Video Game Weekend Deals & What’s Worth Your Buck
As Halloween comes to a close and everyone in the East Coast is recovering from Hurricane Sandy, I and a number of people here at my University have probably overdosed ourselves with too much horror and apocalyptic flicks like Exorcist or The Day After Tomorrow until everything goes back to normal. I never thought that I would actually want to take a break from watching movies, but as that Spice Girls song goes: “Too much of something is bad enough.” Okay, I seriously laughed at my horrible attempt to break the ice in an introduction.
Anyway, I decided to look for some new video games to play instead. Luckily, a number of online retailers like Steam, GameFly and the like are currently having a huge promo on titles. Some awesome titles are even discounted for more than 50% off that the price could go below $5. You could probably get 3-4 great games for $20 bucks if you choose wisely. GameFly is having a promo on horror titles right now, but I’m not sure how long that will last. Steam’s horror promo just ended, but they still have deals available on general titles. Anyway, I’m going to give you a rundown of the video game deals that are too good to pass up.
1.) Vampire: The Masquerade- Bloodlines ($19.99 $4.99)
Okay, out of all the games on this list, this is the only title I’ve ever played. I lost my old physical copy years before and I just love this game so much that I was so elated to see it go on sale on GameFly. This game totally deserves an article of it’s own, so I’ll probably do that for my next Video Game Rewind post. Like Alpha Protocol, this is a flawed RPG gem. However, I do believe that this game had a lot more to shine for than AP. Anyway, VTMB is a first/third person vampire role-playing game set in modern day Los Angeles. You take control of either a male or female protagonist who was recently turned into a vampire. What’s cool about it is you can pick your which clan or race of vampire you are based on your choice or the results of your answers in a quiz.
Without fangirl-ing about this game too much, I believe that this game is a great catch for $4.99 since the world and lore behind this game is very rich, dynamic and compelling at the same time despite its flaws. Interestingly, the game is based on the World of Darkness universe by White Wolf, Inc. which is a series of pen and pencil RPG games if I am not mistaken. Lastly, like for most video games taken for granted, VTMB retains a cult following and it’s not too late to join now.
2.) Dead Space 2 ($19.99 $4.99)
As a fan of the Alien franchise (before Winona Ryder), I truly enjoyed the first Dead Space video game. The sudden appearances of grotesque aliens and mutated humans are enough to get a player jumping at the edge of their seat. Truly, one great thing about the concept of Dead Space is you could actually feel the desperation of being isolated in a hell hole with no way out. Your hands and nerves shake as if you’re actually there clutching a firearm low with ammunition.
I was able to play Dead Space 2 during an EA event in Asia more than a year ago or so, and I really liked it based on the levels I’ve played so far. This is definitely a great buy as Dead Space 3 is coming out by early next year.
3.) Amnesia: The Dark Descent ($19.99 $4.99)
I’ve never tried this game at all, but I’ve noticed that this title received similar buzz as Slender did for being really scary. There are a lot of videos on YouTube of gamers screaming their lungs out hysterically too as they navigate through creepy levels. I’ve seen videos of this game and I, myself, have had moments wherein I get surprised then freaked out afterwards. I don’t know what this game is really about, but I’m intrigued enough to find out more even if I have to change my pants a lot of times in the process.
4.) Tomb Raider Trilogy Deal! ($9.97 for all three)
Okay, Horror games aside, this is a pretty sweet deal. As we approach the release of the revamped Tomb Raider, it’ll be great to look back at how the game used to be since the reboot seems to be taking a new take on our favorite heroine Lara Croft. Arguably, Lara Croft has evolved to become a timeless icon with a celebrated popularity that extends beyond the gaming realm. Greatness aside, three games for $10 or less will always be a great deal in my book.
Honorable Mentions!
I was kind of put-off with Dead Island, since it didn’t live up to the awesome trailer it had. Dead Rising 2 is okay, but I feel like the price can go lower this Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Dead Island: Game of the Year Edition— $19.99 $9.99
Dead Rising 2— $19.99 $9.99
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is only 4.99 now!
Thanks let me change it!!
Totally have to second the recommendation of Vampire the Masquerade – Bloodlines. I’ve been a fan of the pen-and-paper games for years and just picked this up earlier this week and I’ve been enjoying it immensely.
With it being only $4.99, there is no excuse to not get it IMO.
VTMB truly puts other vampire lores to shame, and deserves a spot as one of the best along with the ranks of Anne Rice.
I can’t even look at a screenshot of Amnesia without getting the shakes.
VTMB is without a doubt has among the most unique, enticing and downright seductive atmospheres I have come across while gaming.
***SPOILER***
Did anyone else take FOREVER to decide what to do with Julius? I must say, the morality choices in the game have a way of actually mattering, even if they really don’t.
@wevs
Well, I didn’t take forever but it did take me a while to decide. Even though I mostly play Machiavellian characters, I chose to spare Julius and just told him to leave.
@Benny
The first time around in rpgs I always try to mimic my own behaviour as much as I can, which can often times be really harsh and Machiavellian on it’s own, but really, that guy just tugged my strings so bad. I blame it on the great immersiveness of the game and well designed NPCs.
@wevs
Yep, whenever I play RPG games, I don’t go full good or bad. Now let me ask you something, which of the Voerman sisters did you choose?
@Benny
I always pick Jeanette, mostly cause I can identify myself with the airhead-y, fun-loving Malkavian with a nasty side. I’m definitely not the straight laced type of guy Therese seems to be.