Steam Summer Picnic Sale

[Ganyu]

Refreshing Deals Last Until July 4th, 10 AM PDT

So it's that time of the year, where gamers feel the heat, literally, in their wallets and pockets, as they start to stock up their Steam libraries with titles that have been hacked-n-slashed to hot, sexy and attractive prices.

So what have you summertime hermits been burning away your green on? ;D

[Suicune's Fire]

The way you described that. XD Personally I haven't really seen anything I want yet, but I do have a few on my wishlist that have been reduced in price. But I'm that gal who has bought so many games in the past and never got around to playing half of them. If Rise of the Tomb Raider gets cheaper (because I'm a stinge bucket) I'll grab that, and maybe a few others. c:

[Neo Emolga]

Here's what I've brought so far:

Outlast ($4.99)

NEO EMOLGA'S RATING

IFFY

Outlast seems to be one of those survival horror games, and the graphics seem pretty good, but I'm not too crazy about the gameplay. There's really not too much to the game besides running, hiding, and hoping the spot you decided to hide in doesn't get searched (I guess that's where the fear and tension is supposed to come from). Throw in a few jumpscares and that's kind of what you get. Some people might like it, but I wasn't too crazy about it and I've seen better stuff. I'd say go with a Resident Evil game, a Dead Island game, or State of Decay. I think any of those will feel like it offers much more and you'll still get your fill of survival horror.

I think this game could have been a lot better with at least some kind of combat mechanic or at least something more than just flailing about helplessly. It definitely feels like something's missing and I think it could have been better. To be honest, there's much better stuff to spend your $4.99 on and I have heaps of alternate recommendations if you're looking for something in this area.

This War of Mine ($4.99)

NEO EMOLGA'S RATING

VERY GOOD, BUT TOUGH!

I like this game a lot (I've already put eight hours into it), but it's not easy. This is a survival and resource management game where you're in an urban warzone, but you're not a soldier, you're simply a civilian just trying to survive. You start with a team of three and you've got to collect food, materials, and weapons to survive and make the best use of them as possible. Along the way, you've got to make a LOT of tough choices. Do you steal? Do you sacrifice your goods to help others, or do you keep them to yourself? Do you try to scavenge at the dangerous locations to get a better share of materials, or do you play it safe but risk not getting what you really need? You've got to make the call yourself. Sometimes you may not have enough food to feed everyone, and sometimes you've got to decide if someone trying to join your party will be of great help, or you will have to turn them down for being another mouth to feed.

The graphics are pretty good, the soundtrack is excellent, and there's a lot of customizable ways to play the game. If the game seems too hard, there's a "Write My Own Story" option where you can tone down the pressure. You can also select from a wide variety of character stories or just randomize it. I think the only thing the game seems to be missing is a tutorial mode. It's relatively easy to pick up and figure out how things work, but you may need to make your first play through a "practice run." Also, VERY IMPORTANT: To run, double click on the spot you want your character to run to. I lost a dude at Sniper Junction simply because I didn't think characters could run in this. XP

Overall, I can definitely recommend this game, it is totally worth the $4.99. Good luck!

South Park: The Stick of Truth ($7.49)

NEO EMOLGA'S RATING

VERY GOOD AND FUNNY!

If you like South Park and you like RPGs, you're in for a treat. This game looks and feels exactly like a typical episode of South Park and the turn-based combat system is actually pretty good and well-made. It also makes great use of South Park's crude humor. There is some blood and violence, but if you watch South Park, you're already aware of what to expect. I've been enjoying this game a lot lately. There's four different classes to choose from (I went with thief, as always XD), and there's plenty of replay value as you can choose another class to start with, customize your character in a ton of ways, and there's a lot of secret stuff to look for. The main quest line is pretty good, but there's also a bunch of fun sub-quests to go for.

Overall, the game feels very well-made, feels totally like South Park, and is just a lot of fun and laughs.

[Ganyu]

My Cart (Lacking Hot Wheels)

1. Aquaria

It really looked and reminded me of Dust: An Elysian Tail, from the visual art style as well as the storyline. The game mechanics seemed pretty cool and the world itself, amazingly surreal. Not to mention, an overall decent score, just judging by the trailers. Plus, I really need something cool for the summer.~

2. Don't Starve Together

Obsessed lately with this game, especially because I've been playing it with friends from all over the globe. It's cute and dark and so simplistic and easy, yet difficult and intricate at the same time. I'd consider buying the solo story version in future but right now, the co-operative copy is still brilliant (and works just as well as a solo game mode). Who needs an outdoor adventure when I can do so, in the summer, from the comforts of my e-cabin? xD

3. Ghost 1.0

I was in huge need of a metroidvania and this Ghost in the Shell concept instantly magnetised me.