Note: This article was co-written by Jeremy Westover.
The video game world is one that has eluded me for a very long time. I'm easily frustrated, and I don't have a very long attention span, so getting into video games seemed like more of a chore than a tool that I could use to unwind and relax with. However, now that I'm dating one of the biggest nerds ever and since video games are such a big part of his life, it was only a matter of time until he roped me into exploring and appreciating his pixelated world. The plus side of dating someone that lives, breathes, and sleeps video games, is that I don't have to go very far to get an expert opinion on what games I should start out with.
For those of you that may be in the same boat as me and are just starting out with video games, looking for some suggestions, then look no further. Get ready for some fantastic games not only suggested by a novice, a.k.a. yours truly, but also, a far more experienced gamer with more insight on the nuances of video-gamery.
1. "Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning"
Jeremy: Kingdoms of Amalur is actually one of my favorite fantasy RPGs of all time. All in all, Kingdoms feels like a hybrid between the gameplay styles of Dark Souls and Mass Effect. The combat itself is easy to get into, but much more forgiving than that of Dark Souls. The story is deep and interesting, and the game offers you very Mass Effect-like conversation choices. That mixed with the very simple controls makes Kingdoms of Amalur a great choice for any player new to video games.
Jasmine: I absolutely love this game. This may be the only video game I will ever play out of my own volition, without prompting every single time. It's all you could ask for in a fantasy RPG (Role- Playing Game). You get to choose your own character, invest in skills, and go on different adventures. The controls were definitely easy to get a hang of considering that before this, I had played video games three times total in my life. If there is one game I can think of that I would definitely be willing to invest in, it is Kingdoms of Amalur.
2. "Minecraft"
Jeremy: My favorite part about this game is the freedom of choice. Maybe you feel like going out and exploring the randomly-generated world? Or maybe you feel like building your own house? The lack of any official objectives gives you complete freedom to do what you want at any time you please. And with difficulty options ranging from literally harmless to hardcore, its really easy for beginners to pick up.
Jasmine: Who hasn't heard of Minecraft at this point? It's fairly user friendly, my favorite part is that you can choose to go your own pace, whether that's building your dream house--or castle-- as you please, or fighting zombies and monsters at night. While Minecraft may not be the exciting adventure game that makes your heart race, but it's definitely a game I can see myself kicking back and relaxing with.
3. "Saints Row IV"
Jeremy: While not exactly for the faint of heart, the crude, over-the-top violent gameplay of Saints Row IV won me over almost immediately. Some may find the comedy to be in poor taste (testicular manslaughter), but if that doesn't bother you, then I wholeheartedly recommend this game. At lower difficulty levels the game almost plays like a sandbox; you're free to explore the city killing aliens and kicking butt at your leisure. This is another game with great difficulty ranges; both new and experienced players can easily find a difficulty that works for them.
Jasmine: Okay, this was definitely a game that I like a little more than I should have. First of all, it's a weird hodge-podge of things, I think its main purpose is to be a parody of popular videogames, Grand Theft Auto and Halo being just a couple that stood out. It's a RPG, but also a shooter, but also a racing game? I don't even know how to describe it, but it's violent, crass, non-PC, and definitely a great freaking game that I can't wait to play again.
Co-Writer: Jeremy Westover
"I heard you like bad boys. Not to brag, but one time there was a jar of candy that said 'take one' and I took two!"
