Gaming 101
Mr Hunter’s Crash Course
Hopefully after last week's crash course you’ve all been binging anime, or at least given it a try. Now let’s see if I can tackle the monumental task of turning you all into capital G Gamers.
If you’ve never really played games before, or haven’t played in a long time, I hope one of these titles sparks an interest in the world of video games
I truly can’t blame anyone for having difficulties breaking into gaming as a hobby. I’ve been playing games for as long as I can remember.
As video games grew more complex, my abilities to understand and perform the tactile actions required were developing right alongside, so it was a natural progression.
If I tried to give a controller to my mother on the other hand, it’s only natural that the idea of moving joysticks in different directions with your thumbs while pressing additional buttons with your fingers, while being shot at, would be completely overwhelming.
Besides the physical input, there’s also a notable cost. While not the most expensive hobby in the world, it can be quite pricey, especially when you’re starting out.
If you don’t have a computer, or like me, prefer the idea of gaming from your couch, a console costs hundreds of dollars, and that’s before you even pick up any games.
These concessions aren’t to scare you off, or give you an excuse to never give gaming a real shot, but just for me to level with you and say, I understand.
Now, let’s jump into it and let's talk about some games that I feel are accessible for all kinds of people. Like anime, games are an art form, and there’s as many genres and types as there are games. I’m sure there’ll be at least something in this list that tickles your fancy.
Mobile games:
If this is your first foray into the world of games, guess what, you already own a gaming device. In fact, you’re probably using it right now to read this article. Your phone!
I’ve worked as a game designer on mobile titles, and I often play them in my free time. This platform has the widest array of free to play titles, and so it often has the lowest cost to entry for checking things out.
Wordle
While this is absolutely an endorsement of this fabulous word game, it’s also meant to remind you that odds are, you’re already a gamer.
This game, like many others, has such a wide appeal that everyone from kids, to parents, to grandparents can easily understand and participate in it.
Wordle joins the likes of Minesweeper, Bejeweled, Candy Crush, and 2048 in that almost everyone you know has at least tried this game.
Borrowing heavily from the game Mastermind, you have 6 guesses to figure out a 5 letter word.
Each guess the game will indicate which letters are correct, and which are wrong. If you use a correct letter, it will also indicate if the placement is correct (green) or incorrect (yellow).
With this feedback you continue until you either guess the correct answer, or run out of guesses. It’s a simple premise that makes for an excellent game of all ages, and is lots of fun to play with a group of people.
Vampire Survivors
Keeping with the theme of free, accessible games, we have Vampire Survivors. Released for free on mobile devices after the initial PC launch, this game quickly became a mainstay on my phone.
The gameplay is simple, once you start a level you hold your finger on the screen and your character will move towards it. Once in a while you’ll have a few things to tap on, but that’s about the extent of your input.
The goal, as the name suggests, is simply to survive. While the descriptions of characters or items may be tough to understand, it’s easy to try things out and see them in action.
This game is probably most complex the first time you play, but after a handful of short play sessions, you’ll quickly be able to grok exactly what this game is and what it excels at.
It’s easy to pick up and play, it requires shockingly little on your part, and it’s delightful fun.
I remember playing this game for a few hours while getting a tattoo done and it was easy to play one handed but distracting enough that I wasn’t focused on the pain.
Stardew Valley
From the legacy of games like Harvest Moon we have this indie darling, Stardew Valley. At just $5 on the app store you can devote endless hours to this adorable farming sim.
The best part? There’s no way to lose this game. You might lose progress, money, or items, but this game is impossible to fail. Even Wordle is more punishing in that regard!
Put in charge of your Grandfather's farm, you’re given free reign to cultivate your farm, make friends with the townsfolk, or go fishing.
While there is some combat if you choose to delve into the mines, it’s fairly simple to engage with, and I believe completely optional.
This is a game with good vibes and a cozy feel. It’s easy to jump in, tend to your farm, and feel your shoulders drop and your breath slow.
This game has enough going on that it may take a little while to learn everything about the game, but you can choose which parts you're interested in, making it nice and approachable.
Switch games:
Right behind mobile games, the switch is probably the most accessible platform for those interested in gaming.
It can be played on the go, or at home, and many games can be played with another player without having to buy another set of controllers.
I have my share of gripes with Nintendo, but it’s easy to see why they’re often considered the most family friendly console with the widest appeal across demographics.
Mario Kart 8
Ahh Mario Kart. Between the Mario movie and the multitude of games featuring this Italian plumber I’d be shocked if you didn’t know his name by now.
This charming racing game is a blast, and has a ton of customization options to help you find the right level of play for you and your friends.
It’s easy to learn, by simply pushing the A button you can finish the race. Though tough to master, with drifting and shortcuts being things you can learn over time.
Like many Mario games, items also add an element of randomness to the races. You never know what item you might pull or what your opponents might be throwing your way.
A fantastic entry to racing games I’m sure you and your friends will have a blast, even if you have no clue what you’re doing, or perhaps even because of it!
Animal Crossing New Horizons
If you liked Stardew Valley, boy do I have the game for you! Moving to a deserted Island after buying a getaway package from a rather shady racoon, you can accomplish tasks, develop the island, and make new friends.
Taking place in real time, this game is like a warm hug, featuring cute animals who speak in adorable gibberish.
Your friends that come to your island have lives of their own, and will go about their day just as you would, picking fruit, going fishing, and chatting with the other locals.
Another game with no way to lose that evokes similarly warm cozy vibes. It’s no wonder this game became a worldwide phenomenon during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The world felt like a better place when we were all warm in our houses, cheerfully chatting about our different Animal Crossing islands and our favorite islanders.
Mario Party Superstars
The last game on our list, Mario Party Superstars. If you’ve played any Mario Party games before, well done!
These games have a lot more going on than most people might give them credit for. There are various boards with different gimmicks, bespoke minigames that all have different objectives, and events and items that can really shake up the game.
It’s also a blast to play. While any friends you play with might not be your friends by the end of the game, it’s always good for a laugh and the occasional animated screams.
Your goal is to get enough coins to purchase stars, and whoever has the most stars and coins at the end of the game wins!
Simple in theory, but a little more complex in practice. Both stars and coins can come from a variety of sources, and can be taken away from you just as easily.
If you can learn all the different moving parts of Mario Party, you’re honestly ready to tackle some more difficult games in the future, if you so desire anyways.
Class Dismissed!
I honestly hate when people try to gatekeeper people as “fake” gamers based on the titles they play. It’s yet another reason I can empathize with someone who's not sure how to approach gaming.
If you try any of these games and like any of them, regardless of how much time you spend with them, you’re a gamer.
Of course, it’s up to you if you want to use that term, given the baggage that sometimes accompanies it, but you’ve certainly earned the right.
If you’ve played any of these titles, or tried them out after reading this article, drop a comment down below! Was it easier than you thought? As difficult as you feared? Did you look up while playing Vampire Survivors and realize a whole hour had gone by? Let me know!
If you’ve been diligently studying anime and gaming, you’re well on your way to becoming an otaku, and hopefully you’re finding more and more to enjoy here at the Otaku’s Oasis.
Lifetime otaku, or baby otaku, you’ll always be welcome here. Please look forward to the 200 level classes on anime, video games, and all things otaku!
