Thrifty Gaming: Games That Won’t Blow Your Budget #108

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 out this week’s thrifty gaming picks!

This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made by clicking on one of my affiliate links earns me a small commission that goes back towards keeping the site running. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Adopt a Boyfriend

Publisher: Olivia/Lunamakaio
Genre: Fantasy | Slice-of-Life | Romance
Cost: Name Your Own Price
Where to Play: Windows, Mac, & Linux

Riley has grown tired of time-wasters and first dates with no chemistry.
Wanting to feel loved again, they hastily turn to ARA, the Agency for Romancing Animalfolk, hoping the agency can give them hope in the world of romance.
Excitement builds for the day when their new chance at love will arrive, when not one, but two hot animal boys show up on their doorstep!
Will you pursue the friendship and adoration that comes with the people-pleasing bunny Aramis? Or push through the stoic exterior of cutie kitten Kujo to find his heart of gold underneath?
Official Synopsis

Adopt a Boyfriend is a short fantasy slice-of-life romance game developed by Olivia/Lunamakaio for Otome Jam 2022. Follow Riley as they try to find love with one of two hot animal boys. Choose your pronouns and appearance and pursue romance with bunny, Aramis or cat, Kujo. There are four endings to unlock and partial English voice acting. The whole game takes about 3-5 hours to complete, so it’s perfect for a quick weekend or afternoon play.

Under Maintenance

Publisher: Under Maintenance Studios
Genre: Slice-of-Life | Romance | Drama-Comedy
Cost: Name Your Own Price
Where to Play: Windows Mac & Linux

After a rough day at work, all you want to do is settle in with your favorite otome game, only to realize it’s gone down for maintenance. How will you pass these troubling times? Risk going to a watering hole to drown your sorrows in a beverage of choice? Begrudgingly scroll through a dating app to meet your love for the night? Either way – adventure, shenanigans, and hot singles in your area await! Disclaimer: heartache probable – choose wisely.
Official Synopsis

Under Maintenance is a drama comedy indie romance game developed by Under Maintenance Studios for Otome Jam 2022. When your favorite otome game is down for maintenance you’ll have to occupy your time with dating in the real world. Meet three hunky singles and see whether these real life guys can make your heart sway like your 2D husbandos. Choose your appearance (hair and skin color) and romance three male love interests. Unlock several endings (some good and some not so good).

Midnight on the Milky Way

Publisher: kalechips
Genre: Adventure | Interactive Fiction | Mystery
Cost: Name Your Own Price
Where to Play: Windows, Mac & Linux

In the depths of space, without a memory or face, you find yourself aboard a train of mystery and stars.
The passengers abroad– Some dangerous, some odd– Offer you no answers as you search throughout the cars.
The clock is slowly ticking. Your stop is coming into sight.
Will you find what you are looking for on this lonely, starry night?
Official Synopsis

Midnight on the Milky Way is a short interactive fiction adventure game developed by kalechips for NaNoRenO 2021. Navigate a mysterious train and interact with it’s unusual passengers as you attempt to recover you lost memories. There are three endings to unlock and over two hours of gameplay in this heartfelt fantasy adventure.

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!!

Thank you for reading and supporting Blerdy Otome!