8Sep/100

Cheap Thrills: H.A.W.X 2 The 8-bit game

Cheap Thrills is a column by Chris Gampat reviewing affordable (under $20) or free games for the recession.

I remember playing the original version of H.A.W.X in alpha form back during my PCMag.com days and then the Android version put out by Gameloft. While I comfortably preferred the latter, the 8-bit version of the game is simply the most addicting. H.A.W.X. 2's 8-bit version is an ode to old-school top down shooters, with a few flourishes that test player strategies and reflexes while offering versatility in the way the game can be played.

Chris Gampat
21Aug/100

Cheap Thrills: Master of Fortresses

Cheap Thrills is a column by Chris Gampat reviewing affordable (under $20) or free games for the recession.

If you're a fan of defense games, then chances are that you won't mind getting slightly Imperial on someone's ass when playing Master of Fortresses. Based around the imperial era, the game makes players defend their holdout against either the British, French and Germans, or play as those respective nations.

Chris Gampat
28Jul/100

Cheap Thrills: Ricochet Kills 2

Cheap Thrills is a column by Chris Gampat reviewing affordable (under $20) or free games for the recession.

If you like solving puzzles, killing shadowy people, and physics, then Ricochet Kills 2 may be just the game for you. With loads of different combinations for murdering the men in suits and with different objects to aid or work against you, the game is highly addicting with a simple gameplay mechanic that will leave your brain confused with how to accomplish your goals.

If you're bored with nothing to do during a lunch break or really want to try a new game to get away from all the FPS's out there, give this simple flash game a try. If you're an Android user, let us know how it works on your phone.

Chris Gampat
12Jul/100

Even the 8-bit version of the Expendables will kick your ass!

If you're one of the many guys that got excited when you saw the preview for the Expendables, then you want to check out the 8-Bit game on Facebook.It's extremely difficult despite the simple controls, like "walk" and "aim knives." If you're a fan of Contra then you'll probably like this game, since it's very similar in concept. Power-ups (if you can get them) make your weapon more powerful if they're red and make you invincible for a short time if they are blue. Triple knives!

This is one Cheap Thrill you won't want to miss. The Expendables comes out August 13th and with all the major action stars in it, expect to see plenty of ass-kicking.

Chris Gampat
11Jul/100

Cheap Thrills: Coma Is Like Limbo on Flash

Cheap Thrills is a column by Chris Gampat reviewing affordable (under $20) or free games for the recession.

Coma is a free flash game where the player must accomplish certain tasks to finally wake themselves out of a coma and escape the dreamworld. Remember that very-creepy-but-addicting-nontheless game called Limbo for XBLA? Well, Coma will remind players much of that game. Granted, there are differences—but the core gameplay is still quite similar and players will encounter similarly creepy events without the simplistic but brutal violence that players experienced in Limbo.

Chris Gampat
26May/100

Bin Digging: Physical PC Games Edition

PC games can be downloaded anywhere these days, but they still come in the good old CD/DVD format. You can go into actual stores and purchase them, or order them online and have them delivered to you! This week's Bin Digging looks at some of the most affordable physical PC games you can buy. Many of these games are a bit dated, but still fun. They're perfect for putting some zest in your netbook. As always, in order to be eligible for Bin Digging, a video game must retail for less than $15 and be something you would actually want to play. No shovelware here.

Gamestop:

Will Greenwald
12May/100

Bin Digging: Nintendo DS Edition

This week in Bin Digging, we look at the best cheap games for that old handheld stand-by, the Nintendo DS (and DS Lite, DSi, DSi XL, DSi XL Hyper Remix...). There are some pretty good deals for the DS, even if there aren't any of the big names. Nope, no New Super Mario Bros. or Zelda: Phantom Hourglass here. But if you like old-school shooters, top-notch turned-based strategy games, or quirky action-RPGs, this is your lucky day.

As always, for a game to be eligible for Bin Digging, it must fulfill two criteria. First, it must be available for $15 or less. Second, it must be a game you would actually want to play. No shovelware here. Read the full list after the jump.

Will Greenwald
5May/100

Bin Digging: PS3 Edition

This week's digs are a bit light. There just aren't many $15-or-lower Playstation 3 games out right now. Plenty of $20-or-lower games, but that's not what we're all about. This is the dirt cheap. Fortunately, there are a handful of good (or at least playable) games available, strewn across the wastelands of Gamestop, Amazon, and Gogamer.

As always, for a game to be eligible for Bin Digging, it must fulfill two criteria: it must cost $15.00 or less, and it must be something you might actually want to play. No shovelware here. Read the list after the jump.

Will Greenwald
28Apr/100

Bin Digging: Xbox 360 Edition

This week we're diving deep into the bargain bins to find the cheapest quality Xbox 360 games out there. There's a surprising number of pretty good titles that can be had for just a few bucks. They aren't all AAA-class system sellers, but they're decent, playable games. Even titles that wouldn't necessarily justify full retail price are certainly work a playthrough at $5, $10, and $15. Highlights include Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Mercenaries 2 (which remains one of our top 5 sandbox games), Mirror's Edge, and the first Assassin's Creed.

As always, for a game to be eligible for Bin Digging, it must cost less than $15 and it has to be a game you'd actually want to play. No shovelware. Read the full list after the jump.

Will Greenwald
21Apr/100

Bin Digging: Wii Edition

It's time for another Bin Digging. This time, we're looking at bargain-bin games for the Wii. The Wii has been a popular console for terrible licensed games, generic party and puzzle games, and all-around shovelware. Fortunately, there still are plenty of fun games you can grab for less than $15.

To be considered for Bin Digging, a game has to fulfill two criteria. First, it has to cost $15 or less. I know I said console games would be able to sneak in for $20 or less, but that opens up plenty of room for "Greatest Hits" titles, which would just be lazy. Let's look for some real, dirt-cheap game bargains. Second, it has to be a game you'd actually want to play. Not necessarily a system-seller, but at least worth a playthrough.

Will Greenwald