Contrary to some opinions, you don’t need to be an experienced video gamer to start playing games online. The digital gaming sector is accessible to anyone and everyone with a device and internet connection and, as such, there’s a vast selection of games that you can try. Never picked up a joystick before? No problem! Can’t tell Battle Royale from Royal Rumble? Never mind!
I could devote a series of blog posts to covering all the different types of digital games that exist, but to get you started I’ve narrowed things down to five digital games that you can play today – even without masses of prior experience. Gaming is accessible today in unprecedented ways, so let’s take advantage of the wonderful worlds out there for us to explore.
Minecraft – PC or Mobile
Irrespective of how computer literate you are, Minecraft is an excellent game to start your online gaming journey with. Being pretty much a survival game at its root, the concept of the game itself is simple: try to survive and flourish in a cruel, cruel world – but there’s plenty to keep you busy whilst you’re doing so.
To start with, you build yourself a shelter, learn to grow vegetables, and care for animals. As the game progresses, you’ll need to spend time digging for minerals and other resources in order to develop your little homestead. And all the while it’s essential you keep an eye out for dangerous monsters and harsh weather conditions.
Her Story – PC
If you’re a fan of Nordic crime dramas or fancy yourself as a bit of an investigator, Her Story will be right up your street. This PC game is very engaging – the storyline is compelling and it has some great performances, too. I particularly enjoy the old school design elements of the game, which resemble police computers from the last century.
Another simple – but no less engrossing – title, Her Story is a mystery game in which you need to track down a missing person. All you have to go on are the police records contained in the old computer, so if details are your thing then this game will be right up your street.
Chess – PC or Mobile Speaking of details, if you’ve ever had the hankering to learn a mind sport, now’s the perfect opportunity. chess is one of the various mind sports that you can learn to play online – along with bridge, poker and even Scrabble. Learning the game digitally can help take the pressure off, too, since you can work at your own pace and even play anonymously if you do decide to progress to competing in digital tournaments.
Even if you have no ambitions whatsoever when it comes to mindsport gaming, a game like chess can actually help to boost your concentration and focus. It can even improve your productivity in the workplace, too.
Crash Bandicoot – Console
If you’re ready to step into the console gaming arena, Crash Bandicoot is a brilliant way to get started. Ask any ’90s gamer who their favourite character is and I can guarantee this wacky marsupial will be a popular choice. The game itself is a standard platformer: you play as Crash himself and will need to guide him around the Wumpa Islands to collect fruit, avoid the baddies, and score as many points as you can in the process.
In 2022, of course, you can play this retro platformer in full digital glory. The Crash Bandicoot N Sane Trilogy is available on the PS4 and Xbox One consoles, giving you access to the first three games in the hit franchise.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch
For easy gaming on the go, the Nintendo Switch can be a great alternative to playing games on your smartphone. One of my favourite games on this nifty device is the super-cute Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Millions of gamers around the globe happen to agree with me since it broke sales records when it was released in 2020.
During the game, which you can play completely at your own pace, you’ll design and explore your very own island, interacting with villagers and collecting and trading items. It’s simple yet highly compelling – and did I mention that the villagers in question all happen to be adorable creatures?
Leave a Reply