2023 is a year I have deeply mixed feelings on. The games industry is long past the point of sustainability—studios are bleeding talent, whole press outlets are dying out and it’s clear that something has to change. And yet the games this flaming trainwreck gave us this year are overwhelmingly good and practically innumerable. So let’s celebrate all that imagination and artistry with another roundup of cool, obscure games that you can pick up for cheap in the last two days of the Steam Winter Sale. Reminder that the sale ends on Thursday, January 4 at 10 am Pacific.
We’re sticking to some simple rules. All the games have to be:
Launched, graduated from early access or otherwise re-released in 2023Something I’ve personally played and can vouch for the worthiness ofNotably obscure—most under 500 user reviews, some far below thatQuirky, distinctive, offbeat and under-covered games take precedenceAt least 20% discounted—potentially a steeper discount if early access
Alright, let’s get hipster. Here’s 20 games from the Steam Winter Sale that you’ve probably never heard of. And if you have? Well, I think you’re pretty cool.
You Will Die Here Tonight
Price: $13.99/£11.72 (30% off) Developer: HurakanWorks, NuChallenger
Treachery In Beatdown City was one of 2020’s most interesting indie RPGs—a turn-based tactical take on Final Fight and Streets Of Rage with a pointedly political plot and a scathing sense of humour. It was a bit short and limited though, and felt like it wasn’t really fulfilling its potential.
This year, the ‘Ultra Remix’ expansion more than doubled the size of the game. A free upgrade for existing owners, and now going cheap. For those still on the fence, the demo, UN Trouble, is a fully standalone side-story where you play as an off-brand, legally and politically distinct Barack Obama.
Kandria
Price: $15.99/£12.39 (20% off)