The Beginner's Guide Reviews

I think this is one of those rare games where it both makes sense and doesn't. It explains itself so well, but because it does, it ends up not feeling like it understands itself. It feels like I'm watching someone reason with themselves in a way where they know you're watching and want to have you see them, but imagine that you can't look at them. It's odd. For 10$ it's a bit much, but it's not like a candy bar is a better purchase and those are 3$ or something now so this really isn't that bad. It's definitely interesting, it's thought provoking, although I think it's something that really needs some time to settle and then re-visit to completely understand why it was made and what exactly was happening. That probably doesn't make very much sense, but if you do play it, just try to really think about all the possibilities because frankly, it's not very enjoyable to think about it without at least some interesting eye candy from the game itself.

Play this game, It's a really moving and unusual story.

This is hands down, the greatest Video Game I have ever played. When people say they find something relatable, 99% of the time, it is probably from a movie or a book. This game is one of the only ever things that has made me cry. It is a one of a kind masterpiece both creatively and technically, and I have never seen anything similar. As a game developer who was once burnt out, there were several details, especially one of the levels in the game, which almost made me uneasy. The game's portrayal of burnout is too realistic. This is a must play for those who struggle with the same, it makes you ask yourself questions that you probably would have never thought of. It is also technically brilliant with some excellent use of the maps, and an intelligent way to do so as well. For those who aren't game developers, who probably won't relate to the game, the technical brilliance makes up for it. But as I said before, for those like me, it is 100% must play.

I don't really know what I feel after this game. I mean, I was playing all along being sure that the story, I am involving in, is a real story... But at the end of all, I'm not sure. I'll check it, of course, but after posting my thought. I don't even know why am I doing it, but It is first time, that game without any mechanics, without any gameplay, left such a big hole inside me. It was like reading an interactive book. I was so close to crying in a few moments, and for me, it is a big plus for story. Sometimes I was associating myself with the Coda, partly because I'm a game developer myself, and I have some works unrelated with game dev, too... and sometimes I was associating myself with the storyteller (Dave?) mostly because of his desire to help others and solve their "problems", not always realizing that this is not required... and I feel like I really can feel the pain, the feelings and thoughts of both of them... or maybe I'm wrong, just like the storyteller was. I also thought about that they are the same person. And it makes sence, but in that case, the story unfolds in a completely different way. What I know correctly, is that this is something bigger and something more than just a game. And I don't think that I'll move on from it in the near future, and I'm absolutely sure that I'll not forget this story ever. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the creation of this game... I'm sure you realize that you've impacted people's lives by more than just taking a couple of hours out of their lives... much more.......

Kind of obnoxious, but too clever to ignore. Very much worth playing if you like "games as art".

made me cry when i saw the playthrough, bought the game to support davey very relatable game

I bought this game because people on tumblr from tsp community were like "if you can go play this game it's really worth it!". I've been shot 57 times I hate you tumblr.

This is a game that is best played completely blind, and after that - I'd recommend googling the context of its creation and themes :3

why do I create? Am I a bad person? I'm so alone Keep moving forward I don't know You're the problem Why do I feel this way? This is a cry for help This isnt a cry for help... What a beautiful game and a beautiful message.

There are few things more memorable than a game that makes you feel like you’ve done something wrong just by playing it. This squarely falls into the category of: “Everyone should play this, but I can’t recommend it.” It’s like handing someone a cursed book: powerful, unforgettable, but you know once they open it, they’re not walking away the same. The Beginner’s Guide isn’t entertainment, it’s emotional trespass wrapped in a meditation on authorship and ego. It’s a work of art that: - exposes the player, - condemns the narrator, - disrespects its subject, - and still resonates like hell. You don’t walk away feeling clever or heroic. You walk away haunted, and worse, complicit. You’ll look for closure, and find nothing but questions. You’re already in the lamppost.