Choosing or learning to play video games can be overwhelming for some people who are not used to it. Luckily, the sheer number of choices also means there's almost certainly a game you'll like. With a little guidance and advice, you can start exploring the virtual world in no time.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Finding Games
Step 1. Choose your platform
Playing video games no longer only requires a high-performance console or computer. Today there are many quality games available for your laptop, old computer, smartphone or tablet. Try trying out each platform before you spend money to buy a console or upgrade your computer's performance. Once you've decided to explore new territory, keep these things in mind:
- For the most gaming options, buy a PC with the latest operating system, and install a good video card.
- For an inexpensive and easy to set up option, buy a console. Choose a newer console (PS4, Wii U, or Xbox One) to play new games, or an older console (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 or even older) to play cheaper used games.
- Choose a pocket gaming device for specific games that you can't get on your mobile.
Step 2. Check the game rating
Game rating system varies for each country. But explanations for each of these systems should be available on the game's packaging or box, or online. Games that have an M rating for mature or 17 years of age and over contain elements of extreme violence or disgusting images.
Step 3. Read the system requirements
If you're using a console, you should be able to play any game that's meant for that console. But for computer games, you need to find out the specifications of your computer and check it against the requirements of the game you want to play (usually available on the box or online). There are usually two lists of requirements listed:
- "Required" is a list of minimum requirements. If you absolutely can't meet the requirements on this list, don't buy the game. If you can meet the requirements but minimally, the game will be slow and not look as good as in the trailer or screenshots on the box or online.
- “Recommended” is a list that if fulfilled will allow your game to run with shorter loading times, without lag or visual errors, and better graphics settings.
Step 4. Watch the video review
Today, gaming is a very big business, and the gameplay of a game sometimes fails to live up to its marketing expectations and expectations. Look for at least one review about the game you are going to buy before actually buying it at a high price. It would be even better if you get the review in the form of a video so you can actually see the gameplay firsthand.
Step 5. Find information about new games and good old games
If you have a friend who is a gamer, you will probably hear about new games from him a lot, whether you like the game or not. Other sources of information include gaming blogs and magazines, which you can quickly find online, or viewing a large collection of computer games on Steam, which is a free game store.
Step 6. Feel free to skip the continuation series
Don't feel you have to play a game from the first series. The continuation series of a game usually only includes better gameplay and graphics, and does not directly follow the story of the previous series.
Step 7. Be careful with competitive games
If you don't consider yourself a gamer, there are probably a few genres you won't like. First person shooters (FPS), fighting games, “field combat” like League of Legends, or sometimes sports games tend to be very competitive. Games like this are often very difficult for new players to learn.
- If you're really ready and want to learn a game of that genre, try playing it yourself to learn first.
- Certain games from other genres can also fall into this category. Starcraft and Dark Souls for example are games that are not recommended for inexperienced gamers.
Step 8. Try before you buy
If you're not sure which game you're after, look for the free demo version. If it's not available, consider renting it on a website like Gamefly or any other store out there.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Specific Recommendations
Step 1. Play the free introduction game
If you've never played games before, you might want to try some free games to see if you like gaming. A quick search for “free games” or “free games” on the app store will return thousands of results. But here are some of the types of games you should find from an online search:
- Puzzle games are usually easy to find in mobile app stores or online flash game websites. If you feel like playing classic games like Tetris or Minesweeper, try Loops of Zen, 3D Logic, Lightbot, and more.
- Most free action games on mobile devices or online are not a good introduction for those who are more gamer oriented. If you have a capable computer, Path of Exile is a more expansive introduction.
- If you like strategy, try Hearthstone (card game), Plants vs Zombies (tower defense), or Battle of Wesnoth (turn-based strategy). All three are available on computers as well as mobile, and most are available for free.
Step 2. Look for more puzzle games
Some of the greatest puzzle games to play during a short break include Candy Crush or 2048. If you want something with 3D graphics and an interesting story, try Portal and Portal 2. If you want a game with a very challenging difficulty, try Braid.
Step 3. Search for action games
This genre is very widespread and popular. If you like fighting or jumping and climbing (platforming), this is the genre for you. The atmosphere and background of games with this genre vary from horror (The Last of Us), can be played with family (Legend of Zelda), to historical titles (Assassin's Creed). If you like testing your reflexes and don't really care about storylines or gripping experiences, try competitive first-person shooter games (like Call of Duty) or platformers (like Super Mario Galaxy).
If you prefer to play with your friends rather than explore and follow the storyline, try Super Smash Brothers (can be played with the family) or Grand Theft Auto (the opposite)
Step 4. Play a story based game
Do you like fantasy backgrounds? Try playing Dragon Age or Skyrim for a medieval experience, or the latest versions of Final Fantasy games for a Japanese twist. Bioshock 2 or Bioshock: Infinite is also interesting with a setting about a utopia that ends in chaos.
Step 5. Play some strategy games
Build an empire with turn-based strategy games in Civilization V or Civilization: Beyond Earth. Test your reflexes with fast-paced real-time strategy games like challenging multi-player games like Starcraft II. Try the Total War game to test your tactical skills or play the role of a famous historical figure.
Step 6. Try the game for exploration and creativity
If you don't care about graphics, there aren't many games that are more interesting than Minecraft if you want to build a world. Or you might prefer to build a house and control a family in The Sims game, or a more detailed world and atmosphere like Sunless Sea.
Step 7. Play a multiplayer online role-playing game
World of Warcraft is a game that popularized the genre that lets you play online alongside thousands of other players. WoW is still popular, as are Star Wars: The Old Republic, Lord of The Rings Online, and many more. Most of these games are partially free, but it's a good idea to find out how the payment system of the full version works before you get really into games in this genre. Games of this genre are notoriously addictive, and once you get addicted, you're likely to spend a lot of money paying for monthly subscriptions or in-game deals.
Part 3 of 3: Playing the Game
Step 1. Learn how to play
Most games have tutorials that will guide you through the gameplay. If you prefer to study on your own, read the instruction book provided, or look for the “documentation” section of the game's main menu or website.
Step 2. Dim the screen light (optional)
It is recommended especially for adventure and horror games. In addition to making the feel of the game more pronounced, this will reduce the effect of light that can reduce your ability to observe the screen carefully.
Step 3. Lower the difficulty if you want
You shouldn't be suffering or really working all your focus and concentration to the max. If you want to play the game just to relax, lower the difficulty of your game. The more difficult levels are usually meant to be tough challenges for those who have been playing similar games for years.
If the game has the option to play alone or with friends or other people, playing alone is usually easier
Step 4. Change the controls if necessary
You can skip this step if you feel that your control is fine. But if you feel you're always pressing the wrong button or having a hard time positioning your finger, go to the Options menu in the game. Usually there will always be an option to change the controls to what you want and find easy.
- There are games that are impossible (or very difficult) to play with just a laptop trackpad and require a mouse.
- If you prefer to use console controls, you can plug them into your computer if you have the right adapter. But not all games can support this.
Step 5. Save often
Most games have an auto-save feature which will save your game automatically. If you have to do it manually, do it as often as possible. You certainly don't want all your hours of struggling to progress to just disappear because your game suddenly shuts down or goes out of power.
If you have the option of saving in multiple slots, create three or four slots for the same game and rotate them. This lets you reopen old saves to explore different story branches, or not lose your game if a bug turns out to be corrupting the latest save file
Step 6. Exploration and experimentation
One of the most interesting features found in video games and missing in other art forms is the game's ability to include secret content that you must seek and find. Here are some tips to get the most out of your game:
- For platformer games, RPGs, or even racing games, try stepping or attacking a wall that looks out of place if you look closely at it.
- In strategy and adventure/action games, try a few different tactics even if they may not be very effective. The later parts of the game usually require you to be able to recognize when and when to use unusual weapons or strategies.
- In games where you can talk to an NPC (non-player character), use all the dialogue options and read the dialogue carefully for clues.
Step 7. Seek help if you get 'stuck'
Unless you really want to brag, there's no reason to spend hours repeating battles or trying to solve the same puzzle or puzzle. Type in the name of your game plus the word “walktrough” in a search engine, and you will find strategies or answers for each part of the game you are playing. If you want to try to do most of the work yourself, ask friends or game forums for help or advice.
If you can't follow the advice (such as talking to a dead character), or if you've followed it but nothing happens, you may have just encountered a bug. Search for a description of your situation online and you may find other players who can help fix it
Tips
- Read the product description to make sure it's the game you want. Many games have variations for different systems (for example, five different versions of the Nintendo DS), or limited versions that are more expensive but have the added bonus.
- The older the game you are looking for and playing, the more likely you are to come across confusing instructions or frustrating gameplay. You should play games made from the mid-2000s or later.
- Pocket games like the Nintendo DS tend to be a bit flimsy. Consider finding and using a screen protector and case.
Warning
- Video games have the potential to cause people with epilepsy to relapse. If you have a history of relapse, consult your doctor before starting to play video games.
- Video games should be fun. If you feel frustrated or angry about playing a game, stop playing and take a break. Even if you're having fun, taking a break for an occasional stretch can help keep your muscles and eyes in shape.
