Thrifty Gaming: Games That Won’t Blow Your Budget #42

Hey there Heroes, Travelers, and Wandering NPCs, I’m a bit late, but it’s once again that special time of the week—Thrifty Thursday!

In a world where it’s all about the almighty dollar, sometimes it’s a little tough to make our pennies stretch enough to accommodate our hobbies. But, there are plenty of ways to balance your budget while still enjoying the things you love, you just have to be a little thrifty about it. So, I created Thrifty Gaming in order to spotlight some lesser known indie titles that are both entertaining an affordable.

If you’re a new follower or someone who has been following since my Nice Job Breaking It Hero days and has been gone for awhile, here’s a refresher… Thrifty Gaming, is a weekly post series where I spotlight three games/visual novels that are under $10.00. These can be mobile games, PC games, and a few times I have found some nice indie console titles too. The list used to focus on just otome games and romance visual novels, but after requests from a few readers I have since expanded to other gaming genres. I don’t include sales or limited time offers, each title has to be consistently priced at $10.00 or less without any promotions to be included in this line up.

Note, these are not reviews, rather recommendations so your mileage may vary with some of these titles. This week’s post will include a brief synopsis and links to each game so you can add them to your gaming library! You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy your hobbies, so save a little bread and check this week’s thrifty gaming picks!

Because We’re Here – Act 1 (2019) – Studio Elfriede

Cost: $5.99

Windows, Mac, Linux | Steam

1915, Wesslinger National Calendar. The Great War rages on.

As neurotic Postal Corps volunteer Elfriede Rauss, you walk the trenches with the men of a lost generation. And amidst the chaos and brutality of the front lines, you encounter an obstacle that you are absolutely and categorically not prepared for: love.

However. Love can be a difficult thing to hold on to at the best of times. And these are not the best of times…

-Synopsis

Because We’re Here – Act 1 is the first act in a four part episodic WWI inspired romance visual novel, developed by solo indie developer Studio Elfriede. The game promises to be an immersive war epic, taking players into the trenches of the First Lassallian War. Over the course of the story players have the opportunity to pursue a whopping 16 love interests (11 of which are introduced in Act 1). In addition to the usual visual novel decision making, players can also participate in an argumentative boss battle styled system, where they can match wits with enemies and allies alike. Gameplay is roughly 3 hours, but there are plenty of narrative paths to explore which makes for high replay value.

Broil My Buns (2019) – simone

Cost: FREE

Windows, Mac, & Linux

Are you in the mood for love and pounds of greasy meat? Then come on down for your first day on the job at the Burger Bin! Will you reveal a coworker’s dark secret? Will you clean a bathroom while your arch nemesis yells at you about D&D? Will you fall in love with a sexy dad? Anything could happen in this wacky dive into romance and labor exploitation.

-Synopsis

Broil My Buns is a short comedic LGBTQ+ friendly visual novel from indie developer Simone. The game was originally created as part of a class assignment and ends after the player completes their first day of work at the Burger Bin. Players can pursue one of their new coworkers, each with their own unique romance endings (five in total). Broil My Buns is heavy on the comedy, so expect quite few laughs in this lighthearted visual novel.

Pocket Mirror (2016) – AtralShift

Cost: FREE

Windows, Mac, Linux

The events of Pocket Mirror take place in a mysterious world where the player has to guide the main character in her journey to find her true identity. It is filled with dramatic as well as funny moments throughout and there are several characters to get to know throughout the game!

The storytelling relies on symbolism and hints scattered throughout the game. It’s divided into 2 main sub-plots although there are quite a few more, less relevant, sub-plots to experience.

-Synopsis

Pocket Mirror is an indie RPG Maker horror adventure game that draws inspired by Japanese RPG Maker games like Ib and The Witch’s House. Guide the main character through a surreal wold as she attempts to discover the truth behind her identity. Players can explore unique locales and solve puzzles, along their journey. The game does include some scary story elements, such as jump scares and references to blood and death, however there are plenty of lighthearted moments to balance the story.

That’s it for this week’s thrifty buys, but, don’t worry I’ll have more titles for in next week’s post, so be on the look out for that next Thursday! But, if all that extra money you saved is burning a hole in your pocket and you just can’t wait for next week’s list, definitely check out some of my previous Thrifty Gaming posts, there are tons of games for gamers who like me are ballin’ on a budget!

Thank you for reading and Supporting Blerdy Otome! If you like what you see be sure to drop a like or a comment to let me know your thoughts on this week’s Thrifty Picks!!