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 Play through the game's story or campaign solo

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 16,886 reviews

story1.6k positive mentions

replayability95 negative mentions

story
5,610 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
70%
3%
The story in "The Beginner's Guide" is a deeply introspective narrative that explores themes of creativity, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships through the lens of game development. Players navigate through a series of unfinished games created by a fictional developer named Coda, while the narrator, Davey Wreden, reflects on their relationship and the emotional struggles tied to the creative process. The game invites various interpretations, leaving players to ponder the authenticity of the story and its implications on personal identity and artistic expression.
- “A truly amazing story, packed with emotions and twists with a very artistic and beautiful take on actual real-life problems.”
- “This game tells a beautiful story about many different aspects and emotions with success and game creation and self-worth.”
- “The beginner's guide is a masterclass in storytelling and pure genius.”
- “The story is fake, and it barely understands itself and the philosophy it's pretending to care about.”
- “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.”
emotional
2,207 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. The game evokes a wide range of emotions, often leading to tears and deep reflection on personal experiences, creativity, and relationships. While some players found the emotional depth resonant and relatable, others felt it was heavy-handed or manipulative, highlighting the game's polarizing effect on its audience. Overall, it is celebrated as a unique emotional journey that challenges players to confront their own feelings and experiences.
- “It's an emotional, relatable experience and I couldn't stop crying at the final chapter + epilogue.”
- “This game is very emotionally deep, and there simply isn't much else to say.”
- “This game made me cry and question my sanity.”
- “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
945 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
80%
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 significance of the experiences, resulting in a short playtime of about 90 minutes with little replay value. While some appreciate the introspective storytelling and emotional depth, many criticize the lack of engaging gameplay, making it more akin to an interactive story than a conventional game.
- “The gameplay was smooth and I encountered no bugs.”
- “The gameplay keeps just enough elements to keep you engaged in the mechanics and aware of what you are doing without distracting you from the reason you are doing it.”
- “The gameplay consists of going through different 'games,' basically unfinished game maps and the narrator trying to ascribe some deeper purpose to them.”
- “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 in the way of gameplay, but there's not meant to be.”
- “If you're looking for gameplay, however, there isn't much.”
music
385 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
61%
1%
The music in the game has been widely praised for its emotional depth and atmospheric quality, enhancing the overall narrative experience. Many reviewers noted that the soundtrack is beautifully composed, with a variety of styles that evoke strong feelings, making it a significant aspect of the game's impact. Overall, the music is described as haunting, calming, and integral to the storytelling, resonating particularly with those involved in creative fields.
- “The soundtrack is beautiful and although the gameplay is more movie-style than anything, the storytelling makes it absolutely worth the time.”
- “The music, the story, the narration: there's something about them that just stick with you, and really hit home.”
- “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.”
- “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
357 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 complement the narrative, others criticize the graphics for being lackluster and not engaging enough to enhance the overall experience. Ultimately, many reviewers agree that the game's focus is more on storytelling and emotional impact rather than graphical fidelity.
- “The game's minimalist art style and haunting soundtrack create a sense of atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.”
- “The graphics and soundtracks are great and really fit into conveying the desired mood the story tries to convey.”
- “The design of every chapter and all the visuals are gorgeous, the soundtrack fitting in beautifully too.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “It's not going to blow you away with the graphics (that are mostly designed to look like they were lifted from the original Counter-Strike).”
humor
305 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 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
230 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 that can be completed in about 90 minutes. While some players appreciate the narrative and emotional depth, they agree that there is little incentive to replay it, making it feel more like a one-time experience akin to watching a movie. Overall, the consensus is that if you're seeking a game with high replay value, this title may not meet your expectations.
- “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.”
- “There is not a lot of replay value to this game as it is just a single story.”
- “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.”
atmosphere
128 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
34%
2%
The game's atmosphere 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 introspection and sadness. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, creating a lasting impact that resonates long after gameplay.
- “The game's minimalist art style and haunting soundtrack create a sense of atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.”
- “It's atmospheric, thought-provoking, gripping, emotional, and it does all of this with such effective minimalism.”
- “The atmosphere and storytelling within this game create such an alternate reality that makes you think midway through the game, 'oh... this is a game!'”
- “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
41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
17%
80%
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be overwhelmingly tedious and unengaging, often describing it as a monotonous experience filled with drawn-out dialogue and repetitive tasks. Many reviews highlight a lack of meaningful choices and depth, leading to a sense of boredom and frustration, with some even suggesting that the game feels like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience. Despite some interesting environments, the gameplay is frequently criticized for being tedious and lacking in excitement or challenge.
- “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.”
- “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.”
optimization
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
50%
14%
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth performance, with many users reporting no bugs and the ability to run at high refresh rates without crashes. However, some players noted that specific adjustments, such as changing compatibility settings, may be necessary for optimal performance, particularly on Windows 10. Despite mixed feelings about the voice acting, the technical execution of the game is generally considered excellent.
- “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 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.'”
- “Voice-over performance is insulting at first, making me really question the purchase, but it gets increasingly better over time as the major story beats hit.”
monetization
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
7%
80%
The monetization aspect of the game has been 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 strategy undermines its artistic intentions and overall value.
- “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, 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
13 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 report a smooth experience with no noticeable issues. Glitches, such as freezing and unintended level transport, have been noted, contributing to a sense of depersonalization for some users. Overall, stability appears to vary widely among players, with a notable divide between those encountering frequent problems and those enjoying a bug-free 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
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players noting that it can be engaging and surprising, even without traditional character interactions, while others feel it falls flat or becomes disingenuous as the narrative progresses. Some reviews highlight the potential for deep exploration of character arcs, but many express disappointment in the lack of meaningful growth or connection to the characters. Overall, the effectiveness of character development seems to vary significantly, leaving players divided on its impact.
- “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).”
- “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'.”