Parhelion69
Member
DO NOT overspend in steam sales!
Pay for games you'd actually like and play. Otherwise, it'll be just a mess
Pay for games you'd actually like and play. Otherwise, it'll be just a mess
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"I'm new to PC games, what should I get..."
- Thread starter DocSeuss
- Start date
Denton
Member
It has some loot, but they are really not loot games. The meat of Fallout lies in dialogues, quests, choices, consequences, exploration. Loot is just a small part of the game(s).
And Bloodlines man. Almost no loot there. Pure dialogue character heaven.
Okay, I'll recommend Bloodlines. She does not mind lower end graphics (her preferred system is 3DS).
It's like some of you don't even read the OP.
Either EVERYONE's got the recommendation, or, like me, they just don't enjoy hex-based games all that much.
QuantumZebra
Member
SS2 = GOAT next to FFVII and Deus Ex for me.
My MUST play PC list:
Deus Ex, Deus Ex: HR (and if you really love those 2, then the sequel to the original, called Invisible War, as well).
Baldur's Gate 2 + Expansion
Half Life 1&2 + expansions
EverQuest (Go to Project1999.org and download the private server emulator - best classic EQ experience there is and it's kosher via the Sony EQ Live people).
Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines
Thief 1 & 2
Duke Nukem 3D
Dark Forces 1&2
Jedi Knight & JK 2
KOTOR 1 & 2
Anachronox
Arcanum
Planescape: Torment
Starcraft 2 (1 was better but its dead now)
Diablo 3 (2 was better but again, its dead now)
Elder Scrolls Online (this one will get some hate, I'm sure).
Looking at this list.... yes I'm stuck in the late 90's early 2000's...
shaowebb
Member
For damned fine card games
DOTA 2 for damned fine life sappingly addictive MOBA goodness.
For damned fine Bulllethell
For damned fine Metroidvania meets roguelike ROGUE LEGACY
Ah yeah...damned fine time on damned fine PC gaming.
- Hearthstone
- Might and Magic Duel of Champions
- Infinity Wars
DOTA 2 for damned fine life sappingly addictive MOBA goodness.
For damned fine Bulllethell
- Jamestown
- Ikaruga
- eXceed Trilogy Jade Penetrate Black Package
- Crimzon Clove
- Siter Skain Trilogy
For damned fine Metroidvania meets roguelike ROGUE LEGACY
Ah yeah...damned fine time on damned fine PC gaming.
If she liked Portal she might like Q.U.B.E. She may like Faster than Light, Starbound, To The Moon, Steings gate, The Swapper, Psychonauts, Cubeworld, Trove, Bastion, The Binding of Isaac.
Here is a list of Detective Games and Games like <insert name>
MrNyarlathotep
Banned
Not enough people recommend Dawn Of War 2 (which unless we get some sega miracle patch love is about to only be one available title when GFWL expires).
It's three games in one.
You have a single player diablo-with-a-party loot game
You have a more traditional competitive RTS
You have a co-operative persistent hero oriented horde mode
I've sunk hours and hours into this one, its great.
It's three games in one.
You have a single player diablo-with-a-party loot game
You have a more traditional competitive RTS
You have a co-operative persistent hero oriented horde mode
I've sunk hours and hours into this one, its great.
It'd be neat to do a voting system for "must buy PC games" similar to the GOTY thread. I've never been involved in one of those. How do we do this?
Have it like top 10 per genre to have it approachable. Something like:
RPG
Strategy
Action/FPS
Competitive/Multiplayer
Classics (Everything pre-2002ish?)
None of the Above
Have it like top 10 per genre to have it approachable. Something like:
RPG
Strategy
Action/FPS
Competitive/Multiplayer
Classics (Everything pre-2002ish?)
None of the Above
I'd be up for doing one of these as well. But I still feel like it would only be the games mentioned in the OP as "stuff that always gets mentioned ALL THE TIME and also I don't actually enjoy most of them."
Hamster Plugin
Member
I would say that the entire Far Cry series is much better on PC, although I haven't tried that Far Cry 1 remake they recently released on consoles. Far Cry 2's console versions have a horrible aim acceleration mechanic and you can't save anywhere like you can on PC. Far Cry 3 and BD's framerates are absolute ass and look significantly worse on consoles.
Just keep in mind that Far Cry 1 is a linear FPS, the rest are open world games. The entire series is actually a bit weird, each of them feels like they shouldn't belong in the same series at all.
This seems like the right way to ask the question at the start of the thread.
Depending on what she liked about Mass Effect that could lead her down the rabbit whole of all CRPGs or at least to Bioware's other games KOTOR and later. Alpha Protocol is what I would suggest to someone more experienced but if she enjoyed how the shooting felt in Mass Effect AP may not be up to that bar of a smoothly polished seventh console generation game.
It looks like she would be into adventure games so she could start with some of telltales then branch from there. If she likes the walking dead or back to the future but then wants a game with more puzzles or to visit more areas then I could recommend some of Lucas Art's old games more strongly.
To be fair, Dark Souls 1/2 on the PC is so god damn improved over the console versions that it merits recommending, I think. The series is so precision combat-driven that playing it in 60fps feels like a new experience, and in 1080p+, its like seeing it for the first time.It's like some of you don't even read the OP.
Really has to be played to be believed.
Borderlands 2 is also greatly improved, but perhaps to a slightly lesser degree. Its gorgeous and feels better, but I probably wouldn't describe it as a whole new thing. So I would agree leaving it out.
Sentenza
Gold Member
It doesn't really matter. It's the same game with additional content and support for higher resolution.
Absolutely.
if anything, one of the things I liked the least about it is precisely how simplified and "newbie-friendly" they made it, with a managerial part that feels barely drafted compared to the original X-Com (UFO).
But at its core the game is quite fun, reasonably pretty to look at and it has a lot of customization options for your squad.
striferser
Huge Nickleback Fan
It's like some of you don't even read the OP.
When someone searches neogaf "I'm new to PC games..." It would be nice if the suggestions weren't just tailored to you.
Your girl would probably like Long Live the Queen, and Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale.
Maybe Advent Rising as a Mass Effect2 /Halo type game.
On my Wishlist now.
Totally in agreement with this. I don't like turn-based games generally, other than some 4X, but XCOM makes it ridiculously approachable, and if you find it too easy, you can totally make it harder.
The whole point of this thread was to recommend games other than the ones that always get recommended. In literally every other thread like this, those games get mentioned, which means other games get ignored. I wanted to create a thread explicitly for the games that don't get the limelight 'cause those games hog it.
If someone goes and creates a thread on, say, "CRPGs you should try," and someone mentions a JRPG instead... well, that's nice and all, but it's literally not the point of the thread. Just because "well, people should PLAY it" or whatever doesn't mean they need it in this thread.
SatelliteOfLove
Member
Do you like mind-expanding brain-fuckery 8 years in the making? Anti-chamber!
6. Anti-chamber ; I both truly enjoyed the childlike wonder the thru-the-looking-glass design of the game brought out in me and the mild flippancy of the little notes on the bare, garish matte color of the game giving a little insight into the playful mindset of the developer. The puzzles blending with the quiet journey thru the game world was well-paced, and the "learn by doing" nature of the early stretch a breath of fresh air in a smog-filled telltorial world.
Something to test your mettle, endurance, wits, and perhaps cure that arachnophobia? Legend of Grimrock!
3. Legend of Grimrock ; As serene and uncaring as the dungeon that you traverse, LoG is a wonderful throwback to the DCs of old, where victory is in the hunt and effort. Very thoughtful puzzles, layout, and sound effects, plus gets points for pulling off the wierd "dancing" combat and end boss without tripping up.
6. Anti-chamber ; I both truly enjoyed the childlike wonder the thru-the-looking-glass design of the game brought out in me and the mild flippancy of the little notes on the bare, garish matte color of the game giving a little insight into the playful mindset of the developer. The puzzles blending with the quiet journey thru the game world was well-paced, and the "learn by doing" nature of the early stretch a breath of fresh air in a smog-filled telltorial world.
Something to test your mettle, endurance, wits, and perhaps cure that arachnophobia? Legend of Grimrock!
3. Legend of Grimrock ; As serene and uncaring as the dungeon that you traverse, LoG is a wonderful throwback to the DCs of old, where victory is in the hunt and effort. Very thoughtful puzzles, layout, and sound effects, plus gets points for pulling off the wierd "dancing" combat and end boss without tripping up.
Syphon Filter
Member
Unreal Tournament
Quake III
Counter Strike
Starcraft
Quake III
Counter Strike
Starcraft
D
Deleted member 102362
Unconfirmed Member
Probably because I've been playing it recently, but Bastion, I think, would be a good choice. Isometric action RPG without the loot dropping of bigger RPGs (enemies drop money, and items you collect include health potions and mementos. Nothing too complex). It has a compelling story that unfolds over the course of the game, and you can shape your playstyle based on weapon/power combinations. It has great art design, voice acting, and music, so it's a good A/V experience as well.
EDIT: Just to clarify, there are other items you collect. The two I listed are just examples.
diggmcbadass
Member
Serious Sam series. I guess they technically exist on consoles, but I can't imagine how it even works. It's an alternative take on the old school shooter, where the challenge is not in navigating a maze but rather using an insanely powerful arsenal of weapons to effectively crowd control an unfair amount of enemies. It's a game that is purely about mastering a very specific skill set, but that is kind of the only type of games I play.
Luftrausers. Probably the best small arcade type game I played this year. Fly a small plane and fight against hundreds of enemies in a faux-ww2 setting. The controls are some of the most satisfying ever.
Race the sun Another small simple game. You need to race a solar powered aircraft towards the setting sun while avoiding obstacles. There is new randomly generated map every day and a global high score that resets along with it.
Settlers II (ten year anniversary edition) You might think Settlers II is a civilization building game where you conquer your enemies. It is not. It is a game where you transport goods in the most efficient manner so that you can make soldiers, beer and gold faster than your enemy. And that somehow wins wars.The tempo is zen like, but you need to think a hundred steps ahead not to be caught in a logistical nightmare where it takes hours for a bucket of water to get to the baker to make bread for the miners who need it to mine coal for the iron smelter who needs it to make steel for the armory who needs it to make sword for a soldier who you need to man the guardhouse to expand the territory so you can make a farm that will produce grain for your bakery.
Luftrausers. Probably the best small arcade type game I played this year. Fly a small plane and fight against hundreds of enemies in a faux-ww2 setting. The controls are some of the most satisfying ever.
Race the sun Another small simple game. You need to race a solar powered aircraft towards the setting sun while avoiding obstacles. There is new randomly generated map every day and a global high score that resets along with it.
Settlers II (ten year anniversary edition) You might think Settlers II is a civilization building game where you conquer your enemies. It is not. It is a game where you transport goods in the most efficient manner so that you can make soldiers, beer and gold faster than your enemy. And that somehow wins wars.The tempo is zen like, but you need to think a hundred steps ahead not to be caught in a logistical nightmare where it takes hours for a bucket of water to get to the baker to make bread for the miners who need it to mine coal for the iron smelter who needs it to make steel for the armory who needs it to make sword for a soldier who you need to man the guardhouse to expand the territory so you can make a farm that will produce grain for your bakery.
Yes.
Just so people know, these are the games on my list so far:
The Wolf Among Us
The Walking Dead
Broken Sword 1/2 (Added because of this thread)
Half Minute Hero (Added because of this thread)
XCom (Added because of this thread)
Vampire: Bloodlines (Added because of this thread)
To the Moon (Added because of this thread)
Tropico 4
Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale (Added because of this thread)
Bastion (Added because of this thread)
Hopefully that gives you further idea what I'm aiming for here.
The Wolf Among Us
The Walking Dead
Broken Sword 1/2 (Added because of this thread)
Half Minute Hero (Added because of this thread)
XCom (Added because of this thread)
Vampire: Bloodlines (Added because of this thread)
To the Moon (Added because of this thread)
Tropico 4
Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale (Added because of this thread)
Bastion (Added because of this thread)
Hopefully that gives you further idea what I'm aiming for here.
I recently helped a friend build his first gaming PC, and he found himself completely enthralled by Arma III when he picked it up after playing it for a free weekend. It struck me as a real surprise coming from a guy who still buys CoD every year, but it seems like certain "advanced" games and genres just resonate with people even if they weren't really exposed to them at all beforehand.
I've had similar experiences with friends who've fallen head over heels for Total War, Mount & Blade, and even Dota despite having played almost exclusively console games before building their first gaming PC.
I've had similar experiences with friends who've fallen head over heels for Total War, Mount & Blade, and even Dota despite having played almost exclusively console games before building their first gaming PC.
Not that odd. It's something totally different. "Wait, I can have all this agency? The game isn't telling me exactly where to go?"
Having that moment when you realize you can take any one of a near infinite number of actions, and seeing all those systems and knowing you have zero idea how they all work together is everything I love the most about video games. Feels like you're being dumped into a whole new reality.
Having that moment when you realize you can take any one of a near infinite number of actions, and seeing all those systems and knowing you have zero idea how they all work together is everything I love the most about video games. Feels like you're being dumped into a whole new reality.
Goldenroad
Member
I'm just gonna recommend some more recent indies that aren't on consoles:
FTL
Rogue Legacy
Jazzpunk
Gunpoint
The Stanley Parable
Gone Home
Papers, Please
Kentucky Route Zero
Antichamber
The Swapper
Again, this is assuming you have all the consoles and have played gems like Mark of the Ninja, Fez, Limbo, Super Meat Boy, Spelunky, etc.
FTL
Rogue Legacy
Jazzpunk
Gunpoint
The Stanley Parable
Gone Home
Papers, Please
Kentucky Route Zero
Antichamber
The Swapper
Again, this is assuming you have all the consoles and have played gems like Mark of the Ninja, Fez, Limbo, Super Meat Boy, Spelunky, etc.
Yeah, I can definitely see this angle of it. Still makes me reconsider the overlap between "casual" and "hardcore," since some people seem to be able to compartmentalize their interests very cleanly without needing to fit into a mold of only playing cerebral genres or only being interested in high budget blockbusters.
This is what the friend said he liked about Arma, by the way.
Watching someone take to a new genre like a fish to water is pretty cool.
Baron von Loathsome
Member
Someone else mentioned Alpha Protocol, I'd second that.
Well the title never set that up, and I did attempt to read the OP albeit skimming. Still being primarily a PC gamer I see 85% of all recommendations on par with the ones you singled out as being over recommended.
HellofaMouse
Member
black and white 1&2.
the second game is more of an rts with a creature, but the first one is truly unique, and another contender of a sit back and relax game op mentioned with tropico4, which i also enjoy.
to the moon.
im not sure if this is on consoles or not, but its well worth the money since its pretty cheap. 4 hours of pure emotion.
monkey island games.
i know this is one of those games everyone and their mother recommends but if u want a feelgood game with good humor, u cant pass these.
soul reaver and legacy of kain series.
these might not be for everyone, as they are action games but if u like gothic atmosphere, give these a chance.
hitman series.
this is also on consoles but the games were designed for keyboard/mouse so play these on ur pc. slow paced stealth games.
no one lives forever.
this game gives me the biggest nostalgia boner gaming wise. its a story driven, 60s espionage fps stealth game. might get archer wibes.
medal of honor, allied assault.
gaming was fixated on ww2 for about a decade before modern warfare, if you skipped it all this is the game you should play.
commandos series.
it a steath strategy series. there are not many games in this genre, if u like it check out desperados and robin hood too.
max payne 1 and 2.
also on consoles. also better with keyboard/mouse.
carmageddon.
might be a little aged for some ppl. its a fun car/mayhem game
papers please.
again, everybody is going to recommend this one. but if theres any game that deserves that, its this one.
simcity4 and cities xl (whichever one is the latest)
city building/management games. skip the last simcity, but it sold well and theyre porlly gonna make another one, so lets hope that one will be better.
rollercoster/zoo tycoon + theme park/hospital.
more management games, if u like it there are alot of alternatives on steam.
the second game is more of an rts with a creature, but the first one is truly unique, and another contender of a sit back and relax game op mentioned with tropico4, which i also enjoy.
to the moon.
im not sure if this is on consoles or not, but its well worth the money since its pretty cheap. 4 hours of pure emotion.
monkey island games.
i know this is one of those games everyone and their mother recommends but if u want a feelgood game with good humor, u cant pass these.
soul reaver and legacy of kain series.
these might not be for everyone, as they are action games but if u like gothic atmosphere, give these a chance.
hitman series.
this is also on consoles but the games were designed for keyboard/mouse so play these on ur pc. slow paced stealth games.
no one lives forever.
this game gives me the biggest nostalgia boner gaming wise. its a story driven, 60s espionage fps stealth game. might get archer wibes.
medal of honor, allied assault.
gaming was fixated on ww2 for about a decade before modern warfare, if you skipped it all this is the game you should play.
commandos series.
it a steath strategy series. there are not many games in this genre, if u like it check out desperados and robin hood too.
max payne 1 and 2.
also on consoles. also better with keyboard/mouse.
carmageddon.
might be a little aged for some ppl. its a fun car/mayhem game
papers please.
again, everybody is going to recommend this one. but if theres any game that deserves that, its this one.
simcity4 and cities xl (whichever one is the latest)
city building/management games. skip the last simcity, but it sold well and theyre porlly gonna make another one, so lets hope that one will be better.
rollercoster/zoo tycoon + theme park/hospital.
more management games, if u like it there are alot of alternatives on steam.
I dunno, what you're saying might apply to really technical games like grand strategy series from Paradox, but some people will really take to intimidating games just because they're new, different, and exciting. They don't even need to be tired of their console favorites in my experience.
Pretty much. The games that made me a total gaming hobbyist were X-Com: Terror from the Deep, Civ 2, Privateer, and a very complex MUD. I was 12 when I started playing those, and they're far less approachable than most of the complicated games from today.
Gateway drug to Paradox. Be careful!
Awful Falafel
Banned
Already a really solid list here but here's some more! Because decisions are always easier with more options!
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes
brilliantly designed puzzle RPG by Capybara. No loot systems, anime aesthetic that she might like, and has a DS version if she feels more at home on handhelds but the PC port is still solid.
Costume Quest
Probably Doublefine's most charming game. It might be a little mechanically light for her but if she's considering the walking dead or the wolf among us then I don't think it'll be a problem.
Dungeon Keeper
Something for her management and economy fix that doesn't go overboard. I feel like the marathon sessions that the civ games tend to have kind of clash with the pacing that handhelds tend to provide. Also has a silliness to it that she might like compared to how dry most games in the genre are.
Kairosoft games
They're not on PC but these games are probably the most addicting management games ever made. I've only played two of these though so I'm not sure which of them are the best fit for her. I'm sure someone on GAF can point her in the right direction if she's interested though.
XiaNaphryz
LATIN, MATRIPEDICABUS, DO YOU SPEAK IT
Agreed on the Civ 5 + expansions recommendation for Opiate. Very beginner friendly, should work well for someone who likes boardgames.
At OP, you seriously need to add Metro franchise. I hate FPS (apart from Dishonored; sold on Shadow Warrior) and especially shooters, even more shooters with horror stuff but Metro gives you a surreal experience. And fuck opinions. Just try it and see for your self; no other shooter apart maybe from Bioshock; which I had to skip because it was just too nuts for me to handle, can you give this human quality of feelings. And I am talking about Silent-Hill-type-of-quality-feelings not your standard "horror" ones.