As the colder months approach and we’re less inclined to go outside, this time of year is the perfect one to curl up on the couch and immerse yourself in the world of gaming.
Now as an important disclaimer, I didn’t own any consoles growing up, so my childhood experience with gaming was limited to CD-ROM and web-based games. In other words, I was (and in many ways, still am) a complete noob.
However, in my adult life, my partner—a lifelong gamer—introduced me to video games he believed were accessible and would speak to my love for storytelling, while still pushing me outside my comfort zone.
Through these experiences, I’ve discovered that video games can be just as much about compelling narratives and rich characters as they are about action.
If you can relate and feel intimidated by the world of video gaming, I have some recommendations to help ease you in. Whether you’re trying gaming for the first time or are interested in expanding your horizons, these titles are perfect for beginners and storytelling enthusiasts alike!
Here are my top picks:
1. Uncharted
Developer: Naughty Dog
Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection)
So, fun fact: the very first console game I played entirely on my own from start to finish was Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. This standalone expansion of the Uncharted series features Chloe Frazer as the lead, rather than the main series’ protagonist, Nathan Drake. For me, it was the perfect introduction to gaming, as it tugged at my storytelling roots while offering intuitive gameplay that progressed at a comfortable level.
Uncharted sits firmly in the action-adventure genre, offering the perfect mix of thrilling combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, all wrapped up in cinematic storytelling. From treasure hunting to discovering new worlds, it really does make you feel like you’re inside an adventure film. If you enjoy exploration-focused stories like Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones, the Uncharted series will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
2. Star Wars Jedi (Fallen Order & Survivor)
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel Jedi: Survivor are must-plays for any Star Wars fan, or really anyone who loves a good adventure. They tell the story of Cal Kestis, a Jedi in hiding after the Empire’s purge of the Jedi Order. Like Uncharted, the Jedi games also fall within the action-adventure category, but additionally share DNA with the soulslike subgenre—games known for challenging combat and strategic enemy encounters. However, they remain beginner-friendly, offering an entry-level experience to what can be called a “lite” Dark Souls with difficulty settings that make them accessible to all players.
I won’t lie, the combat mechanics seemed intimidating at first. But if you’re new to gaming, I recommend starting in “Story Mode”. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that you miss out on the action—it just means enemies deal far less damage and you have more time to react and counter their moves, which allows you to focus more on the story and exploration without the stress of tough battle. Ultimately, the gameplay is exciting and immersive, and the narrative is emotional and rich, often dealing with themes of loss, survival, and the hope of rebuilding.
Honestly, it’s hard not to fall in love with the multi-faceted characters, stunning worlds, and rich lore-building in the Jedi games. Plus, who wouldn’t want to wield a lightsaber and explore the galaxy?
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man (Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Spider-Man 2)
Developer: Insomniac Games
Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
Thwip!
The Marvel’s Spider-Man games are another fantastic entry for beginners. You get to play as Peter Parker in the first Spider-Man, Miles Morales in his eponymous standalone game, and both heroes in Spider-Man 2. The vibrant, meticulously crafted New York City is absolutely breathtaking with its bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and hidden corners waiting to be explored. And as if swinging through NYC as the iconic Spidey isn’t enough, these games deliver some seriously amazing storytelling with plenty of heart and a perfect blend of action and character moments. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll definitely enjoy every minute of web-swinging.
The Spider-Man games are also very beginner-friendly, with controls that are easy to grasp and gradually build in complexity. Unsurprisingly, they fall into the action-adventure subgenre, but with a slight twist—they’re also open-world sandbox games. This means that while the narrative is linear, you also have the freedom to swing through an expansive, detailed version of New York City at your own pace, taking on side missions, challenges, and exploration.
4. The Kingdom Hearts Series
Developer: Square Enix
Available on: All current (and many previous) consoles
If you’re a fan of Disney, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy Kingdom Hearts! This series combines multiple iconic Disney worlds with original and existing characters from Final Fantasy in an adventure filled with magic, heart, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. In them, you’ll travel with Sora and his friends as they battle darkness, all while meeting beloved Disney characters along the way. As I’m currently playing through the series, I’m pleasantly surprised by how emotionally connected I feel to the characters and their stories! Kingdom Hearts blends RPG (role-playing game) elements with hack and slash combat, meaning you’ll be managing character stats, magic abilities, and team dynamics while engaging in fast-paced action against hordes of enemies.
Keeping all this in mind, I do think this series is slightly less beginner-friendly than the others I’ve mentioned, primarily because the first Kingdom Hearts (released in 2002) features game mechanics that can feel more challenging compared to more modern titles. Some commands may be less intuitive, so having Google handy for guidance can be helpful. Fortunately, these issues are largely resolved in Kingdom Hearts II and its subsequent counterparts. Also, be aware that there are numerous spin-offs in this series, some of which are essential to experience between main installments, so consulting online resources for best play order is recommended!
5. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Developer: Next Level Games
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a delightful, lighthearted take on the puzzle-solving genre. While it also falls under the action-adventure camp (sensing a theme here?), it’s less focused on combat and more on clever problem-solving. If you’re either a fan of the Mario universe or the Ghostbusters films, this is likely to be the perfect game for you. You get to play as Luigi, who is tasked with saving his friends from a haunted hotel using a ghost-sucking vacuum cleaner. The game is super charming, atmospheric, and fun.
It also scratches the puzzle-solving itch while keeping the gameplay accessible and easy to pick up. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is creative and spooky without ever being truly scary, and it’s a fantastic option for both solo players and those looking for co-op fun with a partner or friend!
Bonus: Games I’m Interested in Playing!
Although I’ve found some great games that I feel comfortable with, there are still plenty of games I’m excited to try! Based on some of my partner’s recommendations and trailers that have piqued my interest, I’m looking forward to exploring:
Fallout – Bethesda Game Studios (Available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
(A post-apocalyptic RPG series with deep narrative choices and world-building.)
The Last of Us – Naughty Dog (Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5)
(A survival-horror action game with a character-driven story that redefined the genre.)
Death Stranding – Kojima Productions (Available on PlayStation, PC)
(An atmospheric, open-world adventure with unique storytelling and gameplay.)
Star Wars Outlaws – Ubisoft (Available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
(A story-driven, open-world Star Wars game that promises to let players live out their scoundrel fantasies.)
Alan Wake – Remedy Entertainment (Available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
(A psychological thriller with a dark, mysterious narrative.)
South of Midnight – Compulsion Games (Coming soon to PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
(A Southern Gothic fantasy with deep mythological elements.)
Featured photo from Envato
