Circuit Jerk

Converting a Non-gamer pt. 2

So by now the non-gamer has joined a guild, learned a couple of basic spells, and probably has some metal armor. After they’ve exhausted “baby games,” where is the next quest?

The most important thing here is to keep the games co-op. The guild master instructing you in the RPG doesn’t die until your skill level is high enough to survive on your own. This should be no different when converting a non-gamer.

If money is an issue and you find yourself with only hardcore games, go with something like Castle Crashers. It’ll set you back less than $20 and the non-gamer won’t mind dying 500 times because there are usually fart jokes and cute enemies in between.

If you’re not a fan of Streets of Rage-esque Beat-‘em-Ups, try classics like Mariokart. This game allows for someone to have very little knowledge, but be able to keep up. You basically need to know accelerate, turn, and shoot. Once the non-gamer gets a feel for it, show them some of the secret routes or how to get the turbo boost at the starting line. This will give them a pat on the back and make them feel like they know a secret not many people do. It’s like learning your first Fatality in Mortal Kombat.

Another route to go is the party game. The non-gamer has enough experience points to join a clan. Super Smash Brothers is the perfect series for this. It has familiar characters from the Nintendo and Super Nintendo days, is a simple button masher, and a blast to play with four people. Other games in this same category are Mario Party, Boom Blocks, or if you want to fire up the way-back machine 007 Goldeneye (N64), Perfect Dark 64 (N64), Mario Strikers (Gamecube), Crash Bash (Playstation), or Nightmare on Elm Street. (NES)

The non-gamer should be able to carry on a gamin conversation or at least know what a  Sixaxis or FMV is. They should have the beginnings of a love affair with one consol or PC more than the others, and will start having accessories that belong to them. (Microphones, controllers, or themes)

Notes for level 10-20 gamers:

-Its important here for the non-gamer to feel like they are doing great. If playing a competitive game like Mariokart, hold back every three races or so. This way you are still beating them, so they know you are good, but they are also getting a win every now and then making them feel like they’ve made progress.

-When playing the party games, don’t invite all intense gamers. Pepper a couple of casual gamers in to even the playing field. Nothing is more frustrating than spawning and finding a proximity mine waiting for you.

…to be continued

-Dan