Girlfriend-compatible multiplayer PC games

[Gramuxius]

I'm trying to get my girlfriend into gaming and she is at the moment progressing nicely through the Monkey Island series.

Recently she decided that she wanted to try multiplayer, but I'm having a hard time coming up with anything that fits her criteria: Not violent. This excludes any games involving shooting, applying sharp/blunt objects and things blowing up. To further complicate matters, she does not want to wait while someone takes a turn, so MOO/civ and the likes are also out, even though the odd explosion might have been acceptable.

So, does anyone know of any nonviolent, yet somewhat fast paced PC games to try?

[SpoofyChop]

Puzzle Pirates?

[Gramuxius]

Wow.

Bright colours and pirates. I wonder what would be the biggest problem, convincing myself to play that or convincing her to play Total Annihilation. :)

Thanks for the tip, anyway, we'll take a look.

[Nellie]

I take it you are looking for LAN rather MMORPG type stuff?

Railroad Tycoon 3 has multiplayer if you are into "empire" builders.

Capitalism II is probably still floating around on budget somewhere, but it's limited once you figure out which business make megabucks.

Something like Settlers might make the combat that is there more palatable (cartoony rather than out and out strategy with more emphasis on building than fighting in any meaningful sense.)

All of those are admittedly rather slow paced, certainly to start with.

There's always MMORPG to consider, something like A tale in the desert (http://www.atitd.com/) might be worth a look or one of the more mainstream ones where crafting is an option perhaps.

I'm assuming driving isn't particularly an option, but Colin MacRae and Insane always went down a treat at LAN bashes. Insane is more of a 30 minute laugh and can be played without feeling that you need to go out and buy an FF steering wheel, but CM is much more satisfying.

I was wondering whether to suggest TA, you should convince her its just robots so doesn't count as violence ;)

[krayzkrok]

Do what I did - sit her down with UT2004, tell her she'll love it (really), and start playing. Oh, and let her frag your ass a few times (don't make it look too easy). Hopefully she'll be having so much fun that she won't realise those bits of red are your intestines bouncing around the landscape.

My gf can now frag my ass without me trying to make it easy for her! :shock: Mind you, she started with the smack talk at one point, so I introduced her to Pirates and she's back to normal.

[scharmers]

Hide the Salami

[nutsak]

Get any world war 2 shooter. For some reason chicks love guns. ( they won't ever admit it, often calling games like that stupid, but if you can get them to at least give it a go then you'll probably lose your computer ).

If you buy two copies then you can play over the net together.

:wink:

[Nick Hyle]

Sarah's not into violent games, but she likes multi-ing Diablo 2.

[Malderi]

Wow, she seen the cinematics?

[Jasper Phillips]

Sarah's not into violent games, but she likes multi-ing Diablo 2.
Bizarre. Is there anything to do in Diablo _other_ than kill?

[Jason McCullough]

Violent dressup.

[krayzkrok]

Trouble is, most of the games both my gf and mum love are basically single player games. I can't think of many mp games that don't involve competition, and hence blood-letting, except for sports games like Tiger Woods (and even there you might be tempted to wrap your 5-iron around someone's head). To be honest my number one suggestion would be "Chaos: Battle of the Wizards" by Julian Gollop. Despite the violent name, there's not a drop of blood! There are dead bodies though. Still you probably won't mind, given that you'll need a ZX Spectrum emulator for that (and a mindset to forgive the primitive graphics). I think it's one of the greatest multiplayer games of all time, given that I've regularly had tournaments with everyone ranging from my sister, my dad, my friends and my grandparents (at the same time).

[Gramuxius]

Ah, Settlers might be a good idea. If she survived the sword combat in Monkey Island, the "combat" in Settlers should be acceptable. Even better, I used to like Settlers, though I haven't tried any of the newer ones.

Shooters are probably only a fantasy at this point, but I'll wear her down, eventually.

[Kalle]

I loved Settlers 1 and 2, but the "New and Improved" Settlers 3 and onwards just leave me completely cold. They have nothing in common with the old game besides the name.

[Bill Dungsroman]

Man, it's chicks, so like WHO KNOWS? This girlfriend loves Diablo, then the next will be all OH MY GOD YOU'RE KILLING THINGS ANIMALS PEOPLE YOU SICK BASTARD I HAVE TO THROW MYSELF THROUGH PIANO WIRE NOW TO SHRIEVE MYSELF OF YOUR EVIL.

Ahem, anyway. My girlfriend, she digs the Burnout games (the crashing parts), simpler RTS games that don't go into the future (she always loses though because she's busy making all of her people happy and building too many theaters and stuff insead of, you know, an army), and likes watching me play (but not really play herself) whatever the latest FPS is. Another female friend of mine loves adventure games. I would avoid, at least in the beginning, any and all RPGs, at least and especally the more statistically- involved ones. Call me sexist and your pretty little flower may be the exception that proves the rule, but most females aren't that into carefully crafting their mage or whatever. That said, BG: Dark Alliance is a nice gateway drug in that respect. She likes Diablo, so that's a big plus. I don't know if whether or not the protagonist is female matters or not. If so, she'd probably dig NOLF, Beyond Good & Evil, maybe even The Longest Journey (which is eponymously long) and/or the Syberias. Don't get her hooked on The Sims or anything like that, you'll lose her forever man!

[Angie Gallant]

Try Baldur's Gate 2 LAN play. Or Neverwinter Nights. Dress up and tons of multiplayer modules.

[Piemax2]

There was a fast-paced train game a few years ago that was fun for two, but I can't remember the name. And I think Political Machine supports online play; this one has simulataneuos turns so it moves along well, but it might not be as much fun now that the election is over. If fantasy violence is ok, there is the HoMM series.

[greywind]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Sims 2. It's the game that really got my wife involved in gaming in a big way, and we kind of played it multiplayer (we created ourselves in the game world and played separately). After a short career as a carousing bachelor she finally had me over to her house a few times and the next time I logged in I was married to her). So I had to create a new bachelor to fulfil my childhood fantasies while she was busy creating the next generation of sims.

She went straight from that to World of Warcraft, and we haven't looked back since.

She also really enjoyed Europa 1400: The Guild. But the Sims 2 is what got her hooked and forced me to get a second computer.

ian

[Jamie Madigan]

What the worlds needs is multiplayer Animal Crossing. My wife loved that game. Stupid Nintendo.

Might you also try Pikmin or Pikmin 2?

[PeterK]

My wife rarely plays computer games, but she has played Silent Hunter III with me and likes it.

[Old Man Gravy]

SimCopter.

[Troy S Goodfellow]

I guess it depends what you mean by multiplayer. When my wife was getting back into computer games, we would play through Baldur's Gate together. Well, she would give the orders and I would drive since she was recovering from wrist issues.

I'll back up Angie on NWN, too. There are some great MP mods out there and you don't need to be invested in powergaming to make them fulfilling.

And I have a friend who swears by A Tale in the Desert as a MP family game in spite of its massiveness. And there's no combat.

Troy

[Desslock]

Games I've played with my wife that she's liked (none of them are completely non-violent, but they're not gory or "in your face"):

- Icewind Dale (which I'd recommend for multiplayer over the BG games, since it's quicker paced for multiplayer) and BG2 (the original BG is probably too dated to really enjoy);

- Neverwinter Nights

- Dark Age of Camelot and World of WarCraft (I'd recommend the latter these days)

- City of Heroes - which I'd recommend over any other MMO (and perhaps over any other game), since it's very simple to get into, there's not a lot of fussing, two-party groups work very well, it's action-packed, and the violence is very comic book cartoony.

- Diablo 2 (pretty good, easy to get into choice, although she might not like the violence/imagery).

Games that haven't worked/were disasters: Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, Saga of Ryzom, Battlespire, System Shock 2 (and shooter is probably a really bad choice), X-men Legends on the Cube.

Games she actually liked enough to play on her own: Tomb Raider, Diablo 1, the Sims (although only briefly), Animal Crossing (a lot).

If she doesn't like any violence at all, maybe a simple sports game like tennis, or a driving game on a console?

[Qenan]

I think there is some kind of market opportunity here, because while my wife and daughter play WoW with me intermittently, neither enjoys the violence. There needs to be something more like Myst online... 3D environment, lots to explore, but little violence. (I looked at Puzzle Pirates but it just scared me.)

It isn't easy to find something my wife likes that I can stand, but a 3D adventure with exploration would have a shot...

[AlexxKay]

There was a fast-paced train game a few years ago that was fun for two, but I can't remember the name.
I think you mean Rails Across America. Even if that's not what you meant, I would recomend it.

[Piemax2]

Yep, that was it, thanks! I enjoyed it a lot once I got used to the idea of the "special action cards" or whatever they were called.

[Bill Dungsroman]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Sims 2. It's the game that really got my wife involved in gaming in a big way, and we kind of played it multiplayer (we created ourselves in the game world and played separately). After a short career as a carousing bachelor she finally had me over to her house a few times and the next time I logged in I was married to her). So I had to create a new bachelor to fulfil my childhood fantasies while she was busy creating the next generation of sims.

She went straight from that to World of Warcraft, and we haven't looked back since.

She also really enjoyed Europa 1400: The Guild. But the Sims 2 is what got her hooked and forced me to get a second computer.

ian


Don't get her hooked on The Sims or anything like that, you'll lose her forever man!
And we have a testimonial, folks!

(NOBODY READS ME SOB)

[scharmers]

I must have the only girl on Earth who thinks the whole Sims thing is ridiculous. But then, she likes one (1) game: Tetris. And a bizarre PS1 Tetris variation, at that.

[Angie Gallant]

No, she's not the only gal who doesn't like the Sims.

[quatoria]

No, she's not the only gal who doesn't like the Sims.

Well, tell the truth, Angie - you do like KILLING your sims.

[Kunikos]

My fiancee only plays the Sims to cheat for money and design houses. Everything else just frustrates and/or bores her... I put my old GF4 into her comp and put in Sims 2 and she fiddled with that a bit but it's the same game basically... Sims 2 University came out and I loaded that on and now she doesn't want to play it anymore because the loading times are ridiculous...

[Angie Gallant]

No, she's not the only gal who doesn't like the Sims.

Well, tell the truth, Angie - you do like KILLING your sims.

Honestly, I don't. Like the post above, the only part I enjoy is cheating for money and designing houses.

[Bill Dungsroman]

I must have the only girl on Earth who thinks the whole Sims thing is ridiculous. But then, she likes one (1) game: Tetris. And a bizarre PS1 Tetris variation, at that.

Whoa, when I first read that I though it said "I must be the only girl on Earth.." scharmers is a chick!

Anyway, my gf doesn't like The Sims, either. She finds the concept boring, however well the games are made.

What's this PS1 Tetris like?

[scharmers]

scharmers is a chick!

It would probably explain a lot.

What's this PS1 Tetris like?

It's more like a puzzle Tetris, where you're trying to get this little explorer guy crawling around on the bricks down to the bottom before the falling ceiling crushes him. For the life of me I can't remember the name of it, though I do know it's made by Jaleco. I'll probably remember it later, probably in the middle of a job interview or sex or something.

--scharmers

[Bill Dungsroman]

It's more like a puzzle Tetris, where you're trying to get this little explorer guy crawling around on the bricks down to the bottom before the falling ceiling crushes him. For the life of me I can't remember the name of it, though I do know it's made by Jaleco. I'll probably remember it later, probably in the middle of a job interview or sex or something.
"Anything else you'd like to say, Xavier?"

"Oh, yeah: Don't cum, scharmers."

[drakanripper]

If she likes diablo:

Try co-op: Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance on a console. My wife and I finished that one.

Co-op No on lives forever 2 can be fun as well. A little mini game here: you play all sword and stars.. let her take all the armor.. play on normal difficulty and this is usually fun for both of you

I'll second World of Warcraft - I only keep a char there so that I can play with my wife- she loves it.

Also - platformers can be a really fun thing to tag team. Rach n Clank was a great example. My wife handled most of the game and I would jump in on the tough twitchy minigame challenges.

[Pogo]

I don't have a girlfriend so you may take my comment as null and void if you like. But my ex-girlfriend loved to play Midtown Madness. I know several girls that like to play games where you are forced to dodge things, but not in a severe button-mashing manner. SSX Tricky and Coolboarders, Grand Theft Auto and Midtown Madness, games like that.

Oh and Lemmings, because they're "so damn adorable."

[Kunikos]

It's more like a puzzle Tetris, where you're trying to get this little explorer guy crawling around on the bricks down to the bottom before the falling ceiling crushes him. For the life of me I can't remember the name of it, though I do know it's made by Jaleco. I'll probably remember it later, probably in the middle of a job interview or sex or something.

http://www.psxa2z.com/gpgs/frnts/BT1060FB.jpg

She'd probably love Mr. Driller then.

[extarbags]

scharmers is a chick!

It would probably explain a lot.

What's this PS1 Tetris like?

It's more like a puzzle Tetris, where you're trying to get this little explorer guy crawling around on the bricks down to the bottom before the falling ceiling crushes him. For the life of me I can't remember the name of it, though I do know it's made by Jaleco. I'll probably remember it later, probably in the middle of a job interview or sex or something.

--scharmers

Tetris PLUS!

Which was awesome.

[scharmers]

Tetris PLUS!


Bingo

[Shadarr]

My GF likes RTS's, and specifically playing with cheats on. She gets pissy if we play together and I won't let her be invincible with unlimited money. After a lot of brow-beating and perseverence, I got her hooked on Space Empires IV, which is fun in hot-seat multi for a little while but becomes boring in the later game when turns start taking 10+ minutes.

Other than that, most games we play together are on the 'Cube. Especially Smash Brothers, she never gets tired of beating the crap out of level one guys (not only that, slow moving characters on level one) with Captain Falcon.

She claimed she didn't have any fun playing FPS's when we tried, even though she did alright in the kill total. It's hard to say whether that's the result of actual dislike or just her normal, reflexive resistance to anything new. Generally, when I want to get her playing something it takes a few sessions of her watching me play, then a session or two of her playing while I coach, and eventually she'll play on her own. And in the case of Animal Crossing, she'll keep playing on her own, forever.