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4 cheap games in Steam publisher sales this April that are downright gorgeous

Sometimes all a game needs is a picturesque backdrop to set it apart from the rest. (Image source: Steam)
Sometimes all a game needs is a picturesque backdrop to set it apart from the rest. (Image source: Steam)
Early April means time off, and for many the best way to spend time off is by unwinding with the company of a good video game. Fortunately, there are a host of Steam publisher sales running in the first weeks of April where you can snag some truly scenic cheap games for a discount.

1. Raji: An Ancient Epic - 66% off

Raji is billed as a relaxing, epic, cinematic adventure game with puzzle-platformer elements. Based on Hindu mythology and set in ancient India, Raji follows the journey of the titular hero as she uses abilities and weapons granted to her by the gods to save her brother and restore peace to her world after it was set upon by demons. Raji's strengths lie in its puzzle and platforming mechanics, solid progression system, and the gorgeous hand-drawn art featured throughout the game.

Raji: An Ancient Epic is US$8.49 on Steam during the Super Good Games publisher sale until April 7, 2023.

2. FAR: Lone Sails - 80% off

The FAR franchise features no shortage of beautiful artwork, and Lone Sails is no exception. While it lacks the 3D graphics of its successor, FAR: Lone Sails is still a worthwhile, if short, atmospheric vehicle-adventure game. Lone Sails pits you against both the environment and the unique vessel you depend on to stay alive in the hostile world.

As you traverse the desolate ocean beds that remain of the world, you will encounter environmental puzzles that you have to solve in order to progress. At other times, you will need to gather fuel and supplies, and perform upgrades to your landship. FAR: Lone Sails is set in a spectacular post-apocalyptic world that you can't help but admire as you progress.

FAR: Lone Sails is ridiculously cheap, at just US$2.99 on Steam, during the Assemble Entertainment publisher sale until April 14, 2023.

3. Retro Machina - 60% off

Retro Machina tells the story of a small robot traversing the world's last remaining city, inhabited only by other robots and overgrown plants, as he seeks out intelligent life and repair. This 2D isometric puzzle-platformer features a welcome amount of diverse, hand-drawn scenery while serving up a relaxing, atmospheric journey through a peaceful, if sometimes creepy, abandoned city.

Retro Machina is US$6.79 on Steam during the Super Good Games publisher sale until April 7, 2023.

Part of the atmospheric gaming experience is the sound design, which is best enjoyed through a decent headset, like the Corsair HS60 Pro, available on Amazon.

4. Lost in Random - 80% off

Lost in Random is a dark action-adventure game set in a gothic world ruled by a surprisingly complex villain. The game takes place in the gloomy, but beautifully drawn world of Random — a place full of quirky characters and imaginative scenes that both clearly draw inspiration from stories like Alice in Wonderland and Coraline.

Lost in Random follows the story of a girl named Even as she explores the lands of Random in search of her sister, Odd — a quest which puts Even at odds with the evil queen. Lost in Random is beautiful in much the same way that many gothic-inspired media is — not because it's set in an idyllic world full of happy people, but because the attention to detail and character is palpable in every scene. 

You can grab Lost in Random on Steam for US$5.99 until April 13, 2023 as part of the EA publisher sale.

Source(s)

Steam (1, 2, 3, 4)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 03 > 4 cheap games in Steam publisher sales this April that are downright gorgeous
Julian van der Merwe, 2023-04- 6 (Update: 2024-08-15)