Sometimes we ask ourselves, is it worth it to spend time on games? I will summarize games that are really worth trying with a purchase price of only around $20 – $50. Without further ado, here is a summary of games that our team thinks are really worth trying.
THE EVIL WITHIN 2
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If you enjoyed the first game, you already know it has that eerie, nightmarish atmosphere, but this sequel elevates it to an entirely new level. It masterfully combines open-world elements with a gripping survival horror tension. You have more freedom to explore this time around, yet it never feels completely secure. Even in the more expansive areas, there’s an ever-present sense of unease, as if something could leap out at you at any moment. Believe me, the game knows just how to get under your skin.
The enemies are absolutely terrifying. Some of the creature designs are straight-up nightmare material, like that multi-limbed guardian? Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine. And don’t even get me started on the bosses.
Every encounter is filled with intensity and anxiety, especially since resources are still quite limited. You have to be strategic about when to engage and when to stealthily evade. The open areas provide you with various ways to tackle situations, which I found really enjoyable. There’s a certain thrill in sneaking past foes undetected, but sometimes you have no choice but to go in guns blazing.
The game really pushes you to be flexible. The storyline is strong as well, featuring a psychological horror element that truly plays with your mind. Plus, it ties up many loose ends from the first game in a satisfying manner.
I have to mention that there are some twists that genuinely took me by surprise. It’s not just about the frights; it’s a compelling narrative experience too.And of course, the crafting system returns, allowing you to create your own ammo and gear, which really enhances that survival aspect.
Exploration: Open areas maintain a sense of dread.
Enemies: Varied and creatively designed, with a solid crafting system.
STAR WARS JEDI: FALLEN ORDER
This game is truly a dream come true for any Star Wars enthusiast. If you’ve ever fantasized about swinging a lightsaber, evading blaster fire, or battling fearsome Sith foes, then Fallen Order is the perfect choice for you. It immerses you in the experience, making you feel like a Jedi in training, and it’s an absolute blast. You’ll journey through various locations in the Star Wars universe, from vibrant forests to ancient ruins, and everything in between.
Each planet offers its own unique atmosphere, mysteries, and a variety of enemies and challenges. The sense of adventure is exhilarating as you travel from one world to another, discovering secrets, exploring caves, and uncovering new routes. The level design is fantastic, reminiscent of classic Metroidvania games, where you gain new abilities that allow you to access previously unreachable areas. The thrill of exploration and backtracking is incredibly rewarding, enhancing the overall experience.
Swinging a lightsaber in Fallen Order feels just right; it has a satisfying weight to it. And when you send a blaster bolt back at a stormtrooper? That’s pure bliss. The combat strikes a perfect balance between enjoyment and challenge. It’s not just about mashing buttons; you need to time your attacks, parries, and dodges carefully, making every battle feel intense and significant.
Additionally, as you progress, you can customize your lightsaber with different colors, hilts, and components, allowing it to truly reflect your style. The story in Fallen Order is so captivating that it feels like it could easily stand alone as its own Star Wars film.
Level Design: Metroidvania-style exploration rewards players for backtracking.
Combat: Timing and strategy are key in battles.
GEARS 5
Gears 5 is a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the Gears series. It offers everything you could want from a blockbuster game: compelling characters, thrilling combat, and a world that’s both stunning and harsh. The gameplay is incredibly fluid, with each gunfight emphasizing the cover-based strategy that fans love. Whether you’re popping out to score a headshot or getting up close with the Lancer’s chainsaw, the combat is always satisfying. Each weapon has its own distinct feel, ensuring that you’re engaged and not just shooting aimlessly.
Timing and positioning are key, and with Jack, your helpful drone companion, you gain new abilities that add a fun twist to the gameplay. He can cloak you, zap foes, and even retrieve items, making him invaluable in tricky situations.
Let’s not forget about the world itself. Gears 5 features open-world segments where you can explore using a cool vehicle called the Skiff. Cruising across snowy landscapes or sandy deserts is a unique experience. The environment feels vibrant and alive, filled with hidden gems to uncover. While it’s not a completely open world, it allows for exploration and a chance to appreciate the scenery, providing a nice break from the action.
You’re not just rushing from one battle to the next; there’s time to relax, explore, and enjoy some breathtaking views. The story also has significant depth, adding to the overall experience.
Combat: Fluid and satisfying cover-based mechanics.
Exploration: Open-world sections offer a dynamic experience.
Story: Depth and character development within the action.
SLEEPING DOGS: DEFINITIVE EDITION
This game is truly a hidden gem that deserves much more recognition. Picture an open-world action adventure set in the lively streets of Hong Kong, where you step into the shoes of an undercover cop navigating the perilous criminal landscape. It’s reminiscent of GTA but offers a distinctive flair that makes it stand out. And we can’t overlook the driving aspect. Sleeping Dogs features some of the most exhilarating driving mechanics available.
It’s incredibly arcade-like, allowing you to perform wild stunts, hijack vehicles on the fly, and even push other cars off the road. There’s something immensely satisfying about racing through the city, weaving through traffic, and knowing you can jump out at any moment to engage in a brawl. The city buzzes with vibrant neon lights, bustling markets, and a plethora of side activities that enhance its authenticity.
You can even indulge in karaoke. Yes, karaoke! Test your skills in street races, or simply cruise around to soak up the atmosphere. The developers have done an outstanding job of capturing the essence of Hong Kong, making it a place you genuinely want to explore. One of the standout features of Sleeping Dogs is the hand-to-hand combat. It feels like stepping into a martial arts film.
You’ll be throwing punches, countering attacks, and creatively using your surroundings to your advantage. You can slam foes into fish tanks, toss them off balconies, and utilize random objects to gain the upper hand. So, if you’re a fan of action games with a compelling narrative and a vibrant, living city, the Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition is definitely worth your time.
Driving Mechanics: Fun and arcade-like.
Combat System: Martial arts style, interactive environments.
HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST
If you loved Horizon Zero Dawn or are simply excited about the idea of wandering through a breathtaking post-apocalyptic landscape filled with robotic beings, this game is a must-play. It takes everything that made the original so remarkable and elevates it to new heights. To start, the world is stunningly beautiful. Picture vibrant forests, expansive deserts, foggy mountains, and enigmatic ruins, all teeming with color and life. Each time you enter a new area, it feels like you’re embarking on an epic adventure, and you can truly sense the passion that went into crafting this environment.
This is one of those games that will have you pausing just to soak in the scenery. The combat has ramped up significantly, too. You’ll still face off against incredible robotic creatures, but now there’s a greater variety in how you can tackle each battle. You can experiment with different tactics based on the type of creature, set traps, utilize elemental effects, or even take control of certain machines to make them your allies. This variety ensures that every encounter feels fresh, especially since the machines exhibit such diverse designs and behaviors. And let’s not forget the underwater segments—they’re stunning and add a whole new dimension to the gameplay.
Exploring lakes and submerged ruins is now part of the thrill, and it’s executed beautifully. This feature makes the world feel even larger and more alive, as you’re not confined to just the land. Horizon Forbidden West perfectly blends action, exploration, and storytelling. It’s one of those games where you can easily lose track of time diving into side quests and discovering new areas.
World Design: Diverse landscapes and underwater exploration.
Combat: Varied strategies needed for different robotic creatures.
BIOSHOCK 2 REMASTERED
When discussing the Bioshock series, it’s easy for Bioshock 2 to be overlooked in favor of its more famous siblings, Bioshock and Bioshock Infinite. However, this game truly deserves its own moment in the limelight. It’s like stumbling upon a hidden treasure that’s been right in front of you all along. Each time you dive into that dimly lit, neon-infused world, it feels like stepping into a bizarre, haunted amusement park.
Rapture offers a captivating blend of beauty and terror. You find yourself in awe of the stunning visuals, yet there’s an unsettling vibe that lingers. In Bioshock 2, you get to explore entirely new areas of the city that were absent in the first installment. It feels both familiar and new, like revisiting a cherished dream and uncovering fresh details.
What truly sets BioShock 2 apart is the character you embody. This time, you’re not just any character; you’re a big daddy. How cool is that? You get to roam around in a gigantic diving suit, wielding a powerful drill, all while protecting the little sisters. Experiencing Rapture from the perspective of a Big Daddy is something special. You feel a sense of strength, but also a weight of responsibility that adds depth to the experience. It’s surprisingly emotional and hits harder than you might think. The combat is more fluid and intense, especially with the ability to dual-wield plasmids and weapons. So, if you want to zap enemies with lightning in one hand while firing a rivet gun with the other, you can absolutely do that!
Perspective: Play as a Big Daddy, offering a unique gameplay experience.
Combat: Dual-wielding plasmids and weapons adds intensity.
FALLOUT LONDON
Some individuals were quick to overlook Fallout London simply because it’s a fan-driven initiative. There’s a common misconception that if it isn’t officially produced by Bethesda, it can’t measure up to a true Fallout experience. While it’s true that fan projects can vary in quality, Fallout London is genuinely remarkable.
The creators have truly outdone themselves, introducing new factions, story arcs, weapons, and even unique creatures inspired by British folklore. Their creativity shines through, making it feel like a legitimate extension of the Fallout universe. Set in a post-apocalyptic London, it offers a refreshing twist for the series.
After spending so much time in the U.S., exploring London provides a completely different atmosphere. It’s fascinating to see how an entirely different society and culture would respond to a world-ending scenario. This is where Fallout London truly excels, infusing the Fallout universe with a gritty British essence.
One of the standout features of Fallout London is its factions. True to classic Fallout form, these groups have their own twisted beliefs and objectives, but they draw heavily from British culture and history. There’s a faction reminiscent of medieval knights and another that embodies a punk rebellion straight from London’s streets. It’s exciting to witness a Fallout interpretation of British culture, with factions that feel distinct and authentic, enhancing the overall immersion. This uniqueness is what makes Fallout London so thrilling; it brings fresh elements that the series has been craving.
New Setting: Post-apocalyptic London with unique factions and storylines.
Cultural Richness: Incorporates British folklore into gameplay.
LIKE A DRAGON: INFINITE WEALTH
If you’re a fan of the Yakuza series, you know you’re in for an experience that’s grand, daring, and just a tad outrageous. This installment brings back our hero Ichiban Kasuga, who dives headfirst into another whirlwind of chaos, touching moments, and more plot twists than you can shake a stick at. Get ready for a ride that perfectly balances action, drama, and laugh-out-loud moments—this game is sure to satisfy.
What truly sets Infinite Wealth apart is its unique ability to weave a serious narrative with some of the most hilarious and bizarre side activities you can imagine. One moment, you’re immersed in a gripping emotional scene, and the next, you’re caught up in a completely absurd minigame that has you chuckling at its sheer ridiculousness.
It feels like they’ve packed in every wild concept they could dream up, and somehow, it all comes together seamlessly. With Ichiban at the helm, every encounter is fresh and full of surprises. As for the turn-based combat? It’s back and better than ever! The strategic elements add an exciting twist to each battle, featuring quirky moves that only a game like Like a Dragon could deliver. If you’ve played the earlier titles, you’ll find the combat here even more polished. It retains that signature blend of outrageous attacks and strategic complexity, making every fight feel both epic and comical.
But at its core, it’s all about the characters. Ichiban is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but cheer for. His blend of loyalty, optimism, and genuine kindness makes him truly memorable. Infinite Wealth is definitely a game you won’t want to miss.
Combat: Improved turn-based mechanics with quirky moves.
Character Focus: Ichiban’s story is emotionally engaging.
THE DIVISION 2
Imagine a game where the finest elements of a cover-based shooter blend seamlessly with RPG features, all set against the stunning backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C. The premise is straightforward: the world has fallen into chaos, and it’s up to you to restore some semblance of order. You play as an agent of the Division, a highly trained group of operatives dedicated to maintaining stability.
But let’s be real—the true excitement lies not in merely saving the day, but in the thrill of exploration, strategic planning, and gradually transforming yourself into an unstoppable powerhouse. The gameplay revolves around tactical cover-based strategies. Charging into battle with guns blazing? Not the best idea. Instead, you’ll find yourself taking cover behind vehicles, outmaneuvering foes, and cleverly using your gadgets to gain the upper hand.
And those gadgets? They’re game-changers. With turrets, drones, and seeker mines at your disposal, you have an impressive array of high-tech tools to play with, and they’re a blast to use. The enemies you face aren’t just mindless targets; they’re clever and will flank you, utilize cover, and work together to take you down. There’s a genuine sense of accomplishment when you clear an area, knowing you’ve outsmarted your opponents. Each firefight is intense and gratifying, especially when you team up with friends. Co-op gameplay is where this experience truly excels. Tackling missions with your squad, coordinating attacks, and having each other’s backs is the epitome of teamwork. Plus, there’s something amusing about hearing your friend panic over the comms while you casually toss them a healing grenade.
Gameplay: Strategy-focused firefights, rewarding cooperative play.
PERSONA 5
You take on the role of a high school student leading a secret double life. During the day, you deal with the ups and downs of school life—attending classes, preparing for exams, and hanging out with friends. But when night falls, you transform into a phantom thief, venturing into enigmatic worlds to change hearts and combat evil.
It’s as exciting as it sounds, believe me. The menus, animations, and transitions are all crafted with a flair that shows a true passion for design. Every detail, even the loading screens, is made to impress. And the music? The jazzy soundtrack will have you humming along for weeks after you finish playing. As for the gameplay, it’s a seamless mix of turn-based combat and life simulation that works wonderfully. One moment, you’re strategizing in stunning, dreamlike dungeons, executing stylish combos, and unleashing your personas—representations of your inner self. The next moment, you’re faced with choices about how to spend your free time.
Will you hit the books for your upcoming exam, take on a part-time job, or enjoy some ramen with friends? The balance between these two aspects of the game is simply perfect. What I appreciate most is how Persona 5 makes every action feel significant.
Spending time with your friends, known as confidants, is not just enjoyable; it also provides bonuses in battle. Excelling in school or working part-time helps you develop skills that unlock even more possibilities. Even the tiniest decisions feel impactful, which is a rarity in gaming.
Visuals and Music: Stylish design and memorable soundtrack.
Gameplay: Meaningful choices affect character development and combat.
