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6 games you should play that will turn even a hobby into an obsession

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You’ve had a taste of video games and now you want to dive in. Maybe you found a gem on your phone or potentially picked up a controller at a friend’s house.

Maybe you played as a kid and now want to revisit that hobby.

Whatever your reason, picking the perfect game to introduce you to the world of geek is difficult. Where do you even start?

Never fear, I’ve made a list of games to get you started and matched them to your personality type. Sort of. Here’s my suggested “starter” pack of games that you might want to try your hand at:

Crossy Road

I mean yeah, video games sound like fun, but do I really want to invest my time in all of this? Also, what if I suck? What if I hate them? What if I don’t get the controls or just can’t play?

If you’re short on time and get distracted easily...

You need Crossy Road.

This free mobile game available on Android and iOS is perfect for you. It’s a simple introduction to the world of video games without forcing you to step outside your comfort zone.

Ever wondered how the chicken crossed the road? Well, now you get to be the chicken. In short, you need to cross an endless road as far as possible without getting taken out by a car or truck.

You choose a character (and yes, the chicken is available) and tap and swipe as you go along to move your character. As you progress you’ll get a host of obstacles thrown in your path. You can earn points and collect coins to unlock new characters.

READ MORE: 7 inspiring young SA women making big waves in technology

WATCH THE TRAILER:


Perfect for someone who: isn’t ready to commit and doesn’t want to dedicate hours of her life to playing. Pluses?

  • It's relatively easy to get in to
  • It's oddly addictive
  • There's no need to invest in any gear.
  • You can load it up on your phone and go.

The Sims

I actually don’t really know how to even explain the Sims and still do it justice. You start out creating a character, or a family of characters, each with their own unique personalities and physical traits.

Then you move them in to a neighbourhood either buying a pre-existing house or building your own. And then? You live. You help your Sim/s learn and grow. You give them new skills, feed them, bath them and help them make friends.

You flirt with other Sims and try get them to fall in love. There isn’t really a unique objective here. You just manage the day to day lives of these characters and dictate how things go. It’s like having kids, writing and directing a movie or just interfering in your friends lives.

We can all relate really. It is available on PC, Xbox and PS4. There are also mobile versions but this one is best played on a PC or console. Plus there are a stack of add ons you can get to include pets, city experiences and a host of other stuff. It will consume your life.

WATCH THE TRAILER: The SimS 4 Jungle Adventure Expansion Pack (note that you need to have the base game in order to play the expansion packs):

Perfect for someone who: loves watching reality shows and obsesses over the Kardashians.

  • Now you can just make your own!

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is the 2017 game that launched exclusively to the Nintendo Switch. So yes, right off the bat, you’re going to need to invest in the console but it is completely worth it for this game.

We’ve all had some experience with Mario and his mushroom looking companions. Super Mario Odyssey takes everything you’ve loved about the games and smashes them in to the most incredible visual masterpiece that is a joy to play.

Gameplay is easy and you follow a story mode - as Mario chasing Bowser who has kidnapped your beloved Princess Peach. The game introduces you slowly so even a beginner can grasp the concepts as it gradually increases in difficulty.

It is a glorious adventure that you’ll love and have you hooked on other games (and the Switch) as you complete it.

READ MORE: Mario + Rabbids - the wacky, silly, must-have game that will entertain you for hours

WATCH: Super Mario Odyssey - First play!

Perfect for someone who: is young at heart and lives for fun.

  • It's a magical adventure much like reading a fantasy novel.

Injustice 2

Fighting games involve little more than button bashing but they have a glorious effect of releasing all the pent up energy of the day. Injustice 2 is the perfect introduction to fighting games and is available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

The fighting mechanics are straight forward enough and even button bashing will get the most inexperienced gamer through the story.

I’d suggest playing Story mode first. You’ll recognise a host of your favourite superheroes and play in the DC world.

The game introduces you to a world where Batman and Superman are at loggerheads, they’ve recruited various heroes and villains along the way and you’ll be tasked with defeating a threat to humans while also dealing with their egos bumping. The story is engaging and the characters familiar.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Injustice 2 Game Play

Perfect for someone who: is a bit geek but also wants a game that she can kick ass in rather quickly.

  • Fighting games allow for a quick learning curve and this one is one of the best.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

This single player action adventure stealth game is available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. You’ll find yourself transported to ancient Egypt and playing at Bayek, a Medjay as well as his wife Aya.

You’ll be tasked with a host of adventures as you try navigate a host of political upheavals while coming into contact with what will become the first Assassins.

Playing this game is an escape into the most glorious of worlds that you’re free to explore while also completing various missions and tasks throughout. It's relatively simple enough to get in to and is more complex the more you play.

As a new gamer this is a fantastic title to get your teeth into as you’ll be free to explore a world while also testing your hand at combat and engaging in a story.

READ MORE: How vulnerable are you on the internet? Here are a few ways to protect yourself

WATCH THE TRAILER: Assasin's Creed

Perfect for someone who: is serious about getting her game on, loves a good action adventure story and needs to have her mind kept busy constantly.

Overwatch

Right, Overwatch is for the brave. If you’re completely new to gaming but want to fun of engaging with others online and having to prove your skill, you might as well start here.

This multiplayer first person shooter is available on PS4, Xbox One and PC. You select from a host of heroes each with different abilities and then compete on a team of 6 in a live multiplayer battle.

Each online game is different, you might need to gain control of a host of points or your team needs to escort a payload to safety. You have a host of different team game formats here. Heroes can be fast shooters that cause damage, tanks that help go in first and get up close and personal with their enemies or even support roles in the form of healers.

There is something for everyone here with a selection of fun heroes each with their own backstory and traits. But be warned: playing online can be scary. I’d suggest playing bot games until you feel comfortable enough to dive in with the other real humans.

For the most part you can actually start by never having to switch on your mic and can get to grips with team play as you go.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Overwatch Gameplay


Perfect for someone who: is brave and loves the thrill of winning. If you have a competitive nature this one's for you.

Each of these games will suit a particular style and help ease you into the world of gaming. Guaranteed you’ll be back for more!

Do you have a favourite game? What game would you recommend to newbies? Tell us and we could feature in a follow up article.

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