Monster Train's Big Discount: A Game for the Ages?
A top-rated roguelite deckbuilder with over 18,000 "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews just hit its biggest-ever discount—90% off on Steam. Now just $2.49, but only for a limited time. Some games come and go, but others carve out a lasting spot in the genre. Monster Train is one of those titles—an addictive deckbuilding roguelite that has managed to remain a favorite among strategy fans since its 2020 release.
The longevity of Monster Train's appeal may hold clues for game developers seeking to create enduring experiences that can stand the test of time.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, how will titles like Monster Train, with their unique blend of accessibility and depth, shape the future of strategy games?
Most of these game deals will end on March 13. Many top-rated games have seen a limited-time price cut on Steam, with discounts ranging from 20% to 86%. These deals include many well-rated and Steam Deck Playable titles, making it an excellent opportunity for gamers to grab some amazing indie games at discounted prices.
This sale highlights the growing popularity of indie games on Steam, particularly those compatible with the Steam Deck, which has become a staple in the gaming community.
Will this limited-time sale drive more gamers to explore and invest in the world of indie gaming, potentially leading to a new wave of innovative and unique game development?
The bundle packages both open-world Middle-earth games with a flat 90% off on the total price. You get two critically acclaimed action-adventure titles based on The Lord of the Rings franchise with a unique story and the much loved Nemesis system. The game may seem like your average open-world title at first glance, but what sets it apart is the unique Nemesis system, a mechanic so good that Warner Bros. patented it. Both these games offer a unique storyline and a dynamic battle system that culminates in visually stunning large-scale assaults.
The sale of these critically acclaimed games at an unprecedented 90% discount could signal a new era for gamers looking to save big on their favorite titles, but will this lead to a flooded market with more games being discounted to unsustainable levels?
How will the future of gaming bundle sales be shaped by the success of Middle-earth: The Shadow bundle, and what implications will it have for game developers and publishers?
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is free to play on Steam between February 28 and 30, allowing players to experience a realistic off-road simulation. Players take on the role of scientific explorers, navigating challenging terrain using specially equipped vehicles, while advanced tools help uncover hidden locations. The game's realistic driving physics require strategy to manage resources such as fuel, spare parts, and equipment.
Despite mixed reviews from both critics and players, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game may still offer a unique off-road adventure experience that appeals to fans of the genre.
Will Steam's free weekend promotion be enough to boost player engagement and encourage developers Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment to address the game's technical issues and lack of innovation?
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is currently available on Steam with an 80% discount, reducing its price from $20 to just $4 until March 13. This tactical co-op shooter has become one of the most popular multiplayer shooters since its release in 2015 and consistently attracts over 80,000 concurrent players. The game's unique blend of strategy and destructible environments has made it a favorite among gamers, but also raises questions about its accessibility for newcomers.
The appeal of Rainbow Six Siege lies not only in its engaging gameplay but also in the sense of community that comes with playing with like-minded players who share the same passion for tactical multiplayer.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, will the popularity of co-op shooters like Rainbow Six Siege be sustained by newer titles that offer similar experiences at more affordable price points?
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint is available on Steam for a whopping 90% discount, bringing the price down to just $6 instead of its usual $60. The game has over 26,000 reviews and holds a Mostly Positive rating of 72% on Steam, indicating that it's worth checking out for open-world fans. With a vast open world offering plenty of freedom, players can explore, fight, and survive in Auroa, a once-thriving tech haven now controlled by the Wolves.
The key to Ghost Recon Breakpoint's success lies in its ability to balance multiple gameplay mechanics, from tactical planning and stealth to exploration and survival. By mastering these elements, players can create an immersive experience that sets them apart from others in the genre.
How will Ubisoft support the game with post-launch content and updates to address some of the criticisms raised by reviewers and maintain a strong player base over time?
The highly-rated co-op zombie shooter Zombie Army 4: Dead War is now available at its lowest price in months, dropping to just $4.99 after a massive 90% discount on Steam. The game's engaging co-op mechanics, over-the-top action, and satisfying progression system have earned it over 7,200 "Very Positive" reviews on Steam. Players will be able to team up with friends and survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies in an alternate history setting where zombie Nazis overrun Europe.
This limited-time deal is a great opportunity for fans of co-op zombie shooters like Left 4 Dead to grab Zombie Army 4 at a steep discount, potentially attracting new players to the game.
As the deal expires on March 10, will the discounted price remain attractive enough to drive sales and maintain the game's popularity in the competitive gaming market?
Anno 1800 is currently on sale for a whopping 90% discount, making it available for just $6 instead of its usual price of $60. This city-building strategy game has garnered over 19,000 reviews and a "very positive" rating, suggesting that players are enjoying this game despite some criticisms about performance issues and repetitive gameplay mechanics. With its rich historical setting and engaging gameplay mechanics, Anno 1800 is an excellent choice for fans of the genre.
The abundance of discounted games on Steam highlights the importance of regular sales and promotions in the gaming industry, allowing players to access a wider range of titles at affordable prices.
As more classic games become available at deeply discounted prices, how will this impact the way gamers approach game purchasing decisions and potentially influence the future of digital storefronts?
Microsoft has announced the addition of three new games to Xbox Game Pass, catering to diverse gaming preferences, including a roguelike deck-builder and a sci-fi farming simulator. Players can look forward to "Monster Train," where they defend a hellish train, "Galacticare," a quirky hospital management game set in space, and "One Lonely Outpost," which focuses on building a thriving colony on a barren planet. These titles not only offer engaging gameplay but also enhance the Game Pass library's appeal to a broader audience.
The introduction of these varied genres reflects Microsoft's strategy to attract a wider range of gamers and keep subscribers engaged with fresh content.
What potential trends could emerge in gaming as platforms continue to diversify their offerings to appeal to various player demographics?
Sniper Elite 4 is now available on Fanatical with a 93% discount, allowing gamers to purchase the game for just $4.50 instead of its regular price of $60. The game has earned over 50,000 reviews on Steam, with a “Very Positive” rating thanks to its tactical sniper gameplay and realistic mechanics. Despite some weaknesses, including inconsistent AI and lack of innovation, the game's thrilling gameplay and flexible stealth mechanics have won over many players.
The significant discount on Sniper Elite 4 highlights the ongoing trend of price drops in the gaming industry, making it more accessible for new players while also tempting existing fans to revisit classic titles.
How will the shift towards more affordable games impact the overall gaming landscape, particularly for indie developers and smaller studios struggling to compete with larger publishers?
Ubisoft's publisher campaign has brought gamers a plethora of discounts on full-price titles, with Far Cry 5 being one of the most eye-catching deals. With over 150,000 reviews and a very positive rating, Far Cry 5 should be an interesting option for those looking to save big. The game delivers plenty of shocking moments, but its shallow story has been a point of contention among players. Far Cry 5 sticks to the series' signature open-world design while introducing some fresh elements.
Ubisoft's sale reflects the gaming industry's growing reliance on digital storefronts like Steam, highlighting the need for retailers to adapt their business models in response.
Will this sale set a precedent for future price drops on AAA titles, and what implications might it have for game developers' revenue streams?
Chernobylite Complete Edition is a survival horror RPG set in Chernobyl that includes all DLC and updates, now 80% off on Steam for the first time. This atmospheric game drops to $5.99 from its usual $29.99, making it an excellent deal for fans of the genre. The offer ends March 13, offering a limited-time chance to pick up this tense and engaging game.
The low price point makes Chernobylite Complete Edition an attractive option for those looking for a unique gaming experience that combines exploration, base-building, crafting, stealth, and gunplay.
Will the game's dark atmosphere and complex storyline be enough to draw in players who may not typically venture into survival horror games?
The critically acclaimed 2019 release, lauded for its uncompromising combat, has Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on the platform, with 95% of over 200k reviews rating the game positive. The gameplay is a mix of stealth, exploration, and brutal sword combat that demands precision, balanced out by the complexity of the posture system during combat. Developed by FromSoftware, the game puts you in the shoes of a shinobi on a quest to rescue his lord.
This discount offers an excellent opportunity for players who have yet to experience Sekiro's intense challenges and rewards, allowing them to test their skills against some of the toughest foes in gaming.
As one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2019, how will this sale affect its reputation among gamers and non-gamers alike, potentially introducing a new audience to the world of FromSoftware's Souls-like titles?
Scrap Collector, a new strategy card game, has been free to claim on Steam due to a developer's pricing mistake. The dev meant to charge $4.99 but accidentally set it as free, allowing players to claim the game before Valve fixes the error and restores its price. Released on March 7, Scrap Collector offers resource management, crafting, and combat in a unique blend of deck-building and exploration.
The developer's mistake raises questions about the reliability of Steam's pricing system and the potential consequences for both developers and users.
How will this incident impact the gaming community's perception of indie game developers and their ability to manage production and distribution?
The Pokémon trading card collection of Australian man Julian Bridges has skyrocketed in value, reaching nearly $100,000. His love for the franchise started at a young age, and he now travels extensively to compete in tournaments and meet fellow collectors. The structural engineer's hobby has not only brought him joy but also provided a side income.
As the demand for rare Pokémon cards continues to rise, it raises questions about the sustainability of this market and whether the value of these cards will continue to appreciate.
How do online marketplaces like eBay and social media platforms like Instagram play a role in the proliferation and valuation of collectibles?
Monster Hunter Wilds is experiencing a significant surge in player counts on Steam, with some critics questioning whether the game can sustain such high levels of activity without sacrificing performance. The game's stable servers are handling the load well, but many players have reported poor framerates even with hardware above recommended specs. As the weekend approaches and more players log on, concerns are growing about the game's ability to maintain a smooth experience.
This rapid growth highlights the challenges of supporting large-scale online games, where optimizing performance for high player counts can be a complex and ongoing task.
Can game developers find a balance between accommodating large player bases and preserving the quality and stability that keeps players engaged over time?
If you're a Souls-like fan, this game will be right up your alley. Lies of P has received a 40% price cut on Steam, making it an attractive option for those looking to experience the best of the genre without breaking the bank. With its immersive story, tough-as-nails combat, and unique in-game mechanics, Lies of P is easily one of the best Souls-like games released in recent history.
The game's ability to blend the mechanics of Bloodborne and Sekiro creates a unique gameplay experience that will appeal to fans of both series.
As the developer prepares to release new content through its story-based DLC expansion, Lies of P's popularity could continue to grow, making this a great time for new players to jump in.
A selection of engaging indie games showcases the creativity and innovation present in the gaming industry beyond blockbuster titles. From unique mechanics in roguelike deckbuilders to surreal puzzle challenges, these games offer diverse experiences that resonate with players. The continual update of this list highlights the evolving landscape of indie gaming and the potential for hidden gems to capture player interest.
The rise of indie games reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing creativity and personal expression over mass-market appeal, inviting players to explore unique narratives and gameplay experiences.
What criteria do players use to define a "hidden gem" in the indie gaming scene, and how do these perceptions shape the industry's future?
The struggles of Monster Hunter Wilds on the Steam Deck highlight the challenges of playing demanding games on a handheld console, with poor performance and graphical fidelity issues plaguing the experience. Despite attempts at optimization, such as upscaling and lowering detail levels, the game continues to struggle, forcing players to find alternative solutions like cloud gaming or desktop PCs. The situation serves as a cautionary tale for gamers expecting seamless experiences on portable devices.
This debacle underscores the limitations of current handheld console technology in delivering smooth performance on high-end games, emphasizing the need for more powerful hardware or innovative rendering techniques.
Can game developers and console manufacturers find ways to overcome these technical hurdles, enabling more immersive and demanding titles to be brought to mobile platforms?
To help out victims of the Californian fire disaster, itch.io is now offering a bundle full of games, assets, tools, books and more. In total, the bundle with 422 contents is worth more than $3,200, but will only cost $10 for the next two weeks or so. The "California Fire Relief Bundle" contains a wide variety of titles, including PC games like Tunic, Cook, Serve, Delicious 2, and Octodad: Dadliest Catch, as well as board games, digital books, and other content.
This bundle showcases the versatility of gaming communities in responding to social crises, highlighting the power of collective fundraising and game development for good causes.
How will the success of this bundle inspire similar initiatives in the gaming industry, and what impact might it have on the broader cultural landscape?
Detroit: Become Human, the well-received, narrative-focused sci-fi thriller is now 70% off on Steam for a limited time. Quantic Dream's adventure title was released in 2018 as a showcase for the PlayStation's interactive storytelling capabilities. If you enjoyed Beyond: Two Souls or Heavy Rain, this will be right up your alley.
As gamers, we've grown accustomed to being actively engaged participants in our favorite stories, but Detroit: Become Human predates the modern control scheme that allows us to make meaningful choices in a narrative-driven game.
Will the influence of games like Detroit: Become Human and Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered contribute to a shift in how developers approach player choice and agency in their narratives?
Resident Evil 5 is currently available on Fanatical with a 79% discount for $4.30 instead of its typical price of $20. The game, released in 2009, has been well-received by fans and critics alike, praised for its immersive sound design, strong voice acting, and thrilling cutscenes. Despite some drawbacks, such as strict linear level design and AI issues with Sheva's character, the game still holds a Metascore of 86 on Metacritic.
This discount highlights the ongoing popularity of classic games in the gaming industry, where nostalgia and fan loyalty continue to drive demand for titles like Resident Evil 5.
How will the availability of retro games like Resident Evil 5 at affordable prices affect the gaming market's shift towards more modern, high-end experiences?
Isle of Jura, a casual indie exploration game, is now free to claim on Steam until March 9 - when it goes back to paid status again. The game lets players fish, explore, and unwind in a relaxing island setting, with simple mechanics paired by a laid-back, peaceful atmosphere. For a limited time, Isle of Jura is available for free on Steam as part of a promotion.
This sudden shift from free to paid could indicate a reevaluation of the gaming industry's approach to pricing indie titles, where games are often offered at very low costs or even for free to generate buzz.
Will this trend of offering games for extended periods of time without a purchase decision lead to changes in how developers and publishers set their initial prices for new releases?
The Epic Games Store has announced the next free game giveaway for March 2025, an action RPG worth $29.99, Mortal Shell, which will be paired with a time-limited exclusive DLC for World of Warships. This upcoming free title on the platform generally receives a "Mixed" rating on Steam due to its confusing level design and limited variety. Despite this, it features a Souls-like combat system that requires players to manage stamina.
The fact that Mortal Shell is receiving a free game giveaway alongside its DLC for World of Warships suggests a strategic move by Epic Games Store to attract players from both the gaming world and naval enthusiasts.
How will the inclusion of a unique in-game item, such as the Yūbari Japanese Tier IV cruiser, influence the overall gameplay experience and replay value of Mortal Shell?
Capcom's latest title, Monster Hunter Wilds, has shattered the company's previous sales record with an astonishing 8 million copies sold in just four days. The game's success can be attributed to its engaging gameplay and quirky culture, which have resonated with fans worldwide. With this achievement, Capcom is now firmly establishing itself as a major player in the gaming industry.
Monster Hunter Wilds' unprecedented success serves as a testament to the enduring power of niche games and communities, highlighting the importance of understanding and catering to specific audience interests.
As MonHun fan culture continues to grow, how will food companies and restaurants capitalize on the craze surrounding the game's cheese naan recipe, potentially disrupting traditional culinary industries?
Palworld developer has no idea why Nintendo’s suing over its Pokémon-like game, but the company seems unfazed by the lawsuit as it rolls out a big update in December adding a new island to the game. The development of Palworld has been a surprise to many, with the game achieving 15-million-copies-sold-in-its-first-month sales. The success of Palworld has also led to the creation of a new indie publishing label, Pocketpair Publishing.
The speed at which Palworld has gained popularity raises questions about the role of social media in popularizing independent games and the ease with which they can go viral.
As the industry continues to grapple with the implications of game development and publishing in an increasingly digital landscape, how will the rise of indie publishers like Pocketpair shape the future of gaming?