Top 10 Video Games for Non-Gamers

As a gamer, there's a good chance you have someone in your life that you would love to introduce to video games. It may be difficult to persuade a reluctant friend, family member, or significant other to enjoy gaming when you throw them in the middle of a difficult and fast-paced first person shooter when they've never picked up a controller. Story-based games seem to be much more appealing to non-gamers as everyone loves a good tale. I've decided to compile a short list of games that will hopefully pull the new gamer into the story to really show them how beautiful and moving games can be. I have attached the pre-written game synopsis as well as a personal mini-review of each game. The games are not necessarily ranked by my personal preferences but by how well-received I believe they would be by new players.

10. Ori and the Blind Forest

The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, an unlikely hero must journey to find his courage and confront a dark nemesis to save his home. “Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC. Featuring hand-painted artwork, meticulously animated character performance, and a fully orchestrated score, “Ori and the Blind Forest” explores a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.

Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautifully animated puzzle-based game that had me crying in the first ten minutes. It has a moving story and the mechanics of the game are challenging but fun. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves having problem solving as an aspect of their game. Not to mention Ori is one of the most adorable protagonists I've seen. Find it on Steam here.

9. Bioshock Infinite

Indebted to the wrong people, with his life on the line, veteran of the U.S. Cavalry and now hired gun, Booker DeWitt has only one opportunity to wipe his slate clean. He must rescue Elizabeth, a mysterious girl imprisoned since childhood and locked up in the flying city of Columbia.

This game is absolutely gorgeous. I was so inspired by the scenery that I actually got a tattoo with the floating city of Columbia in mind. Gamers don't need to have played Bioshock 1 and 2 to thoroughly enjoy this game. The combat can be a bit frustrating at times for newer players but it is not overly difficult. The story is full of twists and turns and leaves you wanting more. This is one of my top three favorite games. Buy it on Steam here.

8. Beyond Two Souls

Live the life of Jodie Holmes, a young woman who possesses supernatural powers through her psychic link to an invisible entity. Experience the most striking moments of Jodie's life as your actions and decisions determine her fate. As she traverses the globe, Jodie will face incredible challenges against a backdrop of emotionally-charged events never before seen in a video game.

New players can easily recognize lead characters modeled after actors Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe in this Playstation exclusive. The graphics and animation in this decision-based game are phenomenal and the story is engrossing. I was actually sad when I finished this game simply because I didn't want it to be over. It also has fantastic replay value as the story depends on the choices you make in game. Find the digital download for Playstation here.

7. The Wolf Among Us

As Bigby Wolf, the big bad wolf in human form, you will discover that the brutal, bloody murder of a Fable is just a taste of things to come when another dead Fable is found which starts the hunt for a serial killer.

The Wolf Among Us is based on the comic series "Fables" and is also animated with the comic-style graphics in mind. Another decision-based game, it takes the you on an action packed mystery as you meet modernized fairy tale characters and try to save them from a serial killer who is picking them off one by one. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as well as the animation style. Buy it on Steam here.

6. Until Dawn

Eight friends trapped together on a remote mountain retreat, and they aren’t alone. Gripped by dread, with tensions running high, they must fight through their fear if they all hope to make through the night in one piece. Play as each of the eight characters and experience fear like you never have before. Every decision you make in your terrifying search for answers could mean the difference between life and death, but for whom? Your actions alone will decide who survives Until Dawn.

This horror game was so much fun. There were cheesy and not-so-cheesy jumpscares as well as a good story to follow. There are definitely plot twists that I was not expecting and what started out as a typical slasher-film type game quickly turned into something more sinister and entertaining. Like Beyond Two Souls, it is also a game whose story depends on your in game choices resulting in incredible replay value. This game is basically an interactive horror film, perfect for grabbing the attention of a new player. Buy it for PS4 here.

5. Unravel

Unravel is a unique game featuring Yarny, a tiny character made from a thread of yarn that slowly unravels as he explores a lush landscape.

Another stunning, phenomenal game. The story is so, so lovely and the graphics are heart-stopping. I actually raved about this game so much that one of my dear friends gifted me a handmade Yarny who is sitting on my computer desk as I type this. The gameplay is puzzle-based and can be a bit frustrating at times, as any good problem-solving game should be, but that makes it all the more rewarding once you figure it out. You can click here to buy the game as well as read a bit more about it.

4. Journey

Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey™ as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets. Play alone or in the company of a fellow traveler and explore its vast world together. Featuring stunning visuals and a Grammy-nominated musical score, Journey™ delivers a breathtaking experience like no other.

This game is so unique in that you can be matched with a complete stranger to play alongside in your journey. You cannot see each others' names nor can you communicate in any way other than a musical chime. It creates quite an emotional experience as you spend so much time traveling through this game together and at the end, you have to part ways knowing you'll never interact again. The scenery is breathtaking and the music is enchanting. This game has such a special experience to offer and new players will absolutely treasure it. Buy it for PS4 here.

3. Life is Strange

Life is Strange is a five part episodic game that sets out to revolutionise story based choice and consequence games by allowing the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future. You are Max, a photography senior who saves her old friend Chloe by discovering she can rewind time. The pair soon find themselves exposed to the darker side of Arcadia Bay as they uncover the disturbing truth behind the sudden disappearance of a fellow student. Meanwhile, Max begins to have premonitions as she struggles to understand the implications of her power. She must quickly learn that changing the past can sometimes to lead to a devastating future.

First things first, the music in the game is phenomenal. I fell in love with the soundtrack and listen to it on a regular basis. The story is a beautiful web of difficult choices and do-overs as you navigate the complicated life of Max Caulfield, a highschooler with the ability to manipulate time. The scenery is gorgeous as well and made me wish Arcadia Bay was a real place. Everyone I know that has played this game fell completely in love with the characters and the story. Find it on Steam here.

2. The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is a five-part game series set in the same universe as Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic book series. Play as Lee Everett, a convicted criminal, who has been given a second chance at life in a world devastated by the undead. With corpses returning to life and survivors stopping at nothing to maintain their own safety, protecting an orphaned girl named Clementine may offer him redemption in a world gone to hell.

This is made by the same developers as The World Among Us with a similar art style. It is hard not to become emotionally invested in the characters and storyline and this game had me on the edge of my seat multiple times. The companionship between Lee and Clementine is wonderful and other characters add a bit of comic relief in the face of the apocalypse. It is a another game where your choices affect the fate of your characters and the outcome of your story. Buy it on Steam here.

1. The Last of Us

Twenty years after a pandemic radically transformed known civilization, infected humans run amuck and survivors kill one another for sustenance and weapons - literally whatever they can get their hands on. Joel, a salty survivor, is hired to smuggle a fourteen-year-old girl, Ellie, out of a rough military quarantine, but what begins as a simple job quickly turns into a brutal journey across the country.

This is the game that rekindled my love for video games. I had not played in years when I walked into the living room one evening to see my boyfriend playing this incredible masterpiece. I was instantly gripped in the story and the graphics were nothing like I'd seen at the time. This is, and will always be, my absolute favorite game as it holds such a special place in my heart. The story is arguably one the greatest you will find in a video game. The infected mutant humans in this game are absolutely grotesque and terrifying and will have you cringing as you attempt to fight them off time and time again. The graphics are jaw dropping and never cease to amaze me, no matter how many times I play. I can not recommend this game highly enough to new and experienced gamers alike. Buy it for Playstation here.

Video games have enriched my life in more ways than one and I am so happy that found my way back to them. If you have a game suggestion, please leave it below in the comments. I love to see what games others love, and I'm so down to talk about them with you. I hope you all enjoyed this and that this can help you convince a reluctant significant other or family member to enjoy gaming as much as you do.
(This is just a personal compilation of games I believe new players will enjoy. This is not a definitive ranking of all video games ever, so please don't be offended if you favorite game didn't make it on the list.)
Have a fantastic day!