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0 Written by Guadalupe Vial Ulloa
I have always loved playing games. Since I watched my brother play Spyro the Dragon on the PS1 and played The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, it became both my comfort and, perhaps, a bit of an obsession. However, unlike then, I have less time, and my own wallet has so much less to give to games. At the same time, I have so much more stress piled on, and a cold, cold environment that only makes me want to spend my time curled up in bed playing games. And I know a lot of you can relate, with university, maybe a job or two, rent, loans, groceries and who knows what more, it feels like there is no time to play games, and when there is, the “good” games are insanely expensive and so out of reach for an university student. Because of that, I bring you a list of 5 games, all under $20, you can play on even if you don’t have a game console, and are, in my opinion underrated gems, that you can spend playing curled up in bed, without having to skip groceries for the week.
Honkai Star Rail
FREE on Windows, iOS, Android and PS4
From the same creators of Genshin Impact, HSR is the less data-heavy, sci-fi counterpart brought to you by Hoyoverse. The game is set in a universe you explore by travelling through the stars in the Astral Express, where you will go from world to world, saving societies and making unexpected friends. The game features a prominent RPG aspect, which is actually quite simple and should not be an issue for people who struggle with fighting games (like me) and gacha. It can be played and enjoyed to its fullest without spending a penny. It features beautiful graphics and fun characters that you won’t forget anytime soon, and its story has just begun! With the fourth world just added, you can catch up to the storyline that will just keep being added on, and, even if you are like me, and finish all the story missions, there are still challenges and secrets to explore, alongside characters to interact with.
Oxenfree
$13 on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4 & FREE if you have a Netflix account
This game was my pandemic obsession. You play as Alex, a teenager heading to an island with your best friend and new stepbrother for some sort of high school bash, but instead, you are met with mysterious activity and important life decisions. This game is all about the story, and it’s the kind of game you have to play multiple times to get every side. There are multiple choices and they will affect how the story progresses. It’s witty and funny at times, yet it has a good suspense element. I wouldn’t call it full-on horror; I would categorize it as more “spooky,” so it is a good choice even if you don’t like scary games.
Starbound
$17 on macOS, Windows, Linux, Xbox One
The better version of Minecraft. Yes, I said it: this game kicks Minecraft in its square butt, with a story, exploration, and customization. My current obsession, Starbound, is a game I stop playing and go back to as a desperate ex looking for a second chance. You are the last human with a matter manipulator, a weapon? Tool? I’m still unsure, but it’s important nonetheless. Earth was destroyed, and you are on a ship with your cute little pet, basically floating through space. You have to fix your ship so you can explore the galaxy, and, save humanity, but, if you don’t want to spend your time doing that, you can just build a house, or a farm, maybe you want to start a brewery, whatever you want to do, you basically can. A game where adventure and sandbox perfectly blend together, making it a risk to spend your time on.
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
$18 on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PS4
Cute, funny, lighthearted. This game’s plot is faithful to its title as you play as a turnip… who committed tax evasion. Now, the mayor (an onion) sends you to do menial tasks that become a full-fledged adventure to save the world, and you do it, because this is how you get rid of felony charges in this world. Help cute vegetable NPCs and defeat some monsters in this game, earn some fun hats, and just enjoy the nonsensical story that this little turnip brings you.
Rakuen
$20 on macOS, Windows, Linux and Nintendo Switch
Warning: You may cry playing this game. You play as a little boy, lying sick in a hospital bed, where your mother reads you a story. One day, she tells you the world from that same story is real, and you two are set to explore it. Wanting to make a wish, you go through different challenges, make new friends, and explore emotions and the story, giving you a beautiful, many times joyous, and many times heartwrenching game that I cannot recommend enough.
Sources:
Honkai Star Rail. (n.d.). Hoyoverse. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://hsr.hoyoverse.com/en-us/
Oxenfree. (n.d.). Steam Powered Store. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://store.steampowered.com/app/388880/Oxenfree/
Starbound. (n.d.). Steam Powered Store. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://store.steampowered.com/app/211820/Starbound/
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion. (n.d.). Steam Powered Store. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://store.steampowered.com/app/1205450/Turnip_Boy_Commits_Tax_Evasion/
Rakuen. (n.d.). Steam Powered Store. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://store.steampowered.com/app/559210/Rakuen/
