The end of a year is a busy time for gamers, what with one Steam Sale after another. Now with the Winter Sale 2017 upon us, I’m inviting you to have a look at my selection of 10 games worth buying and playing.
I’ve seen gamers worn out by sales one after another. And I’ll be the first to admit that of the countless titles to choose from, precious few will make you glad you pulled the trigger. But still, there are some hidden gems to dig up. Here are 10 that:
- Come in under 10 Euro/USD,
- You may not have been 100% convinced to try,
- Are not necessarily the newest,
- I personally enjoyed playing.
Fallout New Vegas
If you are fed up with Fallout 3 or Fallout 4, this one just may restore your faith in the franchise. Obsidian did a great job of creating a compelling post-apocalyptic world with no shortage of quality quests. Most of them can be solved in multiple ways, just like in the classic Fallout games. While the Strip may leave a bit to be desired, the game offers a lot of (radioactive) content and fun.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/22490/Fallout_New_Vegas/
Star Wars Jedi Knight Jedi Academy
With Star Wars’ season upon us, this could be a timely choice. I find this game better than The Force Unleashed. It features many lightsaber duels, and lets you customize your character along with the option of lightsaber dual wield or lightstaff. Getting to meet a still strapping young Luke Skywalker, like in the classic movies, puts that much more twinkle in this star. If you want the game to be more challenging, I recommend choosing the dark side of the Force.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/6020/STAR_WARS_Jedi_Knight__Jedi_Academy/
Kane & Lynch Dead Men
The sequel got some bad press, and the first part also isn’t ideal. Nonetheless, Dead Men has a plot and title characters—the psychotic Lynch not the least among them—that will stick with you. For effect it may fall short of a Tarantino film, but it was clearly inspired by his creations.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/8080/Kane_and_Lynch_Dead_Men/
The Wolf Among Us
A very atmospheric game about the Big Bad Wolf and other Fables, The Wolf Among Us is noir and mature in telling its bitter story. It makes a great contrast to how Snow White or Beauty and the Beast are usually portrayed. I know it is a Telltale game, but I highly recommend you give this one a chance. It is a good opportunity to get familiar with the Fables and the upcoming sequel in mind.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/250320/The_Wolf_Among_Us/
Enslaved Odyssey to the West
In my estimation, this trip is underappreciated. It offers very solid gameplay in a post-apocalyptic setting. But this post-apocalypse is much less harsh and more colorful than others, such as Fallout. In some respects, it’s reminiscent of Horizon Zero Dawn. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, but you be the judge yourself.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/245280/ENSLAVED_Odyssey_to_the_West_Premium_Edition/
The Stanley Parable
A small title, perhaps, but The Stanley Parable is a refreshing experience that can troll you hard while pasting a smile on your face. You can do as you are told, or just the opposite. What ever you end up doing, however, it will be accompanied by commentary from a brilliantly acted and designed narrator. Sonorous. Mellifluous. However you describe it, his voice is a joy to hear.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/221910/The_Stanley_Parable/
Worms Armageddon
I like this take on Worms more than any other: It is neither too complicated nor too weird. No, it’s just plain fun, especially if you invite some friends round and play on the hot seat like in the good old days. It may seem very inconspicuous, but once you start playing… Tons of fun guaranteed! Also thanks to its 2D graphics it hasn’t aged as badly as 3D titles.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/217200/Worms_Armageddon/
Painkiller Black Edition
This one’s for fans of oldschool FPS with fast-paced action, multiple enemies and cool weapons. The plot is of course irrelevant: you just deploy your stake gun to impale monsters as they rush at you. Please note that other games under the Painkiller name are made by different developers and, lamentably, significantly lower the franchise’s esteem.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/39530/Painkiller_Black_Edition/
Warhammer 40k Dawn of War
Skulls for the skull throne! This is a resoundingly successful take on RTS in the realm of eternal war and the God (false) Emperor of Mankind. This game paved the way for Company of Heroes and was the first RTS with units that react to their surroundings. Relic Entertainment has done an amazing job with this one. If you are unfamiliar with Warhammer 40.000 universe, treat this as a good chance to catch up, especially with all the add-ons and the races they feature.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/4570/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War__Game_of_the_Year_Edition/
GTA Vice City
The Vice City soundtrack was so damn good that it was released as a cd. And why not? It’s oozing with the 80s, full of memorable moments and tributes to classic movies like Scarface. The graphics may look poor by today’s standards, but for me this remains a fantastic part of the Grand Theft Auto series.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/12110/Grand_Theft_Auto_Vice_City/
I hope you’ll find at least one of the above titles to your liking.
As always, you’re more than welcome to share your selection of good deals in the comments below!
