PC Games - Free Weekend / Week (Fri 31 March - Thu 6 April) Post any Games of Note (But NO Permanent F2P or Subs Services)

RahRahRand on 31/03/2023 - 19:28
Last edited 31/03/2023 - 22:03 by 1 other user

Post all the obvious info like Name, Platform, Dates, Links, any special notes, all that kind of junk.

PC Games only (But Not PC Ports of Android Games etc).

Do Not List - Permanent Free To Play / F2P, or 'Always available' Games from Subscription Services like Xbox Game Pass (Unless they are a temporary Free Weekend of their own -which they do have occasionally).

Also please don't list Free games in general.

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Soapbox comments - separate from above list….

I still think there should be a permanent Sticky for this stuff - For PC Games only of course (not mixed up with threads with Xbox/PS/Steam Deck/Switch etc).

New Thread every week of course.
Listing individually is great and all - but it just makes so much more sense to list them all in one thread.

I'd suggest Completely Finished Games listed first (better term for this?), then a separate section below for Early Access etc, then maybe a third category for lesser indie/other format games below that.

As an aside - I had tried to list this as a Game Deal / Bargain but it got pulled.

Relating to that - I just wrote this to the mods in response…

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I had literally just posted this as a reply to a comment re this [being listed a a Bargain/Deal]…

"It makes sense [to be listed as a Bargain/Deal] as this is where people look for free/cheap games.
I suppose it could be in the forum instead if it really had to be there - but not ideal."

Not only would more people see the thread listed as a Bargain/Deal, making it even more useful - also, as a result - far more people would end up adding to it.
That's a win win for everyone.

I think it should be allowed [there] for those reasons.
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That's my opinion anyway.

Thanks

• 

  Nutrino on 31/03/2023 - 19:52

  Its fine the way it is.

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  Hybroid on 31/03/2023 - 19:53

  That's an awful lot of words to say absolutely nothing of value at all.

  The Silent Age and Tunch are free on Epic Games Store.

  Alwa's Awakening is free on GOG.

  Bunch of old game freebies on Amazon Gaming.

  • 

    RahRahRand on 01/04/2023 - 22:10

    -1

    @hybroid

    "That's an awful lot of words to say absolutely nothing of value at all."

    It's a pity you didn't read some of them - then you'd know that I clearly said No Free Games listings !

    Having said that; I appreciate you posting the games for others to see.

    thanks

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  harshbdmmaster718 on 31/03/2023 - 20:20

  As a person who avoided all video games for my teenage life, I tried to get into games now and thought "mobile games" on iPad (which I already have) was a good place to start.
  What a disappointment. First of all they have made games too complicated, so many menu areas and in each menu there is like a gazillion "items" or skills or whatever. I have no idea what's going on and am worried I will accidentally make a in game purchase by tapping the wrong spot. I also have no idea what's going on in game there are things popping up in the bottom corner during combat but no explanation as to what they are/do or what button to press to use them. Controller mapping is also confusing with the commands, there was a "parry" option in the tutorial part, but I can't find it in the mapping menu.
  Graphics were impressive for a mobile game but after 5 minutes I pressed the uninstall button. Ok next up "Genshin Impact" is a popular game I had heard a lot about so yeah go to install that with 3.8GB download size. Before I open it says "this is a demo, would you like to download the full game? additional 18GB free space required". WHAT how does a mobile game manage to take up 22GB???
  Ok so I start the demo. Much better than the last game 3D animated story line and the beginning of the story actually has me interested to learn more. But problem. NO controller support. I have tapped and searched every corner of this game and can't find any "settings" menu. I can't get the controller to work even though it should support one being one of the biggest games on iPad. Ok major fail ruined the whole experience for me. Don't have enough free space to install the full version to see if that allows controller support. Uninstalled. Also Genshin was a little "glitchy" compared to the first FTP MMORPG with the cutscenes and animations freezing a bit, weird for such a big game which should get a lot of updates.

  The only game I actually kept installed so far was Grand Mountain a top down skiing game. It's so simple but actually peaceful when playing it. Keeps you involved and supports controller without issue. It's Free, only 900MB and it is awesome, but still only gets about 20 minutes play time per session. At this stage I just don't understand how people can get so "into" games and play them for hours on end. I still find reading website articles or algorithmic youtube viewing is what I find much more enjoyable and worth my time. Or were my expectations of video games too high? and is everything you try in life is likely to be a disappointment.

  I guess I will just have to continue this process of installing/uninstalling and filtering through games. But yeah at the moment, 20% success rate for FTP games.
  For anyone thinking of recommending me something. I have a vague memory of briefly playing "God of War" (I think the first one) on a PSP and it was really good. Nice fluid game play and interesting story. That's the idea I had about games in my head.

  • 

    Gnostikos on 31/03/2023 - 21:04

    I tried to get into games now and thought "mobile games" on iPad (which I already have) was a good place to start.

    You thought wrong. Mobile platform games are by and large worthless, gambling substitutes for ADHD-addled kids, packed full of spyware and microtransactions.

    At least play a real videogame on a real platform like the PC before you go making any mass generalisations about the state of gaming; e.g. The Witcher 3, Skyrim, GTA V, PUBG, No Man's Sky, The Last of Us, etc.

    • 

      harshbdmmaster718 on 31/03/2023 - 21:06

      Yeah thanks. Witcher 3 is also a name I recognize. Genshin was a major disappointment. I thought it would be "flawless" given it's popularity, and I read online that it the entire story was "free to play" till the end (I had no chance with the 22GB free space requirement).
      Genshin also has those multiple menu's with 100's of slots for items/skills/achievements. As soon as I found all those while looking for controller support settings, it was a huge kill joy. Like what the (profanity) is this? I don't want any part of this.

      Sad thing is though I don't have a gaming computer (or a console for that matter), or at least my PC is so old it will have no chance running any modern games. Wish it was as cheap as buying just the game. My "budget" method for dipping my toes was to just buy a compatible controller for the iPad (which I already had) and trying all the FTP options.

      • 

        Gnostikos on 31/03/2023 - 21:12

        +1

        Also…

        I have a vague memory of briefly playing "God of War" (I think the first one) on a PSP and it was really good.

        … I don't think I've ever heard anyone say "I remember playing X on the PSP and it was really good".

        You need to broaden your gaming horizons.
        The industry has a come a long way since you've dipped your toes in the water and you're picking the shallowest, most talent-deprived and least reputable platform of all videogame platforms to sample modern-day gaming?

        Unless you're literally looking for 10-minute time-killers to help make the minutes go by faster while you're on hold on a call, mobile gaming is a complete and utter waste of time (even relative to the insane amounts of time people waste on videogames in general).

        This is like never driving a car in your life and then trying to learn for the first time on a Model T Ford in 2023.

        • 

          harshbdmmaster718 on 31/03/2023 - 21:13

          @Gnostikos:

          … I don't think I've ever heard anyone say "I remember playing X on the PSP and it was really good".

          Maybe my point is. It was good and obviously low graphics for a portable PSP, but all the core parts that made a game good were there such as mechanics, fluid movement and animation, easy to understand and simple progression (instead of collecting 100's of items/weapons/skills you simply beat a big dude and you got a different better weapon, that became your default weapon until the next big guy you killed), minimal on screen UI, good balance between story and controlling the character.

          Unless you're literally looking for 10-minute time-killers to help make the minutes go by faster while you're on hold on a call,

          Good point. That makes sense or killing time while waiting for the train etc.

          • 

            Gnostikos on 31/03/2023 - 21:21

            +1

            @harshbdmmaster718:

            all the core parts that made a game good were there such as mechanics, fluid movement and animation, easy to understand and simple progression (instead of collecting 100's of items/weapons/skills you simply beat a big dude and you got a different better weapon, that became your default weapon until the next big guy you killed), minimal on screen UI, good balance between story and controlling the character.

            Yeah dude and all of those core mechanics are 1000% better on a PC where so much of a game's design and scope is not limited by the absolutely piss-weak computing power of mobile gaming platforms like the PSP.

            My point is your gaming experience is going to woefully narrow and limited if you're restricting yourself to iOS/Android games. They're designed for the lowest common denominator and furthered limited by the capabilities of those mobile devices.

            At least get an 8th-gen console if you can't spring for a decent gaming PC.

            • 

              harshbdmmaster718 on 31/03/2023 - 21:27

              @Gnostikos: Yeah some paid iPad games which are "ports" of console/PC games seem to be better though. One example I know is a direct port of a console game is "GRID autosports" for just a once off $15 purchase for the full game.
              Just didn't want to commit to buying though until I had tried a decent amount of FTP options.

      • 

        Gnostikos on 31/03/2023 - 21:19

        Sad thing is though I don't have a gaming computer (or a console for that matter), or at least my PC is so old it will have no chance running any modern games. Wish it was as cheap as buying just the game. My "budget" method for dipping my toes was to just buy a compatible controller for the iPad (which I already had) and trying all the FTP options.

        $1,500 dollars gets you a PC that'll handle everything worth playing at a decent resolution and framerate. It'll last you for at least 3-5 years depending on what you're playing but given that you haven't touched PC gaming, you've got a back catalogue of games that can keep you happily occupied on a modern-day PC for the next 10 years at a minimum, so you'll get a lot more longevity out of a new PC than most people.

        Or buy the parts yourself when they're heavily discounted and DIY it. It's like slapping together some Lego and you can find a bunch of YouTube videos to take you through the entire process step-by-step.

        Or buy a second-hand rig off Gumtree/FB Marketplace; there's plenty out there that are a few years old and still plenty capable of running 80% of games very well.

        Refurbished PC/laptops is another avenue you could explore to save more money.

        • 

          harshbdmmaster718 on 31/03/2023 - 21:24

          @Gnostikos: Yeah I'll be honest with you. Ever since missing out on the base storage Quest 2 Amazon sale before the price jack, I have been saving and planning to buy a Quest 3 on release day. As I thought that would be a good entry into games, going with the most modern experience. But this whole thing kinda threw me off even the idea of a Quest 3 for a moment.

          So I am really trying to budget here. And I already have a computer which I have all sorts of uses for, just not gaming. Spending $1500 is out of the question at the moment, because the un announced price of Quest 3 is already pushing it for me.
          I appreciate the suggestions though. Looks like I will just press on with iPad for a bit longer to find the gems, I was feeling kind of anxious because after spending a few nights now trying and failing to have an actual gaming experience lol i was seriously considering sending the controller back to Amazon.

          • 

            Gnostikos on 31/03/2023 - 21:27

            @harshbdmmaster718: That sounds like a complete waste of money given there's nothing worth playing on the Quest 2/3 unless you're using them with a PC but whatever.

            That money would be much better spent if put towards a PC or a console.

            • 

              harshbdmmaster718 on 31/03/2023 - 21:29

              @Gnostikos: Alright something to think about thanks.

              Just so you know, I read an article saying over 40 new games are going to be available soon for Meta VR (I think being timed with October Meta event/same as Quest 3 release). Obviously no real guarantees, some fill fold and never happen, some will be delayed etc. But yeah they look like they are making an effort to bring in more customers with the Quest 3.

  • 

    holoz0r on 31/03/2023 - 21:09

    If your ipad can run it, Divinity: original sin 2. note, not free; but worth every penny.

    • 

      harshbdmmaster718 on 31/03/2023 - 21:10

      Alright thank you, I will search for that and watch a few videos on it to decide whether it's worth installing.

      I have a budget iPad I got a year or so ago. I think it's pretty new so like 8th or 9th gen budget iPad. Genshin appeared a bit low res and was freezing frames, which was odd because you would think such a big game would optimize for more iPad models.
      While the previous MMORPG I tried Gray Raven I think it's called, had better graphics and resolution and ran flawlessly so it's definitely possible.

      • 

        holoz0r on 31/03/2023 - 21:13

        It was a full fledged PC game, but the studio made an iPad port which is pretty much at feature parity with the PC version, just with lower graphical fidelity. It even supports keyboard + mouse on the iPad, as well as controllers.

  • 

    RahRahRand on 01/04/2023 - 22:25

    @blacksmithnpc

    Why did you disable your PMs?

    ciao.

    • 

      harshbdmmaster718 on 01/04/2023 - 22:27

      Just did it early on. I think it was a smart move since I have interacted with other users who seemed to be getting unwanted messages of the scam variety. e.g. saying they were chosen for some kind of promotion/offered something special from "our store".

      Sorry I'm not interested in enabling it. You can ask me anything you want here in the comments.

      • 

        RahRahRand on 01/04/2023 - 22:30

        -1

        I did want to talk to you about something; but I thought it would be better anywhere but here.

        Can you enable your PM's for a bit - you can always disable them again later.

        Besides - I've genuinely never found any issues with scams/junk pms in forums etc.
        It's just not a thing that has ever happened.

        So I really think you might be worrying about an issue that just isn't going to be a problem for you?

        Incidentally if that ever did happen - scam PMs - just email the mods and they'll sort it.

        Scam emails of course - that's a whole other thing !

        ciao.

        • 

          harshbdmmaster718 on 01/04/2023 - 22:43

          @RahRahRand: Ok shoot.

        • 

          harshbdmmaster718 on 01/04/2023 - 23:07

          @RahRahRand: Still typing? lol.

          Edit: ok you are showing as offline now. Closing PMs for now.

          • 

            RahRahRand on 01/04/2023 - 23:19

            -1

            @harshbdmmaster718: @blacksmithnpc…

            lol - Dude I was just typing you a message and got interrupted by a skype call from a mate overseas.

            Can you turn it back on please.

            If I don't get to send it to you tonite - just leave it on man and I'll reply when it's open and I'm online - it's not like you're leaving your front door open!

            Cheers

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  randomusername2017 on 31/03/2023 - 21:29

  la🎶la🎶land

  Lord, I was born a ramblin' man

  • 

    RahRahRand on 01/04/2023 - 22:20

    so predictable and dull

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  harshbdmmaster718 on 31/03/2023 - 21:34

  Also just realized OP mentioned "No F2P" in the title. I didn't recognize it I thought it was "FTP".

  Sorry OP. At least maybe my comment mentioning FTP games highlights how utterly crap they are lol.

  • 

    RahRahRand on 01/04/2023 - 22:13

    -1

    While they're not really for me - I know there are those who dig em.
    Fair enough, just didn't want them clogging up the works here is all.

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  rompastompa on 31/03/2023 - 22:00

  +1

  [PC/MacOS, Steam] Across the Obelisk Free weekend, ends Monday 3/4/23.

  List price: $28.95, Currently 30% @ $20.26

  Co-op | Roguelike | Deckbuilder | Card Game | RPG

  Across the Obelisk is a coop RPG deckbuilding roguelite. Play solo or with your friends, choose your heroes, unlock items and cards, craft your deck and face powerful enemies in deep tactical combat. Would you dare to go across the obelisk?

  • 

    RahRahRand on 01/04/2023 - 22:16

    -1

    wow, out of all of those replies - one single (relevant) deal finally got posted.

    Cheers