It’s pretty clear that we all love video games at Noisy Pixel, which definitely makes recommendations difficult because we’re constantly thinking, “Where do we begin!?” So, why not torture our writers a bit by making us choose only one game to recommend from the 100s currently on sale at Steam from Golden Week? The sale will last from April 25t AM 10:00 – May 6 AM 10:00 PT.
Please link and share other games that are on sale in the comments below, and we’ll judge you as you are probably judging us. Now, onto the list:
Azario Lopez – Tactics Ogre: Reborn
I can understand not wanting to pay full price for remastered releases of games that were released well before you were probably born. However, let me just introduce you to Tactics Ogre: Reborn. If you’re looking for an SRPG with the narrative depth of your favorite JRPGs, well, you’ve found it. While the campaign has a few different endings, anyone you get will last with you for years. This is the type of adventure that is fun to discuss among friends as you laugh about the various actions and battles you took part in across Valeria. It’s a game that every SRPG fan should play once. Thank me later.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn on Steam is currently 50% off.
Original: $49.99
Sale: $24.99
Orpheus Joshua – Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection
As Falcom fans, it’s true that we are always fiending for the next bit of Legend of Heroes news, but the developer has a robust lineup of other IPs that are worth a look. Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection takes elements of titles such as Ys and Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure; this seemingly colorful adventure is packed with charm and action that deserves. Players assume the role of pilot and treasure hunter Ragna Valentine, who crashes on an island, but he’s saved by a vampire princess named Alwen du Moonbria. From there, the adventure becomes a bit insane, but we are here for it, and you should be, too.
Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection on Steam is currently 60% off.
Original: $19.99
Sale: $7.99
Michael Chow – .hack//G.U. Last Recode
I know we want the original .hack remastered or preferably a completely new entry, but sadly, that’s not in the cards right now. What we DO have, though, is .hack//G.U. Last Recode includes the original PS2 trilogy with a 4th Volume that wraps the story up. The graphics have been updated with a few new modes, making this a great way to experience this classic series and uncover the secrets of The World. This is a timeless adventure with a narrative and cast of characters who genuinely leave an impact on the player. We’ll look forward to hearing about your adventures when you play.
.hack//G.U. Last Recode on Steam is currently 90% off.
Original: $49.99
Sale: $4.99
Ivanir Ignacchitti – Palais de Reine
While it was initially released on the PlayStation 2, Palais de Reine’s narrative has stood the test of time. The game boils down to strategy meets otome as players take on the role of the soon-to-be queen, Filia. During gameplay, players try to impress the leaders of the region and take their rightful place on the throne, a position that Filia never expected to be in. You see, her father passed away, and her brother went missing, so she’s just rolling with the punches. Through the classic systems and updated visuals, this is a must-play in the otome sim genre.
Palais de Reine on Steam is currently 40% off.
Original: $29.99
Sale: $17.99
Kyle Clark – Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
Listen, let’s be honest: the price of some retro games is a bit too insane, and with every YouTuber and their mom calling Klonoa a “hidden gem,” the entries in the series can get pretty expensive. No worries, though; Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series combines the first two entries in this 3D side-scrolling platformer with some updated systems and visuals. These are two titles that are overflowing with charm, action, adorable enemies that you feel bad for throwing, and some intense boss battles. Don’t hold off any longer; Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a fantastic collection.
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series on Steam is currently 75% off.
Original: $39.99
Sale: $9.99
Camille Laguarde – Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Detective shenanigans, supernatural powers, and DS exclusives no more Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a fantastic game to pick up. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective brings this title to new platforms with a few updates. Initially released on DS in 2010, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective left a significant mark within the mystery adventure community through its whimsical cast of characters and surprisingly deep narrative. Players can explore various sights as they ghost their way into objects like Sissel. While inside an object, players can move and interact with it, and the systems evolve throughout the game. If you have a moment, give this title some of your time; you won’t regret it.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective on Steam is currently 34% off.
Original: $29.99
Sale: $19.79
Yuna Briggs – Zanki Zero: Last Beginning
You wake up with a bunch of strangers on a deserted island, but the way time moves in this reality is different. Each discovery and scene leads to only a piece of the puzzle, but you and your crew push forward. Zanki Zero: Last Beginning is a dungeon-crawling survival game with the mechanic of aging a character to solve environmental puzzles. However, if you die, you’re resurrected, and the adventure continues. I fondly remember this game and the characters, and I wish more people talked about it. Regardless, here’s your chance, so have fun!
Zanki Zero: Last Beginning on Steam is currently 80% off.
Original: $59.99
Sale: $11.99
Colin Buchanan – Yakuza: Like a Dragon
If you haven’t played Yakuza: Like a Dragon, we must change that now. What could be considered a soft reboot of the series from the perspective of a new protagonist and battle system, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, carries the torch of the series and builds upon everything that made it great. The lead character, Ichiban Kasuga, is an outstanding new leader who approaches each situation naturally and almost clumsily. Still, when it counts, Ichiban is always there for his friends, and like us, he’s down to get distracted by the nearly endless pool of mini-games.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon on Steam is currently 80% off.
Original: $59.99
Sale: $11.99
Semy Rahman – ghostpia Season One
Ghostpia Season One delivers what we believe is a must-read kinetic visual novel. The game’s visuals propel it to new levels, but then you’re invited to experience one of the best visual novel stories we have read. The narrative doesn’t hold back, and the clashing between the art style and the somber narrative keeps you invested until the credits. Pick this game up; we promise you’ll enjoy it.
ghostpia Season One on Steam is currently 20% off.
Original: $19.99
Sale: $15.99
Eclectic group of good games, as expected. Thanks!
We surprise ourselves with just the breadth of titles we gravitate towards.
So many great games to pick up or elevate on my backlog…
Guessing Tactics Ogre is more of a buy-then-XXX deal, heard it is similar to FF Tactics, and that game’s combat animations were glacial.