Comments on: Where to Start? A Question of Playing Games Series.

By: cary

cary — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 12:01:11 +0000

Yeah, I can’t imagine playing wither of those series out of order. However, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t care so much for extensive stories and developing character relationships, any of those games would be okay for just some gaming action-adventure. Then again, I guess that’s what series like Final Fantasy for made for! You can start with any one game in the series and have just as much of a blast as you might with any other (personal opinions about each game aside). I guess it all comes down to one’s personal gaming values. If you value knowing a series’ history, then you’re probably going to start at its beginning. If not, then proper “starting points” don’t matter anyway. But in the vast sea that is gaming, it’s nice to know that the paths are there if you want to follow them.

By: MrLuvva’s Luv-In #13 | mrluvvaluvva

MrLuvva’s Luv-In #13 | mrluvvaluvva — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 17:37:25 +0000

[…] Where to start? A Question of Playing Game Series! – Cary (again!) explores if it is beneficial; or indeed needed, to play game series from the start to the end. As I am currently playing through Resident Evil from Zero to 6 (in order) this was a great read! Well reasoned arguments ahoy! […]

By: simpleek

simpleek — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 13:37:52 +0000

I typically like to go back to the beginning depending on the series. But series like Final Fantasy, Mario, and the like…I don’t feel the same compulsion. Series like FF and Mario are mostly standalones. You don’t have to go back to a really old game to enjoy the current games they have out now. In the case of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, I think people would benefit from playing from the beginning, especially when current games make special references or call backs to previous titles. You won’t get the reference unless you’ve played the older games before.

By: duckofindeed

duckofindeed — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 01:52:24 +0000

For me, if a series has an ongoing plot that continues from game to game, I find it best to start from the beginning, or else I’ll never understand what happens in the sequels. (For example, no FF7 sequels would make any sense without playing the original, and even then, they still don’t make sense.) And you kind of need to play Kingdom Hearts in order, too.

A lot of series, on the other hand, don’t have a complex plot that spans more than one game. In the case of those series, I usually start with the best games of that series. Or when I recommend such a series to someone, I usually list the best games to start with first. Plus, I’m too impatient to play through a whole series in order to reach the best entries. Sometimes I just want to skip to the best ones.

By: Dina Farmer

Dina Farmer — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:37:43 +0000

Exactly, I have had a tough time getting through ME but I just solider on through. But other games like Mario Cart or family games, meh there is really no point what so ever to pay the older games as far as continuity. Just fun for nostalgia’s sake.

By: cary

cary — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:46:00 +0000

With games like those, starting at the beginning does make a lot of sense. Though, I know players who didn’t make it through the first Mass Effect, but then had a great time playing the second game (and then the third). The cast of characters in those games is a bit more interesting than in the first one, and the missions involved in getting to know them are more engrossing. But then with Dragon Age, I’d absolutely recommend that new players start with the first one because it sets up well everything to come.

By: cary

cary — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:39:34 +0000

I’m with you there. It’s a noble venture to want to delve into a series, no matter the starting place, but I just don’t see a way to do that anymore. It’s hard enough finding time to play, and adding on any worry about starting a series in the wrong place doesn’t help. But I like your point of starting with the first sequel of any given series. By then, any kinks from the first game have probably been worked out, and players are often treated to more engaging storylines and gameplay.

By: cary

cary — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:04:49 +0000

Exactly! A lot of times it makes sense to start with something new and then, if so desired, work backwards. As classic as some games are, like, for example, the original Tomb Raider, I’d be hard pressed to recommend that over the newest entry to someone who’s never played the games before. But I guess a lot of it comes down to personal choice and play style. And some people just enjoy starting at the beginning with something, no matter what.

By: Dina Farmer

Dina Farmer — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:48:24 +0000

I like to start at the beginning, even if the graphics are not the best with older games. I’m still willing to overlook that and enjoy the game for what it is. Just like DA or ME I’m willing to start at the beginning just because I want to understand why x, y, z is happening in the new releases of the franchise.

By: Hatm0nster

Hatm0nster — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:42:36 +0000

My rule of thumb is, unless the series is really new, then start with the first sequel. I’ve found that they’re (usually) easy for newcomers to get into, and they still retain much of the original draw while also having a level of polish the original entries just don’t have. For games with long-running narratives…then probably start with the first. If it’s a series like Mario, I’d say it depends on the person. If they’re a younger player, then I’d say Mario 64 would be a good entry point. If they’re older, then Super Mario World.

Personally, if I’m not already following a series from the start, I’ll usually start with a sequel then work my way back it the previous games look fun. Completing the series used to be more important when I had more time on my hands, but now…now I’m okay with only playing one or two of a given series, so long as it’s enough to feel familiar with the world and characters involved.