Thrifty Gaming: Games That Won’t Blow Your Budget #79

Hey Blerdy Tribe! It’s 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!

Starry Flowers (2021) – NomnomNami

Cost: Name Your Own Price

Windows and Mac

STARRY FLOWERS is a visual novel about two witch boys falling in love.

-Synopsis

Starry Flowers is a short slow burn Boys Love/Dress Up Game developed by NomnomNami. Take on the role of flirty which Periwinkle (first appeared in First Kiss at a Spooky Soiree) as he attempts to woo Pastille, the owner of a local candy shop. Dress Periwinkle up in cute outfits so he looks extra special for his dates with Pastille. There are 20 accessories to choose from, so mix and match to create your own unique fashions. The whole game can be completed in under 2 hours.

EDDA Cafe (2021) – Morinoir/Pepapen

Cost: Free

Windows, Linux, and Mac | Google Play

“Have you ever heard a myth about cafes that turn back time?”

I no longer care about anything after what happened two years ago. I made a mistake… and now I lost the most important person in my life. I don’t think I deserve anything. I’m simply disgusted with myself. Guilt, regret, and loss… they will haunt me for eternity. Even the gift I have for him is meaningless now.

Mina is a shy girl who lost her dearest one. Guilt, regret, and sadness haunt her after that accident, causing her to blame herself. Two years has passed and she’s still trapped in her past. Two days before Valentine’s day, she meets Taku, a waiter who introduced her to a cafe named EDDA. Dragged by her little curiosity and her friend’s compulsion, she finds out that through magic in that cafe, she was given a second chance. Will it save her heart? Will she move forward or stay in the past?

“And when the coffee starts to drip, the magic begins…”

-Synopsis

EDDA Cafe is a cute and wholesome romance visual novel developed by Morinoir/Pepapen for the Valentines VN Jam 2021. The game consists of three parts, but at the time of this writing only parts 1 and 2 are available to play. After losing someone close to her, Mina visits a cafe named EDDA that promises to give her a second chance to right the wrongs of the past. This is an emotional visual novel that really tugs at the heartstrings. Taku, the waiter that works at EDDA is a voiced by Josh Portillo.

Loving You Fully (2021) – Husbando Goddess

Cost: Free

Windows and Mac

Bianca is an 18-year-old girl with the dream of going to medical school, owning a flower shop, and eventually, finding love. However, there’s one big hurdle that she’s constantly reminded of that preventing her from doing all three: her body. When she feels like she can’t go anywhere in life because of how she looks, she discovers Jasmine, a plus-size model who exudes the energy that Bianca only dreams of. Will she be the one to help Bianca?

-Synopsis

Loving You Fully is a short visual novel about self love and body positivity developed by Husbando Goddess for Valentines VN Jam 2021. In the game you take on the role of Bianca, a full figured college student who is insecure about her appearance. After discovering Jasmine, a plus sized model and YouTuber, Bianca hopes that she can help her gain some more confidence in herself!

Check out the full review: Loving You Fully Indie Game Review – Self Love is BEST Love

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!!