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Hidden Gems and Under-The-Radar Recommendations - Steam Winter Sale 2016
- Thread starter More_Badass
- Start date
PHOENIXZERO
Member
I forgot to mention this African game. The only one on Steam as far as I know.
I mentioned that one in the Steam sale topic but aside from one reply I didn't get any feed back and there's still only like 40 reviews of it on Steam. I've been wanting to check it out since I first saw it back in March (at least been on my wishlist since then) but it came out and reviews weren't so great, I imagine they've fixed a number of the issues (including translation) by now but I'm holding out a little longer.
D3RANG3D
Member
I own the first two, added the third appreciate it though.
hardcastlemccormick
Banned
Check out this bundle too, you might have some duplicate games in your library but its highest price is $1.05 so NBD there.
Speaking of puzzle games:
The base game is a great introduction into DROD, and if you find the game to your liking, DLCs and fan-made puzzle packs should keep you busy for the next decade or two.
I want to add a couple of games that should appeal to anyone who ever loved either the Flashback/Another World genre or the Lucasarts and Sierra adventure games of the 90's.
Candle. This one is something special, with lush watercolor hand drawn visuals, beautiful andean flavored music, charming characters and puzzles that are (so far, not quite halfway in) largely intuitive and rooted in observation and experimentation rather than blind luck. Leans more towards the Sierra side of the spectrum but there is some mild platforming to be had as well. On the flip side, it has a rather silly and wholly unnecessary subtitle that I'm not reproducing here. It has been very recently released so only 20% off.
The Way. Closest to Flashback in gameplay, and to Lucasarts' The Dig in spitrit. I found it to be a really satisfying sci fi adventure. Launched earlier this year and already 50% off :|
Candle. This one is something special, with lush watercolor hand drawn visuals, beautiful andean flavored music, charming characters and puzzles that are (so far, not quite halfway in) largely intuitive and rooted in observation and experimentation rather than blind luck. Leans more towards the Sierra side of the spectrum but there is some mild platforming to be had as well. On the flip side, it has a rather silly and wholly unnecessary subtitle that I'm not reproducing here. It has been very recently released so only 20% off.
The Way. Closest to Flashback in gameplay, and to Lucasarts' The Dig in spitrit. I found it to be a really satisfying sci fi adventure. Launched earlier this year and already 50% off :|
Mackenzie 92
Member
TerminalDogma
Member
I figure this might be the right thread to ask:
Anyone have any recommendations for good board/card games (or board game esque) that are a part of this steam sale? Ones that are based on actual board games, or ones that just feel like they could be a board game.
Anyone have any recommendations for good board/card games (or board game esque) that are a part of this steam sale? Ones that are based on actual board games, or ones that just feel like they could be a board game.
More_Badass
Member
Haven't played Poncho, but the other two are great. Master Spy is hard as fuck, but also really fun. And Olympia Rising is fast and all about chaining kills, and is made by a gafferHere are a few cheap sidescrollers I've got an eye on. Has anyone played them?
Wok
Member
I think a safe bet is Armello.
I have never tried TableTop Simulator, but I read it is super good to replicate any board game.
Heroes of Normandy is quite expensive ( http://store.steampowered.com/app/365890/ ).
And there is a The Witcher Board Game ( http://store.steampowered.com/app/303800/ ).
I am also intrigued by Gremlins Inc. but I read it is slightly too luck-based, plus there is an always-online DRM.
Crab Milk Mickey
Member
Olympia Rising was a disappointment. Looked great in the Steam Store trailer, but there's an abundance of little annoyances that quickly add up in making it utterly unenjoyable for me.Here are a few cheap sidescrollers I've got an eye on. Has anyone played them?
Zero button configuration and by extension being forced to (in my case) use the D-Pad on an Xbox 360 controller. Camera swivel being so overdone to the point this game is one of the few that actually struck me with motion sickness. The inability to move the camera below you when you need to descend, resulting in numerous blind jumps and making the already annoying enemy placement all the more grating when exploring. The game effectively only using two buttons on the controller yet insisting to employ down + X for special abilities, which is cumbersome for quickly moving about and simultaneously dispatching more durable enemies. Progression being gated by having to collect a specific amount of coins, only to be met with a unbearably sassy skeleton ridiculing you with unwitty / condescending remarks for every level. Inconsistent hitboxes, no health bars for bosses, shrill audio cues, ...
There's a fun concept in Olympia Rising and most of these shortcomings could've been resolved with relatively minor tweaks, but I actively hated my time with it despite looking forward to it initially.
StereoVsn
Member
Man, I completely forgot about that game. It does look quite interesting. They also have a very good post-mortem on gamasutra.
http://steamcommunity.com/games/368080/announcements/detail/599374259680168494
Reading the discussions, it looks like the translations issues at least got fixed, probably some other bugs too, but boards are a bit dead (there are some French threads) on steam. It's too bad they didn't get enough funding out of either Kickstarter or Steam sales to get a port to the PS4 going as I think this game could have proved successful on the console.
Anyway, it looks interesting, the effort from the team seems tremendous to get it launched in Cameron of all places, and it's a price of mediocre lunch, so why the hell not.
abracadaver
Member
BlazeRush is 2,49 (-75℅
It's the best Micro Machines like game on Steam. Forget Toyboy Turbos, BlazeRush is so much better. Awesome fun in local and online multiplayer. Lots of tracks. Lenghty campaign.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/302710/
thelatestmodel
Junior, please.
Just noticed that Gunhound EX is 80% off (£2.19 or $3.39 CAD).
Nice conversion of the PSP shooter (or was the PSP one converted from PC? I can't remember), if you like titles such as Assault Suits Valken this is a must-have.
Moral Panic
Member
Can someone recommend a non-rogue-like combat focused game. Last sale I picked up Momodora which was incredible. I also like Hyper Light Drifter, Transistor, Bastion, Dark Souls, Dragons Dogma, if that helps you better understand the genre I am referring to. Basically anything with non-turn based melee-ish combat and a story. Thanks.
For board games, an adaptation of Twilight Struggle came out recently. It's an incredibly well designed strategy game. It might look pretty hard to get into, but it's actually not that complicated. The core game mechanic is that you can draw cards belonging to your opponent, and playing those cards will basically count as if your opponent played them. Since you must play almost every card in your hand, this means that you are constantly balancing between gaining an advantage and completely screwing yourself over. It's great fun, even if you're not into strategy wargames. The single player mode is rather basic though, so it helps to have other people to play with.
As far as top down combat focused games go, the Ys series is the obvious choice here. The gameplay is just superb. Not much of a story though. Start with either Ys: The Oath in Felghana or Ys Origin.
If you already have those, you might also consider checking out some classics, such as Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition. I've also had fun with Killer is Dead. It's pretty basic, but it's also really cheap right now.
Has anyone tried Resin?
Apparently, it's a metroidvania with an interesting gameplay twist (you become less and less powerful as you progresses through the game - which reminds me of Risk of Rain a little bit), and I'm almost sure it would be a good gift for a friend of mine.
So I'm asking you, GAF: any opinion?
As for hidden gems recommendations, I see that Helacious already made a post about Odallus. Everything he/she says is true: it's an under appreciated classic Clastlevania-like game with pretty nice visuals, really cool bosses, tons of secrets, and it's absolutely Berserk. As. Fuck.
One of my favorite indie games this year (even though it was released in 2015).
Apparently, it's a metroidvania with an interesting gameplay twist (you become less and less powerful as you progresses through the game - which reminds me of Risk of Rain a little bit), and I'm almost sure it would be a good gift for a friend of mine.
So I'm asking you, GAF: any opinion?
As for hidden gems recommendations, I see that Helacious already made a post about Odallus. Everything he/she says is true: it's an under appreciated classic Clastlevania-like game with pretty nice visuals, really cool bosses, tons of secrets, and it's absolutely Berserk. As. Fuck.
One of my favorite indie games this year (even though it was released in 2015).
Large Professor
Member
Here are a few cheap sidescrollers I've got an eye on. Has anyone played them?
Great game, but extremely hard and unforgiving.
Crab Milk Mickey
Member
FURI, although it's not in the same genre as the aforementioned. It's a boss rush game that's akin to a modern, abstract take on PunchOut.
Other than the artstyle which sometimes looks a bit weak imo, I second that. Solid gameplay, engaging adventure and overall quite souls-like.
In a more arcadey genre, did the re-release of Slain fix the major issues the game had the first time around? It looks gorgeous and the gameplay seems interesting, with a lot of combats and parries.
Rainbow Six: Siege
Have it on uplay thanks tho
More_Badass
Member
Still in Early Access and no story, but Examima
Edit: nvm, not on sale
You might enjoy Hand of Fate, and Victor Vran
http://store.steampowered.com/app/266510
http://store.steampowered.com/app/345180
Get the Ys games and/or Xanadu Next.
Wok
Member
TerminalDogma
Member
Oooooh this looks amazing, whishlisted.
A few more days from now is exactly one year since the Umihara Kawase games were delisted from Steam due to the publisher Agatsuma going out of business.
http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?t=1164273
It took a few months until they reappeared again thanks to Degica Games taking on the publishing duties for those games.
So, once more.
Sayonara Umihara Kawase - is 60% off so it costs $6
http://store.steampowered.com/app/378750/
It is a physics-based puzzle-platformer which is all gameplay, no story. There are 60 stages in total in which the game can become a very steep learning curve for you to learn techniques and on how to find a solution to a stage.
That is why I provide a Physics Guide linked here: http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?t=1298029
so that it can help people to finish the game so that they may want to try previous entries in the game hence:
http://store.steampowered.com/sub/85452/
There is a Trilogy of the series available to buy on Steam. It is 60% off so it costs $12
This comes with the original Umihara Kawase which released on SNES, Umihara Kawase Shun: Steam Edition which is based off the PlayStation game and then Sayonara Umihara Kawase if you hadn't already bought that.
You have the option of buying all 3 games separately if you happened to already own one of them.
http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?t=1164273
It took a few months until they reappeared again thanks to Degica Games taking on the publishing duties for those games.
So, once more.
Sayonara Umihara Kawase - is 60% off so it costs $6
http://store.steampowered.com/app/378750/
It is a physics-based puzzle-platformer which is all gameplay, no story. There are 60 stages in total in which the game can become a very steep learning curve for you to learn techniques and on how to find a solution to a stage.
That is why I provide a Physics Guide linked here: http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?t=1298029
so that it can help people to finish the game so that they may want to try previous entries in the game hence:
http://store.steampowered.com/sub/85452/
There is a Trilogy of the series available to buy on Steam. It is 60% off so it costs $12
This comes with the original Umihara Kawase which released on SNES, Umihara Kawase Shun: Steam Edition which is based off the PlayStation game and then Sayonara Umihara Kawase if you hadn't already bought that.
You have the option of buying all 3 games separately if you happened to already own one of them.
ElectricKaibutsu
Member
I don't know why, but this review convinced me to get the game.I just finished Toren earlier today as my 52nd game. Its kinda shit. I kinda loved it.
The graphics arent very good but I really like how it looks artistically. It plays like shit but I like the ideas they have. The story is abstract incoherent gibberish, but its the japanese style of incoherent gibberish, it has heart. Its like its trying to emulate those weird japanese games, and kinda suceeding? So yeah, I was into it. But its kinda bad
I recomend it :3
These still apply from a past thread. Some under the radar shmups + 2 more that came out since:
Battle Crust
Very old school style traditional shooter (think late 80's early 90's). Vertical R-Type is a good description. On the easy side for a vet, but a good game for beginners/more casual shmup people to check out. Superb FM soundtrack by Hyakutaro Tsukumo (Thunder Force V/Gunhound EX composer).
Zeno Archives
These two games are more in the bullet hell style sorta, but have some traditional shooter flare. They remind me most of late Toaplan/early Cave works. ZenoHell was released a while back and Zenodyne R is the more recent. Zenodyne R in particular has an also great Genesis/Megadrive style FM soundtrack.
Space Moth DX
This is a straight up Bullet Hell style game. It's basically a poor man's Mushihimesama but is pretty decent for what it is. Has a nice ambient soundtrack.
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
An interesting game with an ascetic that feels like a combination of Dodonpachi and Cho Ren Sha 68k. Bullet Hell mostly, but somewhat more classic and less intimidating (at least at first) with a rank system that adjusts according to your performance. Lots of unlockables and different paths, endings. Also has an FM soundtrack which is pretty funky and great. (Edit: Not on sale for some reason. I'll keep it here anyway since it's worth looking at and not too pricey regardless.)
Blue Revolver
Another straight up Bullet Hell, but a bit of more traditional twist in that you can choose a special side weapon in addition to your spam shot and bomb. Also has a rank system and a challenge mode.
Battle Crust
Very old school style traditional shooter (think late 80's early 90's). Vertical R-Type is a good description. On the easy side for a vet, but a good game for beginners/more casual shmup people to check out. Superb FM soundtrack by Hyakutaro Tsukumo (Thunder Force V/Gunhound EX composer).
Zeno Archives
These two games are more in the bullet hell style sorta, but have some traditional shooter flare. They remind me most of late Toaplan/early Cave works. ZenoHell was released a while back and Zenodyne R is the more recent. Zenodyne R in particular has an also great Genesis/Megadrive style FM soundtrack.
Space Moth DX
This is a straight up Bullet Hell style game. It's basically a poor man's Mushihimesama but is pretty decent for what it is. Has a nice ambient soundtrack.
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
An interesting game with an ascetic that feels like a combination of Dodonpachi and Cho Ren Sha 68k. Bullet Hell mostly, but somewhat more classic and less intimidating (at least at first) with a rank system that adjusts according to your performance. Lots of unlockables and different paths, endings. Also has an FM soundtrack which is pretty funky and great. (Edit: Not on sale for some reason. I'll keep it here anyway since it's worth looking at and not too pricey regardless.)
Blue Revolver
Another straight up Bullet Hell, but a bit of more traditional twist in that you can choose a special side weapon in addition to your spam shot and bomb. Also has a rank system and a challenge mode.
Any of these 21x9? Just curious.
More_Badass
Member
My favorite roguelike platformer post-Spelunky, Catacomb Kids, is $12.79/20% off and just got a major update that added a new region, new weapon types, and new NPCs that you ally with (or fight as a relentless enemies)
Made a thread about the game last year
Made a thread about the game last year
Glass Shark
Banned
I've been in the mood for a solid arcade racer. Anything under-the-radar that I should know about?
Vic_Viper
Member
Looking for a great Stealth game? Love games like Metal Gear, Assassins Creed, Dishonored, and Deus Ex? Want something new and is under $10? Then this game is for you!
Styx: Master of Shadows
Awesome Indie Stealth game made by Ex Assassin's Creed devs. Its an Infiltration game with RPG elements where you play as a Goblin trying to sneak his way through amazing environments with limitless options. The traversal alone was a huge reason why I love this game so much. This isnt a combat focused game though, you will die if you try to go into open combat. But you can assassinate targets if you get the drop on them. This game was free on PS+ about a year or two ago but the Steam version is much better as they updated the gameplay, mainly the grappling while climbing, that the PS4 version didnt get.
Highly recommend you check this one out if you havent already. Its only $7.49 on Steam atm and theres a sequel coming early next year!
http://store.steampowered.com/app/242640/
GiantBomb Quicklook of the beginning of the game. Gets much much better though after this part of the game so dont judge it based on this video alone!
http://www.giantbomb.com/videos/quick-look-styx-master-of-shadows/2300-9549/
Styx: Master of Shadows
Awesome Indie Stealth game made by Ex Assassin's Creed devs. Its an Infiltration game with RPG elements where you play as a Goblin trying to sneak his way through amazing environments with limitless options. The traversal alone was a huge reason why I love this game so much. This isnt a combat focused game though, you will die if you try to go into open combat. But you can assassinate targets if you get the drop on them. This game was free on PS+ about a year or two ago but the Steam version is much better as they updated the gameplay, mainly the grappling while climbing, that the PS4 version didnt get.
Highly recommend you check this one out if you havent already. Its only $7.49 on Steam atm and theres a sequel coming early next year!
http://store.steampowered.com/app/242640/
GiantBomb Quicklook of the beginning of the game. Gets much much better though after this part of the game so dont judge it based on this video alone!
http://www.giantbomb.com/videos/quick-look-styx-master-of-shadows/2300-9549/
I've been keeping an eye on this one for months, but damn if this post doesn't make me want to pull the trigger.
I would add Dex to that list.
Haunted
Member
Just to add, Master Spy has an incredible soundtrack.Here are a few cheap sidescrollers I've got an eye on. Has anyone played them?
Thank you!
Already have Deus Ex and Dishonored and been looking foward to play Soma. Gonna check the others! Thanks again!
Vic_Viper
Member
Seriously recommend any of the Deus Ex games. Especially Human Revolution and Mankind Divided.
Aside from those 2 some other great Cyberpunk/Steampunk games:
Invisible Inc.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing (Diablo like)
SOMA
and one of my personal favorites:
Satellite Reign (XCOM like)