Games under $30
Due to people being forced to self quarantine and such, I thought it would be nice to just make a little list of games that will help pass the time that are under $30 for those who are budget conscious.
Like Metroidvanias? La Mulana ($15), Hollow Knight ($15)
La Mulana is a metroidvania in the vein of an Indiana Jones adventure, with ruin diving, exploration, and puzzles that will leave you thinking and connecting various dots. Definitely a bit more unforgiving when it comes to the traps one would think of in ruins, but definitely rewarding upon completion. Also rewards the player for multiple playthroughs and completing the game faster than before.
Hollow Knight takes the world building of what Dark Souls did, creates a world populated by bugs, and marries it all together into a world exploration experience all sewn together with beautiful traditional 2D animation. Exploration is rewarded with upgrades and charms that have unique combinations that will leave anyone wanting to experiment with vast variety. This game since it’s initial release has received 3 free DLCs that have since added hours of content to the game.
Like crafting games similar to Minecraft? Terraria ($10), Starbound ($15)
Terraria has often been stated to be the 2D version of Minecraft, but more centered around various types of combat and survival. While the map is not infinite, the world makes up for it with various biomes that can be unique to every world generation that makes replay rather entertaining. There is also a modding scene for this game and an additional free update on the horizon.
Starbound marries the 2D concepts of Minecraft and takes you into space exploration. While the main questline can easily eat up hours of your time, the fact you can also make space station bases, easily teleport to planet bases, and have some varied freedom to cultivate your own cities... there’s quite a bit to do.
Like Animal Crossing and not able to get the new one? Or burning through your daily cycle in AC too quickly to wait for time of day changes? Stardew Valley ($15), My Time at Portia ($30)
Stardew Valley really takes the whole idea of building up your own community and bettering your own farm. Your player leaves the corporate grind for a more simpler life and puts more toward you growing your own farm from the ground up. This game is very centered around cultivating and farming, while there are caves to explore, events to do... producing goods tends to be more of the focus of the game... and building relationships with your fellow townsfolk.
My Time at Portia takes place in a world long after the fall of technology ravaged humanity, going back to a more simpler time of peace and tight knit communities. While farming is a component, gathering materials for crafting is the main focus on this journey, and helping out your fellow Portians.
