When it comes to gaming, there are different groups of every kind: different ages, other exposure, even different experiences. But, once in a while, some people become interested in gaming but don’t know where to start. That’s where this article comes in. This week, I’m gonna look at all the avenues someone new to gaming will want to try, what they will need, and what games to play. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Mobile/Tablet Route
Out of all the routes in gaming, smartphone and tablet gaming is probably the easiest route. Most likely, beginners already have a device that can be used for gaming. Even if they’re not a gamer, they already have these devices in their possessions. For tablets, there are Android tablets and iPads, which most will be satisfactory. However, if they’re playing higher-demanding games, look to get later models of Apple or Android. I could list off which devices specifically. So, I will give a rule of thumb: Any smartphone released in the last two years and cost over $700/£600/700 € is fine.
Another convenient point is that smartphones and tablets contain vast app stores with games to download. Just go to the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and at their game sections under the respected phone’s system.
PC Route
Let’s say beginners don’t want to tip-toe their way into gaming but dive into the deep end. After we get the life preserves and fish them out, I would say PC gaming is the route for them. In my opinion, a PC is the best way to play games due to the fact gamers can have the most gaming experiences on it. What makes it so appealing is that they can get the most visualization from games on PC. There are also optional peripherals, which lets them play games either with a mouse and keyboard or controller.
Unfortunately, this route is the most expensive in gaming and requires the person to do the setup, maintenance, and have the knowledge of their PC. The price range for decent PC gaming is $500+. If beginners go the PC route, I recommend understanding the graphics card and processor components to the battery supply and monitors.
In terms of games, PC has the most extensive library because of several online stores like the Apple App Store. These games are on Steam, EA Origins, and the Epic Games Store. These stores hold a multitude of digital options from old classics to the most recent releases.
Console Route
Lastly, we have the console route. What makes the consoles so appealing is that not only are they the easiest to play out of the box, but they are arguably the cheapest game devices mentioned in the article. Some options include a Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, and Xbox One, which cost somewhere between $300-500. Beginners could go to the next generation consoles coming out next month, Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X (I wish Xbox thought of a better name) for the same price. Or maybe they want to play on previous generation consoles like the Wii or PlayStation 3, which would cost $200 (if one is found at that price).
Beginners can purchase console games through the online consoles stores, just like mobile and PC. However, beginners are more likely to get a better price by going to local game stores or major retailers. Console games don’t have the most extensive library due to their libraries reset every generation. Most, if not, all games don’t carry over to the newest console generation.
So, what kind of games should I play?
Like there are many genres in music or movies, there are different genres in games. The first example, we have the Sports genre. The sports genre is mostly simulators of real-world sports like golf or baseball. Games that fall under this tree are FIFA (Soccer), NBA 2K (Basketball), or Madden NFL (Football). Fair warning, I recommend being careful with the in-game purchases.
The next example is the Action/Adventure genre. Action/Adventure games are overarching story/quests with a series of combat challenges and puzzle obstacles. Games such as the Batman: Arkham series or the Assassin’s Creed franchise would fit this genre.
Speaking of puzzle games, that is also a genre. Puzzle or logic games require the player’s knowledge to solve problems to complete an action. Games under the puzzle genre include Portal 1 and 2, Monument Valley, and Tetris. There are many games to choose from, but I believe these are all excellent choices.
Conclusion
So, What’s the best way to start? There are many routes to gaming. But here’s my preference. Suppose beginners are looking for something to quick and straightforward to get into. In that case, I recommend mobile gaming and play games Monument Valley (iOS, Android) or Alto’s Adventure/Odyssey (iOS, Android).
Suppose beginners plan to play games that are welcoming to friends and family. In that case, I recommend playing on a current console like the Nintendo Switch or the PlayStation 4. If money is tight on buying a system, buy a previous generation console like the Wii or PlayStation 3. Look at games like Portal 2 (PS3), Wii Sports Resort (Wii), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch), Worldwide Classics (Switch), and FIFA (Every Platform).
If money isn’t a massive issue and beginners want to play beautiful games on the most powerful systems, then the PC is for them. Outside of Nintendo developed games, they can play any game I mentioned and then some. They can play an Adventure game like Journey (PC, PS3, PS4, iOS), a sports game like NBA 2K (All platforms), or even a family-friendly game like Minecraft (All platforms).
But the best advice I can give beginners is to start whatever feels comfortable for them. Some people prefer mobile gaming but hate PC gaming. Some people love console gaming and hate mobile gaming. Some people even take more than one route; even family and friends can also influence that decision. Whichever path they decide to do, they have to make sure they have fun with it and know that all lanes are open to enjoyment.
That’s gonna do for today, readers. If you enjoyed what I wrote, make sure to press the like button and leave a comment about what was informative about this article—shoutout BlissKai for helping me. I don’t know if she will see this, but she was helpful with part of this. A link to her twitter (@blisskai_) and twitch (BlissKai) will be here. Also, I want to give my Dad a shoutout for giving me the idea of the article. Make sure to follow me on twitter at @_urgegaming, where you see my latest reviews and updates. I pray you and your family have a blessed day. Peace.