I have a buddy at work, a 50 year old guy, who has a PS2 and a PC. He loves the Ratchet and Clank series so much, so I thought I'd recommend Jak & Daxter, but he had a ton of trouble with it, and gave up. I couldn't figure it out, because they have similar difficulty (as far as I'm concerned), and they both seem to have the same appeal.
It seems that the troubles are that, with J&D:
1.) He gets lost.
2.) It's too hard. (Some of the jumping parts, I guess.)
3.) The goals are somewhat unclear.
He absolutely loves GTA: Vice City, although I imagine that the unclear goals would be a problem.
I also gave him Burnout 3, thinking that it was a simple racer that he could enjoy, but the delicate analog movements are, quite simply, too difficult for him at his age. We grew up with these things, he just started.
It's not that he's terrible, either. He is on his third playthrough of R&C 1,2, and 3.
Here are my ideas, please add some, and why:
Spyro 1/2/3. I figure these are also by Insomniac, and they make great games. Similar challenge level (very hard at times), and great games.
Twisted Metal: Black. Less important to use the fine motor skills turning gently, etc... Just blow stuff up.
Soul Calibur 2. He thought that one on one fighting games are cool, and this one seems simplistic yet flashy.
GTA III. Makes sense, he loves Vice City. He thinks that San Andreas is too raunchy. ("Too much F this, F that," he said.)
I also considered the Crash Bandicoot games, but those can also get pretty unforgiving. I think Spyro just lets you retry if you die, and the goals are scattered over a large level. Crash might be a bit too straightforward... once he reaches a part he can't handle... he will have to quit. Spyro offers a little more freedom.
Let me know, guys. Thanks. :