The Best Video Games for Newbies

New video gamers look forward to an exciting exploration of everything available, but it can get overwhelming – even without having to decide what you might enjoy most or what you’re actually ready to play. Some titles demand a greater level of concentration, hand-eye coordination and technical knowledge than others, so taking the time to build certain skills will make sure you experience more fun than frustration. The best strategy is to start small. Learn to love the simple pleasures of a well-designed platformer before diving into an MMORPG. Here are a few examples of casual and active games to get you started.

Simple and Fun

Puzzle games are a go-to category for mobile users. It’s also a genre that can prepare you for bigger games that include imaginative and often complicated puzzles. Something like Tetris or Threes! is a good place to start before moving on to the Monument Valley series: visually striking and award-winning games, in which you guide a girl and her mother through labyrinthine towers. Don’t forget about room escape games – these present you with an endless supply of problem-solving entertainment.

Mini-games, including puzzles, either must be solved in order to progress or function as a fun break from the main quest. Fable has Coin Golf and Card Pairs among its pub games. Even the Family Guy slot game on Aspers.com has special Griffin Family features that can be activated to earn Wilds, free spins and cash prizes. And just like popularly themed slots, it’s also common to find Easter Eggs – hidden references to pop culture. So any skill or fun fact picked up from gaming, no matter how small, can result in laughs and entertainment.

On that point, experiencing the classics is essential for a more complete gaming education. Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Prince of Persia and Final Fantasy are strong franchises to turn to since many of these older video game designs led to the creation of today’s best entertainment.

Gearing Up

Then, or at the same time, you can discover the wonders of original action, adventure and RPG titles. One of the first productions to get acquainted with is Diablo II, still supported by Blizzard and millions of fans for its powerful and timeless mixture of action and RPG. Its dark, battle-heavy gameplay will have you practice multitasking, strategy, exploration, and class-building in preparation for MMORPG action.

Trust Bioware’s Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights are excellent choices too, for more than just character development and historical significance to the gaming industry. They were among the first productions to have players’ choices affect the narrative, which in itself put more attention on players’ engagement with the story, characters, and concepts. Such morally driven immersion went on to produce Dragon Age and Mass Effect.

Finally, for an introduction to multiplayer gaming, it’s best to steer clear of highly competitive and complicated games like Fortnite or EVE Online. World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV and Runescape are safer, more enjoyable options. Take your time getting to know the worlds. Settle into your own pace, style, and confidence before branching out, putting those well-earned skills to the test.

Thousands of extraordinary games await new players who are hungry for the unparalleled joys of video gaming.