Though they won’t be on sale on other platforms, I will list where all these games can be played just in case someone who doesn’t have a PC is interested.

These games aren’t in any particular order in regards to my absolute favorites, playtime, etc. (Minus #1, naturally.)

1. Stardew Valley

Platforms: Steam — Windows and Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Playstation 4, Android and iOS.

I have reviewed this game previously, but I will reiterate for those who don’t already know: “Stardew Valley” is my absolute favorite game and has been for years. I have logged an ungodly amount of hours into this game (somewhere in the 2,000 hour range), and I still find new things every time I play. This is one of the few games I have played to a 100 percent completion — an absolutely perfect save file. This game is one that keeps on giving. I spent $15 on this game almost a decade ago, and the creator continues to provide free updates to make the game fresh and fun. I truly think this is a game everyone should have in their gaming repertoire — it’s such a labor of love and it really shows. Whether or not this goes on sale during the annual event, I would highly recommend adding this to your library.

2. Inside

Platforms: Steam — Windows and Mac, Xbox One, Playstation 4, iOS, Nintendo Switch.

The developer who made this game (Playdead) also made “Limbo” which is a similarly gorgeous game. “Inside” is a spiritual successor to that game, and takes place in a 2.5D dystopian world where you play as a boy, and must avoid death by solving puzzles in your environment. The game has no dialogue, and is mostly silent outside of a few environmental sound effects. There isn’t even much color in the game! It’s monochrome, with color only showing up for accents (such as the boy’s shirt.) The art in the game is beautiful, and it’s creepy in a very realistic way. I can’t describe too much about the puzzles in this game without spoiling the story, but trust me when I say it’s worth checking out.

3. Little Nightmares

I & II

Platforms: Steam — Windows, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS.

“Little Nightmares” is a game franchise that takes place in a 2.5D world where the player travels through different environments to solve puzzles and keep a small character alive. The world’s lore is mysterious — the first game takes place on a ship, whereas the second game takes place in a city. Throughout the games you have to explore and survive against some incredible antagonists — the design of every “human” you encounter is VERY uncanny valley with exaggerated features. The character design is what originally drew me to this game, and the sound design is really nice as well. There’s even a collection element to the game — it’s not necessary to find every secret, but you CAN unlock special cutscenes that give you extra lore. Just like “Inside,” both games are highly atmospheric — if you buy them I highly recommend playing with headphones in a dimly lit room for the best experience.

Now would be a great time to pick this up in anticipation of “Little Nightmares III” currently in development.

4. Stacklands

Platforms: Steam — Windows and Mac.

This game is a little different than the others in this list — it’s a card-based village building game with roguelike elements. In “Stacklands” you have to manage a deck of cards and survive for as many days as possible. There are over 300 cards to collect or craft, and throughout the game there are enemy creatures you’ll face. At the end of each “day” cycle (called a Moon) you will need to have enough resources to feed your villager cards — if there isn’t enough food for everyone, the ones who don’t get fed will die. The game ends when all villager cards are dead.

I find it more fun to play in survival mode, but you can also play in peaceful mode where no enemies appear. The premise is very simple, but it’s extremely easy to sink hours and hours into this game without even realizing it. I definitely recommend snatching this up if you are interested in deck-building games — this game works as a fun introduction!

5. The

Walking Dead: The Telltale

Definitive

Series

Platforms: Steam — Windows and Mac, Playstation 3-5, Playstation Vita, Xbox 360-Series S, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS.

This game is the oldest on the list by far, and has the most versatility in terms of platforms you can play it on. The game was first released in April 2012 and the five episode series is based on “The Walking Dead” comic book series. It starts like every zombie apocalypse series — with the downfall of civilization — and then focuses on a young girl named Clemintine. The episodic structure follows Clementine as she grows up in the middle of an apocalypse.

The game is full of QTEs — quick time events — and game-typical puzzles, but with a strong narrative where your choices matter. The choices you make in the first chapter affect your ending, and so on and so forth.

I will note that though the first few chapters can be played on older devices and mobile, “The Walking Dead: The Final Season” can only be played on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows and Xbox One.

This game has become a classic for me in terms of replayability. Even though I know the story already, it’s interesting to make different choices each time.

If any of these games sounded even remotely interesting to you, I highly recommend giving them a shot! Support the developers by snatching them up either on sale or for full price.

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Breanna Hanley is a reporter for The Express.