It was a chilly Saturday afternoon, and I found myself perched on the couch, ready to dive into the much-hyped game of the season. My friends had raved about its graphics, gameplay, and the epic story—but I was met with a blank screen asking me to “Press Start.” After an hour of frantically mashing buttons and still not understanding why my character kept running into walls, I realized the game didn’t have a tutorial. I sighed, put down my controller, and decided to rewatch an old sitcom instead. The experience made me wonder: what makes a great in-game tutorial?
At its core, a great tutorial should feel like a friendly nudge, not a shove. Think of it like when your friend tries to teach you how to cook without overwhelming you with a thousand ingredients and complex techniques. The best tutorials ease you into the game’s mechanics with clarity and charm. For instance, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” doesn’t just push you into the world; it gently guides you through its vast landscapes while teaching you everything from climbing to cooking. It’s like a wise mentor who knows you’re going to mess up a bit, but trusts that you’ll figure it out.
Another vital ingredient is interactivity. Nobody wants to sit through a lecture, and neither do gamers want to be told how to play without having a go themselves. “Portal” nails this with its clever puzzle mechanics. You’re not just shown how to use the portal gun; you’re thrown into situations where experimentation is necessary. The game encourages you to make mistakes, and every misstep is a step toward enlightenment. You feel like a genius when you finally get it right, and that triumph is one of the most rewarding experiences in gaming.
Context is everything. A tutorial should weave itself seamlessly into the narrative. Take “Dark Souls,” for example. While it’s notorious for its lack of hand-holding, it tells you everything you need to know through its environment. The way the combat works is hinted at by the enemies you encounter right from the start. You learn the importance of timing and strategy simply by surviving those early skirmishes. The world itself becomes a teacher. It’s a bit like being thrown into the deep end of the pool but realizing there’s a life raft nearby—relief and challenge coexisting beautifully.
Then there’s pacing, an often overlooked aspect that can make or break a tutorial. Imagine being excited to learn a new dance, only to find out your instructor insists on breaking down every single move to the point where you forget the rhythm. The best tutorials know when to hold your hand and when to let go. “Celeste” is a fantastic example of this. It introduces mechanics one at a time, allowing you to master each before adding new challenges. You’re given just enough time to bask in your success before being asked to tackle something new. This balance keeps your engagement levels high and frustration levels low.
And let’s not forget about personality. Games that inject humor and charm into their tutorials create a connection with players. Remember “Overcooked”? The tutorial is a chaotic flurry of frantic cooking, and it sets the tone perfectly. You’re not just learning how to manage a kitchen; you’re laughing as you trip over your friends while trying to serve a three-star meal. A great tutorial makes you feel like part of something bigger—like a cozy chat over coffee rather than a dull classroom lecture.
Lastly, a great tutorial should respect your intelligence. It’s frustrating when a game assumes you’re a total newbie, treating you like a toddler fumbling with crayons. A tutorial that strikes the right balance acknowledges your gaming savvy while still being accessible. “Hollow Knight” does this beautifully, offering the player tips and tricks without spoon-feeding every little detail. You’re encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover at your own pace, all while feeling capable and empowered.
So, whether you’re venturing into a lush fantasy landscape or navigating the grim depths of an indie platformer, a great in-game tutorial should be your trusty sidekick—helping you learn, laugh, and grow without ever feeling lost or overwhelmed. After all
