Classic Games to Snag During the Steam Summer Sale
Written by: Elijah Moon Blackwell
It’s here! The destroyer of wallets!
Every year Steam has a huge sale that slashes the prices of (almost) every game it sells. It’s a good way to get a bundle of games for a low price.
If you don’t know, Steam is a digital marketplace for computer games. Mostly just for Windows, but a few official Mac and Linux games can be found floating around. It’s free to sign up and download the client. Click here for more info and to download.
The sale lasts until July 9th! Don’t miss it!
Here is a list of classic computer games you should look out for during the sale. In no particular order:
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Editor Katelyn Vause has been trekking through the wastes for the first time. Read about it here!
While you are at it, follow in her footsteps by picking up the classic RPG for yourself. It hasn’t aged super well and mods are required to make it run properly. Be warned that there is no hand holding. The game does not forgive the slightest mistakes.
If you are willing to try and fail, there is a world of lore awaiting you. It is worth the difficulty.
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
If you wanted just a bit more complexity from Age of Empires, then Rise of Nations is for you. Enemy units experience attrition when entering your borders. There is a vast research system that requires balancing population, resources and time.
A great real time strategy game for those seeking a challenge. The servers are still online so you can play with your friends. Unfortunately, the servers are held together with duct tape. At least that’s what it seems like when random lag spikes hit the game.
The single player campaign is also very fun with it’s own game mode not found in multiplayer.
Hitman Blood Money
My personal favorite in the series. You play as Agent 47, who is a hitman. You get a target and it’s your job to bring them down.
Find disguises, look for vantage points and learn the guards’ patterns. Targets can eliminated by sabotaging the environment leading to no witnesses. Or make a mess by going in guns blazing. It’s up to you and your skill.
There is also a classic Hitman bundle for $3.92 which includes five games. Much better deal than buying just Blood Money.
Tomb Raider I
The game that launched an entire series. I’m not a huge fan of Tomb Raider, but the first game has some excellent levels begging to be explored. You play as the famous Lara Croft, traversing ancient tombs and temples. A great game for those looking for an adventure.
Remember this is a DOS game so the controls are horrible and the graphics are crude. There is a rebooted version of the game that came out in 2006 called Tomb Raider Anniversary.
You can buy Tomb Raider I for $0.97
You can buy Tomb Raider Anniversary for $0.98
The entire series is on Steam but there is no “classic” bundle. The offered bundle includes the newer games and DLC. You can buy the entire franchise for $46.07
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
A game from 2004 is priced at $20 normally and still receives universal critical acclaim? Yeah, this game is worth the price of admission.
Truth be told Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodline is not for everyone. It’s an intense, unforgiving RPG. Character building is everything. Build a character wrong and you will struggle. In fact, if you really mess up then you can’t even complete the game.
The story is deep and the map is filled with detail. Each playable clan receives unique dialogue with certain groups of people. You can even dance at the nightclub.
But again, the game is definitely not for every type of player. There is also cut content that requires a mod. However, the game can be enjoyed without it.
If you are willing to try this excellent cult classic, you can buy it for $9.99
Rollercoaster Tycoon Deluxe
A classic management game about building your own theme park. Controls and graphics are super outdated. May require some patience at first to get used to the 90s mechanics.
Once you understand the perspective and the user interface you will have endless amounts of fun.
I am a fan of the first game but the second one is just as good. It can be bought for $3.39
DO NOT buy Roller Coaster Tycoon World.
Thief Gold
Stealth in it’s purest form. There is no cloaking device or special perks to blind the enemy. You have an arsenal of weapons that have their own specific uses. For example, you can equip water dipped arrows to shoot out wall mounted oil lamps.
Each surface makes it’s own level of noise. Walking on carpet is safe, but walking on brick may reach the ears of the guards.
A heart pounding experience. The shadows are your friend and the light is terrifying. A surreal change of tone.
Go, attempt to steal artifacts from highly secured locations in this fantasy medieval stealth game.
You can buy the entire franchise for $5.52
Flatout 2
My favorite racing game of all time. Currently sporting “Overwhelmingly Positive” user reviews, Flatout 2 is a classic destructive racing game.
Wreck your enemies so hard they explode! But be careful not to crash yourself or your driver may go flying out the windshield.
Has a great rock and roll soundtrack. The graphics aged really well. Only downside? No true controller support.
I wouldn’t buy the entire series. I think Flatout 2 is the definitive Flatout experience.
Half-Life
If somehow you don’t own Half-Life, now is the time. It is considered the greatest PC game of all time. I have my own feelings about that title but I will admit it’s one of the best games found on Steam.
Half-Life is a linear FPS shooter. There are some puzzles and platforming segments. Anymore details may spoil the game for those truly going in blind.
Also, you can buy the entire Half-Life franchise for $15.88
Lastly, you can buy everything Valve ever developed (excluding Alyx) for $19.62
Half-Life is an essential computer game. To make sure you have all the major classics, here are a few honorable mentions:
Quake II – $1.49
Ultimate DOOM – $1.49
Wolfenstein 3D – $1.49
Descent – $3.39
Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition – $0.97
These are my main recommendations. I am leaving out an incredible number of games. Thankfully Steam has a “classic” tag. You can sort by bestselling and find the most popular classic titles. You can browse that tag by going here.
Happy Steam Sale and let me know at cdromfossil@gmail.com about the games you’ll be picking up, new or old!
CD-ROM Fossil 