The Beginner's Guide

 PC
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 335 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 225 out of 335
  2. Mixed: 55 out of 335
  3. Negative: 55 out of 335

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  1. C0ncox
    Oct 8, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's sad that people can't see this game for what it really is and just call it pretentious or artsy. This game is worth a full 60$ even though it's only 8$. The game is about Developer Davey Wrenden showcasing games from his friend Coda.

    SKIP THIS PARAGRAPH IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS. Now here's the crazy thing: Coda doesn't actually exist. After doing some research there is no person in relation with Danny with that name. The best theory that I've seen is that Coda is a metaphor for Davey himself. The house cleaning part imo, is him creating the Stanley Parable.

    Anyway the game is extremely artsy and extremely personal. I understand that people don't have the emotional capacity to deal with this type of stuff, hence negative reviews. But this was the first time that any sort of media ever has made me cry.    … Expand
  2. Renefoetsie
    Nov 28, 2015
    10
    This only thing I can say is that it truly is an experience. I'm not going to spoil anything, but it's a game that delivers an experience, and tells a story. It may be difficult to understand, but if you put all the pieces together, it's one of the most amazing games ever.
  3. darthstabber
    Oct 22, 2015
    10
    If you are expecting gameplay of any sort you are in for a sad day. If you are looking for an emotional experience this "game" hits like a ton of bricks. Can't reveal too much, but suffice to say that the negative reviews are written by effective toddlers who can't bring themselves to experience this game for what it truly is. It's not really a video game, but an interactive experience.If you are expecting gameplay of any sort you are in for a sad day. If you are looking for an emotional experience this "game" hits like a ton of bricks. Can't reveal too much, but suffice to say that the negative reviews are written by effective toddlers who can't bring themselves to experience this game for what it truly is. It's not really a video game, but an interactive experience. Don't deprive yourself of it. actually whether you expect gameplay or not you are in for a sad day, but the kind of sad matters. If you have had suicidal thoughts recently avoid it.… Expand
  4. LukeTroy
    Jun 21, 2016
    10
    This genuinely brought me to tears. I'm the kind of person that generally finds it difficult to stay away from google and Wikipedia really in watching or playing just about everything. I find it hard not to spoil things for myself because I always want to know what's going on, I like to be able to give little tid bits and details to people like a directors commentary when I share it withThis genuinely brought me to tears. I'm the kind of person that generally finds it difficult to stay away from google and Wikipedia really in watching or playing just about everything. I find it hard not to spoil things for myself because I always want to know what's going on, I like to be able to give little tid bits and details to people like a directors commentary when I share it with them. I'll watch the same thing several times over just so I can watch it with other people. And I feel validated by it. I get my sense of self worth from sharing things with other people and getting their approval. I fought that urge hard while I was playing this game and I'm glad I did, even though now I plan on tearing the internet apart to get every little bit I can from it. The truth is, this game hinges on your ability to relate to the story being told, and the medium through which it is being told. I could tell from the first minute that I was going to like this game, but by the end it tore me open like no game, film, TV show, or book has in a very long time, and I'm currently studying philosophy and literature so I'm going through some fairly heavy stuff. This game scared me, it made me look at myself in a way that I haven't, maybe ever. Please play this game, even if you end up hating it, play it. It's really not a walking simulator, it's a whole new thing, a whole new genre, and at the same time so unique, so special, that I can't imagine it ever being repeated. It's a genre of one. That alone is worth the price of admission.… Expand
  5. reviewfrom19842
    Aug 31, 2016
    9
    A great game..........................................................................................................................................
  6. gygessgygess
    Oct 2, 2016
    10
    Listen, I'm tired of the same old things in videogames: shooting, running, do this do that. To an extent, The Stanley Parable is a very experimental game that tries to tell a story through unconventional means. I said "to an extent", because The Beginner's Guide is so much more experiemental, new, unconventional, and just that much more brilliant. So if you want to try something, mature,Listen, I'm tired of the same old things in videogames: shooting, running, do this do that. To an extent, The Stanley Parable is a very experimental game that tries to tell a story through unconventional means. I said "to an extent", because The Beginner's Guide is so much more experiemental, new, unconventional, and just that much more brilliant. So if you want to try something, mature, and groundbreaking in video games, if you believe video games, aside from their animations and aesthetic, can be considered as Art, than this this may be for you.

    As for what the game really is: You play through a series of levels as a very emotional story unfolds. Those levels can, and often are, simply walking from one end of a room to another. However, the artistry is hard to ignore, and the excellent narration makes them even more thrilling.

    If you want a game to paralyze you in deep thought for hours after completion, this is for you.    … Expand
  7. Young_Nacho
    Oct 9, 2015
    10
    This is not a "game". Its and experience of art and an expression of feelings. Very thought provoking and as i'm writing this (10 min after playing) Im sitting at my desk not sure what to do now. The thoughts and feelings that the game provoked are somewhat paralyzing and i'm unsure how to continue. All I can really leave you with is to just play it. There's not much on the actual gameplayThis is not a "game". Its and experience of art and an expression of feelings. Very thought provoking and as i'm writing this (10 min after playing) Im sitting at my desk not sure what to do now. The thoughts and feelings that the game provoked are somewhat paralyzing and i'm unsure how to continue. All I can really leave you with is to just play it. There's not much on the actual gameplay aspect but that doesn't take away from the game at all, in fact, I feel playing the odd minimalistic games gives you a better sense of the meaning in the game. Play it. Even if its not your thing, give it a shot.… Expand
  8. LarrythePossum
    Oct 20, 2015
    10
    To be able to fully grasp the power and meaning of the The Beginner's Guide, you first have to understand that this is not a game, it is an experience. If you cannot comprehend this, then this title is not for you.

    Though it is fairly simple to play and may seem quite dull at first, what makes this experience so special and abstract is that all the dialogue comes directly from the heart    To be able to fully grasp the power and meaning of the The Beginner's Guide, you first have to understand that this is not a game, it is an experience. If you cannot comprehend this, then this title is not for you.

    Though it is fairly simple to play and may seem quite dull at first, what makes this experience so special and abstract is that all the dialogue comes directly from the heart of Davey Wreden. He expressed a story that would convey his feelings and interpretations of the topic at hand, and leave the player with new depictions on life and people on Earth.

    The Beginner's Guide is a powerful experience, and experiencing it is the only way to fully understand what this game is portraying. Whether you purchase the game for yourself, or watch a play-through on Youtube, The Beginner's Guide is a must.    … Expand
  9. AdamR
    Oct 4, 2015
    10
    People won't like it, and that's fine. It requires an investment that, maybe, you would rather spend reading a book or some other valid pursuit. Maybe the payoff isn't something you are looking for right now. But rest assured that every single detail in this game is carefully crafted, and serves a purpose. and there's a lot of people out there, myself included, who will find something inPeople won't like it, and that's fine. It requires an investment that, maybe, you would rather spend reading a book or some other valid pursuit. Maybe the payoff isn't something you are looking for right now. But rest assured that every single detail in this game is carefully crafted, and serves a purpose. and there's a lot of people out there, myself included, who will find something in it profound, and leave you stunned. If you want an insight into our need for validation as human beings, and the pain of the creative process, then 8 bucks and an hour and a half of your time for The Beginners Guide is the single greatest investment I can imagine.… Expand
  10. LucasZL
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    So finally it's here. The next game from the Stanley Parable developer. I really loved Stanley Parable so I was very excited about this one. First of all I am a game developer by myself, so the idea of making a game about a game dev is cool to me. I personally think the story of the game is great and it's true that you don't have to do anything by yourself but to me that's no problem. TheSo finally it's here. The next game from the Stanley Parable developer. I really loved Stanley Parable so I was very excited about this one. First of all I am a game developer by myself, so the idea of making a game about a game dev is cool to me. I personally think the story of the game is great and it's true that you don't have to do anything by yourself but to me that's no problem. The only problem of the game is: you have to like it. And this is not a game like any other game, so you can't say "I like game xy so I will like this one too". You just have to try it by yourself. No rating on this site will help you. I read some of the bad reviews they all say "save your money". But you shouldn't. Whether you like the game in the end or not in my opinion it's worth a try.
    And to all who say, people who like this game will say this game is misunderstood: no it isn't it's just not for you!    … Expand
  11. everin
    Oct 2, 2015
    9
    Tier 1
    + Intelligently conceived, maybe too much so because a lot of people won't get it -- as one can see, some players cling steadfast to it being "pretentious" and "not actually deep"
    + Explores a lot of interesting ideas that can make one think for a while after its over + Conveys great, not consumer-friendly messages on the topics of art, sincerity, games, and general aesthetic    Tier 1
    + Intelligently conceived, maybe too much so because a lot of people won't get it -- as one can see, some players cling steadfast to it being "pretentious" and "not actually deep"
    + Explores a lot of interesting ideas that can make one think for a while after its over
    + Conveys great, not consumer-friendly messages on the topics of art, sincerity, games, and general aesthetic psychology
    ? Can't say a lot about the game without giving away the experience
    ? Might make players react in extreme, sassy defense when its message flies right over their heads
    - A little unclear where the game is going when it starts, but if one pays attention and thinks about it, one might just get it when it ends    … Expand
  12. MaxwellDemonic
    Oct 2, 2015
    9
    Some will complain it's short, some will complain it's slow, or that it's not engaging... And those people are robots.

    The Beginner's Guide is not about games, at it's core it's about people. There is very little you can say without ruining the hour and thirty minute story. Suffice it so say, it's a beautiful shattering of the fourth wall, involving player, narrator, and perhaps most    Some will complain it's short, some will complain it's slow, or that it's not engaging... And those people are robots.

    The Beginner's Guide is not about games, at it's core it's about people. There is very little you can say without ruining the hour and thirty minute story. Suffice it so say, it's a beautiful shattering of the fourth wall, involving player, narrator, and perhaps most importantly the developer.    … Expand
  13. RMDsilva
    Dec 30, 2015
    8
    Oof. Not a big fan of "walking stories", but this one.. worked.
    It was funny and it was deep. I got myself deep enough that I had a strong parallel with my oldest friend. Made me want to say a lot of things.
    So it really worked.
  14. Isak-Keyten
    Oct 7, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's artistic. It's engaging. It's immersive. Graphically speaking it's not "next gen" but aesthetically it's extremely pleasing and artful. Narration is good and consistent.

    I would've loved it if it was a bit more interactive and a bit longer. Doesn't really worth the money but if you can get it any other way *coughtorrentscough* than id recommend spending an hour and a half to play trough it.    … Expand
  15. dman14
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Firstly I would like to say that this is not a classic type of game that relies on action to captivate it's audience.
    It is not a game were you just skip everything and hope the gameplay is good.
    The game gives you the chance to see a persons years of work and analyze his thought process, his feelings, his inner thoughts that he maybe would not share with anyone else. Suggesting you new    Firstly I would like to say that this is not a classic type of game that relies on action to captivate it's audience.
    It is not a game were you just skip everything and hope the gameplay is good.
    The game gives you the chance to see a persons years of work and analyze his thought process, his feelings, his inner thoughts that he maybe would not share with anyone else.
    Suggesting you new ideas and questions, that you probably didn't asked yourself before, a new perspective into the process of making a game and how close to the developer it will be and, in my opinion, how almost all indie games really are.And the implication of the narrator makes you feel that you are not alone in this journey only to find that you looked the wrong way at the game, it's not about who you think it is and you tried to analyze the wrong person all along.

    In my opinion this is a great game that thins the line between art and games even more that shows that a game could be a lot more than just a game.
    Just by the fact that it made me think about a lot of actions that even I make daily is impressive.

    The last thing I would like to say is that I am a little sad that a lot of people did not really understand the idea of the game expecting it to be fun or to have interesting gameplay and didn't get the fact that is something totally different, I would even say a bit experimental.    … Expand
  16. Jalandar
    Oct 8, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First of all : I'm writing this review, cause I haven't seen any similar to this one, and I think my point of view is worth a second of your attention as well.
    Here we go. You are the player.
    Its that simple.
    Forget about Dave, think about you. Think about modern gaming. Why are YOU there and what do YOU expect. First time it did occur to me was the tv faces asking me how it was before.
    Well, yep, they were only shapes of triangles and squares, but it did work. How to left the prison, how to get out?
    Returning puzzle, to go out and yet advance, u need to look at things behind you, and proceed. It's not about being stuck in the past. It's showing the way to move forward, but with accepting the heritage of games. It was never about graphics and pointless grind, it was always about ideas. Thats why u get this cleaning section in the game. Isn't that what WoW has become, and other MMORPGS followed? Brings this, get this there, kill this in this amount, rinse, repeat.
    Thats also why, I think, we get this prison section of this game.
    Games changes but prison remains. Whatever u decide doesn't matter, as game won't think about your answer, it will just launch convenient script. U may see 100 variables = games, but the point in all of them is the same - your actions doesn't matter, cause there's a scripted story and u will follow it, no matter if u want. That's the prison.
    Now, remember this colorful picture? Yes, from a distance it was beautiful, and u wanted to go near it to see it in all its glory. That's today games for you. You come closer, and what u see? Well, just dots. Colorful, but mundane dots. Cheers.    … Expand
  17. QwertyPJM
    Oct 6, 2015
    10
    An unbelievably affecting and personal game that I understand is not to everyone's taste, but is something that needs to be talked about regardless. TBG may seem like an unattractive game, and if you're the kind who loves to simply have fun with games, don't play this. However, if you're like me then you'll get so much out of this game's short run time that you won't be able to get it offAn unbelievably affecting and personal game that I understand is not to everyone's taste, but is something that needs to be talked about regardless. TBG may seem like an unattractive game, and if you're the kind who loves to simply have fun with games, don't play this. However, if you're like me then you'll get so much out of this game's short run time that you won't be able to get it off of your mind for hours, maybe days. It introspects the player and, despite being a tour around another person's collection of games, clearly signifying it is not *your* story to project yourself onto, it makes the player look at the narrative from their point of view and makes them think deeply about what they've just played and how it makes them feel. Deeply uncomfortable and well worth a spare 5 quid.
    (One thing I don't understand is one negative review on here calling the game's marketing "triple A **** It's like, the least triple A game ever made. The development team consisted of one guy, ffs.)    … Expand
  18. cotfss
    Oct 2, 2015
    10
    This isn't a game for everyone, but for me it was 10/10.
    A piece of art (and not as a compliment, it is excactly what it is- art.) that will make you think long after you finish the game, feel a bit different then before, look at things in a different perspective (at least untill your life routin will take away this feelings) and even make you sign-up to metacritic to write a review...
  19. burgerkingsking
    Oct 8, 2015
    10
    So finally it's here. The next game from the Stanley Parable developer. I really loved Stanley Parable so I was very excited about this one. First of all I am a game developer by myself, so the idea of making a game about a game dev is cool to me. I personally think the story of the game is great and it's true that you don't have to do anything by yourself but to me that's no problem. TheSo finally it's here. The next game from the Stanley Parable developer. I really loved Stanley Parable so I was very excited about this one. First of all I am a game developer by myself, so the idea of making a game about a game dev is cool to me. I personally think the story of the game is great and it's true that you don't have to do anything by yourself but to me that's no problem. The only problem of the game is: you have to like it. And this is not a game like any other game, so you can't say "I like game xy so I will like this one too". You just have to try it by yourself. No rating on this site will help you. I read some of the bad reviews they all say "save your money". But you shouldn't. Whether you like the game in the end or not in my opinion it's worth a try.
    And to all who say, people who like this game will say this game is misunderstood: no it isn't it's just not for you!    … Expand
  20. BobTheSCV
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    This is a weird game. If you can even call it that--"game". It has gameplay, but that isn't really the point. It's thinking about the game that makes the game. As I said, it's weird. It's probably closer to art than entertainment. But that isn't a bad thing.

    You play the game, and it's an open-ended emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lot of open questions. The great thing about this    This is a weird game. If you can even call it that--"game". It has gameplay, but that isn't really the point. It's thinking about the game that makes the game. As I said, it's weird. It's probably closer to art than entertainment. But that isn't a bad thing.

    You play the game, and it's an open-ended emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lot of open questions. The great thing about this is that it forces you to think about it. And you may find answers. But will they be the same as someone else who played the game? Well, that's the point of the game :-)

    The game is not very long, but also not very expensive. And the experience is pretty much priceless. Play it!    … Expand
  21. Davy
    Oct 5, 2015
    9
    This is completely different to The Stanley Parable, but that is not a bad thing at all. This game takes you on a deep, emotional journey and investigates different thoughts and ideas behind one persons creativity. I think everybody will be able to relate to at least one aspect of this game and is definitely worth the time and money. Just put your headset on, play the game for what it isThis is completely different to The Stanley Parable, but that is not a bad thing at all. This game takes you on a deep, emotional journey and investigates different thoughts and ideas behind one persons creativity. I think everybody will be able to relate to at least one aspect of this game and is definitely worth the time and money. Just put your headset on, play the game for what it is and enjoy.… Expand
  22. Sirjess
    Oct 9, 2015
    8
    It is hard to call this a "Game" but it worth playing none the less. I don't know if it is worth the price of admission, but when it is on sale buy it and then save it for when you have 2 hours and want a movie like experience. I genuinely felt emotions and you can see the amount of work that went into this.
  23. Wiebe
    Feb 27, 2020
    10
    Insane storytelling combined with great game design, an unique experience, a must play if you love storytelling games
  24. porcodidio
    Nov 27, 2015
    9
    Great storytelling. Fantastic idea. The thing is, dont think of this as a game. Think of it as a book, or a really good short film. You will enjoy it more.
  25. GreenMachineG
    Dec 21, 2015
    8
    Davey Wreden is easily one of my favorite game developers EVER. This is the creator of The Stanley Parable (which is a 10/10 all day long) and he strikes gold again with this one. What I love about Davey's games are that they appear simple, but the narrative is so powerful that the game shoots into the stratosphere. In this game you travel through several games a friend of Davey's createdDavey Wreden is easily one of my favorite game developers EVER. This is the creator of The Stanley Parable (which is a 10/10 all day long) and he strikes gold again with this one. What I love about Davey's games are that they appear simple, but the narrative is so powerful that the game shoots into the stratosphere. In this game you travel through several games a friend of Davey's created over the course of a few years, and you go on an emotional and psychological journey into interpreting what may have been happening in the creator's mind while making the games. EVERYONE needs to play this game. It is only about 3 hours or so to play through all the way, and it is worth every second. It makes you question so much in life, and this game is an art-piece and an adventure into the psyche that I will never forget!

    9.2/10    … Expand
  26. CptnKR4KEN
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    A masterclass in powerful storytelling and liminal environments from the creator of the critically acclaimed "Stanley Parable." A somber, modern classic!
  27. Dikano
    May 15, 2018
    10
    What a masterpiece. Definitely not much of a game, but a fascinating, captivating narrative experience that hits right in the feels. Much, much recommended.
  28. WildFire15
    Feb 2, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Beginner's Guide isn't really a game. There's no grand journey nor end goal, there is simply someone's interpretation. Davey Wreden takes you on a guide through a series of small game prototypes developed by a friend known as Coda and tries to learn more about this friend through his games alone.

    SPOILERS My own interpretation of the game is how others read meaning into a piece of work, be it a game, movie, TV series or book and try and find their own goals, often getting frustrated if they don't find it. I've done some story writing in the past and have a bad habit of dropping an idea midway through. I usually write these stories for myself to get ideas I like onto paper/word and share them to see if anyone likes them (because it seems pointless to keep it to myself to me), but I do wonder if the handful of readers I attract by pure luck get disappointed when I suddenly up and vanish onto a new idea.

    It also makes we wander how more successful creators feel when they suddenly get a passionate fanbase they're not sure how to deal with. They may feel trapped as they try and deal with this monstrous fanbase clamouring for more of their work.

    But that's just how I saw it. The game's meant to be open to interpretation and there's many interesting ideas you can come to. It's not 'fun' in the traditional sense with little in the way of actual gameplay (the jump scare I was expecting to appear half the time never showed up), but I found it far more fulfilling then any number of hours spent thoughtlessly fighting online in a military based shooter.    … Expand
  29. xDaudex
    Nov 15, 2015
    8
    Pros:
    It will give you an interesting and immersive experience
    It explores having creative difficulties There are a lot of interesting game ideas in it. Kind of gets you to think a bit outside the box. Cons: Pretty short In a way the person who is making money off of this didn't make pretty much any of the content. (Unless the story is fake or this Coda is actually the narrator    Pros:
    It will give you an interesting and immersive experience
    It explores having creative difficulties
    There are a lot of interesting game ideas in it. Kind of gets you to think a bit outside the box.

    Cons:
    Pretty short
    In a way the person who is making money off of this didn't make pretty much any of the content. (Unless the story is fake or this Coda is actually the narrator which are both possible)
    The game can get a bit depressing near the end    … Expand
  30. Aeryx
    Jan 30, 2019
    9
    As someone who has been around computers and programs for a living and the people around them, the only thing I can say is, this game connects with me. There is something about it that makes me realize more of myself. Even better, it gives me perspective on someone who struggles to explain things that they do not fully understand. If you believe in games as an art, don't skip this one.
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 35
  3. Negative: 4 out of 35
  1. The Escapist
    Feb 10, 2016
    90
    The Beginner's Guide is an incredible art piece of a game that gets you thinking your relationship with the games you play.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Feb 4, 2016
    30
    Instead of engaging interactions, great animations or wonderfully crafted characters The Beginner’s Guide offers empty, amateurish, uninteresting environments and a story about two immature game developers. [01/2016, p.54]
  3. Power Unlimited
    Dec 10, 2015
    88
    The Beginner’s Guide is as fascinating as The Stanley Parable is hilarious. One of the most intriguing ‘games’ that we’ve played in recent history and an easy recommendation for everyone who likes weird game experiments. [dec. 2015 / page 062]
See all critic reviews »