Recommended games for a 12 year old, just discovering PC gaming

[videogames101]

I don't think a better package of games has ever existed than the Orange Box, it's an absolutely amazing value for someone getting into PC gaming.

 

[TheVrolok]

I'd start with the classics (BG, PS:T, HL1, SC, Diablo, C&C, C&C:RA, TA, etc.) before he gets spoiled by "good graphics" and can't go back to the old games.

 

[Dumac]

I got into Diablo 2 a bit younger than that age, so maybe try that or, if he wants something newer, Titan Quest or Torchlight.

I also played Monkey Island 3 around that age, so maybe he could try either MI3, Secret of Monkey Island: Enhanced Edition, or the newer Tales of Monkey Island?

I also remember getting into Total War around that age as well, so try picking him up something like R:TW.

I didn't get into shooter until later, but they are simple enough to play, so I'd think about Orange Box as well.

Finally, there are some fun, simplistic titles like World of Goo, Peggle, Plants vs Zombies, and such.

 

[QueBert]

Zuma & Peggles Nights. I still play Zuma from time to time. I would also say the new Monkey Island or Sam & Max games. They don't require reflexes or twitching at all. Nice slow paced games where you have to think. Adventure games are a dying breed but the Sam & max ones are pretty good. Haven't played the new Monkey Island, but they're getting decent reviews. I would also recommend Flatout 2 or 3 for pure insanity. The destruction derby mode is retardly fun. Frustrating as hell, but such a blast to play.

 

[skace]

Quake 1, Street Fighter 4. Competitive behavior is healthy.

 

[Skott]

I'd give another nod for Torchlight. Its one I've picked up recently. Think Diablo and WoW and that comes closest to describing its gameplay and graphics. For $20 its a good way to introduce him to the genre that Torchlight falls in. It has low system requirements too so he'll have no problem playing it on the PC listed.

If he likes strategy wargames there are the Total War series. Also if he likes to hack n slash in war strategy games with a touch of roleplaying give Mount & Blade a try. Its not expensive. The modding community has a big presence in both games so there is a lot of replay value there.

 

[dfuze]

He might even enjoy some of the Age of Empires games, very easy to learn.

 

[lavaheadache]

My roomies 8 year old absolutely loves oblivion. I would set him off on that

 

[mb]

Duke Nukem 3d

Heh, the game was released when I was 12 and I played it then

Not that my parents bought it for me. It was my first discovery of piracy. Of course I also didn't realize it was piracy at the time, I just thought 'oh cool, free!'

 

[rudder]

Dungeon Siege II ... an easy to follow RPG.

 

[Andres3605]

DOW 2, great game

 

[bigi]

I'd start with something classic such as spindizzy or one of its remakes.

 

[Zoomer]

Team fortress classic, not that 2 thing.

 

[fallenangel99]

Zork Nemesis

 

[synn_]

I think games from miniclip and some other small games are good for kids. Not sure about age but have to google.

 

[santz]

Sure, if you want to ruin the kid's life.

i agree, please anything but WOW, unless you really want to ruin his life

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Heh, the game was released when I was 12 and I played it then

Not that my parents bought it for me. It was my first discovery of piracy. Of course I also didn't realize it was piracy at the time, I just thought 'oh cool, free!'

Same except I played it over a friends house over pirate it. Have to learn giving money to dancing women will make them take their cloths off at some point.

 

[TecHNooB]

Texas Hold'em.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Oblivion. Graphics are still decent, and theres TONS of game play (repetitive or not) no matter how you look at it. He can essentially do what he wants at his own pace. Start out easy, just exploring towns and talking to people, then move into more complex quests and dungeons. It can be quite difficult if you let it, too.

Just make sure to get the PC version, and look around for some recommended mods. GOTY edition is worth it for the expansion.