Steam Summer Sale 7-11-13

Ho boy, it's that time of year again. Well, sort of. By that I mean it's when you would normally watch you bank account quickly empty as you rush to buy games as part of the just begun Steam Summer sale, but I've found that the last few sales have been devoid of some really great deals - or maybe I've just bought pretty much everything that was on sale. Either way, we've got some games I can go over, pointing out what I've reviewed, and hopefully steering you in the right direction as you wave wads of cash in front of your PC, demanding GabeN shuts up and takes your money already.

First up, a couple of general observations about this sale. It returns to the form we've seen over the last year, and that was ultimately hammered down at the end of 2012, with several main deals each day,  a group of 8 hour flash sales, and an 8 hour community choice. At least it's not as hectic as last summer, where there were 6 revolving flash sales all on different timers, and you pretty much had to check back every 2 hours just to make sure you didn't miss anything. Now we've just got to suffer through the "CARDS!" tie in with 90% of today's games, so you can see where this is going. Anyways, just in case you missed it, there are 10 main daily deals (which is a lot) for 24 hours, 4 flash sales on their 8 timer, and 1 voter's choice on the same 8 hour timer. Basically, you have to check back at least 3 times a day.

It's also worth noting that while Green Man Gaming just had a major sale last week, GamersGate has been running a sale of it's own this week, and though Amazon doesn't have a major sale, you can still find some gems.

Now, for the games!

Main Sale:

Left 4 Dead 2 - I'll be honest, I didn't care much for L4D2, since I logged only 15 hours, as compared to the original, in which I logged 115 hours. Certainly a great co-op game if you can get a good group of 4 people together. Even better if you get 8 and you can run private versus matches. Playing solo? Well, then the game really isn't that good. $4.99 gets you just L4D2, while the bundle is $7.49 for both this and the original.

Endless Space - You know what's nice? When you can copy/paste work you've already done to save time. But I'll save you that. Endless Space is an interesting take on the 4X type of strategy games. I put some time into it during a free weekend last year. The game certainly had some potential, with a variety of win conditions, including things like just expanding your galactic influence beyond a certain percentage. Building fleets of ships to defend your systems, terraforming planets to change how they positively or negatively impact your population, and so much more. It's $10.19 for the Emperor Edition, but $11.89 for the Gold Edition, which includes the Disharmoy DLC that would otherwise set you back $8.99 on it's own.

Antichamber - Probably one of the most intriguing FPPs (that's first person puzzlers) out on the market today. As I type this I'm actively involved in a trade deal to pick this up on the cheap, but the $7.49 price tag isn't too bad if I've got to get it myself.

Defiance - $13.59 gets you the MMO shooter from Trion, the same people that made RIFT. Now, I really liked RIFT, and I've even watched all of the Defiance TV show, which did include a few tie ins between the game and show. As for the game however, well, I've sworn off MMOs, so you'll just have to let me know. But in case you're wondering, Defiance coming back for a second season, so that would seem to indicate those tie ins will continue.

Hotline Miami -  Actively playing this game, as recently as this morning. Hyper violent game that is a strange combination of strategic planning and reckless abandon. The game is difficult, in a Super Meat Boy way, because you need a very high level of precision to make it through a stage, since one hit and you die. However, it isn't a game that is highly predictable either, because enemies will patrol around differently, or sometimes your gunshots won't be heard. Also, great music, but visual effects that give me a headache after a short time, and I made it through Aaaaa....!!! - for the Awesome without issue, so that's something. Lowest price I've seen it anywhere for $2.49 today.

Scriblenauts Unlimited - At $4.99, it's the lowest I've seen it on Steam, but it doesn't beat Amazon's price for $3.75 last December. Still, not a bad deal for the summon through the power of words game. I might even get it myself.

Toki Tori 2 - I played a little bit of 1, because it was one of the earlier games I had on my cellphone. An okay puzzle platformer that is really casual, but wasn't something that really pulled me in, so I hanve't ever put much time into it. $9.89 gets you just TT2, while $13.74 gets you a total of 4 games in the form of a publisher pack.

Call of Juarez Gunslinger - Not a series I've really followed after the second title, which was pretty good. At least this one returns to the wild west. It's only 33% off, bringing the price down to a strange $10.04.

Don't Starve - It has been recommended that I play this survival game by someone whose opinion I generally trust. I've yet to follow through on that information, and since it's still $8.99 I don't think I'll be picking it up today, but I had to at least say something here so you wouldn't get bored and go to a legitimate news site.

Bioshock Infinite - Another game that I've heard good things ago. Actually, scratch that, I've heard it's fantastic. Still, I'm a cheap jerk that doesn't value to the work of others, so I haven't bought it yet, and still won't at today's price of $29.99. It is worth nothing that, since the Season Pass DLC isn't on sale on Steam, you should actually head over to Green Man Gaming and use their 20% off code to save $4. But, if you want Colombia's Finest DLC, you'll need to get that on Steam since it's 50% off there. See, this is what I'm here for, finding the best ways to save you money.


Flash Sales

Bastion - Reviewed! Great deal at $2.24, making it the lowest price I've ever seen it on sale for.

Dark Souls - Also the lowest I've ever seen it at $7.49 while it lasts.

Cities XL Platinum - $7.49 if you don't own it, but apparently an additional 10% off if you own Cities XL 2011 or 2012.

Euro Truck Simulator2 - $9.99


Voter's Choice

Borderlands 2 - It edged out Dishonored and Far Cry 3 in the first round of voting. It should be noted that while the game is $10.19, there are also a ton of DLCs, which would total $30 or so if you bought them all. Considering some people have found a GOTY edition listing out there for this game, and my large backlog, I'm content with waiting until November or December and getting everything in once nice package.


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Alright, that's it for now. Check back every day sometime in the evening PST, or shortly after the new games on sale on the weekend, when I'll get these up ASAP. If you've been here before, you know the drill: I'll talk briefly about what I know, mention if it's been reviewed or not, and so on. Otherwise I'll try and find you the best deal or make a sly remark. So see you around!