Reviewing 200 Random Steam Buy-to-Play Games [Part IX: 37–34]
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#37 8-Bit Commando
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/287860/8Bit_Commando/
Apparently this title was an initial release for a game engine. As a game engine demo title, it’s actually pretty awesome! For a standalone game, it’s too short, has lackluster and often downgrades as “weapon upgrades”, and it feels like a Contra clone without any of the intangibles that made Contra great.
It’s still not a bad game if you can pick it up for cheap. I had fun, but if you are a Contra pro, you’ll likely be done in 45 minutes.
#36 The Best BJ
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1488740/The_Best_BJ/
I’m torn on this one. On one hand, it’s t he best Blackjack simulation I’ve ever played. On the other hand, it’s just a Blackjack simulation with a clever name. This game was at one point ranked as low as #60-something and as high as the upper #30s, and I believe this is probably the correct spot for it. It’s close enough at least.
Blackjack games appear to mostly be written by people who understand the bare essentials of what is happening in a Blackjack game, but not all of the specific rules and conditions. This one nails the specific rules and conditions, adds some customization options, and has an easy-to-understand user interface.
Yeah, it’s just Blackjack, but if that’s your thing, then this is a must-own!
#35 Blocked and Loaded
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/772270/Blocked_and_Loaded/
Chris Antoni has made this list again, and it won’t be his last time. This time, it’s a single-player or up-to-four-player MMOFPS with very crude block graphics, lots of content to explore, and unfortunately — quite a few bugs as well. You might have trouble getting t his one working and given it appears to no longer be in development, you’ll have to discover a work-around much like I did.
This game also appeared on Xbox 360’s Live Indie Games service and for it’s low price of less than $2, it’s definitely a steal!
#34 Book of Travels
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1152340/Book_of_Travels/
This is a top 5 game on this list for uniqueness and art direction. As an actual game, it’s problematic but will have a niche audience that loves the experience. Perhaps “experience” is a better label for this title than “game”?
You are essentially a wanderer. You must trade with merchants and use gestures to talk to others. It’s a sandbox online RPG with a relatively small population compared to MMORPGs. It’ll leave most awe-struck by the beauty and confused about what to do next.
Overall, it’s a fine exploration game but over time, the fun will turn to frustration for most. The bugs are slowly getting fixed and have significantly reduced in number and severity since launch.
