Introduction to Gaming?

[Carl Martin]

I have never played a video game in my life, but for some reason I thought I'd like to try a game or two just to see what it's like. Trouble is, I have absolutely no idea of where to begin. I have two games on my computer right now: THQ Juiced (racing) and Glest. Juiced was a freebie, and I downloaded Glest because I thoufght it looked very cool - and it was free. (What can I say? I'm cheap.)

I have a cheap-o Game-Elements controller (Told you I was cheap.), and that's it. Zero knowledge, and zero experience. Seems most of the instructions assume one has some experience, which makes for difficulty in starting.

(Reminds me of when I got my Atari computer - my first. The guy who set it up for me asked me if I wanted to boot it up. I responded, "I don't know; do I?")

Anyway, if you have any suggestions for a good starting point, I'd appreciate it. Not into gore. I also realize that my video card is nothing to write home about. Thanks.

Carl

[Yellowhello]

Download some demos. I myself play the FlatOut 2 demo (racing game) the Quake Wars demo (first person shooter, with online multiplayer) and Metal of Honor: Airborne (FPS, single player demo). All VERY entertaining games IMO, and not being a gamer myself, I found them very easy to get into and all of them were a lot of fun to play.

[Quakindude]

Farcry, Half-Life 2 and F.E.A.R. are a must if you're just getting into gaming and wanting to try different genre's. Doom3, Unreal Tournament 2004, Call of Duty2 and Quake 3 or 4, I prefer Q3, are high on that list as well.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is also great. FltSim X or 2004 either one are very nice sims.

Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 is an outstanding game worth hours of fun.

I'm sitting here looking at all these games I have and you know what? I'm currently playing World in Conflict (Demo) and Bejeweled 2.

[Yellowhello]

Oh yeah, the World in Conflict demo is a good one too. I would recommend it also.

[frostybrad]

I think COD2 is about 30 bucks now..... Its a FPS game and I find myself killing a few hours a night online with some friends..... The signle player mode is alot of fun too!!!

[fstroupe]

IMO, Far Cry probably would be the best introduction to FPS, and preparation for online play. It's a long game with lots of action, but also times to be able to plan your next move. (something often lacking in FPS) There's a variety of weapons, plus vehicles and boats. The AI gets a little predictable after a while, but its pretty damn good. The graphics are also excellent. You can probably pick it up in a game store for $15 or so. Seems I saw somewhere (maybe here) that you can now download it for free.

F.E.A.R. is a pretty cool game, IMO another good one to prepare you for online play, and another that you should be able to pick up pretty cheap.

COD2, or one of the Battlefield games are not bad online. It has been a while since I did any online stuff. Be prepared to get your butt kicked. Often.

Doom 3 is probably a little much if you're not into gore, also probably any of the Unreal Tournaments. Though, of all of the demos, I've had the most fun with the UTs.

The Flight Simulators are pretty cool, if you are into that. They have never really done much for me.

Anything mentioned would be a good start.

[Stormcrow]

If you want to check out the Real time strategy genre, look for the first Rise of Nations. You can probably pick it up with its expansion in the bargain bin, and has some pretty low requirements. Also its not as hotpaced as other RTS games and is good to try out to see if you like the genre.

For RPG style games, definitely go with Morrowind with its Bloodmoon and Tribunal expansions, all of them can be had in the Game of the Year edition set. I was able to run it with enhanced texture packs on a FX 5500, and its really in-depth while still giving you complete control over the game without being stuck to linear levels. First addicting game I played, especially with the mounds of mods it has.

If you want to try out the Online side of RPGs, you can pick up Guild Wars which has no monthly subscription costs and is new player friendly. Good graphics to with low end requirements.

A fun series thats good for tinkering around with is Black and White and its sequel, where you play as a god and have almost full control over all the people that worship you.

HL hosts a Counter Strike Source server, which is another game thats loads of fun without killing your video card.
A few games that aren't all shooters, and you can pick them up at Wal-Mart or something for around 10-20 bucks each.

[XoRn]

I think as a starting game, you should look for something simple, fun, and entertaining. That said, try getting a hold of a Tiger Woods PGA Tour game. The games are fun and have a fairly small learning curve. If you want to try a simple shooter Unreal Tournament 2004 would probably be your best bet. You can turn off the gore and swearing from the options and their are several difficulty settings for the NPCs.

If you find you like Unreal Tournament then Call of Duty 2 is a must. The game play is insanely intense and incredibly fun. Gore is kept to a minimum and theirs no dismemberment or anything excessive.

For Real Time Strategies you should look into Command and Conquer Red Alert 2. It's old but fairly simplistic and strait forward. It servers a very good for teaching the basics in tech trees and unit balance.

For a Role Playing Game I highly suggest The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. It's more of a FPS/RPG hybrid but is still a good introduction game. You can fly threw the main quest if you like or take your time and really get into the game with all the side quest.

If you have $45 then I highly suggest getting the Orange Box. It's a great deal and has Half-Life 2, HL2 Episode One, HL2 Episode Two, Portal (an innovative puzzle game), and Team Fortress 2, a multiplayer game that has a great class system.

[frostybrad]

We have a COD2 server that you would be more than welcome to play on. We have a few "newer" players who are just starting out and learning. The important thing is (IMO) is the Teamspeak.... Even if you are having a fustrating time or not playing well, having friends and other "polite" players online with you make the experience that much enjoyable. We just finished our clan night and the 17 of us had a blast.... ages from 20-65 all playing together... all communicating, and everyone having a good time. So speaking more clearly a single player game like Farcar and Half Life 2 are excellent games for you to start, if thats the type u are interested in...... F.E.A.R kinda spooked me out a bit!!! LOL......

[Carl Martin]

Thanks to all. Guess I'll have to jump in and get my feet wet. Not a whole lot of time right now, but once college football (my true passion!) ends and the snow starts to fly, I'll be looking for something more to pass the time.

Carl