Happy Monday, campers! August is here, and that means there are only three and a half weeks until I go to Insomnia Gaming Festival as a volunteer, and seven weeks until my travels to Portugal. Not that I’m counting down the days or anything, it’s just a reminder to myself that I’m running out of time to get rid of the tubby gut before meeting Hat Films and potentially running off with at least one of them. Things are getting too personal. Here are my picks from this week’s Special Offers on Steam.
Monstrum is a rogue-like indie survival horror, full of compelling atmosphere and replayability. You are plunged into a dark and moody world, reminiscent of Fallout or Bioshock, and are given a newly generated environment each time you load the game, and one of three monsters to survive.
My friends and I saw the game in development at Rezzed 2015, and were treated to a talk/walk through with a member of the dev team. Chris died pretty much instantly, and was all sheepish about it, as it happened in front of the massive queue.
If you’re on VR, it’s a must. If not, get it anyway. It’s 75% off, you’d be a fool to say no.
The Lucius bundle, which is both games together, has 80% off this week. The second game is far inferior to its predecessor, but at that price you might as well.
Lucius is basically The Omen, but you get to play as the demon child. It’s a pretty eyebrow-raising and indulgent concept, not for everyone I’ll admit, but it’s for me. It’s a stealthy, dark-humoured horror in which you get to twist your parents lives into a living nightmare, do some murdering and meet Satan himself. All as a six year old boy. It’s great.
While this is happening, the rich storyline – including a deeply explored character in the form of the detective who is investigating the strange happenings around your house – holds your attention, and pulls you in, giving you different sides to the story with no mystery. Heavy Rain was full of twists and secrets to be revealed, but Lucius lets you become the secret itself. It’s unique and interesting, and certainly one to try as long as the idea doesn’t offend you too much…
Table Top Racing: World Tour is a fun and captivating title. It’s Micro Machines for the Millennials, though people older will surely enjoy it too. There’s loads going on at every turn, and the competitive modes can get seriously addictive.
Power ups, stunning level design, custom features and catchy music will keep you coming back, and that can be at any time. It’s easy to pick up and play, and that’s either on your own or with your buddies. Get it now for half price, or get the bundle with the DLC for 62% off, which actually works out cheaper, so you know.
Sir, You Are Being Hunted. That’s right, it’s a game title. I’m interested in this simply because of the title. But then, I think that’s what the idea behind it was. It looks like a cross between Grim Fandango and anything by Tim Burton, ever. The art style is gothic and steampunk as anything, and I have no idea what the story is or gameplay. I just love that title.
In all seriousness, it looks like a dark comic version of Battle Royale, and that sounds like enough fun to pass the time. Get it for 75% off this week.
Special mention goes to Home Improvisation: Furniture Sandbox, which is a brand new title, and has 20% off this week. It’s essentially Ikea Simulation, and that hits all my buttons.
Also, take a look at Gratuitous Space Battles for 50% off. It does exactly what it says on the tin. Blow up those space stations to great satisfaction, no fluff.
Here’s to a great week full of fun and laughs, whether you’re playing these games or not. Peace out, yo!
