has spawned over five games and even a Hollywood film starring the friendly-neighbourhood Tom Holland that is set to come out next year. If you’ve been putting off this series due to the large number of games, the 2017 spin-off The Lost Legacy is the perfect choice for you. Featuring two of the supporting characters from the main games, this is an Indiana Jones-esque adventure that can be completely enjoyed on its own. It features all the mythology, platforming, and satisfying combat from the main games, but doesn’t take up the same amount of time.

Perfect for: Those looking for more fully featured games with Hollywood-style bombastic action.

Platforms: PlayStation (4 & 5)

Forza Horizon 5

The Forza Horizon series has been the pinnacle of open-world racing since its inception. This is the perfect racing game for beginners as it eases you into the racing genre without getting too technical and realistic. It gives you a great open world to explore and is free for Game Pass subscribers. This game has also won this year’s award for Innovations in Accessibility and Best Sports/Racing game.

Perfect for: Those looking for a free game-world and casual racing with a large roster of cars and varied road types.

Platforms: Xbox (Series X & S, One) & PC

Spyro: The Reignited Trilogy

This collection is a remake of one of the most beloved platforming trilogies of the original PlayStation era. It has plenty of content for the price it’s asking for, and the colourful world and lovable characters remind you of a joy akin to watching a well-made Pixar movie.

Perfect for: younger players, and those looking for an old-school platforming title.

Platforms: PlayStation (4 & 5), Xbox (Series X & S, One), Nintendo Switch & PC

The Walking Dead: Season 1

Don’t dismiss this game as another run-of-the mill zombie shooter. I say this as someone who absolutely can’t stand zombie media, this game is a narrative masterpiece and a must-play for everyone! If it had not been for Telltale Games giving away the first episode of this wonderful story, I would’ve never tried it, and I am glad they did. This is a beautiful tale with simplistic gameplay that allows anyone who’s never picked up a controller to be able to play at ease. The story completely changes based on your decisions (think of it as an interactive movie), which truly shows you the power of storytelling in video games. It is often said among fans of the franchise that the story is best represented in the game, even compared to the original graphic novel it is based on, and the hit TV show.

Perfect for: Fans of the TV show/graphic novel, anyone looking for a game with sole focus on the story.

Platforms: PlayStation (3, 4 & 5), Xbox (Series X & S, One & 360), Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS & Android

Marvel’s Spider-Man

As someone who grew up watching the Sam Raimi trilogy, this game is the perfect love-letter to superhero fans everywhere. As someone who grew out of my love for comic-book games, this was still an enjoyable ride with a story that, in my opinion, surpasses the efforts of the MCU today. Featuring plenty of iconic villains and suits, the game puts you in a living, breathing New York City that’s so well-made that the virtual tourism alone is worth the price tag. The side-missions and collectibles are actually so fun that it had me swinging back even after I completed the main campaign.

Perfect for: Fans of Spider-Man, those who want a balance between story, exploration, and gameplay.

Platforms: PlayStation (4 & 5)

Life is Strange

With a gameplay-style that focuses on the consequences of your choice like games by Telltale, Life is Strange is a relatable tale of photography student Max Caufield who returns to her hometown to study photography. Without spoiling much of it, I must say it perfectly manages to be a nostalgic psychological thriller, as well as a fantasy thriller at the same time. It is definitely sure to leave an impression on you for eternity. It is in my top five games of all time, and the first episode is free across all platforms if you would like a trial of the experience before committing to the whole thing.

Perfect for: Those looking for a game with sole focus on the story and involving minimal gameplay.

Platforms: PlayStation (3, 4 & 5), Xbox (Series X & S, One & 360), Nintendo Switch, PC, Google Stadia, Mac, iOS & Android

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The game that got half of the world through the first wave of the pandemic, this Nintendo title is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. This game is a social simulation game that lets you build your own virtual communities (think The Sims, but cuter), but it is so much more at the same time. This game gave birth to a new era of gamers and is a perfect starting point for those not knowing where to begin.

Perfect for: First-time players, those who prefer pick-and-drop style games and want to game on-the-go.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Sayonara Wild Hearts

Sayonara Wild Hearts is a stylish rhythm game that provides a unique experience to players like no other. With it’s simple and addictive gameplay, players feel hooked right from the beginning and it’s short playtime assures that the game never overstays its welcome. If music is an important part of your life, there is no choice more ideal for your first game!

Perfect for: music-lovers, players who prefer simple controls but fast-paced gameplay.

Platforms: PlayStation (4 & 5), Xbox (Series X & S, One), PC, Mac & iOS.

Whether you were here from the beginning, or found us along the way, I would like to thank you for sticking with us until the end. Now go out there and game on!

A Beginner’s Guide to Video Games: Top 10 Games to Try

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