I'd recommend 'The Stanley Parable'. It's a unique first - person game with a very interesting story. The gameplay mainly involves walking around and making choices, which is easy for beginners. The story is about a man named Stanley who discovers that his office is not what it seems. 'Gone Home' is also beginner - friendly. It's a short game that focuses on exploring a house and uncovering the story of the family that lives there. There's no combat or complex puzzles. 'What Remains of Edith Finch' is another one. It has a great story about a family's history and you explore their house to find out more. The controls are simple and the game is more about experiencing the story.
For beginners, 'Portal' is a great choice. It has a simple control scheme and a really engaging story. You don't have to worry about complex combat mechanics or a large open world to get lost in. Another option is 'Dear Esther'. It's more of a walking simulator, but the story told through the beautiful landscapes and the voice - overs is really moving. It doesn't require much in terms of gaming skills. 'Firewatch' is also good. You play as a fire lookout in a forest, and the story unfolds through your conversations with your supervisor. It's not very difficult gameplay - wise.
'Collar×Malice' has a good story that's not overly complex. It's a detective - themed otome game where the protagonist gets involved in solving a mystery related to a serial killer. The gameplay mechanics are straightforward, and the story is engaging as you get to know the different love interests while also trying to solve the case.
Well, 'Botanicula' is an indie game with a good story and easy gameplay. You control little plant - like creatures on a quest to save their tree. It's full of charm and humor. 'Knytt Underground' is another one. It has a large world to explore and a story that unfolds as you do so. The gameplay is straightforward, mainly running, jumping, and interacting with the environment.
I'd recommend 'Resogun'. It has a simple yet engaging story. The shooting is straightforward and fun. You're basically in a side - scrolling shooter environment, protecting the last humans. It's not overly complex in terms of gameplay difficulty, and the story is enough to keep you interested as you progress through the levels.
Stardew Valley has a really nice story. You inherit a run - down farm and start a new life in a small town. There are relationships to build with the townsfolk, festivals to participate in, and a mystery about the community center. It's not very difficult gameplay - wise as it mainly involves farming, fishing, and socializing.
Sea of Thieves is a great choice. It has a simple yet fun story about being a pirate. You sail the open seas, look for treasure, and fight other pirates. The controls are easy to pick up, and the story unfolds as you explore the islands and encounter different events.
'F.E.A.R.' is also a good choice. The story involves a special forces operative dealing with a supernatural threat. It has a good balance between story and action. The game's slow - motion combat mechanic can give beginners an edge in battles, and the scares add an extra layer of excitement.
Stardew Valley has a really charming story. You inherit your grandfather's old farm and move to a small rural town. As you build up your farm, you interact with the local villagers, form relationships, and uncover some small - town secrets. It's not a difficult game at all in terms of gameplay mechanics, mainly focusing on farming, fishing, and socializing.
Oxenfree. It's a narrative - driven adventure game. The story is about a group of friends who go to an island and accidentally open a rift in time. The controls are simple and the game is more about making choices in conversations which drive the story forward. It has a really engaging and somewhat spooky story that unfolds as you progress.
Mario Kart series. Although it's more on the arcade - racing side, it has a simple and fun story in the single - player mode. You're basically competing in different cups and unlocking new characters and karts as you go along.
I'd also recommend 'Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'. It combines the fun and familiar Mario characters with an interesting story. Mario teams up with new characters to save the world from a new threat. The gameplay is easy to pick up, and the story is light - hearted and enjoyable, perfect for those new to SNES games.