The Beginner's Guide

 PC
The Beginner's Guide Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 313 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 35
  3. Negative: 4 out of 35
  1. Washington Post
    Oct 8, 2015
    100
    Few game developers have ever ventured such an open-hearted project about human frailty – and knocked it out of orbit.
  2. Brash Games
    Oct 1, 2015
    90
    I cant recommend this game enough simply for the experience of a totally unique game unrivalled in the games from the past, present and future. A must buy for those wanting an emotional connection to the developers themselves.
  3. IGN Italia
    Oct 12, 2015
    87
    The true challenge of The Beginner’s Guide is understanding it in its entirety.
  4. Game Informer
    Oct 1, 2015
    80
    The Beginner's Guide addresses a lot of heavy issues in its 90-minute journey: Depression, loneliness, self-doubt, and the need for validation are but a few of the topics touched upon. Despite the inherent veil of fiction, Wreden's narration is well-written and feels honest.
  5. GamingTrend
    Oct 11, 2015
    80
    It’s easy to have mixed thoughts about The Beginner’s Guide, but as a game that aims to make you think, it does accomplish this goal.
  6. Vandal
    Oct 26, 2015
    70
    This is a nice way to tell an interactive story, and even though not everyone will grow fond of it, it's worth a try.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Oct 4, 2015
    20
    It sensationalizes the concepts of the misunderstood creator and the misguided audience and begs pity from the latter.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 92
  3. Negative: 23 out of 92
  1. TantFuriosa
    Jan 6, 2018
    10
    I feel like I'm playing the first works of what in years to come will be the first widely acclaimed video game artist. I will carry TheI feel like I'm playing the first works of what in years to come will be the first widely acclaimed video game artist. I will carry The Beginner's Guide with me always, for the hallmark it is in video games evolution. While the game itself is fantastic, I'm not saying it is the best game ever made. I'm saying that the artist behind it has made some very special games so far, and can go just about anywhere from here.… Expand
  2. 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 aIf 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. 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.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. 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
  5. Shawndroid
    Feb 26, 2018
    8
    This was a very interesting narrative. It's about game design, personal desires, public recognition, pushing public figures and reinterpretingThis was a very interesting narrative. It's about game design, personal desires, public recognition, pushing public figures and reinterpreting their creative works. Not really a game, even for a first person exploration game.… Expand
  6. BasilZero
    Aug 12, 2017
    7
    Game: The Beginner's Guide
    Genre: Adventure
    Publisher/Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd. System: Steam (PC) Total Score: 70/100 Value    Game: The Beginner's Guide
    Genre: Adventure
    Publisher/Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd.
    System: Steam (PC)
    Total Score: 70/100
    Value Score: 7.0/10

    • Story: 7/10
    • Characters: 7/10
    • GamePlay: 7/10
    • Graphics: 7/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 6/10
    • Length: 5/10
    • Replay Value: 5/10
    • Player Value: 6/10

    Pros
    +Great Narration and well told story
    +Design of the game was well made
    +Chapter Select lets you select chapters (once you started one) whenever you want for replay value

    Cons
    -Very short and simple
    -Its like your practically watching a movie or listening to audio, not much gameplay or choice
    -Visuals use early levels of source engine, not the best looking game    … Expand
  7. zeig
    Nov 28, 2015
    5
    If you haven't played The Stanley Parable, play that instead; it's the better game of this genre.

    If you have played it, The Beginner's    If you haven't played The Stanley Parable, play that instead; it's the better game of this genre.

    If you have played it, The Beginner's Guide is what you would get if you made one of the branches in The Stanley Parable 90 minutes long. You're playing a story, and not a very interactive one. It's mildly intriguing for a bit, but the premise winds up wearing thin by the end.    … Expand
  8. Calamity_Jones
    Jan 18, 2021
    0
    Boring overhyped garbage. The game might be original and creative, but that does not automatically make it good.

See all 92 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

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