cpugeek13: BTW, how is HoMM 5 different from the first four? Its the only one i haven't played.
HoMM 5 is basically 3 with quite a few neat ideas to improve on gameplay. You just need to find some custom maps to get the perfect gameplay out of it - not an issue, really.
I say it's girl friendly, 'cause it's graphics are just nice - and as much as it may be hard for us guys to understand, they usually have way more developed feeling for aesthetics than we will ever have :D Once you have her hooked up on 5, transition to 3 will probly be way easier.
And also, turn-based gameplay just doesn't force her to do anything fast, it doesn't rely on reflexes, nor does it rely too much on strategic thinking while battling against random encounters, so it's just pure fun - perfect game for a start :D
Oh, also good point with co-op play - 5 sadly does not include that, so it might be an issue. I do, however, remember times when I used to play 3 with my nephew quite vividly, and it was the original one, so no co-op either. And yet, it was very playable when we agreed to play together :D
Oh, when I'm reading trough the thread: Do not, under any circumstances, start playing D2 with her until she gets the hang of whole level-ups, equipment and skills thing, or you will NEVER get her to play it again - really, thing about how does the game look to anyone who only sees running around and clicking on monsters :D
And Civ4 might be fun, the whole aging throughout the history process is awesome, it might just be a bit too abstract thou. It's well worth the try thou :-) The only way I get my girl to play it with me is watching over my shoulder, telling me which religion should I make US to believe, and asking who the hell is that black guy.