When considering what games a new gamer would enjoy, or trying to find something suitable for couch co-op/multiplayer with your kids, consider the following criteria:
- Try different genres: Start by playing games from different genres such as action, adventure, role-playing, simulation, strategy, and sports.
- Pay attention to what you enjoy: Take note of the aspects of the game that you enjoy, such as the story, characters, mechanics, and graphics.
- Read reviews and watch trailers: Before trying a game, read reviews and watch trailers to get an idea of what it's about and whether it might be to your taste.
- Ask for recommendations: Talk to friends, family, and online communities to get recommendations for games they think you might like based on your preferences.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new games and play games that are outside your comfort zone. You may find a new favorite that you never would have discovered otherwise. There are many ways to do so nowadays without having to buy a new game outright...
Game Demos
Video game demos have been a staple of the gaming industry for decades. A decent portion of my Atari ST games are actually demo discs from magazines.
Demos provide players with a chance to try out a portion of a game before deciding whether or not to purchase it. Demos come in many forms, ranging from brief teasers to full levels or even entire games. They can be released before or after the launch of a game and are available on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PC, and mobile devices.
For gamers, video game demos offer a chance to try out a game before committing to a purchase. This is especially valuable for gamers who are on the fence about a specific game, as a demo can provide a sense of what the game is all about and whether or not it's worth the investment. Demos can also be a great way to discover new games that players may not have otherwise considered. For example, a demo may introduce players to a game they may have overlooked, but after trying it out, they decide to purchase it. In addition to helping players make informed purchasing decisions, demos can also serve as a way to showcase a game's features and mechanics.
Subscription Services
There are now a number of services available that will allow you to play games of many different genres for a single monthly fee. Allowing you to sample many different types of games, modern, retro, AAA and indie without breaking the bank. An example of this type of service is Microsoft Gamepass.
Gamepass
Microsoft Game Pass is a monthly subscription service offered by Microsoft for Xbox and PC players. It provides access to a large library of video games, including exclusive titles from Microsoft Studios, as well as a growing list of third-party games, for a flat monthly fee. Subscribers can download and play games from the library on their Xbox or PC without additional costs. Gamepass is the service I have most direct experience with as an active longtime subscriber, and I highly recommend it if you have an Xbox or PC.
The variety offered has been of huge benefit whilst discovering what games my son enjoys and sampling new ones as his skills and tastes evolve.
Similar services on other platforms include:
- PlayStation Now - a similar service offered by Sony for PlayStation players, allowing them to access a library of games on their PlayStation consoles and PC.
- Apple Arcade - a monthly subscription service offered by Apple for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS players, providing access to a library of over 100 exclusive games.
- Amazon Luna - a cloud gaming service offered by Amazon that allows players to stream video games on various devices, including Fire TV, PC, and Mac.
- Nvidia GeForce Now - a cloud gaming service offered by Nvidia that allows players to stream video games on various devices, including laptops, desktops, and Shield TV.
All of these services offer similar benefits, including access to a large library of games, exclusive titles, and the convenience of being able to play games on multiple devices without the need for physical copies.
It is now far easier and affordable to try your hand at a new genre, dabble with an obscure indie title and let your kids find their own favourite style of game. So go mix up - and leave me a comment with any gems you find.