The Beginner's Guide

About

The Beginner's Guide is a single player action game with drama and comedy themes. It was developed by Everything Unlimited Ltd. and was released on October 1, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"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

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88%

Audience ScoreBased on 13,596 reviews

story1.3k positive mentions

replayability77 negative mentions

story
4,466 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 interpreted by the narrator, Davey Wreden. Players experience a series of unfinished games while listening to Wreden's poignant commentary, which evokes a range of emotions and encourages reflection on personal and artistic identity. While the narrative is linear and lacks traditional gameplay mechanics, it resonates powerfully with those who appreciate story-driven experiences, leaving a lasting impact on players.
- “Absolutely fantastic use of video games as a medium to tell a story.”
- “The Beginner's Guide tells a beautiful story, one that allows multiple ways to approach both how you feel about it and yourself.”
- “It's a touching story that explores themes of creativity, mental health, and the complexities of friendship.”
- “The creator was truly selfish from the storytelling to playing the game for you to even think for you; he truly robbed the experience from the player.”
- “If the story is true, then this game made me violate someone else's privacy for very selfish reasons.”
- “It's not clear by the end if the narrator is lying and fabricating aspects of the story, but assuming they are not, then this was a dumb and bad game to make, as the artist they speak of clearly did not want the work shared.”
emotional
1,791 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. Reviewers frequently mention crying during gameplay, highlighting the game's ability to evoke deep emotional responses through its storytelling and themes of creativity, loneliness, and personal struggle. Overall, it is described as a unique emotional journey that resonates strongly with those who have experienced similar feelings in their own lives.
- “But the game clearly got an emotional response out of me; by the latter half of the game, I was tearing up at some points, and by the end, there came a point where I had to stop for several minutes because of that emotional resonance.”
- “This game made me cry... twice... in one hour.”
- “This game is an emotional experience the likes of which I haven’t experienced before in a game.”
- “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.”
- “It's just some dude telling an unbearably boring story while you move around some rooms and hallways.”
gameplay
754 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
81%
5%
The gameplay of "The Beginner's Guide" is primarily a walking simulator with minimal interaction, focusing heavily on narrative rather than traditional gameplay mechanics. Players navigate through various environments while listening to a narrator discuss the unfinished games created by a character named Coda, resulting in a unique but linear experience that lacks significant gameplay depth. While some players appreciate the introspective storytelling and emotional impact, others find the limited gameplay unsatisfying, leading to mixed reactions regarding its value as a game.
- “The gameplay consists mostly of walking around and listening to a disembodied voice (oddly familiar...) the stages consist of unreleased experimental games that the narrator gives his thoughts on as you progress through them.”
- “The gameplay helps draw you into the story, even with it being a 'walking sim'.”
- “If you like games that focus on storytelling rather than on gameplay, this is a must-have.”
- “It's difficult to say much without spoiling, especially because this is much more movie/book than game; the gameplay consists of walking, and on very rare occasions, clicking.”
- “By the end, I was getting pretty annoyed by the realization that there isn't more to it than this, gameplay or narrative-wise.”
- “If you want gameplay mechanics, hidden features, or meaningful interaction by your hand, don't play this game.”
music
282 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
60%
1%
The music in the game has been widely praised for its emotional depth and atmospheric quality, enhancing the storytelling experience significantly. Many reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, describing it as beautiful, haunting, and perfectly fitting for the game's themes, with some even expressing a desire to purchase it separately. While a few critiques mention issues with volume control or a lack of gameplay, the overall consensus is that the music profoundly impacts the player's emotional journey, making it a memorable aspect of the game.
- “The soundtrack to this is gorgeous, the story is... it's just something else.”
- “The soundtrack by Ryan Roth underlined the emotional thoughts provoked through the game in such a wonderful way; it really adds to the feeling the game conveys.”
- “Sorry, with no way of controlling the volume on the music, I cannot play this game more than 10 minutes before getting nauseated.”
- “The music composition for this game is also amazing, and I would recommend this game to anyone and everyone.”
- “The music makes you feel lonely like Coda was when he made the games.”
graphics
271 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
64%
6%
The graphics of the game are generally described as minimalist and simplistic, often reflecting a deliberate artistic choice rather than a focus on high-end visuals. While some players appreciate the unique aesthetic and atmospheric qualities, others criticize the graphics as basic or lacking polish, with comparisons to older games. Overall, the visuals serve to enhance the narrative experience rather than stand out on their own, emphasizing the game's role as an interactive piece of art rather than a traditional video game.
- “The graphics and soundtracks are great and really fit into conveying the desired mood the story tries to convey.”
- “The game's minimalist art style and atmospheric sound design create a sense of introspection that draws players into its narrative, while its accessible gameplay mechanics make it easy for players of all skill levels to engage with the game.”
- “It's beautiful in both an artistic and visual sense; the storytelling is fantastic but the music and visuals back it up very well.”
- “There is nothing enjoyable about it, not the gameplay, not the graphics, the music is okay.”
- “Don't expect grandiose graphics or some thrilling gameplay.”
- “The graphics are awful, the textures and objects are mostly taken from stock - and it feels as though the game could have been made in a month.”
humor
244 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 humor, the overall tone is serious and introspective, focusing on themes of creativity and emotional struggle rather than comedic elements. Many reviewers caution against approaching the game with expectations of humor, as it is more of a poignant narrative experience than a lighthearted one.
- “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 was an incredibly funny, entertaining, and engaging experience and worth the 2.5 hours of entertainment.”
- “This game, unlike the Stanley Parable, is not funny and ironic.”
- “It's not funny or fun, but it is inspiring and depressing.”
- “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.”
replayability
180 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
47%
43%
The game has been widely criticized for its lack of replayability, with many reviewers noting that it can be completed in about 90 minutes to two hours and offers little incentive to play again. While some players appreciate the engaging story and emotional depth, they agree that it functions more like a one-time experience akin to watching a movie, rather than a game with multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus is that the game is worth experiencing, especially on sale, but it lacks substantial replay value.
- “This game to me feels infinitely replayable, since every single time I come up with a different interpretation and learn something new about it.”
- “Such a great game - it definitely has replay value in the sense that you can always be left with questions, and, considering the ending, if you can see signs of 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.”
- “In conclusion, this game has zero replay value and nearly nil play value in my opinion.”
- “The game is very short and has absolutely no replay value; it's a one-off experience that may connect with some and leave a big part of the audience cold.”
atmosphere
105 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
66%
31%
3%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and emotionally charged qualities, drawing players into a unique narrative experience that ranges from whimsical to deeply unsettling. Reviewers highlight the effective use of minimalist art, haunting sound design, and introspective storytelling, creating a captivating environment that encourages reflection and emotional engagement. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as exceptional, making it a must-play for fans of atmospheric and narrative-driven experiences.
- “It has an amazing sense of atmosphere that makes you lose yourself to the narration.”
- “The game's minimalist art style and atmospheric sound design create a sense of introspection that draws players into its narrative.”
- “The atmosphere is just incredible and I wish I could just forget the last 3 hours to play it again.”
- “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.”
- “The game uses this act of mirroring the narrative with gameplay and sprinkles in some exceptional audio design to build an intense atmosphere that can honestly even be described as overwhelming at times.”
grinding
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
16%
78%
The reviews overwhelmingly describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious and monotonous, often requiring excessive time investment without meaningful engagement or depth. Many players express frustration with the lack of choice and the drawn-out nature of gameplay, likening it to a chore rather than an enjoyable experience. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant detractor from the game's potential enjoyment.
- “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.”
- “This was all the tedious bits of TSP without the good bits, more or less – drawn-out navel-gazing with very little of any real depth or interest from the perspective of someone who just paid to waste 2 hours on it.”
- “The game is just tedious and a bit pretentious, really.”
- “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, or whatever fragile male indie developers need to hear about all their lackluster works.”
optimization
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
53%
18%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with users reporting smooth performance and no significant bugs. However, some players suggest specific adjustments, such as changing compatibility settings and disabling certain features, to enhance the experience further. The focus on the narrator's performance adds depth to the narrative, making it an engaging experience despite some critiques of the voice acting.
- “This game is just ... wow! I did a one-sit playthrough and I was just so impressed by every moment of it. So many emotions and messages, no bugs at all, runs smoothly, and the narrative is just fantastic.”
- “It has good performance and isn’t that demanding to run.”
- “[*] Technical optimization: 10”
- “Okay, before you start complaining, go into the game's file, find the Beginner's Guide executable file, go into compatibility, check 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.”
- “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.'”
- “On the less positive side, it might strike a chord with your heart if you're super depressed or in a state of soul searching, but on the whole, what springs to mind is a pedestrian performance - though, it is called The Beginner's Guide, after all.”
character development
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its depth and uniqueness despite the absence of traditional characters, while others find it lacking or disappointing. While certain titles are praised for their strong narrative and character arcs, others are criticized for failing to deliver on their initial promise, leading to a sense of disillusionment. Overall, the effectiveness of character development varies significantly among different games, with some offering profound insights and others falling short.
- “Walking simulators can offer: a good story, interesting ideas, good character development, humor, and beautiful art direction.”
- “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).”
- “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'.”
- “This effect makes the narrator character rapidly deteriorate, to the point where he even begins to act in a way that is incompatible with his own past character development.”
monetization
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
91%
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with reviewers feeling misled by its association with the Stanley Parable, which they argue creates false expectations of meaningful choices and humor. Many believe that the game lacks substance and is merely an attempt to profit from the legacy of its predecessor, undermining its artistic intentions. Overall, the monetization strategy has left players feeling that the game prioritizes profit over genuine engagement or quality.
- “Wreden's approach to monetization is intriguing, as he finds a way to apologize to Coda by distributing his games on Steam, incorporating monetization in a unique manner.”
- “The monetization strategy in this game feels fair and balanced, allowing players to enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to spend.”
- “I appreciate how the monetization elements are integrated seamlessly into the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience rather than detracting from it.”
- “If all those messages from Coda were real and really to you, it's pathetic and a cash grab to have made this game.”
- “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.”
- “This title is simply a cash grab that relies completely on its predecessor, The Stanley Parable.”
stability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, including freezing and crashing issues, particularly after recent updates. While some players found the game well-made with minimal technical problems, others experienced frustrating interruptions that required restarting levels. Overall, potential buyers should be cautious about the game's current stability.
- “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.”

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67%Critics’ scoreBased on 11 critic reviews

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3h Median play time

26h Average play time

2h Main story

2h Completionist

2-5h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 49 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Beginner's Guide is a action game with drama and comedy themes.

The Beginner's Guide is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows, Linux and others.

The main story can be completed in around 2 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 2 hours to finish. On average players spend around 26 hours playing The Beginner's Guide.

The Beginner's Guide was released on October 1, 2015.

The Beginner's Guide was developed by Everything Unlimited Ltd..

The Beginner's Guide has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its replayability.

The Beginner's Guide is a single player game.

Similar games include What Remains of Edith Finch, Awkward Dimensions Redux, Dear Esther, Gone Home, Actual Sunlight and others.

The Beginner's Guide

Platforms

Wreden, Begin Again