The Beginner's Guide

About

"The Beginner's Guide" is a unique narrative-driven game that explores the mind of a fictional game developer through a series of unfinished games. The player delves into the developer's thoughts and feelings as they navigate through a variety of experimental game designs, shedding light on the creative process and the struggles that come with it. The game serves as a thoughtful commentary on game development and the relationship between creators and their work.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 33,783 reviews

story3.1k positive mentions

replayability190 negative mentions

The emotional aspect of 'The Beginner's Guide' is overwhelmingly impactful, evoking profound feelings of sadness and introspection, making it a memorable experience.
The minimalist art style and haunting soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the narrative and emotional depth of the game.
The storytelling is unique and thought-provoking, exploring themes of creativity and mental health, which resonates deeply with many players.

The gameplay is primarily a walking simulator with minimal interactivity, leading to criticism for its lack of engaging gameplay elements and replayability.
Many players found the story to be shallow and criticized the character development as inconsistent, leaving them feeling disconnected from the narrative.
The game has been criticized for its monetization strategy, with players feeling misled by marketing and frustrated by the inclusion of microtransactions for cosmetic items.

story
11,221 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
69%
3%
The story in "The Beginner's Guide" is a deeply introspective narrative that explores themes of creativity, friendship, and the struggles of a game developer named Coda, as narrated by his friend Davey Wreden. Players experience a series of unfinished games that serve as a backdrop for the emotional journey, prompting reflections on mental health and the nature of artistic expression. While the story is open to interpretation—whether as a true account or a fictional tale—it resonates with many players, evoking a range of emotions and encouraging self-reflection.
- “A truly amazing story, packed with emotions and twists with a very artistic and beautiful take on actual real-life problems.”
- “This game is a breathtaking story about two people and their mutual relationship, about how one expresses themselves and their desires, and how much you can actually learn about the person just through one of the avenues they take to do so.”
- “The ability to tell such a story and at the end convey such a powerful resonating message to so many people truly blows my mind.”
- “The story is fake, and if the story is real, the creator is an asshole.”
- “The story is very shallow, and there is no world or gameplay to add some value to the basic story.”
- “If the story is real, then there's no way to justify the story.”
emotional
4,414 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "The Beginner's Guide" is overwhelmingly impactful, with many players reporting profound feelings of sadness, introspection, and connection to the narrative. Numerous reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke tears and deep emotional responses, often relating the experience to personal struggles with creativity, validation, and mental health. While some players found the emotional depth to be heavy-handed or manipulative, the majority appreciated the game's unique storytelling and its capacity to resonate on a personal level, making it a memorable and touching experience.
- “It's an emotional, relatable experience and I couldn't stop crying at the final chapter + epilogue.”
- “This game made me feel a strange mix of loneliness and inspiration... a unique experience that will affect everyone who played it thoughtfully.”
- “This game is a super stressful and emotionally exhausting mess, which is weird because on the surface almost nothing happened.”
- “It's just some dude telling an unbearably boring story while you move around some rooms and hallways.”
- “It just came off as fake-deep, wrapped up with a vague and pretty boring story.”
- “Don't play this game unless you're fine playing a completely uninteresting game with no challenges and a boring story.”
gameplay
1,891 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
79%
5%
The gameplay of "The Beginner's Guide" is primarily a walking simulator, focusing heavily on narrative rather than traditional gameplay mechanics. Players can expect around 90 minutes of linear exploration with minimal interactivity, as the experience revolves around listening to a narrator discuss the unfinished games created by a character named Coda. While some players appreciate the emotional depth and storytelling, others find the lack of engaging gameplay elements disappointing, making it more akin to an interactive story or art piece than a conventional game.
- “The gameplay lingered, drew the longing out of me, and kept me playing... I kept wanting more.”
- “Those 90 minutes of gameplay have stuck in my head for hours.”
- “The gameplay was smooth and I encountered no bugs.”
- “The gameplay is literally just walking around, but if you came for fast-paced action this game is 100% not what you're looking for.”
- “There's not much gameplay to be had beyond walking around and flipping an occasional switch, and hearing the narrator's commentary.”
- “If you're looking for gameplay, however, there isn't much.”
music
770 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
61%
1%
The music in the game is widely praised for its emotional depth and atmospheric quality, enhancing the overall narrative experience. Many reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, describing it as beautiful, haunting, and capable of evoking strong feelings, with specific tracks like "va" and the end credits song receiving particular acclaim. Overall, the music is seen as integral to the game's storytelling, resonating deeply with players, especially those involved in creative fields.
- “The soundtrack for the Beginner's Guide is simply immaculate.”
- “The music is haunting throughout the game, and the finale left me on the verge of tears.”
- “The soundtrack is very sweet and calming at times but also quite action-y at others.”
- “The only problem is that I bought the soundtrack with it but am not able to access it.”
- “Sorry, with no way of controlling the volume on the music I cannot play this game more than 10 minutes before getting nauseated.”
- “It's very short, the gameplay is boring, and the art and music aren't especially outstanding.”
graphics
714 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
63%
7%
The graphics of "The Beginner's Guide" are generally described as simplistic and basic, primarily utilizing the Source engine, which results in a mix of dated visuals and occasionally interesting aesthetics. While some players appreciate the minimalist art style and atmospheric design that complements the narrative, others criticize the graphics as lacking depth and polish, often feeling more like a collection of unfinished concepts than a cohesive visual experience. Overall, the game's visuals serve more as a backdrop for its introspective storytelling rather than a focal point, with many reviewers emphasizing that the narrative and emotional impact take precedence over graphical fidelity.
- “The game's minimalist art style and haunting soundtrack create a sense of atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.”
- “A perfect mix of stunning graphics (without it having to be high end) and storytelling.”
- “The graphics and soundtracks are great and really fit into conveying the desired mood the story tries to convey.”
- “There is nothing enjoyable about it, not the gameplay, not the graphics; the music is okay.”
- “Firstly, graphically the game is plain; the textures aren't anything special and in nearly all the environments the shapes are simple with animations following the pattern.”
- “The trailer was absolutely misleading and does not reflect the actual game; that is just a walking simulator in a graphically poor (even considering the idea of unfinished games) environment.”
humor
610 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
91%
9%
The humor in "The Beginner's Guide" is largely absent compared to its predecessor, "The Stanley Parable." While some players found moments of dark or subtle humor, the overall tone is more serious and introspective, focusing on themes of creativity and emotional struggle rather than comedic elements. Many reviews caution against expecting the same level of wit and humor, as this game prioritizes a poignant narrative over lightheartedness.
- “It's surreal, sometimes funny, and just completely immersive.”
- “An inventive, poignant and sometimes surprisingly funny story about friendship, conflict and creative struggle.”
- “It's funny, it's sad, it's uncomfortable, and it's a masterpiece.”
- “This game, unlike the Stanley Parable, is not funny and ironic.”
- “It's not funny and quirky like the Stanley Parable, and it contains no choices or mechanics, making it more akin to a walking simulator/movie than a video game.”
- “It's not funny, so don't rush and buy it if you're looking for the Stanley Parable.”
replayability
460 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
48%
41%
The game has been widely criticized for its lack of replayability, with many reviewers noting that it offers a short, linear experience lasting about 90 minutes to 2 hours, and is primarily story-driven. Most players agree that once completed, there is little incentive to replay, as the narrative does not change and there are no significant choices to explore. While some appreciate the emotional impact and storytelling, they acknowledge that it functions more like a one-time experience akin to watching a movie rather than a game with substantial replay value.
- “An experience unlike any other 'walking simulator.' It's short and infinitely replayable.”
- “This game to me feels infinitely replayable, since every single time I come up with a different interpretation and learn something new about it.”
- “It's very enjoyable to play through, and has replay value when you show it to friends - and subsequently discuss and argue particulars of the story and philosophy behind it.”
- “This game costs $11 for just over 1 hour of gameplay with absolutely no replayability.”
- “The game can be beaten in a little over an hour, and has little to no replay value.”
- “There is no replayability at all though so I would only get this for really cheap considering you are only getting maybe an hour or two of entertainment.”
atmosphere
256 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
34%
2%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its minimalist art style and haunting soundtrack, which effectively enhance the narrative and emotional depth. Players describe it as immersive, thought-provoking, and capable of evoking a range of feelings, from curiosity to sadness, often leaving a lasting impact long after gameplay. The combination of introspective storytelling and atmospheric sound design creates a unique experience that resonates deeply with players, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “The game's minimalist art style and haunting soundtrack create a sense of atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.”
- “This game manages to create a truly dream-like atmosphere that only intensifies as it progresses.”
- “The atmosphere is just incredible and I wish I could just forget the last 3 hours to play it again (what I will definitely do anyway).”
- “Overall, the atmosphere of this game starts off whimsical and interesting, but quickly turns dark and depressing as you uncover more of the truth about what's actually happening behind the scenes of the story being told.”
- “Meanwhile, the atmosphere felt like the same regurgitated landscaping over and over again.”
- “I was told the narration creates an oppressive atmosphere.”
grinding
82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
16%
80%
The reviews overwhelmingly describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious and monotonous, with many players expressing frustration over the lack of meaningful choices and engaging gameplay. Critics note that the game often feels like a chore, with drawn-out sequences and repetitive tasks that detract from the overall experience. While some elements may be visually interesting, they fail to compensate for the overall dullness and lack of depth in the gameplay.
- “Unlike lesser story games, there's no tedious gameplay or annoyances that get in the way of its ideas.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Grindy, every MMO ever type of grindy.”
- “I found it incredibly difficult to care about the story, the people in it, or the crappy unfinished and tedious games it puts you through.”
- “This is the most tedious and irritating game I have ever played; this is not 'in a good way,' this is not some roundabout way to say that I was engaged, or implying that negative attention is the same as positive attention.”
- “The levels were boring, tedious, left no choices for the player to make, and what I thought was not very clever storytelling.”
optimization
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
57%
7%
The game's optimization is generally praised, with users reporting smooth performance and no bugs, even at high refresh rates like 144Hz. However, some players noted that specific adjustments, such as changing compatibility settings, may be necessary for optimal performance, particularly on Windows 10. Overall, the game runs well and is not demanding on system resources, allowing for an immersive experience.
- “The optimization is excellent, and the game ran at 144hz for me the entire time with no crashes.”
- “This game is just ... wow I did a one sit of it and I was just so impressed by every moment of it. So many emotions and messages, no bugs at all, runs smoothly and the game itself, the narrative is just fantastic.”
- “It has good performance and isn’t that demanding to run.”
- “Okay, before you start complaining, go into the game's file, find the Beginner's Guide executable file, go into compatibility, check on 640 x 480, and disable full screen optimizations. Once the game loads, go into the game's settings, disable anti-aliasing, exit out of the game, go back to the game file, and check off 640 x 480 in the compatibility tab. Once done, the game should work.”
- “His dialogue is the center of the game, and his performance covers a wide range of complex emotions, but he just doesn't have the voice acting talent to do it justice.”
- “While it's mostly a genuine narration, especially in the epilogue, it could not be a worse, read-what-is-in-the-script performance, and you realize, 'Oh my god.'”
monetization
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
13%
80%
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a cash grab, with many reviewers feeling misled by its marketing and the inclusion of microtransactions for cosmetic items and additional content. Players express frustration over the game's perceived lack of depth and meaningful engagement, suggesting that the monetization undermines its artistic intentions and overall value. Overall, the sentiment is that the game prioritizes profit over genuine creative expression.
- “I usually don't recommend any game that you pay for upfront and then have it include microtransactions, but in this case, I will make an exception.”
- “Let's put aside the fact that Wreden's way of apologizing to Coda for distributing his games is by once again distributing his games, but this time on Steam with monetization.”
- “If all those messages from Coda were real and really to you, it's pathetic and a cash grab to have made this game.”
- “The microtransactions are mostly for needless cosmetic items such as extra levels, the ability to carry more items, letting you slap wee baby Shamus, and the secret/real ending.”
- “If you wanted the game to be a message instead of enjoyable, and have that message spread, then why charge for it at all? It makes the entire point seem made-up, like you've just done nothing for a few years and wanted to push out some unfinished stuff as a cash grab.”
stability
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant bugs and crashes, particularly after recent updates, while others reported a smooth experience with no noticeable issues. Intentional glitches are noted by some as adding to the game's atmosphere, though they can also lead to frustrating gameplay moments, such as being frozen in place or needing to restart levels. Overall, stability appears to vary widely among players, with a notable divide between those encountering technical problems and those enjoying a seamless experience.
- “The one with the island was actually just buggy and caused me to get frozen in place multiple times, having to restart the level.”
- “Ramble aside, I loved the story and the visuals - though the recent update has made the game extra buggy and prone to crashing, so buyer beware.”
- “I did not know I was getting troubleshooting simulator.”
character development
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
37%
13%
Character development in this game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it surprisingly effective despite the absence of traditional characters, while others criticize it for being shallow or inconsistent. While certain titles like "Edith" and "Soma" are praised for their strong character arcs, others, such as "The Beginner's Guide," start with promise but ultimately disappoint, leaving players feeling disconnected from the characters. Overall, the game's approach to character development can evoke introspection, but it may not satisfy those seeking a compelling narrative or deep emotional engagement.
- “Be aware that the game has no 'game systems', though you'll experience good exploration, great level design, and unique character development.”
- “In fact, I believe this game to have the best character development without ever seeing a single person.”
- “It develops and opens up as you play, and there is character development (surprisingly).”
- “It's really hard to care for the narrator and the other character; there is no mystery, no plot, and not even much character development.”
- “I'd recommend you watch a movie instead - at least there's character development.”
- “Slow-paced and disappointment in character development do make the title quite fitting as you could interpret it as 'existentialism and introspection for dummies'.”

67%Critics’ scoreBased on 11 critic reviews

Buy The Beginner's Guide

2h Median play time

20h Average play time

2h Main story

2h Completionist

2-5h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 132 analyzed playthroughs

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Wreden, Begin Again