Any good PC games for a beginner?

[Sharoth]

One of my friends is getting a laptop soon. She is not a gamer, but I wanted to get her a good game. She like dealing with finaces and money. I suggested Civ III, but any suggestions are welcome.

[VagrantWhisper]

The Sims in all of its variations seem to be a favorite among the females I know.

[Jason Lillis]

Railroad Tycoon II can be purchased from Steam for about $5, and is a great way to spend some time. Lots of finances to track, managing (and manipulating) a company's stock, fun challenges, and it will run on any computer.

Railroad Tycoon II Platinum

[Morgen]

Well I'd say you want to start with Doom, work into Quake and Quake 2 then move her up to Half-life.

That should get her started on the right path.

Though, what the heck interests her? Get her games that you think she'll be interested in playing. Does she like space, or fantasy, or robots? Find something suitable.

(800)

[Sharoth]

~grins~ I am the sci-fi, fantasy, and space nut. She is pretty down to earth and not very interested in that. OTOH, I am trying to corrupt her.

[Morgen]

Well if that's the case why don't you start with the games that got you interested in those genres in the first place?

It certainly would seem to be the logical place to start Captain.

[graven55]

Bunch of games that I still play fairly regularly and are cheap to acquire:
Civ 4
Starcraft
Diablo 2
Sid Meier's Pirates
Heroes of Might and Magic 3 (not sure how easy this is to find now but it's still a lot of fun)
Age of Mythology

Nothing that's really going to dazzle your eyes or tax your vid card, but they are fun, easy to learn, and I think most of these games can be gotten for under 15 bucks and are still available at your local best buy or whatever.

[Githzilla]

graven55 wrote:

Heroes of Might and Magic 3 (not sure how easy this is to find now but it's still a lot of fun)

Ooh HOMM3 is great!

Thinking back on older games...I remember X-Com being crazy-good.

[Mikaze]

Portal has been a huge hit with the female gaming populace. A first-person puzzle game that gradually builds your skill level up as you go along. A beautifully, and hilariously, crafted game all in all.

If you're getting it for a laptop, however, it will require a mouse.