The Beginner's Guide

More a thought-provoking experience than a game, I would recommend this to people who are open-minded about what constitutes a "game." It's quite short, but interesting nonetheless.

Games pretty good, games pretty deep. Shift key run would do wonders, but that kinda goes against the point of the game doesn't it

Went into this completely blind and wow... what an experience. It hit really hard for me. Although i can see why some may not like it. This game is a walking/ narrative sim but i think if you play this for what it is... just experience and really get a feel for the environments. But i do believe this game should be played blind and without spoilers.. I explored a good bit and it took me about an hour and a half to beat. So if you're reading this, definitely recommend playing in one sitting. However, if you are wanting to get a better grasp of what the game is without ruining the ending but slight spoilers....

Slight Spoilers Ahead:

It'll slowly open your eyes to a different narrative perspective. So you get a mashup between narrative storytelling and environmental storytelling and in the end, you're left with a piece of art on display that you end up being left to interpret.

I develop games myself and a lot of what i make, plays into the theme of mental health. So I am a bit biased in regards to my personal experience with this game. With that being said, the soundtrack, commentary and just the overall theme of this game was beautifully done.

Game is definitely on the expensive side, but has some really powerful messaging. I thought the game was really bad and had a poorly written narrative until the last few chapters. Was originally going to not recommend this game but trust me, the story ends on a very powerful note even if it feels like the game is just mindless slop until then. Great messaging about artistry, and fan interactions with their works

This game is certainly an experience, some people will enjoy it, others won't. I still recommend giving it a try, especially if you're a creator of any kind, it's something that you really just have to play to understand.

This was... an experience, to say the least. This was something that I really couldn't even describe to you in words if I tried! this project is something that has a truly beautiful message if you go through it and pay attention. I don't know if this story is true or not, I'd like to think that it is. Please, go through this experience and see it to the end like I did, you won't regret it.

A great Game. The end is never Clear. The Developer stated almost nothing about the secrets of this game. It is emotional, and is perfect if you want a good "sequel" to the Stanley Parable, altough they are only similar in that they are both made in source and someone is talking to you, it still has the same feel. As someone else mentioned, the ending may be unsatisfactory, but other than that, absolutely worth it.

Really interesting, atmosphere takes it for me. Davey's narration is very good, and I enjoyed the story though understand why others were confused/felt unsatisfied.

Really, really great narrative, genuinely loved my experience with it. Even after finishing the game I've been thinking about what each and every line of dialogue meant, and what certain sections of the levels represent, and while not playing through the chapters again myself, going through game footage to see parts of the game again.

it’s a mirror. What starts as a simple walk through creative spaces slowly unravels into a deeply uncomfortable, depressingly honest story about insecurity, failure, and the desperate need for validation. It leaves you hollow, with questions you’re not sure you want answered. Painfully real.

What a beautiful, terrible game. Play if you want to be emotionally destroyed

First of all, I can't think of any game i've played in my life that I could compare to The Beginner's Guide. Sure, there's an established "genre" for this sort of game, a "walking simulator" if that's what you want to call it. But in my opinion, The Beginner's Guide stands out from other games in the "genre" due to the unique story it tells. Although the experience feels less like a game and more like an interactive movie, that's not a problem because again, in my opinion, this game tells a very sorrowful story that feels like it could only work in this sort of interactive first person format. I admire that deeply, it's something that couldn't work in a documentary or a novel and feels just right as a "walking simulator".

While I can't spoil anything about the experience itself, i'm aware it varies from person to person as to whether or not it's something you'll cry over or just roll your eyes and yawn at. But in MY opinion? I played this game at an incredibly rough time in my life. And I think the message of the game is much more meaningful for someone who plays it under the same circumstances as I did.

The end result is that it's infeasible to recommend this game and expect everyone who reads my review to enjoy it when they play it themselves. But in the end, i'm giving it a positive review anyway. That is because The Beginner's Guide feels more like a form of sorrowful interactive art than a game, and I, in all honesty, appreciate that. I DON'T recommend the game to anyone who's not into walking simulators or similar story driven first person experiences like this one. And I also don't suggest you play it if you're the kind of person that just shrugs off depressing stories, because that's what The Beginner's Guide is all about.

In conclusion, I stand by my opinion that while The Beginner's Guide is a highly subjective experience, it is a deep and powerful one to me. One that bought me to tears. One that made me think over my life. Very few video games have done that to me.

A short story about a guy who likes to say things about games. introspective, it is great for people who likes the game media

Game only crashes to desktop on modern hardware. Use -threads to fix.

If you're going to sell a product on the steam store, it needs to work properly.

As a game dev who's been questioning himself and his life decisions for years... now more than ever, this has been kind of a wake up call.

If you're any type of creative person, do yourself a favor and play this all the way through. You won't be disappointed.

This is a game that I got this game on sale for 2 dollars on sale and after finishing it this is one of the few games I feel guilty for not paying full price for. Its that good

There's a few games in your life you'll always remember, this is one of those games. There are times in my life where I'll re download this game just to play it again even thought I've beaten it multiple times. I need the story, the narration, the simplicity. At a deeper level, this game speaks to me in a way where many games nowadays fail to hit the mark. For $10, you'll get a game that will impact you forever.

This is a story game, the graphics and gameplay are not good by choice. The story is really good though. Buy it if you like story game, and the game is under 2h, so you can still refund it after if you didn't really liked it.

This game serves as a moment of change for me. Maybe I already had the mindset that this game was saying but after playing it it definitely validated my way of thinking, and I think more people (especially critics) should experience this because it can really give you a reality check on stuff.

I mean, yeah. It is one of those. Everybody will get something different out of it, resonate with different aspects of it (or none). Personally, I love philosophical walking simulators and liminal spaces and time to think. I got something out of it, some new thoughts that will be on my mind for some time, and I'm grateful for it.

When you play this game make yourself a favor and play it as yourself only. Don't RP, don't try to win or beat anything.

This monologue game is truly beautiful. Personally, I interpret it as fiction because it aligns perfectly with my experience playing it. It feels like reading a diary of someone deeply lost in thought about another person—perhaps overthinking them. The storytelling, sound, and world design in every aspect of the game are breathtakingly beautiful to me, and I absolutely love it.

A story-driven game in which a person named Davey takes you through the various games developed by a friend, and details the creation of the games as well as the relationship he had with this friend. Both the games within, and The Beginner's Guide as a whole, take a more artistic approach to how they're made. The gameplay itself often isn't all that interesting, but the story is very intriguing and leads up to a finale which... I'm not gonna spoil it, but I'll just say it was really good. I think this is a game best experienced blind, so I'm not going to say anything beyond this point... Great game.

I did not know what to expect and was really sceptical considering the length and price tag, but I absolutely loved it. The Exploration of the need for meaning in Art/Life and how it can influence a person was really beautiful. Definitely recommend it :)

A decent little exploration of art and how our opinions of it say more about ourselves than the artist.

Weird little art project game is necessity in the canon of 'games as art' whilst criticising that approach in the text

The creative process is for many something intimate. Many things are not meant to be shared as one creates for the sake of creation - most of the time with no reason or meaning.

This game explores the perspective of someone that does not understand this concept and how their interpretations and perceptions may create imbalance for the ones that just want to create.

Liked it very much. Message wasn't huge, but felt personal to the creator.

Wow, just wow. I'd highly recommend this for anyone looking for a short but deeply emotional and thought provoking experience. The way it explores creativity, ownership, and human connection really gets to you.

十年后重温这个作品，我的感受：
阅读是一件比创作更主观的事。
一个作品诞生后，便应当与其创作者剪断脐带——因为作品将会承受观众形形色色主观欲望的投射，倘若创作者不与之切断联系，便会被各种欲望所侵扰；随之而来的热情，憎恶，一切一切的情感，都会成为对作者的暴力。

可以从作者，来推断和理解作品。
但不要从作品，来推断和理解作者。
因为对作品的解读，会包含太多观众的主观投射。
观众只能在作品中看到自己，而不是作者。

希望Davey能继续快乐的，不被外界侵扰的，做让他自己快乐的作品。
敬Coda。

I'm deeply frustrated that the developers, even 10 years after the release, are still taking my money by selling this game but haven't bothered to release a minimal patch to resolve compatibility issues with modern hardware. Yes, I found a solution on forums, but a developer making such meta-ironic comments about game development should at least have some understanding of how the industry works.

I played the game and appreciated the concept so don't refund, but I am profoundly disappointed. The unresolved launch issues in the context of the game's idea feel like a message from the developers saying, 'Give me your measly 5 bucks and get lost, you're insignificant'.

An intriguing game indeed, evoking a sense of descent into despair. Yet, the pressing question remains: Who bears the mark of dysfunction here—the narrator, with their constant need for validation, or the game creator, who just wants some peace?

I doubt there's anything I could say about this game that hasn't already been said in a much better way, but I'm happy to just be another voice out of hundreds. Almost every part of this game feels intentional; it's so satisfyingly dissatisfying, and it's so disgustingly playable. I mean, it's no Absolutely: a True Crime Story, but it's still pretty good.

This game is... so different from anything I have played.

It's not really even a game per say, more like a story of ones views over an others, with levels presented like an art gallery that becomes more and more abstract and how things don't add up at first until you keep moving forwards. I will say though that the price for this "game" is a little to high, to be honest I think it should be free but if you are into more deeply narrative story based games like well the Stanley Parable then I really do think you will enjoy this like I had.

To express into words what playing this game meant to me is something I'll never be truly able to write down into words. If you haven't played it, give it the full time you can to go through in one go and experience it like I have. <3

I respect the format of this game, which is sort of a walk-through art exhibit with a narrative. I also knew it was short going in to it, which wasn't a problem.

I wasn't sure exactly where the narrative was really going most of the game. Even at like the 3/4 mark, I felt like it had potential to end on a note I'd be satisfied with. However, the direction it ended up going just fell completely flat for me and left me with a really bad taste in my mouth. I even looked online for other people's opinions and interpretations to see if it was something I'd appreciate more with a different perspective or after reflecting on it more, but that didn't change anything for me.

Just like any art piece, it will appeal strongly to some people and not at all to others, and for me it was the latter.

I loved how indie, and artistic this game is. It's the kind that is very thought provoking and makes you appreciate the art of game and creation... or hate it. This isn't the kind of game meant to entertain you, though I did have a few laughs and jump scares [nothing actually scary happens I'm just jumpy]. Overall I would recommend it if you're into the non-traditional stuff. The one thing I would critique is it would be nice if you could speed up the audio, or jump a bit. My issue was that it felt so long, and dragged at some point [won't spoil anything]. I read some reviews that it would take an hour to get through but for me it was 1.5. I wouldn't pay $10 for this. I bought it for $5 on sale. Definitely worth that price for some short entertainment!

Good game, don't read the black bars unless you played it and want to hear some of my opinions on the ending, don't spoil it for yourself.

it feels wrong to call the narrator a narcissist but I guess it makes sense, he changed up the games, projected onto Coda, showed off Coda's work for validation, ultimately getting cut off by Coda for it, because it was a boundary, and he broke it.

not to mention how he broke that boundary again, by making this game and trying to reach out to him, which is another boundary he's breaking that Coda set when cutting him off. (it's fiction btw)

but to tell you the truth I still feel like calling the narrator a Narcissist isn't right, he changed the games up, he almost never let us experience these games how Coda wanted us to see them, often times skipped over parts, brushing them off simply because he himself couldn't find meaning in them, and added those poles etc.

but to me, despite craving outside validation, the narrator felt more like an emotionally immature individual who craved validation AND wanted to help Coda for what he perceived him to be going through, I don't believe that's narcissistic, he was displaying empathy.

despite that though, I still have my doubts, we only see things from his perspective and people with NPD have an absolutely screwed perception of themselves and the world around them.

in contrast, Coda's letter at the end was so grounded, so mature, and genuinely healthy, I can definitely relate to him and how it feels to have a friend who doesn't really understand you and isn't a good match for you at all.

the game isn't inspirational, I agree with other reviewers, but it definitely is a great story, I personally was so immersed at the end of the tower level's door puzzle, great idea, great voice acting, and amazing execution.

10/10

Peak game, its a short experience but its still amazing!!!
Worth it on sale
Worth it full price
Its similar to the Stanley parable (obviously because its made by the same person)
100% Worth it at any price

a deeply insightful look into humanity, art, anxiety, and so much more. absolutely incredible experience, and it's worth it by a mile

The most unrealistic thing about this game is that any narcissist in the history of ever would have this level of introspection or remorse.

This isn't a game, or not even a walking simulator. The Developer put you into the mind of a mental, narrating non senses. Either you love it or hate it, but not somewhere in between. You may give it a try if you love Stanley Parable, otherwise, don't bother.

This game made me feel really seen. It found me at the right time in my life. Cynical people shouldnt play. Please add ability to sprint.

Amazingly emotional, just play it is fast and with it. Not going to say anything about it because you shouldn't know anything going in.

I don't play many serious games, but this one tells a beautiful narrative about how the creative process can be taken away or ruined for people. As an aspiring game developer it was also cool to see how there are many ways to add character and meaning to your work even if it is not all obvious.

DO NOT READ REVIEWS JUST TRY THE GAME IT WILL SPOIL IT FOR YOU


Very cool game that really allows you to take a step into the mind of someone else, its cool because its such a simple game design but it holds such a powerful message. If you arent interested in story games or games that try to get you to feel a strong emotional connection i wouldnt recommend

Plot (spoilers): a narcissistic game developer is obsessed with showing unfinished work that was created by his friend "Coda" to the world, because he wants to feel validated for being a "good friend", and can't perceive a reality where someone's self esteem doesn't depend on external validation.

Coda cuts contact as a result, but before he departs he sends his narcissist "friend" one last game in which he asks him to never speak to him again, mainly because he kept showing Coda's unfinished work to other people without his permission, and made his life miserable with his constant projection and obsession.

The narcissistic dev's reaction to Coda's request? Releasing this "game", which is a collection of Coda's unfinished work, as a way to "apologize" and try to contact Coda again...

I'm honestly flabbergasted about how anyone can see this as inspirational or positive, this guy is literally doing exactly what he was asked not to do again, sh*tting all over Coda's wishes in addition to profiting off his work, likely out of spite for being rejected... I really wish I was making this sh*t up, but projection is a b*tch and self awareness is not a narcissist's strong suit, the guy even admits to it himself in the game.

My best hope is that everything that was told in this game is simply pure fiction, in which case I still don't recommend it. It's basically just unfinished work with a forced narrative, empty and devoid of actual meaning like the tone-deaf narcissistic soul that narrates it. No wonder PirateSoftware thought it was inspirational.

VERY boring game. The "plot twist" is something both me and my partner saw coming minutes into the game. Also an incredibly unbelievable fake look at how games are made. Just really badly written. Also was so forgettable I had forgotten that I ALREADY beat it years ago. Honestly annoyed I spend any time on it.

Not exactly a game, more like a form of art or museum. Can't recommend playing that, but if you are into game development worth taking a look.

In the past I've struggled a lot with understanding the purpose of subtlety in art. I wish I played this game when I was younger, because I think it would have helped me a lot with answering that question for myself.