The world of gaming is perhaps one of my favourite places to be in – whether it’s the immersive storyline, gorgeous graphics, amazing soundtrack, or entertaining game play, there’s something around for anyone. Video games bring together everything that the entertainment world has to offer: the exciting plot of a novel, the realistic visual/sound effects of a TV show, and the unique aspect of interactivity for a fully immersive experience. Games are undeniably a great way to unwind and even be a part of a social group and community, and for some reason, males are associated with gaming despite research showing that nearly the same percentage of men and women play video games. In essence, this article is your gateway to the gaming world if you aren’t already a part of it, collegiettes – let’s break the stereotype. (I may also have a secret agenda where I’m trying to find more people to play games with. You’ll never know my reasons for writing this. Actually, let’s just pretend it’s the more noble option.)
However, getting into something completely new and seemingly daunting can be an overwhelming experience. What games should you play? What games do you even like? Maybe you’ve even tried to play games by yourself, but just couldn’t get into it. Don’t worry collegiettes, I’ve got your back. Boot up that laptop, hunt down a friend with a console, or, what the heck, get your own console. Here are some ways to start enjoying games:
Play Cooperatively
Trying out something multi-player is probably the best way to get into a game, regardless of whether it’s with a significant other, friend, or family member. If you’re playing with someone who really loves games, their enthusiasm for it will suck you in. The best types of games to play if you’re just starting out are ones that don’t require much skill and won’t bore the more experienced player. Try these games:
Castle Crashers
Genre: Beat ‘Em Up, Action
Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Windows, Mac
My take: It’s fun, it’s easy, and button mashing is an acceptable and effective form of gameplay until you grasp the strategy and controls; then you can really get into the finer details!
Resident Evil: Revelations 2
Genre: Survival Horror
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, Windows
My take: The cooperative gameplay here is amazingly fun for players with huge skill level gaps. One player controls the protagonist, advances the plot, and has full control of all the weapons. The other player assumes the role of two different supporting characters, where they’re mainly in charge of finding hidden items for the team and restricted to using weapons like a crowbar or brick for emergencies. This is a fun way for an experienced player to enjoy a game without having to hold back, while the more inexperienced player gets used to their controls and hones their mastery with the weapons and aiming. (By the way, don’t worry – the game isn’t actually very scary.)
Play With Someone Around
Some of the best games available are single player. Does that mean you have to play alone? No way! Chances are you know someone who is a huge video game enthusiast and wouldn’t mind sitting around and watching you play your game (trust me, it’s fun). Switch and take turns, or let them deal with the more difficult bosses you get too frustrated with.
Note: It’s important to make sure that they aren’t a judgemental gamer – that is, the gamers that’ll belittle you for being bad at a game. Sure, it’s okay to get some gentle teasing and prodding, maybe even some exasperation, but as long as you’re comfortable with them and they aren’t being an absolute ass about it, it’ll be fun. I swear. (Insert scene of me screaming and wasting all the bullets in Dead Space 2 while my friend dies a little on the inside.) Try these games:
Bioshock Infinite
Genre: First person shooter
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac
My take: Trust me, you’ll love everything about this game. Even if you don’t think you’re a fan of shooting things, you will be after you play this. (Uh. Don’t take the shooting thing literally.)
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Genre: Platforming
Platforms: Wii, WiiU
My take: Of course there was going to be a Mario game in this article. You knew it. I knew it. Let’s just accept these games have continued to exist for a reason and if you’re going to start playing one, it had better be this. I might be biased because I love feeding the Hungry Luma (it’s adorable). Also the soundtrack? Amazing study music.
Find Your Genre
Games come in a variety of genres – RPGs, platformers, first person shooters (FPS), real-time strategies (RTS), dating simulators… you name it. There’s going to be a game that you enjoy, you special snowflake; you just have to search for it! Try this game:
The Stanley Parable
Genre: Interactive Fiction
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac
My take: Honestly, this is just such an … interesting experience. The game description says it best: “The Stanley Parable is an exploration of story, games, and choice. Except the story doesn’t matter, it might not even be a game, and if you ever actually do have a choice, well, let me know how you did it.”
Difficulty Level: Fun
Don’t be afraid to play a game on the easiest difficulty level, or one that has no discernable difficulty level. This might sound like common sense, but I’ve had friends who were turned off by games because other gamers would tease them for selecting “easy” when “the true gaming experience” can only be found on “normal” or “DIEEVERYTIMEYOUBREATHE”. Games are for fun, and if that means every single game you play is easy and you never even touch the normal setting, then that’s great.
Images obtained from:
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/bioshock/images/7/7b/BioShockInfinit…
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/65/Super_Mario_Galaxy_2_Box_…
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bDIxSsPD0OE/maxresdefault.jpg
http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/204360/header.jpg?t=1447355131