My partner is interested in learning some of the games I play, so I’m trying to find some introductory games to get her used to the common control schemes.
Off the top of my head, it’d probably have to be games that…
- Have few inputs beyond the basics
- Are not difficult or punishing
- Are approachable mechanically (So as not to overwhelm them when they’re focus on learning basic controls)
- 2D is probably preferable, since its easier to understand and process whats happening at a glance.
- Multiplayer would probably also be a strong bonus, but also not required
The only game that particularly comes to mind is Portal, but hopefully others will have some better ideas.
Stardew Valley.
It’s 2D, co-op, not difficult or punishing, has few inputs, and is approachable mechanically.
Minecraft.
Nice. Minecraft used to be my go to answer for a first WASD game, too.
Lately, I recommend Mineclonia on Luanti, because it’s free and has stronger optimizations supporting weak laptops and big multiplayer servers. (It’s a popular Free Open Source Minecraft Clone).
I used to always use Minecraft for this. Sure, they can’t do everything immediately, but I put the game on peaceful and let them explore at their own pace.
I say “used to” because Luanti (formerly MineTest, an open source Minecraft Clone*) is finished and free.
(Okay, Luanti is a lot more than a Minecraft clone. But for this discussion that’s all one needs to know.)
Minetest.
renamed to Luanti ~5 months ago!
The Stanley Parable, and similar “walking simulator” type games.
DOOM (1996)
Doom 2 is 1994, Doom 64 is 1997…
