Also I don't think Alan would be the best example of what video games are like. It wouldn't give a representative sample, although it might be okay if the person was made aware that some significant aspects of it are unique.
There is no single video game that would give a good example of "what video games are like". Video games are by far the most diverse form of media on the planet. Combining art, sound, music, programming, and writing. Each of which is individually extremely diverse. Alan Wake is just as good of an example of what video games are like as any other game.
If he wants to know what they are like start by having him play at least one game from every major genre. That will give him a vague idea.
I was meaning that the majority of popular games aren't as similar to Alan Wake as they are to each other. Also, he may expect other games to... something... I've lost track of my point. I think I just see a possibility that someone not liking horror or unpredictable 'poltergeists' which you need to die from a few times in order to see a clear path past may decide they don't like all games because they don't like a couple of aspects of this one.
Get him to play an rts game. He can't possibly claim that isn't mentally stimulating:
![[Image: Adolf_Hitler_%26_Alfred_Jodl_analyzing_a_map.jpg]](http://images.wikia.com/hitlerparody/images/1/18/Adolf_Hitler_%26_Alfred_Jodl_analyzing_a_map.jpg)
Why not a tales of game? Like tales of symphonia? Or fire emblem: great story and great gameplay that relies on thinking ahead in battles
I love Tales of games, but I think they'll be a little too much and overwhelming for the average new gamer.
Games are too personal to recommend to someone or even to claim its the best game ever. If you've played some form of games by the age of 15 or so, and you aren't engaged with them, you'll probably never be, which is really sad because there are so many genres that there's virtually no excuse.
About Alan Wake, however, I can recommend not to play it though (lol), specially if you are starting with immersive games. Its so repetitive and dark that it makes you wish it ends long before you reach the final level.
If I was a beginner at finding games exciting, try him on Evil Genius, that Game should be able to run on his laptop, and it's really most enjoyable, esp... when you are an Evil Genius trying to take over the world
And another good game that could run on his laptop, but a most awesome fps game is of course Nolf, or known as No One Lives Forever, that is an awesome game to try out on
