The Steam Deal thread V5. The big sale is over. New thread coming soon.

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Welcome to the Steam Deal Thread V5! You can find link to past threads at the bottom of this post. Read post #2 of this thread for Steam FAQs and more.

This is a Wiki post. Please read this
We appreciate you helping keep this thread up to date. The sales change virtually every day so no one person has the time to update them all. If you notice a game is no longer on sale, feel free to delete its line from the sale list. Of course, if you see a game is on sale, add it to the list. Make sure your changes match the thread's format! For example, every game that's on sale is part of an unordered list. When adding a game to the list, copy an existing line and update the link, title, and prices. That way, the format stays correct. Do not list percentages off! We list the original price and the sale price here. If you have any suggestions for major changes to the post/thread, PM me (EastX) about them.
for instructions on updating the thread.

Steam Games and DLC on Sale - Updated 12/16

Daily Deal(s)


Midweek Madness Deal(s) Weekend Deal(s)

Other Deals

Steam Games on Sale Elsewhere - Updated 9/23


Amazon
  • Amazon - Preorders

  • Amazon - Current Deals

GamersGate

Greenman Gaming


Preorder Deals - Updated 10/28
Group Buys - Updated 8/14

Several multiplayer Steam games are available in 2-packs or 4-packs. These packs offer a discount over buying multiple copies of a game separately. We also maintain group buy trade threads for several games, so please use those threads if you're interested in setting up a group buy.

Free Stuff - Updated 4/3

There are several free games and mods on Steam. These are a few choice ones; you can find a full list here. Note that free games are not permanently attached to your Steam account like actual purchases would be. You'll need to manually download a game again from the website if you uninstall it.

Steam around CAG

If you are interested in joining the Steam CAG Community or participating in a trade or group buy with fellow Cheap Ass Gamers, please do so in the dedicated threads and not in the deal discussion thread. In the dedicated threads you will find CAGers with the same specialized interest who will be much quicker (and happier) to respond than in the Deals thread.

Past Special Sales

Visit www.steamgamesales.com to check previous sale prices on Steam games. We do keep track of some older sales here though:

Steam Retail Key List

What is a CD key and where can I find it?

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7480-WUSF-3601

The CD Key is a serial number with a combination of 13, 18, or 25 letters and numbers - it can be found on a sticker inside your game's case or printed on the game's quick reference card.
The CD Key acts as your proof of purchase for the game - Steam Support may ask for it if you need to establish your ownership of an account. It is recommended that you keep your CD Key in a safe place to ensure the security of your account.

Which retail CD Keys are accepted on Steam?




All retail Valve games and a number of third-party games can be registered to your Steam account. All of the following games can be registered through Steam:
  • Valve CD Keys in this format: ####-#####-####
  • Valve CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Valve CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • AI War CD Keys in various formats
  • Aliens vs. Predator (2010 Release) CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Alpha Prime CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Audiosurf CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • BRINK CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is not accepted on Steam
  • Cities in Motion CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Civilization V CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Commander: Conquest of the Americas CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Cricket Revolution CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Dark Messiah CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Dark Messiah CD Keys may also have been printed incorrectly, please see the Dark Messiah article
  • Darksiders CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Note: The number 2 and letter Z may look very similar.
  • Dawn of War II CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Dawn of War II - Retribution CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Defense Grid CD Keys in this format (Direct2Drive only): 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Duke Nukem Forever CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Empire: Total War CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-DDEFGH3-IJK4L-MNOPQ-RST56
  • F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • F.E.A.R. 3 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Fallout: New Vegas CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Football Manager 2009 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2CD3FGH456I7JK8LMNOP9Q
  • Football Manager 2010 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2CD3FGH456I7JK8LMNOP9Q
  • Football Manager 2011 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Front Mission Evolved CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Global Agenda CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Note: Keys purchased directly from the Global Agenda website cannot be registered on Steam.
  • GTI Racing CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • GTR Evolution CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Homefront CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Humble Indie Bundle in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Humble Indie Bundle 2 in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Humble Indie Bundle 3 in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Just Cause 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Note: Please input all O's and 0's as Q's for Just Cause 2
  • Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Killing Floor CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • King Arthur - The Role-playing Wargame CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Lara Croft Guardian of Light CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • The Last Remnant CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Lionheart: Kings' Crusade CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Lost Planet: Extreme Condition CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Lost Planet: Colonies Edition CD Keys are not accepted on Steam
  • Mafia 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Magicka CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Metro 2033 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • MLB Front Office Manager CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Mount & Blade CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Mount & Blade: Warband CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Mount & Blade: With Fire and Sword CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • NBA 2K9 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Napoleon: Total War CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Order of War CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Prey CD Keys in this format: AAB1BB2C345CDD6E E7
  • R.U.S.E. CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Note: R.U.S.E. keys from Ubisoft's Digital River service are not accepted on Steam
  • RACE - the WTCC Game CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • RACE 07 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Ragdoll Kung Fu CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Railworks CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Red Orchestra CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Rogue Warrior CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • SiN Episodes: Emergence CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Saint's Row 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Serious Sam HD CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Shattered Horizon CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • The Ship CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Ship Simulator Extremes CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Silent Hill Homecoming CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Sniper: Ghost Warrior CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Space Trader CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Speedball 2 - Tournament in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Star Trek: D-A-C CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • STCC - The Game CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Super Meat Boy CD keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Supreme Commander 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Torchlight CD Keys in this format: 1ABC-D3FG-4567-JK8L
  • Note: Only keys purchased directly from Runic Games or Perfect World prior to May 19th, 2010 can be registered on Steam.
  • Total War: SHOGUN 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Unreal Tournament 3 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2-3FGH-456I-K8LM
  • Velvet Assassin CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings in this format: AB-1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM
  • Worldwide Soccer Manager 2009 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • X3: Terran Conflict CD Keys in this format: 1ABC-D3FG-4567-JK8L
  • Zeno Clash CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
Opposing Force CD-keys cannot be registered through Steam. Opposing Force was included in a retail Half-Life package. The Half-Life CD-key included in the package will unlock all of the games in that package, including Opposing Force.
Note: Only the retail games listed above can be registered through Steam. No other retail games can be registered and downloaded using Steam.

Other Keys that can be redeemed on Steam (CAG tested & verified)
11.gif

The Ball (bought @D2D and tested by voken)
Supreme Commander Forged Alliance (gives both FA and original, bought @amazon and tested by vism)

Indie Bundles thread on Steam forums (link)


Past CAG Steam Deal Threads
 
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[quote name='radioactivez0r']I"d rather have boring/simple mechanics with an incredibly engaging story and real pathos than frustrating puzzles and cheesy dialogue any day, but that's just me. Actually, it's probably not just me at all.[/QUOTE]


You say that as if they are mutually exclusive -- no reason you can't have both.
 
You couldn't talk me out of Dynamite Headdy, no sir.

Speaking of which, what's this Sonic Adventure DX Steam key worth? Could I get $1 for it or is it going to have to be a trivia giveaway?
 
[quote name='Mooby']You say that as if they are mutually exclusive -- no reason you can't have both.[/QUOTE]

Hehe I agree that I'd prefer both in a perfect world, but I find it hard to think of games that excelled in both narrative AND gameplay. I agree with radioactive in that, if I were given a choice, I prefer deep, compelling story with shallow game mechanics than vice versa. And I'm not talking about "confusing story with tons of red herrings and plot holes" like Heavy Rain.

What are some examples of games where narrative and gameplay meet harmoniously? Portal 2 and RDR come close for me, but honestly I prefer the narrative of TWD more than either of those games. 15-20 years ago I would have pointed at FF4 and FF6, but I think I desire something less sophomoric than that now.

I feel like I lean towards games with excellent open world mechanics and audiovisual presentation, as long as they have fun stories that don't take themselves too seriously (SRTT, Sleeping Dogs), but I wouldn't say they have remarkable narrative.

I actually have soft spot for the story, characters and gameplay of Shadow Hearts: Covenant, but I am probably in a very small minority here.
 
RDR's narrative? Good? eh... I'll agree to disagree if you will.

To me, any game can have a good plot. I thought Absolution's story was endlessly entertaining for a B-movie. With great acting and good enough writing in a wrestling heel sense. Lollipop Chainsaw is entertaining as I walk along. Spec Ops The Line, too. Ghost Trick had hands down one of the best plots I think I've ever seen in gaming. System Shock 2, Bioshock 1, 2, and Minerva's Den... I won't pretend that my favorites are all platonic ideals, avoiding cheesy poignance and heart string plucking but I think there are lots of games that have good stories and good gameplay.

If you're looking to "blend" the two then you need to think really, REALLY hard about what you are asking. That's not a simple question and often involves you staring at the screen yawning for far too long while the game bleats simple, unimpressive truisms at you (Oh hi MGS2 and Max Payne 3.).

And I'd rather have awful plot and great mechanics than any alternative. Give me a one shump and that outweighs a thousand of your crummy dating sim VNs. (Okay at this line I'm full into trolling. I can't help it.)
 
I know I'm in the minority that I care about the gameplay the most. Some of my favorite games have little to no story, or horrible stories.

Dungeon crawlers, SRPGs, Puzzle Quest, Layton games, etc. all have little or bad stories.

A couple other games with both are StarCraft+BW, and Bioshock 1.
 
[quote name='elessar123']I know I'm in the minority that I care about the gameplay the most. Some of my favorite games have little to no story, or horrible stories.

Dungeon crawlers, SRPGs, Puzzle Quest, Layton games, etc. all have little or bad stories.

A couple other games with both are StarCraft+BW, and Bioshock 1.[/QUOTE]
Personally, I think the Starcraft story is great and the game play...they have already stole 9 years of my life.
 
[quote name='Necrotron']I'm hoping it goes on sale again in January on Amazon, so I can use my $5 promo code on it.[/QUOTE]
I've been waiting for a good price too, I finally picked it up a month ago for $11.50 and feel that was a good price, saw it for $9ish soon after but I have no regrets.
 
[quote name='radioactivez0r']I"d rather have boring/simple mechanics with an incredibly engaging story and real pathos than frustrating puzzles and cheesy dialogue any day, but that's just me. Actually, it's probably not just me at all.[/QUOTE]

Your statement is suggesting that the opposite of boring/simple mechanics are frustrating puzzles. Which, and I'm sure you'll agree with me here, is absolutely not the case. Also this topic reminds me of Pure Pwnage's parody of Zero Punctuation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7VAhzPcZ-s
 
Oh man, what have a I launched?!?! I was mostly just talking about adventure games. I do agree, though, that today you rarely see games that have both good narratives and 'gameplay' in the form of puzzles, etc. I don't think Telltale stuff is bad, just a far cry from what LucasArts once was. More recently Wadjet Eye makes some pretty solid stuff, too.
 
On another note, why is gameplay always referred to in terms of "puzzles"? (I blame Portal for the new obsession with "physics puzzles") I don't remember any puzzles in pacman or super mario bros, and yet both were very fun to play.
 
[quote name='zenii']On another note, why is gameplay always referred to in terms of "puzzles"? (I blame Portal for the new obsession with "physics puzzles") I don't remember any puzzles in pacman or super mario bros, and yet both were very fun to play.[/QUOTE]

Uh, it's not? I've rarely heard that outside of conversations about specific genres like point and click adventures.
 
I thought I remembered someone posting a link to some sort of organizing database software for keeping track of owned games. Looking through my bookmarks, however, I don't see anything of the sort.

Am I imagining this? If I am, does anyone have any ideas outside of a spreadsheet file for keeping tracks of what games, keys and whatnot I have and where I have them?
 
Eeep! I just noticed in the Steam Hardware Survey that DX11 is taking over, 53% now, DX10 is down to 32%.

[quote name='elessar123']I know I'm in the minority that I care about the gameplay the most. Some of my favorite games have little to no story, or horrible stories.
Dungeon crawlers, SRPGs, Puzzle Quest, Layton games, etc. all have little or bad stories.

A couple other games with both are StarCraft+BW, and Bioshock 1.
[/QUOTE]


We're a minority? Damnit.

[quote name='zenii']Pure Pwnage's parody of Zero Punctuation.[/URL][/QUOTE]


+1
 
I was wondering. Is a new thread going to be made before the winter sale? Or will we ride this one out and make a new one post winter sale?
 
[quote name='gilby']I thought I remembered someone posting a link to some sort of organizing database software for keeping track of owned games. Looking through my bookmarks, however, I don't see anything of the sort.

Am I imagining this? If I am, does anyone have any ideas outside of a spreadsheet file for keeping tracks of what games, keys and whatnot I have and where I have them?[/QUOTE]

http://www.datacrow.net/
 
[quote name='gilby']I thought I remembered someone posting a link to some sort of organizing database software for keeping track of owned games. Looking through my bookmarks, however, I don't see anything of the sort.

Am I imagining this? If I am, does anyone have any ideas outside of a spreadsheet file for keeping tracks of what games, keys and whatnot I have and where I have them?[/QUOTE]

I resorted to an Access database. Lame and nerdy, but highly functional.
 
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[quote name='Preedatore']I think the big takeaway is that people still have a monitor resolution of 640x480.[/QUOTE]

Wait what? My phone has a higher resolution than that.
 
As a gamer, The Walking Dead interactive movies are offensive to me. As a guy who enjoys mild horror and high-stress situations (which are probably the easiest "plots" to write) though I enjoy the series...on youtube.
 
[quote name='Terlan']I was wondering. Is a new thread going to be made before the winter sale? Or will we ride this one out and make a new one post winter sale?[/QUOTE]

Thread title points to the former.
 
[quote name='Woodlands']Nothing here has to do with what's legally binding and what is not.

Humble has clearly stated that they don't want people breaking apart bundle keys to give away.

CAG moderators have clearly stated that Humble has clearly said they don't want people breaking apart bundle keys to give away, so don't do it here.

That's it. End of story. We're respecting Humble's wishes and respecting the policies of this forum. Whinging about it or looking for loopholes doesn't change both Humble and CAG's policies are clear.[/QUOTE]
Just because someone does not happen to agree with something does not mean they are "whinging". I'm sorry if you perceived it that way. The topic bounced around the Stream Trading topic and roughly 90% of everyone agreed that the rule is outdated and needs to be looked at.

I understand your view on it though. I respect that. Either way, Trakan and I exchanged some PMs, he said he was going to bring it up to the mods, and today the rule has been changed and I'm sure a lot of people are grateful to be able to trade HIBs again.
 
[quote name='Corpekata']Uh, it's not? I've rarely heard that outside of conversations about specific genres like point and click adventures.[/QUOTE]

True that, I guess the reason I never took a liking to point and click adventure games was because the only "gameplay" involved were arbitrary puzzles that didn't really test skill but your ability to put 2 and 2 together.
 
I must stay the primary display resolution stats surprise me.
0.2% - 1024x600 ...most netbooks (and my 1996 laptop)
4.1% - 1024x768 ...I was running 1280x1024 in '94. (and my PowerBook used 2000-2003)
4.3% - 1280x800 ...slightly older laptops
9.3% - 1280x1024 ...old monitors (I'm really suprised it's this high)
2.4% - 1360x768 ...misconfigured laptops/ low end TVs
18.7% - 1366x768 ...laptops/ low end TVs
6.9% - 1440x900 ...nicer laptops / really low end monitors
7.3% - 1600x900 ...few laptops / really low end monitors (I'm suprised it's almost half as much as 1366x768)
0.4% - 1600x1200 ...19" 20" CRTs and some 10-13 year old LCDs
9.6% - 1680x1050 ...bog standard resolution for monitors 2004-2010, kinda surprised it's this low, esp in relation to 1280x1024
29.5% - 1920x1080 ...standard monitor/TV I'm kinda suprised it isn't higher (esp in relation)
3.5% - 1920x1200 ...nice 24" monitors (it's what I run) / old 27" -- disappointingly low but these command a premium
0.8% - 2560x1440 ...nice 27" monitors, requires at least a GTX 670 to run new games well
0.2% - 2560x1600 ...30" monitors
 
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[quote name='zenii']True that, I guess the reason I never took a liking to point and click adventure games was because the only "gameplay" involved were arbitrary puzzles that didn't really test skill but your ability to put 2 and 2 together.[/QUOTE]
I usually agree with exactly that. It takes a really good story or good gameplay as well to turn me (for example, Fahrenheit, or Portal).

I think I'll usually take gameplay over story anyways. I haven't found stories these days that capture my imagination like games like Chrono Cross and Final Fantasy Tactics did in the past anyways.
 
[quote name='TheGuardianWolf']Any chance Scribblenauts Unlimited will go on sale during the winter sale? I know it's pretty new...[/QUOTE]

There is always a chance, might see a 33% discount max though since it is fairly new. I wouldn't mind playing that game but I might wait a while on it.
 
Regarding Scribblenauts Unlimited, Greenmangaming is supposed to get it but just haven't got it live on their site yet. It's possible they may extend the 30% voucher a little longer and put up Scribblenauts soon but who knows?

I do agree that a huge discount on the Steam winter sale is highly unlikely but a 20-33% one is quite possible.

I almost bought it pre-release at Gamersgate because with the IGN discount (may it Rest In Peace), G2PO and blue coins plus the 10% pre-release discount they were running it broughtit down to about $20 or 33ish% off.

Then I realized that was too much to pay for something that would likely sit in my backlog for a while. :p

[quote name='zenii']True that, I guess the reason I never took a liking to point and click adventure games was because the only "gameplay" involved were arbitrary puzzles that didn't really test skill but your ability to put 2 and 2 together.[/QUOTE]


I feel like both Adventure games and Visual Novels are generally first and foremost telling a story but that the main difference is that Adventure games still try really hard to hold onto a 'gamey' aspect, even if it doesn't fit really well or make much sense, or is super easy and just there, while visual novels just don't even try but aren't afraid to add little gamey elements here and there if it fits.

OTOH I think there are some Adventure games, like the Big Fish variety, that really are more about the gamey portion, the point and click and all that, and the stories just seem like window dressing.

Anyway, visual novels are a fairly new concept, at least in the West. I think here there's some resistance to it where they are met with the 'But it's not a game!' argument so for that reason plus tradition I think those Euro Adventure games still hold onto the whole point and click and puzzles and what not.

At least that's my take on it. I actually do like adventure games but I mostly play them for the stories so sometimes the gameplay elements leave me scratching my head on how that makes sense in the narrative or just makes me feel like it's there as a time waster.
 
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[quote name='Genocidal']I am the 0.8%! That doesn't have quite the ring to it that 1% does.[/QUOTE]

What are you using, Sarah Jessica Parker's teeth?
 
[quote name='RollingSkull']RDR's narrative? Good? eh... I'll agree to disagree if you will.

To me, any game can have a good plot. I thought Absolution's story was endlessly entertaining for a B-movie. With great acting and good enough writing in a wrestling heel sense. Lollipop Chainsaw is entertaining as I walk along. Spec Ops The Line, too. Ghost Trick had hands down one of the best plots I think I've ever seen in gaming. System Shock 2, Bioshock 1, 2, and Minerva's Den... I won't pretend that my favorites are all platonic ideals, avoiding cheesy poignance and heart string plucking but I think there are lots of games that have good stories and good gameplay.

If you're looking to "blend" the two then you need to think really, REALLY hard about what you are asking. That's not a simple question and often involves you staring at the screen yawning for far too long while the game bleats simple, unimpressive truisms at you (Oh hi MGS2 and Max Payne 3.).

And I'd rather have awful plot and great mechanics than any alternative. Give me a one shump and that outweighs a thousand of your crummy dating sim VNs. (Okay at this line I'm full into trolling. I can't help it.)[/QUOTE]

Haha, yeah I know that you don't like the story in RDR, but I thought it was the best story I had played in an open world game at the time, so I guess it has a special place in my heart. Since then, I think I prefer the ridiculousness of SRTT better anyway...

I do not count MGS2 or Max Payne 3 as good blends; I hate having story crammed down my throat, especially when I despise the characters and the overall cheeseball plot. I think my biggest pet peeves are stories that take themselves too seriously but are full of ridiculous situations and plot holes (like Heavy Rain and MGS3), though this may be ironic for you since I think that's how you feel about RDR.

Ghost Trick is an excellent example. This was my surprise favorite hit last year, and I agree it has an excellent mix of unique, challenging gameplay with a great narrative. Bioshock is another good example... why didn't I remember that one...

I'm able to overlook bad narratives sometimes if the gameplay is good enough, but there's something about pandering games like Bayonetta and Lollipop Chainsaw that I can't enjoy (even though I completed Bayonetta, I had to eventually start skipping all the stupid cutscenes). I prefer games with good narrative and acceptable gameplay, but I do admit I don't play a ton of adventure games since I find most of the puzzles rather obtuse and the barrier to entry quite high. Some may bemoan the simplicity of TWD, but it allowed my wife and I to focus on just making dialogue choices and enjoying the story :)
 
[quote name='Neuro5i5']Eschalon: Book I 6YHLV-6VAQI-0RPLZ
Ceville 8EQXI-NW3Y8-LJR37

Enjoy...[/QUOTE]

Ceville was taken within a minute of your post. Thanks though!
 
[quote name='Neuro5i5']Eschalon: Book I 6YHLV-6VAQI-0RPLZ
Ceville 8EQXI-NW3Y8-LJR37

Enjoy...[/QUOTE]

I grabbed Eschalon, thanks much! :)

I was really on the fence about this Groupees bundle since I already had Ceville, Two Worlds and Worms Reloaded. Eschalon was the main one I wanted.
 
[quote name='Neuro5i5']...and more.

Worms Reloaded 6Z53N-FRTI8-DRPNI
Earth 2160 3XQQD-86DP5-G7735[/QUOTE]

Snagged Worms. Thanks! It was the one title I was actually wanted from BM6. (owned/don't care about the rest).
 
[quote name='Neuro5i5']...and more.

Worms Reloaded 6Z53N-FRTI8-DRPNI
Earth 2160 3XQQD-86DP5-G7735[/QUOTE]

wouldve taken it but already got it from the bundle. thanks for the contribution tho XD
 
[quote name='gilby']I thought I remembered someone posting a link to some sort of organizing database software for keeping track of owned games. Looking through my bookmarks, however, I don't see anything of the sort.

Am I imagining this? If I am, does anyone have any ideas outside of a spreadsheet file for keeping tracks of what games, keys and whatnot I have and where I have them?[/QUOTE]
I honestly just have an Excel spreadsheet where I keep track of my game purchases each month. I feel bad everytime I look at the monthly total lol
 
[quote name='MC Kage']I honestly just have an Excel spreadsheet... [/QUOTE]

I do the same thing. It's just easier for me since I don't have like a thousand games. I even include genre so that I can pie chart the data to see how my preferences change over time. Though with my movie collection I use DVDProfiler and do sometimes wish there was a game parallel as it's simple to use and graphically pleasant (and there's an iPad app to boot).
 
[quote name='MC Kage']I honestly just have an Excel spreadsheet where I keep track of my game purchases each month. I feel bad everytime I look at the monthly total lol[/QUOTE]
Every single time I have looked at your avatar, I've seen a crazy robot.

Just now did I realize it's an NBA player.

-feels stupid-
 
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