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.
minecraft
I learned how to play with keyboard and mouse with World of Warcraft. Current retail WoW is terrible in my opinion but plenty of good private servers exist. Turtle WoW is great. MMOs do use more than just the basic wasd keys, but aside from those and the 1-0 keys, there is no rush to mash keys quickly. The rest of the keyboard is basically just hot keys to open up windows and menus. It helped me learn to be versatile with keyboard/mouse without being punishing when starting out.
My wife is really into the sims and oddly enough 'House Flipper was a really goof intro to wasd co trols in something she was interested in. She can play most anything these days.
Specifically Portal 2 actually. Since it was designed with console players in mind, all of the puzzles can be solved without having to shoot on the move.
Also it has co-op, so OP can play their partner, which might help when questions arise :D
I taught my wife to use WASD+mouse on Final Fantasy XV. Nice and beginner-friendly in the beginning.
Stardew Valley.
It’s 2D, co-op, not difficult or punishing, has few inputs, and is approachable mechanically.
Assassins creed. Ignore the game and any of the extra’s, and just enjoy a walk around the city
Have a look at Razbuten’s “non-gamer” playlist on YouTube. He makes some interesting observations. Several of the games being suggested here are also used there, and prove more difficult than some would expect.
Some particular reasons why I’d recommend Minecraft for this:
- it’s very easy to get started, but there’s a lot of depth if you get into it
- its pretty slow-paced
- its a multiplayer game where someone of a much higher skill level and someone of a much lower skill level can play together without the noob player feeling that they are holding the advanced player back
- if you set the difficulty to peaceful it’s hard to die, and it’s impossible to fully “lose”. You can also turn on keepinventory.
- it’s a very open-ended game where you can come up with your own goals, which makes it something that everybody can find fun in their own way
- if they do get into it, it’s a good segue into a wide variety of other games. Just figure out what part of Minecraft they enjoy. You can also extend Minecraft by playing with mods.
The various valve games would probably be ideal.
Portal 2’s co-op mode perhaps.
Fortnite’s Lego mode would probably work very well. Since it’s targeted towards younger kids that are still learning how games work.
Serious Sam franchise would be fun too.
Portal maybe
Is she familiar with Animal Crossing? If so check out Dinkum. Other suggestions: Terraria, Core Keeper, Minecraft, and there is always classic FPS games lol. I learned WSAD in Quake
Minetest.
renamed to Luanti ~5 months ago!
My SO went from learning the controller with Fall Guys to Minecraft WASD. I think Fall Guys is was close to perfect, low amount of inputs, high amount of engagement.
…any of the traditional action platformers.
Portal, Spyro etc.
