Comments on: Next Gen Killed Our Gaming Relationship

By: Angela [Feralis Dawn]

Angela [Feralis Dawn] — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:40:46 +0000

Has she tried Braid yet? I think that’s a game everyone can enjoy!

By: dkpatriarch

dkpatriarch — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:30:12 +0000

Well here’s an update: I downloaded Flowers for the PS3 for her and she’s really enjoying that. It isn’t really a couple’s game as me sitting there watching her float around with flower pedals is soothing, but not really getting me involved much!

Still it’s good to see her still playing something besides the DS that we can both watch.

BS Angel, I agree…the controls is a major part of it. She had no problems with the 1 analogue system in Goldeneye on the N64 for example, but the ‘looking’ with the second stick since really has her feeling frustrated. I’m sure she’d get used to coordinating both sticks, but she doesn’t want to spend the time that way….for me the second analogue stick was natural almost from word go.

The other major issues are time (since we had more kids) and style of games. The old adventure games were great, but modern shooters are not. Prince of Persia got her watching a bit at least, but she isn’t into button timing much, even if PoP is pretty lenient.

With the old style adventure games, even if one person is playing and the other watching, there is an interaction between both of us because we need to discuss what to do, where to look, where to go etc.

There is more story and humour than many games too.

By: CdawgOwnd

CdawgOwnd — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:38:04 +0000

As a child my parents didn’t have any video game consoles and therefore I barely played any video games until high school when I became obsessed with the xbox. That’s how it all began <3.

By: bs angel

bs angel — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:25:31 +0000

It sounds like she’s grown frustrated with the growing complexity of controls and the generic (perhaps not) user friendly interface. It’s an interesting perspective on the challenges of getting someone that has taken a break from gaming back into the daily grind.

By: Hojimoto SBG

Hojimoto SBG — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:17:09 +0000

Sounds like what happens in my house. My wife doesn’t get into hardcore gaming, but really digs playing on the DS (Magnetica, Puzzle Quest) and some 360 Arcade games (Feeding Frenzy, Zuma, Uno, etc.) Maybe you guys could recapture some of that magic that way. There’s a lot of retro games available on the 360 arcade and Wii Shop. My wife has enjoyed many of those and sometimes we even play them together.

By: deckard47

deckard47 — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:14:00 +0000

What about something like the new Prince of Persia? It’s pretty simple, and the story isn’t bad. I guess when you aren’t jumping and sliding, you’re killing though… Oh, and if you haven’t tried it, Professor Layton on the DS might work.

By: dkpatriarch

dkpatriarch — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Notice how many of those are ‘last gen’ games?

She did try and watch one cut-scene of MGS4, but I think it was nearly 30 minutes and she said it was worse than the soaps she used to watch.

Actually that particular scene was….

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:34:14 +0000

Sonic Genesis Collection
Ratchet and Clank FTOD (maybe)
LittleBigPlanet
Zelda Twilight Princess
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Paper Mario
Lots of PSN games

All I can think of right now, but Im sure there are much more. She might also enjoy experiencing MGS4 with you even if she doesnt like to actually play it.

By: dkpatriarch

dkpatriarch — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:53:16 +0000

Hey Anon,

Always good to hear suggestions! Anyone else with suggestions for couple gaming?

I’ve heard they are ‘remaking?’ Broken Sword on the Wii too…that might be something to try. Pity she’s so obsessed with Twilight at the moment!!!!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:25:40 +0000

You should try Zack and WIki for the wii. It’s a point and click adventure/puzzle game. If you’re becoming more attracted to shooters, I don’t know if it will be your cup of tea, but it sounds like something your wife would like.