Level up your gaming

Whether you’re new to the world of gaming or just looking to upgrade your current playing style, consider this to be your beginners’ guide to all things video games and consoles.

With improved graphics and game-play so good that you’ll never want to log off, there’s never been a better time to become a gamer.

So, if you’re wanting to get back into your childhood hobby or just simply looking for a fun activity to share with the family – here’s everything you need to know on where you should start.

Pick your console

With cutting edge graphics, shorter loading times and the latest game titles, Xbox and PlayStation have for the longest time been considered to be the giants of the gaming world. The latest models include Microsoft’s Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X as well as Sony’s PlayStation 5.

There are notable differences between the two gaming devices but at the end of the day, it just comes down to preference and what games you were wanting to play.

Nowadays the majority of game developers will produce games that will be compatible for both consoles however there are still some games that are exclusive to specific gaming devices.

If you were wanting to play some classic role-playing games (RPG) such as God of War (G to MA 15+), the Horizon series (Rated G to M) or The Last of Us (G to R 18+) then PlayStation would be better choice for you. In the instance that you were wanting to play any of the Halo (PG to MA 15+) or Forza (G) series then the Xbox console will work more in your favour.

There’s only one real problem with the new generation of consoles - they are almost impossible to order online and even harder to find in store.

It should also be noted that both the latest models of Xbox and PlayStation do come with hefty price tags that will generally set you back over a $1000 – an older model will still allow you access to thousands of games and will easily keep the hours entertained just as week.

What about PC gaming?

Not all gaming is done on the couch. If you’re looking for the smoothest frame rates, the most impressive graphics and the biggest catalogue of games – then it’s time to jump into the world of PC gaming.

One of the biggest factors to consider before investing your free time and budget into PC gaming is actually the PC itself.

Generally speaking, a standard home computer or work laptop will at best allow you to play your games at an average level – and that’s only considering the games that might be compatible. More often or not, games particularly the newer releases have been designed for PCs that require a dedicated graphics card, additional software and more storage.

To build a gaming PC that will be capable to run today’s games, it will require a lot of parts depending on your gaming needs and preferences.

In saying that though, any PC gamer will tell you that when you see your favourite game run smoothly with the graphics jacked up to the max – it will all seem like a worthwhile investment.

How about Nintendo?

Whether it’s exploring The Legend of Zelda (G to M) universe, catching Pokémon or the endless matches of multiplayer Mario Kart (G), most of us have fond childhood memories of Nintendo.

Lucky for us – Nintendo are continually innovating and producing new games for the Nintendo Switch. The Switch isn’t really designed to compete with Sony and Microsoft’s elite graphics - instead the Switch is all about portability – which is why the controller comes with a small screen, so you can game wherever, whenever.

Once you’re back in the lounge room, you can simply place the Nintendo Switch in its dock and switch over to your big screen smart TV for bigger and better visuals.

The Nintendo Switch library is definitely more geared towards all-ages fun which means if you’re looking to bring the whole family into gaming, the Switch could be the way to go.

What are the hottest genres?

Now that you’ve got your console, what do you want to play? The great thing about gaming nowadays is that there is so much to choose from and there is something for everyone.  

Shooters

If you’re looking at getting into shooter games, the big thing right now is the Battle Royale genre.

Usually played on an enormous map populated by 100 players, players have to search for weapons, eliminate opponents and do their best to be the last one standing. If this sounds like your kind of game, you should also check out Call of Duty: Warzone (M) and Fortnite (M).

If you’re less about shooting strangers online and more about single player games, Halo Infinite (M) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (MA 15+) combines an atmospheric campaign set with high stakes and incredible weaponry.

Adventure

Adventure games offer up a brilliant mix of game-play and storytelling. Lucky for us – the options for adventure are almost limitless.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild (G) takes the classic Zelda formula and revolutionises it, giving you an entire world to explore. If you see a mountain in the distant horizon, chances are that you can walk over and climb it.

If you’re looking for a tense and atmospheric zombie action game, then The Last of Us Part II (R 18+) has everything you’re looking for. Set five years after 2013’s The Last of Us – the sequel focuses on two playable characters in a post-apocalyptic America to carry out justice and avenge the lives lost.

Racing

Racing games have always been a popular escape – and why not? There’s something incredibly exciting about finding the car of your dreams and then driving it at speeds that would be ridiculously illegal in the real world.

In this genre, you’ll find everything from the zany multiplayer chaos of Mario Kart to the uber-accurate simulation of Gran Turismo (G).

But there’s also another side to racing games. Titles like Truck Simulator (G) have developed a cult following by challenging gamers to make deliveries as fast as possible - all while having to navigate poor weather, wild roads and heavy traffic.

Family games

If you’re looking to spend some quality time together, there are heaps of games geared towards having fun with your little ones.

Fall Guys (G) is a chaotic gameshow-like format, where you play as a colourful jelly bean that has to participate in increasingly bizarre mini games.

Or you can give your young'uns an introduction to platforming games – and perhaps take a trip back to your own childhood – with a Mario title on the Nintendo Switch.

If your kid’s a natural-born builder, boot up the ever-popular Minecraft (G to M) and explore an entire block-based world that you can edit, construct and craft in.

You can check the classification ratings for computer games with Australian Classification.

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