Half-Life: Blue Shift
As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I find myself constantly drawn to games that challenge me and offer unique experiences. However, sometimes these games can get lost in the shuffle due to their niche appeal or intimidating gameplay mechanics.
“Half-Life: Blue Shift” was an expansion pack for the original “Half-Life,” offering a single-player campaign where you play as a security officer. While it introduced new equipment and featured Barney, a security officer character, its gameplay and continuous storyline were similar to the original game. Many Steam users own all “Half-Life” expansions due to frequent sales, but fewer have actually played less known titles like “Blue Shift” and its predecessor “Opposing Force.”
Frostpunk
Frostpunk, unlike typical city builders, presents a unique challenge: you’re tasked with managing a society struggling amidst an unrelenting volcanic winter. Despite the game’s grim tone and challenging gameplay, its innovative premise and positive reviews from popular streamers have led to over 3 million copies sold in the last quarter. However, due to its dark atmosphere and tough gameplay, it wouldn’t be unexpected if Frostpunk sits unused in numerous digital libraries, even with word-of-mouth and recent sales encouraging players to purchase it. A recent Steam summer sale has certainly boosted sales, especially considering the appealing $3 price tag during that period.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
It’s rare to find a game as frequently discounted as “Deus Ex: Human Revolution”. Despite boasting numerous impressive elements that built upon the original “Deus Ex”, such as detailed dialogue trees and an intricate augmentation system, “Human Revolution” didn’t perform well in sales. Usually, you can purchase it for just $2 during sales, making it a great deal if you’re seeking a stealth-heavy RPG set within a cyberpunk storyline filled with conspiracy. The only hurdle to experiencing this game is perhaps its age and the popularity of more recent titles like “Cyberpunk 2077”, which may be diverting people from revisiting this outstanding title.
Duck Tails Remastered
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, there were numerous licensed video games, but the original “Duck Tales” on the NES stood out as one of the best. The studio famous for creating the “Shantae” series, WayForward, recognized the potential in “Duck Tales” and created a complete remake of it in 2013, titled “Duck Tales Remastered.” This game garnered positive reviews and consistent sales on Steam even years after its release. Due to its distinctive branding, many gamers ended up purchasing it at some point, but how many actually played it? Despite the platforming genre remaining popular in 2024, a remastered or remade game from 1988 isn’t typically high on most gamers’ to-play lists.
Mad Max
2015’s “Mad Max” game stands as a testament to the power of audience acclaim over critical consensus. For me, personally, it’s one of those rare instances where the joy of exploring an open world filled with intense vehicular combat is unparalleled. The characters in this game are brought to life by some of the best voice talent in the industry.
Murdered: Soul Suspect
As a die-hard fan, the allure of “Murdered: Soul Suspect” hits me instantly! I become a spectral detective haunting the quaint town of Salem, seeking out the enigmatic ‘Bell Killer’. The gameplay is thoughtful and immersive as I sift through clues scattered around this eerie little burg. Unfortunately, for some players, the charm faded with time due to criticism about its tricky controls and brief runtime. Yet, with prices dropping to just a buck, this ghostly detective mystery becomes an irresistible bargain. With our gaming backlogs gradually dwindling, we eagerly await the chance to dive into this intriguing 4-hour adventure!
Silent Hill 4: The Room
In 2004, Silent Hill 4 seemed like an unusual addition to the series, sparking much debate at its release, with whispers suggesting that it wasn’t initially planned as a Silent Hill game until halfway through development. Despite minor issues such as having only one save point and deviating from classic puzzles, the game performed well commercially and critically due to its chilling horror ambiance and confined apartment environment. However, the perception of it being a departure from the series lingers, and many fans own the game without ever finishing or even starting it.
Sekiro Shadows Die Twice
In simple terms, Sekiro was awarded Game of the Year (GOTY) at the 2019 Game Awards and received numerous other honors. It’s also worth noting that Sekiro is widely considered one of the most challenging games developed by FromSoftware, a feat in itself. The gameplay primarily revolves around parries and sword combat without a shield, which restricts character development in unique ways, pushing players to improve their skills to conquer its tough levels. Unlike some games, Sekiro can’t be easily beaten with shortcuts or exploits (cheesing). It’s interesting to know that only 27% of players who started Sekiro have managed to defeat the final boss, making it one of the least completed FromSoftware games after Bloodborne. Due to its demanding nature and less-forgiving approach, many players leave Sekiro in their game library until they feel ready to tackle it. This is quite different from the more welcoming atmosphere found in Elden Ring.
Prey 2017
The 2017 remake of “Prey” has become a beloved cult favorite, significantly contributing to the advancement of immersive simulation games. Unlike titles such as “Dishonored” or “Deathloop,” it focuses on intricate, evolving gameplay and an environment that adapts as you explore it. Due to its growing reputation as a cult classic, many players are keen to experience it, especially since it’s often on sale or discounted. However, committing the necessary 30 GB of storage space and potentially dozens of hours to fully grasp its emergent systems can be quite a challenge.
Control
Remedy has experienced a surge in popularity following the success of Alan Wake 2, which in turn has boosted the visibility of their previous game, Control. Although Control was successful when it initially launched, its popularity has increased somewhat due to the release of the Alan Wake sequel. Many players have likely revisited Control during recent discount periods. Despite not being a direct part of either Remedy’s Max Payne or Alan Wake series, or perhaps due to its unique premise that combines live-action scenes, it’s possible that Control isn’t played as extensively as it merits.
Rise of the Ronin
It’s clear that, despite its acclaim from both critics and players, Rise of the Ronin may find itself overlooked amidst the flurry of big-name game releases due to its challenging, stance-based swordplay and expansive open world. Some gamers might choose to postpone playing it until they’re in the mood for an immersive samurai experience reminiscent of games like Nioh, Sekiro, or Ghost of Tsushima.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium, an isometric RPG, isn’t for everyone because of its complex dialogue options, flexible skill system heavily focused on player choice, and dark, mature themes. Despite being compared favorably to classic games like Fallout, the game’s tone may prove challenging for some players as it maintains a consistently grim atmosphere with civilian oppression as a recurring theme. Although it has been successful and popular over the years, newcomers might find it hard to get into due to its heavy, somber tone.
XCOM 2
In the sequel known as XCOM 2, the tactical turn-based gameplay from the original is amplified. There are additional scenarios, enhanced class abilities, and significantly improved mod support compared to the first installment. However, this game’s design also includes challenging aspects such as a demanding timer that adds pressure during combat sequences. Often lauded for its extensive mod support and affordable pricing, XCOM 2 is frequently hailed as the premier contemporary turn-based strategy game. Yet, it’s also a complex game with steep difficulty peaks, which means many gamers have yet to fully explore it due to its depth.
For Honor
In the gaming world, not many top-tier games occupy the distinctive niche that For Honor does. This game, featuring medieval sword duelers, has cultivated a devoted fanbase, but what’s remarkable is that For Honor stands out as a high-quality, triple-A title with robust multiplayer servers, and it’s managed to thrive even with yearly updates. Given its unique concept, it’s drawn a diverse group of gamers to give it a try. However, there are also many who have purchased it through sales or impulse buys.
Subnautica
In simpler terms, the game titled “Subnautica” offers an exceptional survival and crafting experience set in the eerie depths of the ocean. Although the crafting genre has grown significantly, this game stands out with a more specialized audience due to its absence of multiplayer options. Exploring for minerals in the ocean abyss can feel incredibly lonely, especially when combined with the terrifying creatures that constantly threaten your actions. On multiple occasions, “Subnautica” has been given away for free on PlayStation and often comes at a reduced price, making it accessible to many gamers. Hopefully, the single-player format and horror elements won’t deter too many players because “Subnautica” is one of the top games in its genre.
Please take note that the opinions shared within this article belong solely to the writer. They do not reflect the collective viewpoint or endorsement by GamingBolt as a whole.
Read More
- JASMY PREDICTION. JASMY cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- Top gainers and losers
- LUNA PREDICTION. LUNA cryptocurrency
- BOO PREDICTION. BOO cryptocurrency
- GOAL PREDICTION. GOAL cryptocurrency
- MONG PREDICTION. MONG cryptocurrency
- CTC PREDICTION. CTC cryptocurrency
- DUEL PREDICTION. DUEL cryptocurrency
- ELK PREDICTION. ELK cryptocurrency
2024-08-14 18:12