The Beginner's Guide

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a game by Everything Unlimited Ltd.
Platform: PC (2015)
Editor Rating: 9.5/10, based on 1 review
User Rating: 10.0/10 - 2 votes
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See also: Best Indie Games, Walking Simulator Games, Games Like Firewatch
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide

Writing this The Beginner's Guide review has been quite challenging. The reason that I say this is because this is a game that is a very personal experience and the way I interpreted it may be completely different from the way that you did. This is a first-person story driven experience and it is all about the story and making the player think. I know that this kind of game is not for everyone and as a result, I feel like it is the kind of game that will be loved by some and misunderstood by others.

A Man With A Plan

I was drawn to The Beginner's Guide because I am a massive fan of The Stanly Parable. I have played through that game, no exaggeration here, about seven times since it was first released and I have spent countless hours chatting with people online about it. This game here is brought to us by the creator of that, Davey Wreden and if you ask me, if you liked The Stanley Parable, I have a feeling you will also like this. This feels like a much more “personal” kind of experience from him and while I loved it, I have also read that some people felt it was a tad on the pretentious side.

A Coder Called Coda

The story of The Beginner's Guide is presented to the player in such a unique way. We have Davey Wreden himself narrating the game and it is about a video game designer called Coda. We are tasked with getting to know Coda and trying to figure out what kind of person he was. The way that the story is presented really leaves it up to the player to try and come to their own conclusion. Look, I understand this style of storytelling is not going to appeal to everyone, but I have played through this a few different times and I have picked up a few things each time that make me question or realize things in a new light.

Picking Through The Files!

Gameplay wise, The Beginner's Guide is a hard game to try and describe to someone. It feels more like an “experience” than a game in many ways to be honest with you. We play the game from the first-person point of view. Coda is a person that has several unfinished games and we get to look through their files and find out more about them as a person through these games. There is no way to “lose” here and if you get stuck, which one part intentionally does this, you will be told what to do. It makes for a very personal experience and I dig it, but at the same time, I can see why there may be some who just do not click with this.

Leading You Along The Right Path

As The Beginner's Guide is played from the first-person point of view, you really do feel like you are experiencing this story and that is something I liked. The game looks decent enough, but it is never going to blow you away, although I do like how the “games” look here. What really sets this apart is that the game is narrated as you play by Davey Wreden and I think that he does a wonderful job of getting you even more invested in what you are experiencing.

9.5

I can see why for some people a game like The Beginner's Guide would be such a hard sell. However, if you do like stuff such as The Stanley Parable or something like What Remains of Edith Finch or other “walking simulator” style games that are about the narrative and not the gameplay, you will enjoy this. I think that this is simply a fantastic game and it is the kind of game that makes you think which makes it a really fun game to discuss with others.

Pros:

  • I loved learning more about Coda
  • The game makes you feel like you are actually in this story
  • The narration by Davey Wreden
  • If you liked The Stanley Parable, you will like this!

Cons:

  • While I loved this, I can see why it would not be for everyone
  • I guess it could have been a tad easier on the eyes

Download The Beginner's Guide

PC

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Snapshots and Media

PC Screenshots

See Also

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