Steam Summer Sale 2016: Hidden Gems & Deals

You know what, I'ma post 5 games every hour or so that I think you should buy and have MY, as in everyone's fav. Dinoman, seal of approval.
I'll update the post later in case I forgot to post some stuff :X

80 Days

Currently going for USD 6.69
One of the most popular games released on Mobile platforms, 80 Days is an Adventure game based on 'Around the world in 80 days'. Taking place in a fictional alternate history with steamwork engineering, you choose Fog and Paspartou's actions throughout their travels across the globe. Each action consumes the timer, and there are multiple choices to make which will affect the events occuring during the duo's journey. There's a lot of replayability to be had for sure with this title, and if you are a fan of Adventure games or the 'Create your own adventure' genre, you should def. get this game.

Adventures of Pip

Currently going for USD 3.74
A 2D platformer that uses simple concepts and ideas, and each stage is designed with a focus on platforming. It may not be that great visually but I found the platforming really nice and the game's stages aren't very long, as such you could play through the game in short sessions by completing a few stages each playthrough.

Age of Empires II

Calling this a hidden gem would be absurd, but there may still be people who haven't experienced this game yet. Even if you're not a fan of the RTS genre, it's still a nice game to fire up from time to time as the visuals have a nice charm to them and the music is relaxing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uUHZFta0RM
It's successor titles such as Age of Mythology and Rise of Nations are also equally recommended.

Armed & Dangerous

Currently going for USD 1.49
It has a Shark Gun, what other reason do you need to buy this shooter?

Gunhound EX

On sale for USD 2.99
If you like Contra, Metal Slug, the Assault Suit series, or any of those ye olde 2d mech action shooting games, then you're going to enjoy this game as well. Originally released on the PSP in Japan, it is a 2D shooting action game where you control a mech and battle enemies. The game isn't very long but it's fun if you enjoy classic 2D style shooters. There are unlockable equipment gained by completing the game a few times, and it has an interesting health system.
 
There are many great deals in this sale but this one is THE hidden gem to buy IMO:


Legend of Grimrock I & II are basically a perfected revisiting of the grid based dungeon crawler formula. The stories are loosely tied together (with the second being basically a prequel to the first). These games will net you around 40-50 hours of solid fun combined. I recommend them very heartily.
 
Aviary Attorney

Currently going for USD 12.74
This is an Adventure game in similar vein to the Ace Attorney/Gyakuten Saiban series, except the entire characters and visual design is based off J.J. Grandville's work, and taking place in 18th century France. The game is short, but the chapters have a few multiple endings that affect the dialog & events of later chapters. Simply put if you are looking for a simple adventure game with good humor, this is def. the game you're looking for, and I urge you to give the game a chance
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Batman Arkham Asylum & Arkham City
I know it's odd to recommend these titles what with them being discounted at least once every month, but the games, from a gameplay standpoint, still hold up well IMO and are worth checking out if you like Metroidvania-style games (Asylum) for one thing. City has the usual modern gaming open world elements, but the core combat system is improved and I found the overall mechanics more polished than in Asylum, as well as having some good boss fights.

Binary Domain

Currently going for USD 3.99
If you like 3rd person shooters def. give this game a play, although be advised that the game works better with a controller. I did a quick write up of it in here if you want some more info on the game:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1161377

Runner2: FLoRA


Runner2 is the latest 2D platformer in the Bit.Trip series. I personally found it a fun game and I had a blast playing through it. The main challenge comes in attempting to get the highest score possible, although you could play it til completion on a single difficulty and that would be enough.

The Blackwell series

You can get the entire series for around USD 10
The Blackwell series are Point n' Click Adventure games from Wadjey Eye and are among the best PnC games you could play. Consisting of 5 games, they follow the adventures of Rosa and Joey who help out ghosts pass onto the afterlife, an act which is easier said than done, as the duo need to convince these spirits that they ARE dead and accept it before they can leave the mortal world.
The games are quite simple, but the writing and characters are quite good, and the graphics are fine for what they are.
 

Rayman: Origins
If you at all like platformers or co-op gameplay you owe it to yourself to buy this. The sequel is better in every way but at this price not buying this would be criminal.
 
Probably not going to buy anything during this sale to be honest. Most games on my wishlist are only 20% off and none of them are really must-buys at the moment. I miss the daily deals, it was really exciting to check out the new deals every time the store updated. Oh well. :(
 
Broken Age

Currently available for USD 4.99
The overall impressions on this PnC game are divisive, but I find it to be a fine adventure game with great art, good humor and characters. If you like PnC Adventure games then I strongly recommend giving this game a chance.

Broken Sword 1 and 2

Cheapest is to get the 3 games bundle for USD 3.99
While GOG.com has the original BS1, the releases available on Steam are good enough. The first 2 BS games are widely regarded as the best in the genre, filled with great characters, humor and puzzles, and are a good starting point for anyone who would like to get into the PnC genre. There is also a goat in the game that you won't soon forget.

Brothers: A tale of two sons

Currently available for USD 1.49
This is a simple adventure game that can be played with controllers or keyboard. There's no major challenge or puzzles to overcome though, but it can still be a game that players of all skills levels and ages can play.

Brutal Legend

Currently available for USD 1.49
An Action & RTS hybrid filled to the brim with HEAVY METAL, and Jack Black as the protagonist. Even if you dislike RTS, you can just set the difficulty to easy and just play through it for Heavy Metal inspired game that it is.

Castle of Illusion HD

Currently going for USD 3.74
A remake of the SEGA classic starring Mickey Mouse. It is a simple 2D+3D platformer with nice visuals, simple gameplay and a wonderful soundtrack. Also Sully from the Uncharted series is the narrator (whom you can disable, but why would you want that?
 
I plan to add a few more recommendations when I'm home, and can browse over my library with ease, but I'm just going to start off with this one.

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Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut - $2.99 - £2.19 (80% off)

I just recently picked this game out of my backlog, so being only a few hours into the game, and not being too familiar with the series, I'm not really the most qualified to talk about it. I already love this game though, the world and writing are top notch, the story does a good job of sucking you into the game, the combat is really neat, and I'm just dying to get stuck in and play more.

I don't really play a lot of tactical rpgs, with a few exceptions like Valkyrie Chronicles, Front Mission 3, X-Com, and a few others, but I think this game will have me trying more of the genre out when I'm finished, including Shadowrun Hong Kong, which I think I'll be grabbing from this sale.

Hopefully people who're more articulative and familiar with the franchise than I can step in and do a better job selling it.
 
Castlevania Lords of Shadow

Currently going for USD 7.49, cheapest so far
A God of War-like game bearing the Castlevania name, while higher difficulties could prove a challenge, it's a decent game for what it is. Gabriel's attacks have nice weight to them when they connect. While this game is nothing like its predecessors, it can scratch that God of War (3D action beat'em-up) itch.

Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller

Currently going for USD 2.99
This may not be the most visually pleasing Adventure game, but it has a good story and voice acting.

Contradiction

SteamGAF's #10 GotY 2015 title. This FMV Adventure game follows Detective Inspector Jenks, aka the man with many reaction faces, as he investigates a murder in a rural British town. The acting and characters are good, but Jenks steals the show with his vigorous performance.
As the game isn't discounted ATM, it is worth wishlisting at least.

Costume Quest 1+2

Both games can be had for USD 1.99
A turn based jRPG-style game with a Halloween theme. It's short with lots of charm and good humor, making it accessable to players of all ages.

Critter Crunch

Currently available for USD 1.04
Capybara's earliest game is an arcade-style puzzle game where you clear rows to earn score. It features' Capy's trademark fluid and colorful animations, and is a must for any fans of Puzzle games ala Bust a move.
 
+1 D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die
+1 The Old City: Leviathan (one of my favorite "walking simulator" ever, awesome settings)
+1 The Stanley Parable
+1 Cladun X2 (loved this on PSP)

I'd like to add "Lovely Weather We're Having", not really a game, more like a dreamy, weird small town exploration game with interesting visuals
-88%
0,95€
http://store.steampowered.com/app/404150
 
Does Subnautica have a proper story? It looks interesting but without a story I'll probably get bored of it after two or three hours.
 
Darksiders
The first Darksiders game was described as being Legend of Zelda-like, or better put, an Action Adventure game. It features character designs by Joe Mad, a famous comic book artist from the 90s, and Liam O'brien as the voice of War, the game's protagonist. While the combat may remind players of God of War, it also features a few light puzzles and exploration, and it ties it all together in a decent structure.
All in all if you're looking for a good Action game DS1 is def. worth checking out

Darksiders 2
DS2 is a divisive game; while the combat is improved, the entire game structure has Death going through fetch quests. The Adventure elements from the first game are still here but the game tosses an RPG loot system into the mix. While it has its flaws, such as various stages/dungeons being longer than they have any right to be, the platforming & puzzle elements are there, and the improved combat system is fun to dabble in. The soundtrack has some nice tracks as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXZmurKkDuc


Both games are available in a bundle for USD 7.99

Deadpool

Currently going for USD 19.99, but could go cheaper in the future
Deadpool is a character action game from High Moon Studios, one of the last games they developed before being regulated to making Call of Duty maps. The combat system is fine, but the main highlight is of course Deadpool's humorous quips. This is a game that's for Deadpool fans, and even if you've never read the comics or watched the movie, it's a decent action game to play through. It should be noted that Hard is hella hard and unfair, and best approached after maxing out all upgrades.

Mushihime-sama & Deathsmiles
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Mushihime-sama is USD 12.49 & Deathsmiles is USD 13.99 this sale
Let me start off by saying that I don't like Bullet Hell games. Luckily Mushihime-sama (pronounced Moo-she-he-may-sah-mah) has an easy mode which cuts down on the number of enemy bullets on screen making it closer to older traditional Shoot'em-ups. It is based on this that I recommend it and Deathsmiles. Both are solid Shoot'em-ups from Cave and Deathsmiles has some of the most batshit awesome bosses ever
D7958B654AFFDE1D85A786B2CE691C3F74F50D50
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The final boss in Deathsmiles is
Demonic Imperator Tyrannosatan
. I am NOT kidding.

XIIZEAL & DELTAZEAL

Both games can be had together for USD 9.99
Published by Degica these are 2 traditional shmups. While I'm not that expert a shmup player, I've found them enjoyable and their soundtrack is quite nice. Really you can't go wrong with more shmups in your life.

Devil May Cry 4 SE

Currently available for USD 14.99
This updated ver. of DMC4 features 3 additional playable characters and is overall a good port. Get Motivated~
 
HAH I bought "VA-11 Hall-A" and now my discovery queue is chock full of visual novels. It's a great game, but I do find it funny that there has been like 10 visual novels in row in the discovery queue.

Now that initial rush is gone and Steam seems to work, I can start looking into what things on my wishlist are on sale.
 
Firebrand said:
Reviews seems to complain about some recent update introducing a new terrible UI? Otherwise I might bite on some tables for this.
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Yeah, it went from a garbage UI to an arguably more garbage UI (after being promised a new UI for over a year at least, maybe two, I lost count).

The pinball itself is good if you like the idea of playing the real tables. It's free to download and try anyway.
 
haikira said:
I plan to add a few more recommendations when I'm home, and can browse over my library with ease, but I'm just going to start off with this one.

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Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut - $2.99 - £2.19 (80% off)

I just recently picked this game out of my backlog, so being only a few hours into the game, and not being too familiar with the series, I'm not really the most qualified to talk about it. I already love this game though, the world and writing are top notch, the story does a good job of sucking you into the game, the combat is really neat, and I'm just dying to get stuck in and play more.

I don't really play a lot of tactical rpgs, with a few exceptions like Valkyrie Chronicles, Front Mission 3, X-Com, and a few others, but I think this game will have me trying more of the genre out when I'm finished, including Shadowrun Hong Kong, which I think I'll be grabbing from this sale.

Hopefully people who're more articulative and familiar with the franchise than I can step in and do a better job selling it.
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Needs the base game I believe? Is it worth playing through the base game or just go straight into this?
 
Tizoc said:
Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller

Currently going for USD 2.99
This may not be the most visually pleasing Adventure game, but it has a good story and voice acting.

Contradiction

SteamGAF's #10 GotY 2015 title. This FMV Adventure game follows Detective Inspector Jenks, aka the man with many reaction faces, as he investigates a murder in a rural British town. The acting and characters are good, but Jenks steals the show with his vigorous performance.
As the game isn't discounted ATM, it is worth wishlisting at least.
Click to expand...

Wishlisted in hopes of a discount.

Cheers :)

Contradiction wishlisted.
 
zazrx said:
Needs the base game I believe? Is it worth playing through the base game or just go straight into this?
Click to expand...

It doesn't require the base game. Returns isn't a bad game but it felt pretty archaic the moment I played an hour or two of Dragonfall. I wouldn't tell someone not to play it, but I'd definitely say play it before you play the rest as it would be really hard to go back. The stories themselves are almost entirely standalone.
 
Here are some of the games I can currently afford. I was going to go for NBA2K16 as well but I am on a limited data plan. (Igonore MGS V as it does not meet OP's criteria, I am simply just a fan).

Thank you everyone for your awesome posts.

KOm7XO1.png
 
This is truly a Hidden Gem

Dark Scavenger
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Dark Scavenger is a bizarre point-and-click RPG adventure with a focus on exploration, gaining loot, and meaningful choices. Filling the role of a powerful space traveler, you find yourself stranded on a mysterious alien planet. Will you save the world or just yourself?

It is hilarious!! And only 1$.
 
zazrx said:
Needs the base game I believe? Is it worth playing through the base game or just go straight into this?
Click to expand...
No base game needed. The Director's Cut is the standalone release. Brilliant game.

Returns is ok, but clearly an inferior game. Play Returns first if you have any interest.
 
I'd like to also recommend Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition.

If you don't own this game by this point,
oZQXr.gif


This game took the gaming world by storm, standing up amongst its action-adventure peers who had gravitated so far toward handholding that we were sure "Nintendo Hard" was a thing of the past.

If its cultural significance isn't enough to sell you on this game, or you're not sure you need to experience this game to have a better understanding of modern gaming, look to the countless user experiences that detail the overwhelming sense of accomplishment you get when you defeat a boss, or get through a tough segment. Very few games impart this.

For those who avoided it due to its reputation of being "too hard", know that every player started off completely crap at the game, and with some moderate patience, quickly mastered it. There's a learning curve, but a few hours in, I guarantee to you that it will 'click'. The game is fair (with a few aggravating sections), and any mistake you make is purely your own - which is good, because it means that with a little practice and a few attempts, you WILL succeed. You will be part of the Souls community, which is always available for you to summon into your game if you need additional help. (this is the "easy mode", since enemies have a hard time handling two player characters)

This version of the game includes all of the DLC, and Dark Souls 1 is widely regarded as the game with the best level design. You're getting the purest experience here, unburdened from the level design woes from Dark Souls 2, or the muddled narrative of Dark Souls 3, or the simplified game systems of Bloodborne.

Lastly, install Durante's mod, it's quick and painless and the game will look amazing. The initial port job was half-assed, to say the least.

It's 5 bucks, and you frequent a gaming message board. Having first hand knowledge about Souls is invaluable. This is a no-brainer investment.
 
TAFK said:
Just Get Through
latest


Buy it at $0.74 - http://store.steampowered.com/app/338190/

This game is insane. Do you like Super Meat Boy? Do you like Spelunky? Do you wish those two games had a baby that let you take your time learning and planning your moves? Well this is the game for you.

Its plodding 2D level platforming at its finest, basically think of the above 2 games, you get randomly generated levels that increasingly get larger and more dangerous and you have to get to the goal.

There are multiple modes, user created levels, bunches of color palettes to unlock, basically this can easily become your relax game if you want to just crank out some time having some fun doing some platforming.

Best part is at 74 CENTS everyone should have this, have no idea how well known this game is as I had never heard of it before a few weeks ago but if you haven't heard of it like me then GO BUY THIS NOW!
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Never heard of this one. Bought! Thanks for the tip.
 
Just gets back from paying for Steam games
-at the register-
"mmm I wish Mushihime was on steam..."
gets home to post haul.
Sees someone recommend Mushihime....

DAMMIT!
 
I'd like to recommend Mark of the Ninja. It's a great 2D sidescrolling stealth game. If you like stealth and don't own this game, you are doing yourself a disservice.
 
that weird ass Pony Island is 40% off, surprised its not suggested yet
 
Commander Keen collection is half off at $2.49. I picked it up out of pure nostalgia. Now I just to get Aces of the Pacific running on my PC and my childhood collection of games will be complete.
 
haikira said:
I plan to add a few more recommendations when I'm home, and can browse over my library with ease, but I'm just going to start off with this one.

header.jpg

Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut - $2.99 - £2.19 (80% off)

I just recently picked this game out of my backlog, so being only a few hours into the game, and not being too familiar with the series, I'm not really the most qualified to talk about it. I already love this game though, the world and writing are top notch, the story does a good job of sucking you into the game, the combat is really neat, and I'm just dying to get stuck in and play more.

I don't really play a lot of tactical rpgs, with a few exceptions like Valkyrie Chronicles, Front Mission 3, X-Com, and a few others, but I think this game will have me trying more of the genre out when I'm finished, including Shadowrun Hong Kong, which I think I'll be grabbing from this sale.

Hopefully people who're more articulative and familiar with the franchise than I can step in and do a better job selling it.
Click to expand...

Have some questions for this.
Whats the difference between Returns, Hong Kong and Dragonfall? DO I need to play the three?
How long it is, is suppose its a standalone game and not an "expansion" but the price is super cheap.
And most importantly, how interesting are the companions and the interactions you have with them? This is the thing I most love of WRPG, the depth this thing usually have, and I would love to see if this game is deep and rewarding with companions.
 
Contradiction, besides not being on sale, isn't worth more than $5, imo. It's cheesy fun, but the plot goes absolutely nowhere and the ending resolves none of the more interesting subplots they set up along the way.
 
Tizoc said:
The Blackwell series

You can get the entire series for around USD 10
The Blackwell series are Point n' Click Adventure games from Wadjey Eye and are among the best PnC games you could play. Consisting of 5 games, they follow the adventures of Rosa and Joey who help out ghosts pass onto the afterlife, an act which is easier said than done, as the duo need to convince these spirits that they ARE dead and accept it before they can leave the mortal world.
The games are quite simple, but the writing and characters are quite good, and the graphics are fine for what they are.
Click to expand...

I've been feining for more adventure games to play since I beat the Deponia series. I'll buy one of these and play it over the weekend to see if it's good enough to get the others. Thanks for the recommendation!
 
Miker said:
Contradiction, besides not being on sale, isn't worth more than $5, imo. It's cheesy fun, but the plot goes absolutely nowhere and the ending resolves none of the more interesting subplots they set up along the way.
Click to expand...

Eh it's fun for what it is and it was well worth $10 for me.
 
SOMA One of the best stories I have ever experienced in a game

Dishonored Awesome gameplay with many options to achieve your goal!
 
SpacePirate Ridley said:
Have some questions for this.
Whats the difference between Returns, Hong Kong and Dragonfall? DO I need to play the three?
How long it is, is suppose its a standalone game and not an "expansion" but the price is super cheap.
And most importantly, how interesting are the companions and the interactions you have with them? This is the thing I most love of WRPG, the depth this thing usually have, and I would love to see if this game is deep and rewarding with companions.
Click to expand...

The differences are mainly in the setting (Seattle, Berlin, Hong Kong). Gameplay gets better each game but is in the same vein throughout.

You don't need to play all three as they're all but entirely standalone. Most people recommend skipping Returns and moving straight to DF and HK.

Dragonfall and Hong Kong are probably 15-25 hours depending on how you like to play. Dragonfall was initially an expansion, but the directors cut made it standalone and larger.

Characters are obviously subjective, but I think it has probably the best characterization of any recent game I've played. The writing is fantastic and the characters all feel really well realized.
 
Cheers to Anno and zazrx for answering the Dragonfall related questions while I was busy there, and for doing a better job than I probably would have.
 
Disgaea 1

Currently on sale for USD 14.99
While the sprites are outdated, the core gameplay is still solid, and Prinnies are always at the ready to be thrown at enemies and blow them up, dood!

DmC 2013

Base game available for USD 8.99
One of the biggest advantages that DmC 2013 has is that it's a well optimized port that even low end laptops could run it at highest settings, that is part of the reason why it's the best selling DMC game on Steam. While the core game is OK, there are essential mods that improve the overall game, which you should install to make the game's more irritating elements (namely color coded enemies) less frustarting.

The Guilty Gear series
Guilty Gear XX #R

Currently available for USD 3.99
#R is the first rebalance of the GGXX series. This PC release runs & plays fine and has a story mode. The GG series are some of the more complex games that most casuals will have difficulty learning, but if you're looking for a single player fighter, #R is a good starting point to get an idea of the series's story and gameplay.

Guilty Gear XX AC+R

Currently on sale for USD 7.49
This is the latest update of the GGXX series. The online works fine for the most part, and it also has various single player modes. The game's story mode is more of a side story, following what the characters have been doing since the events of XX #R.

Guilty Gear Xrd SIGN

Both base game and complete edition are 33% off
SIGN is the 1st chapter of the Xrd series, and if you want, you can just jump right into this one. It has a modding scene that makes various color pallettes for the cast (May with Mario's colors for example), and has good single player modes. Most importantly it has a robust training mode that does a good job of teaching the game's mechanics.

Double Dragon Neon

Currently on sale for USD 2.49, but has gone for cheaper, so at least wishlist it
This game has gone on sale so many times you may as well have bought it already. This 2D beat'em-up has a catchy soundtrack and a solid combat system. It's not too long that it overstays its welcome, and it offers replayability for obtaining extra skills for the combat.

Dragon's Dogma

Currently available for USD 20.09
Apply a few mods that don't affect the stats of equipment and unleash your inner fahsionista.
 
Anno said:
The differences are mainly in the setting (Seattle, Berlin, Hong Kong). Gameplay gets better each game but is in the same vein throughout.

You don't need to play all three as they're all but entirely standalone. Most people recommend skipping Returns and moving straight to DF and HK.

Dragonfall and Hong Kong are probably 15-25 hours depending on how you like to play. Dragonfall was initially an expansion, but the directors cut made it standalone and larger.

Characters are obviously subjective, but I think it has probably the best characterization of any recent game I've played. The writing is fantastic and the characters all feel really well realized.
Click to expand...

Thanks, probably going to get it then.

Is there some choices and consequences for your companions or only for the main story?
 
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