Thrifty Gaming: Games That Won’t Blow Your Budget #74

Hey Blerdy Tribe! It’s a brand spanking new year and if you’re wallet is feeling a bit light after the holidays I have just the thing for you… 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 have 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!

Hakuoki Kyoto Winds(2017) – Idea Factory

Cost: $9.99

Steam

You play as the young Chizuru, determined to find her father amidst the drama of Kyoto in the Bakumatsu period. Romance the famous samurai of the Shinsengumi as you uncover their dark secrets and come face to face with the mysteries of your past.

-Synopsis

Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds is remastered version of the popular historical fantasy otome game series, Hakuoki. Kyoto Winds is the first installment in a two part adventure, featuring updated artwork, new love interests, and expanded storylines. Fall in love with 12 handsome bachelors, including 6 new love interest—experience key events from Japanese history and craft your own romantic adventure. The game features over 80 hours of gameplay with over 30 unique endings. *Note: This is just the 1st installment, you will need to purchase Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms to continue the story.

Guilty Parade (2021) – Nozori Games

Cost: $4.99

Steam | Windows, Mac, & Linux

One war. Two sides of a military conflict. Which side will you choose if you take a look at the world from both sides of the conflict? Whom will you support and whom will you destroy if some are fighting for an uncertain future, while others are for a peaceful present?

-Synopsis

Guilty Parade is a two part military fiction visual novel developed by the indie games studio, Nozori Games. xperience two sides of a military conflict, by stepping into the shoes of two very different protagonists on either side of the barricades. On one side is Nemo—an amnesiac young man who is taken in by the Commander of an unusual squadron of soldiers. Though he doesn’t remember much about his past, he is thrust headfirst into their cause as he and his new comrades attempt to investigate a mysterious crime. On the other side is Lien—a child of war, desperate to avenge the death of his mothers at the hand of the black apostates. Your choices matter as you navigate the complexities of war.

January Edwards: PI (2021) – AmesyFlo

Cost: Free

Windows, Mac, & Linux

January Edwards’ and Fern Anderson haven’t always been down on their luck. Their small private investigation agency had been staying afloat before a change at the local police station ruined everything.

Join the grumpy detective and her ‘hacker extraordinaire’ as they investigate the shady underworld of their small town, and find the truth behind its affairs, dodgy dealings and corrupt cops.

The Accountant’s Affair is the first case in the January Edwards: PI series. Each case will have a contained story, with an overarching narrative over a total of four cases.

-Synopsis

January Edwards: PI is a short episodic detective visual novel developed by indie game developer, AmesyFlo. The game features about an hour worth of gameplay—currently the first episode, The Accountant’s Affair is available, but there are plans for three more in the future. Each case is its own self contained story. Solve the case by completing logic and deductive reasoning puzzles and interacting with other characters. There is only one ending, but there are several different ways to get there, so play around with the choices and craft your own experience!

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!!