Girlfriend Gaming

Many a gamer with a significant other has tried to think of ways to get them at least somewhat interested in gaming. That's understandable. Anyone with a major hobby would try to get loved ones involved in the fun. I face a similar situation, but I am quite lucky. My girlfriend is actually rather knowledgeable about gaming and can hold her own (or even beat me) in a game of Super Smash Brothers Melee or Soul Calibur 4. However, she has always liked fighting games of that sort. What about other games? What does it take to interest a non-gamer in gaming?

A good first step in this process (which I call girlfriend gaming in honor of my girlfriend) is finding what interests the person you are trying to get into gaming. Do they like horror movies or novels? Are they sport fans? Do they enjoy epic, fantastic stories? Pretty much any genre of writing, television, or movies has an analogous genre in gaming. Finding a game that matches interests that already exist in a non-gamer is a good way to introduced to the amazing world of gaming.

However, interests and favored genres are not all that is needed to entice a new gamer. I know for a fact that my girlfriend dislikes any game that "looks like claymation". Basically she does not like anything that looks like it was designed for a child. She would much rather play Ocorina of Time than Wind Waker (although I disagree, but that's a discussion for another time). My real point here is to learn wether there are particular aspects of games that will automatically turn the new gamer off. If your new gamer has a pet peeve that appears in a game, don't even bother. They will see that one thing and not really care to get into the rest of it.

Finally, some simple things to remember when gaming with a non-gamer (or non-hardcore gamer, as the case may be). First, it's about them. Sure, you may love Call of Duty 4, but if your friend or loved one can't control a first person game then you should probably avoid playing it with them. You also need to remember that non-gamers aren't like us. They don't necesarily need to play to enjoy a game. I know for a fact that my girlfriend enjoys watching me play Dead Space and Bioshock (she's a horror junkie ^-^), but she would not want to try playing them for herself. Finally, it's a slow process. Not every game you show them will be a hit. Also, just because they can't play a game now doesn't mean they won't later. That is especially true when it comes down to the issue of controlling the game. As they play more games they will become more comfortable with the controller and be more willing to try other games.

That's all the tips I have for now. I wish everyone luck as they try this out. I can assure you that gaming with a loved one is absolutely the best way to game. By the way, remember, they tried this for you, so be open to trying something for them. However, for now, I have a few games that are particularly good for this "girlfriend gaming".

Guide to Girlfriend Gaming

Wii Owners:

• Super Smash Bros. Brawl/Melee - These games are always a hit with gamers and non-gamers. Simple controls and recognizeable characters make the game just plain fun. Either version works since the Wii has full Gamecube backwards compatability. Just remember to have enough controllers for everyone to join in.
• Wii Sports - It's simple, but that simplicity is what appeals to people. Everyone knows how to play the games emulated in Wii Sports so you can just pick up the controller and start playing.
• Super Mario Galaxy - This is a clever one. It is primarily a single player game, but second, third, and fourth players can all control a pointer that collects star bits while you take care of the tricky platforming as Mario. If the friends/loved ones feel brave they will usually take a stab at this game on their own too.
• Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People - This episodic game from WiiWare is a point and click adventure. That may seem hardcore, but it allows for cooperative work solving any problems Strong Bad runs into. Also, if you watch the web series you will know just how funny these games are. Plus, at $10 each, these are a great deal.

360 Owners:

• Portal - We hardcore gamers have all played this by now, but most non-gamers have no idea of its existance. Most people will find the puzzles challenging and really fun. Also, I have yet to find someone who doesn't enjoy the dark humor of GLaDOS. Plus, everyone loves cake...
• Mass Effect - This is definitely a game to have your friend/loved one watch, but the story is so engrosing that they will feel like they are watching a sci-fi epic instead of a game. Added bonus: they can help you customize your character and choose what to say.
• Indigo Prophecy - Not for everyone, but those who love mysteries will get wrapped up in this game. As with other adventure games, the non-gamer can provide help in solving the crime. This can also be easily acquired through Xbox Originals.
  
• Soul Calibur 4 - This works a lot like Smash Bros. A non-gamer can mash the buttons and still stand a chance of doing ok. The extensively detailed character creator is good also. You and your loved one can either make each other or your favorite movie characters.
• Viva Pinata - An adorable game all about farming pinatas that still manages to be very deep? Yes please. Anyone who starts a garden in this game will get caught up in taking care of their pinatas and making sure their garden is the best it can be.
• Fable 2 - It's a hardcore RPG, but it doesn't look or act like one. It appears to be nothing more than a funny British adventure game and it can be easily controlled, but just watch people get caught up either playing or watching this fantasy epic.
  

PS3 Owners:

• LittleBigPlanet - This one particularly appeals to the creative types. They can work with you and make pretty much anything they want while you make sure everything still works. Then there is the fact that no one can deny the cuteness of Sackboy.
• Pixeljunk Monsters - This is a guaranteed hit. Casual and non-gamers love Flash versions of tower defense games. This is essentially a co-op version of one of those games. Just be sure to not get mad if a level was particularly disasterous...

Handhelds:

• While handheld gaming is good for casual gamers, I don't really recommend it for girlfriend gaming just because it is rather hard to do together with someone. This is mostly due to the lack of single-console multiplayer and the inability for anyone but the person playing to easily see the screen. If you have an old handheld laying around, feel free to share it with your loved one. Most handheld games work well with a large amount of people. Just avoid the excessively hardcore games (you should be able to spot them fairly easily).

Multi-Console:

• Music Games - Everyone likes music and what better way to enjoy it than playing a typically casual-friendly game along with your favorite songs? Rock Band and Guitar Hero are particularly good if you want to feel like a rock star with your friends, SingStar and similar karaoke games are good for people who like to sing (like myself), and Dance Dance Revolution is fun if you and your loved one are particularly active and like to move around a lot.
• Burnout Games - Racing cars is fun, but crashing them is even more fun. Burnout is the best series for this. You can either go with an older game in the series to have some fun with multiplayer or you can take turns exploring Paradise City in Burnout Paradise. If you are deprived of a Burnout game, Flatout and similar games can make suitable replacements.
• Sport Games - This is mostly for male non-gamers, but girls can enjoy some of these too. Most sport games have offline multiplayer, allowing you to give them time to get used to the controls. Also, if they are a fan of a specific team or sport they will enjoy playing that sport/team all the more than just a generic game.

Again, I wish everyone a good time while introducing loved ones to the joy of gaming. Just remember that you are doing this to have fun. Let me know if you have any other games you have found are effective for girlfriend gaming.