Video games can be frustrating for many. Every video game system has their own unique controller, which can easily add to the learning curve for gamers, both new and seasoned. For the most part, all controllers have two joysticks, four buttons on the right side of the controller, and triggers at the top and back. Unfortunately, the design of each controller can throw many people off, especially if they're more familiar with another console's controller.
There have been thousands of video games created over the past few decades, and while there have been evolutionary stages, they largely follow the same classic structure. Games can vary in difficulty and controller scheme, but there are some great games players can enjoy that'll also make their gaming journeys easier to navigate.
10 Super Mario Bros.: Start With A Platformer
Having been around since the 80s, platform videogames are fantastic introductory games for players. They generally only require one joystick, the one used for controlling the game's playable character. This is great for people who may feel intimidated by the second joystick, the often used for controlling the playable character's perspective.
Super Mario Bros. is just one example of this video game subgenre, but there are many more to choose from. However, while they are fairly simple to become acclimated to, that doesn't necessarily make them easy in terms of difficulty. But for anyone up for a challenge, an exciting adventure awaits.
9 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Iconic Characters Racing It Out
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There are a ton of great racing games out there, but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch is in a league of its own. The game offers players plenty of familiar characters to choose from. Picking up items, racers can attack others or defend themselves as they race for the top spot through any means necessary.
This game is great for people just getting into racing games, but also as an introduction for customizable options. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows players to customize what type of kart they're in, with each kart offering a set of stats that's fairly easy to understand.
8 Life Is Strange: A Somewhat Relaxed Controller Experience
Life Is Strange is a fantastic introduction for a console's controller. Players can take their time to familiarize themselves with the controller's ability to move a character, as well as their perspective. Players play as Maxine "Max" Caulfield, a young photographer who develops the ability to rewind time to force desirable outcomes, even though those outcomes often have consequences.
The game's rewind mechanic is fairly simple to grasp, but the true challenge lies in making split decisions that alter the game and its characters. Those decisions are chosen by prompts on the screen before the on-screen timer runs out. If the timer runs out, the game chooses an option for them. Some options can be rewound to explore other scenarios, but some options can't.
7 Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga: An Epic Saga Told Through Lego
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga is a fun game where gamers have the option to play with a friend and relive the iconic Star Wars saga through the aesthetic of Lego. The visuals may come off as cartoonish, but that's all part of the game's charm. The game's combat system is also simple enough for newer gamers, but engaging enough that it never comes across as boring.
If gamers are looking to improve their reflexes, this is the perfect game. Players can dodge blaster fire, or deflect them with a lightsaber. Once players conquer a level, they'll even be able to replay the level as an unlocked character, which adds another element to the game.
6 Borderlands 2: Gotta Get That Loot
The Borderlands franchise has been around since 2009, and while it's not the first shooter series to exist, it's one of the more accessible ones across all platforms. Borderlands 2 is a great introductory game for fans of shooters, as well as gamers who are having difficulties familiarizing themselves with their controller. The game offers co-op accessibility, helping players better grasp some of its unique gameplay.
It's not only a first-person shooter, but it's also a role-playing game, meaning players level up and gain skill points. These skill points are then used to buff up their character in a variety of ways that fit within their play style. The game's navigational tool is fantastic, ensuring players are never lost.
5 Mortal Kombat 11: Brutally Fun Graphic Violence
The Mortal Kombat franchise has been around since 1992 and has been a great introductory fighting game series for many. Mortal Kombat 11 is no different. It's fast-paced, action packed, and satisfyingly brutal. It has five difficulty settings, with "very easy" being the lowest.
This option is great for players trying to familiarize themselves with the game and its controls, while also experiencing the game's story. Mortal Kombat 11 can occasionally become a bit frustrating, especially in the higher difficulties, but players can always bring down the difficulty and continue the fun of performing deliciously bloody fatalities.
4 Minecraft: Create And Customize
Minecraft may look simple on the outside, but it's an absolute beast of a game that takes a good chunk of time to master. Players hunt for resources, build structures, mine caves, all while battling a variety of deadly creatures. For players who aren't looking for a survival-style game, they can play in Creative Mode, a mode designed for players who want to explore and build without danger.
Players can play by themselves, or they can play with friends, which will help speed along the hunt for resources and structural builds. This game is also great for introducing players to inventory management, an essential mechanic for this game and many others.
3 God Of War: Incredible Story And Combat
God Of War is one of the greatest video games of all time. The latest entry blends Greek and Norse mythologies to create an unforgettable story surrounding a stern father and his ambitious son as they venture on a quest to deliver their loved one's ashes. Its combat mechanics are just as incredible as the game's story.
While players take control of Kratos, they also have the ability to fire arrows from his son, which is great for distracting enemies and adding on a bit of damage. This game features four difficulty settings, with "Give Me A Story" being the lowest. This setting will help lessen the overall stress players experience as they battle hoards of enemies and tough bosses.
2 Mass Effect: Companionship Through Difficult Choices
Mass Effect is a game where players take control of Commander Shepherd and lead a squad of allies against a hostile alien threat. Players bond with their squad mates as they play through an epic story that culminates in the third entry of the franchise. Players are able to pick their player's backstory, their character's class, and allocate skill points as they level up.
The game has an occasional driving mechanic, letting players take control of an all-terrain vehicle as they explore different planets. It also offers a morality system. This feature allows players to shape their unique narrative as a morally good paragon, or a morally bankrupt renegade.
1 Returnal: It Just Got Real
Returnal is brutally hard. Since the game offers no difficulty setting, players are stuck with one, frustratingly difficult experience. However, if players can stick it out through the first boss, they're rewarded with one of the greatest shooter games of all time. This game's difficulty stems from tough enemies, scarce resources, and no save features.
While this may seem like a nightmare for many, and rightfully so, it's incredibly satisfying to conquer. Reflexes will be tested as waves of enemies fire barrages of projectiles at the player. Gamer endurance will extend as players carefully grind through each level, avoiding the familiar plights that killed them before. Over the course of events, a gorgeously tragic story will reveal itself.