The Beginner's Guide

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.

A devastating narrative journey into the creative process and how it can be poisoned. This story sticks with me still, years later.

Stop reading reviews of this game! ANY REVIEW YOU READ may ruin the experience for you.
This game is best experienced BLIND.

This game requires a level of critical thinking and reflection. It's important to play this game in one go, like watching a movie.

Overall, I absolutely love it. There are so many interpretations and meanings you can draw from it. There are many playthroughs you can find on YouTube, and every single person who played it drew a slightly different message from the game.

I haven't stopped thinking about it since I played it a month ago.
I guess that means it succeeded.
Well done.

Really interesting story. Engraved a terrifying question into my soul. 10/10 would play again

This game connected with me on a level very few games. I struggle with the topics brought up in this game and to feel heard in this way is incredibly powerful. I cannot recommend this game more.

Unlike anything I've ever played before. I loved getting completely immersed in this game.

The Beginner's Guide kind of wrecked me. It seems like one thing at first, and by the end, there is a dark, twisted, almost manipulative nature to it that is haunting, inexplicable, profound, moving, and impossible to forget. I've never played a game like this and will always be on the lookout for something similar. It left me in a light depression afterwards, but in a way that only a very meaningful and sobering narrative experience can evoke. Excellent.

Very nice game , I had a great time playing the game, but felt depressed because of it .

holy crap, what did I just go through!.
Great story, kept me intrigue and interested throughout.
not sure if it was too dark or simply my mood played into it, either way, I enjoyed it.

This game is best experienced blind as a bat, so if you're still reading the reviews and haven't played the game yet I advise you to stop and experience the game for yourself. It takes like only two and half hours at most if you mull over every little detail, so go ahead and play it, you won't regret it.

Touching story about creation and creator, which hits semi-closely as a fellow game developer. Not much of "gameplay" involved as it's mostly walking simulator with narrative, but the narrative IS the focus, so no complains there.

This game is very emotional and beautiful.

Without spoiling anything, Chapter 10 is probably the only reason I'm still alive to this day. I was gifted this game when I was going through an incredibly difficult time. I felt so alone. But I got enough of a perspective shift from this to remind myself that I still can develop games, I can still share my art with people for the sake of creating it and sharing it.

It got me through just enough time that I was able to stabilize on my own and keep going.

helped me figure some things out.

pro tip if youre playing on anything modern. add a text file in your game files "GameInfo.txt" got it working after a restart or two.

"The Beguineers Guide" has been a game that I have deeply connected with, created by the same developer as "The Stanley Parable". It has been one of the most meaningful gaming experiences for me because it resonates with me on such a personal level.

I'm not sure if the story is true; in fact, it feels so dramatic that it almost feels too cinematic to be real. However, what I appreciate most about this narrative is how meticulously it explores the absolute process of an artist, specifically a video game developer, experiencing inspiration, wanting to reflect an idea in something tangible, and understanding the impact of life on their projects. This aspect has always fascinated me because it feels like a raw and genuine look into someone's creative process.

What I love most about this game is how uniquely it expresses something through its levels. I've never felt such a strong connection to the concept of using games to portrait meaning before, especially in how each level presents its own set of challenges and narratives to explore.

The game is primarily a walking simulator, where you navigate various scenarios while hearing dilemmas presented by the narrator. There's one particular level set in a snowy environment that I've played multiple times. The combination of its music, conversations with NPC, or simply the atmosphere of the stage makes me want to replay it endlessly.

In short, if you view video games as a form of art, this game is something I would highly recommend experiencing for yourself. Everything it presents does so with care and precision, making it a standout title in my opinion. I'd give it a solid 10/10 rating and look forward to seeing more from the developer in the future.

Its a shame that there are no other games similar to this one out there, with its unapologetic uniqueness in storytelling.

i've loved this game since i first found it on youtube at 13. now, at 21, actually playing it for the first time myself i might actually love it even more. short and simple, but it doesn't need to be anything more than it is. one of my all time favourites

Breathtaking experience and the best two plus hours you could spend on a night. Walking simulator, but this is more like a interactive movie. You are there to be enamored by the narrative and experience more so then gameplay. Don't sleep on this game.

Truly, truly phenomenal game. One of my favorite story games out there. You're a real one for making this. It blows my mind how meta it gets and how just absolutely brilliant the story is and the message we're left to interpret on our own

10/10, it has a really special and deep meaning to it. I understand it not being for every public, but for the ones it is intended to be, it really is remarkable. I recommend playing this especially if you see games as a way of expressing yourself or enjoy deep meanings to pieces of artwork.

Honestly...this is such a beautiful story. Its so well told and the developer very obviously had an idea in mind and 100% delivered on it.

Mild spoilers, so be aware of that.

Let me start off honestly: I pirated this game before buying it here, and once finished, the thought of not supporting it properly just didn't sit right in my mind. I even wish it was more expensive. It's worth every cent.

Like most people say, this game is an experience. It's cliché, but one that hit so close to home that it changed the trajectory of an important part of my life. Through the narrator and his friend, I saw myself trying to understand a situation I couldn't seem to wrap my head around. Trying to help someone that I couldn't help. Someone that, deeply, I feel I wasn't enough for. I hate to say it, but I was very depressed during the period I discovered this game. I thought to myself it'd be one more walking simulator and that I'd get bored fairly easily, but it just pulled me in. Every line, every new metaphor, it just made sense.

Have you ever fought so hard for someone's wellbeing, trying to answer questions you weren't able to ask them, doing all of that so much you'd forget to care for yourself in between? Frantically searching for anything helpful when... You have no power? You aren't needed? This is exactly what this game demonstrates.

The entire game, although confusing throughout most of its gameplay, comes together in the end with all the information you've been given previously. Mechanics, knowledge, names, and more.

And then, when you think you've gotten it all understood, you realize you're too far gone to go back. You're faced with the consequences of your nosing around, and it hits you like a ton of bricks. This is the part where I genuinely sobbed for the first time while playing it; and if you're in a similar situation, I'm sure you will too.

This story, although fictional, was a huge slap in the face in a way I didn't think was possible. It helped me prioritize my own needs, my own feelings, and that sometimes, no matter how much you want to, you just can't help some people; and that sometimes, it's better to stop before you intrude too much.

Thank you Davey. Your game genuinely helped me.

I'm sorry, B.

Even though this game is very short I would still recommend it if you have the time since this has a very interesting story to tell and is one that kinda leaves you empty once it all hits. Don't have much to say without spoilers so I'm just gonna leave it by saying solid 7/10 still very good but very short.

this is a really good game. if you ever wanna play it, go in blind without knowing anything about it. if you're skeptical, watch the trailer.

It might be the early morning hitting me in my feels but I think its just this game. Truely masterclass story telling and interpretations of it. Its an all round great story that will leave you feeling oddly more understood and understanding of yourself after, in a peaceful way.

It's an interesting look into the mind space of game developers. I actually also recently watched a you-tube video by David Firth (Salad fingers) and he talks through some of his game development experiments before he got into animation full time. It's really interesting the similarities between the two.