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What Hidden Gems Have You Discovered in PC Gaming Bundles?
PC gaming bundles are a great way to get dozens or even hundreds of games for a fraction of their retail price. Many popular websites and platforms, such as Humble Bundle, Steam, GOG, and Fanatical, offer regular bundles that combine various genres, styles, and developers, and often support charities and indie creators. While some games in bundles are well-known and widely praised, others are less famous or critically acclaimed, but still can surprise and entertain you. In this blog post, we will explore some of the hidden gems that we have discovered in PC gaming bundles, and share some tips and tricks for finding and enjoying them.
Introduction: The Joy of Bundle Hunting
PC gaming is a vast and diverse landscape, with thousands of games released every year across multiple platforms, genres, and regions. While some gamers prefer to focus on a few popular titles or series, others enjoy exploring the wider world of gaming and discovering new experiences. Bundles can be a great way to do that, as they offer a random or curated selection of games that you may not have heard of, tried, or bought individually. Moreover, bundles often support good causes, such as education, health, culture, environment, or human rights, by donating part of their proceeds to charities or NGOs. Therefore, by purchasing a bundle, you not only expand your gaming library, but also contribute to the common good.
Section 1: What Makes a Hidden Gem?
Before we dive into specific examples of hidden gems, we need to define what we mean by that term. A hidden gem is a game that:
– Is not widely known or advertised, and may have less than 100,000 copies sold or reviews on Steam.
– Has a high average rating (at least 80%) and a sizable positive review percentage (at least 75%).
– Offers distinctive or memorable gameplay, story, visuals, or music, that sets it apart from other games in its genre or style.
– Is not heavily monetized or riddled with microtransactions, loot boxes, or pay-to-win mechanics.
– Is not buggy, broken, or unplayable, at least on modern systems and configurations.
Of course, these criteria are subjective and debatable, and some games may exceed or fall short of them for various reasons. However, we believe that they capture the essence of what makes a hidden gem in PC gaming bundles: a game that you may have overlooked or underestimated, but that can surprise and satisfy you with its quality and creativity.
Section 2: Examples of Hidden Gems
Now, let’s look at some examples of hidden gems that we have discovered in PC gaming bundles. We will group them into several categories, based on their genres, styles, or themes, and provide brief descriptions and reasons why we liked them. Note that these games are not ranked or ordered in any particular way, and that they are only a small sample of the many hidden gems that exist in bundles.
2.1. Puzzle/Platformer: Teslagrad
Teslagrad is a 2D puzzle-platformer that combines hand-drawn visuals, steampunk aesthetics, and electromagnetic physics. You play as a young boy who must explore a mysterious tower filled with gears, gadgets, and secrets, using his abilities to manipulate electric and magnetic fields, such as by changing the polarity of objects or creating shockwaves. The game’s graphics are beautiful and detailed, with a muted color palette and smooth animations that convey a sense of magic and melancholy. The puzzles are challenging, logical, and cleverly integrate the mechanics of magnetism and electricity, requiring you to think both vertically and horizontally, and to experiment with different combinations of objects and fields. The story is told without any dialogue or text, but through images, memories, and visions that gradually reveal the history and motives of the tower and its inhabitants. Overall, Teslagrad is a delightful and immersive game that rewards exploration, curiosity, and persistence.
2.2. Action/RPG: Victor Vran
Victor Vran is an isometric action-RPG that embraces fast-paced combat, loot-driven progression, and devilish humor. You play as the eponymous demon hunter, a charismatic and versatile hero who can use a variety of weapons, skills, and outfits, and who can jump, dodge, and roll with ease. The game’s levels are procedurally generated, which means that each playthrough has a different layout, enemies, and loot, and that you can replay them multiple times to get better gear and challenge yourself. The game also has a cooperative mode that allows you to team up with other players online or locally. The graphics are polished and colorful, with a Gothic and steampunk flavor, and the music is catchy and diverse, ranging from blues to metal. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, as evidenced by the witty and silly dialogues of the characters, the references to popular culture, and the nods to other games, such as Diablo, Dark Souls, and Doom. With its satisfying gameplay, generous content, and playful spirit, Victor Vran is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
2.3. Visual Novel/Adventure: The House in Fata Morgana
The House in Fata Morgana is a gothic visual novel that tells a haunting and tragic story of love, loss, and redemption through the eyes of multiple narrators. You start as a young maid who awakens in a grand mansion, with no memories of who she is or how she got there, and who soon discovers that she is not alone. As you explore the various rooms and corridors of the house, you learn about its dark and twisted history, spanning several centuries and generations of owners and occupants, and witness their struggles, secrets, and sorrows. The game’s graphics are stunning and evocative, with detailed and expressive character designs, hauntingly beautiful backgrounds, and subtle animations that convey a sense of mood and emotion. The music is also memorable, with a classical and operatic style that enhances the dramatic and melancholic atmosphere. The game’s main themes include family, identity, memory, and forgiveness, and it explores them with depth, sensitivity, and complexity. The House in Fata Morgana is a hidden gem that pushes the boundaries of the visual novel genre and leaves a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
2.4. Strategy/Tower Defense: Kingdom Rush Frontiers
Kingdom Rush Frontiers is a tower defense game that blends colorful, cartoony graphics, with addictive and challenging gameplay, and a great sense of humor. You play as a commander who must defend various realms from hordes of enemies, such as orcs, trolls, and dragons, by building and upgrading different types of towers, heroes, and spells. The game’s levels are diverse and imaginative, ranging from deserts to jungles, and featuring different hazards and terrain that affect your tactics and defenses. The game also has a survival mode that allows you to pit your skills against endless waves of foes, and a hero mode that lets you control your heroes directly and use their unique abilities to turn the tide of battle. The graphics are colorful, detailed, and cute, with a wide range of characters and animations that make the battles feel alive and dynamic. The music is also cheerful and catchy, with different themes for each level and boss. The game’s humor is the icing on the cake, as it includes witty dialogues, puns, pop culture references, and easter eggs that make you smile and chuckle even when your towers are under attack. Kingdom Rush Frontiers is a hidden gem that proves that even casual games can be both fun and challenging.
Section 3: Tips for Finding and Enjoying Hidden Gems
Now that we have seen some examples of hidden gems, you may wonder how to find and enjoy them in PC gaming bundles. Here are some tips that may help:
– Read reviews and ratings: Before buying a bundle, read the reviews and ratings of the games included in it, and pay attention to the criteria we mentioned earlier. Look for games that have high average ratings and positive review percentages, but not too many reviews or copies sold, as that may indicate that they are both good and underrated.
– Watch trailers and gameplay videos: If you are not sure whether a game is for you, watch some trailers and gameplay videos on YouTube or Twitch, and see how it looks and feels in action. You may discover some hidden features or quirks that you didn’t notice before, or you may confirm or reject your initial impression.
– Play different genres: Don’t limit yourself to a few favorite genres or styles, but try different types of games, even if they are not your usual cup of tea. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy a puzzle game, an adventure game, a simulation game, or a strategy game that you never played before. Moreover, playing different genres can broaden your horizons and enhance your skills and knowledge as a gamer.
– Use filters and tags: When browsing bundles or game catalogs, use the filters and tags available to narrow down your search and find games that match your preferences. For example, you can search for games that support Linux, have local coop, or have female protagonists. You can also use tags such as hidden gems, indie, or experimental to find games that are less mainstream or more innovative.
– Share your experiences: Finally, don’t forget to share your experiences and opinions of hidden gems with others, either through social media, forums, or blogs. You may inspire someone else to try a game that they never heard of, or you may learn about other hidden gems that you missed. Moreover, sharing your love for gaming can strengthen the community and foster a culture of discovery, experimentation, and diversity.
Conclusion: Hidden Gems Everywhere
In conclusion, PC gaming bundles are not only great value for money, but also a treasure trove of hidden gems that can enrich your gaming life and expose you to new ideas, styles, and voices. Whether you are a casual or a hardcore gamer, a fan of action, strategy, or adventure, or a seeker of beauty, emotion, or meaning, there is a hidden gem waiting for you in a bundle somewhere. All you need is an open mind, a curious spirit, and a bit of luck. Happy bundle hunting!
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