The Steam Autumn Sale has officially descended upon us. As Steam’s infamous 'serial discounter' event kicks off, a deluge of titles have hit bargain prices. With a long holiday break on the horizon, many of you are likely scrambling to fill your backlog. In this edition of [Game Recs], we’ve curated a selection of critically acclaimed gems that have not only hit record-low prices but have also earned their stripes in terms of pure quality.

First up is Bad End Theater, a visual novel sporting charming pixel art that has been a hit since its October 2021 launch. As of September 30, it boasts an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating (8,811 reviews, 97% positive). You’ll navigate the narrative through the perspectives of four unique characters: the Hero, the Maiden, the Underling, and the Overlord.

Accompanied by exquisite artwork and a haunting soundtrack, you make choices that drive the plot toward various outcomes. There are over 40 endings, yet as the title hints, they are all tragically, relentlessly grim. While some argue the 1–3 hour runtime is a bit light, that grievance vanishes at the current 50% discount, bringing the price down to a mere 5,250 won.

Beacon Pines is a narrative adventure that landed on Steam in September 2022. It follows a young deer named 'Luka' navigating a mysterious town, currently holding an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating (2,509 reviews, 97% positive) as of September 30. You can grab it for 6,450 won during the sale, a 70% discount.

You take on the role of a reader, following Luka’s journey while literally changing the narrative by swapping out keywords in the storybook. While the adorable aesthetic might trick you into thinking this is a relaxing cozy game, be warned: it veers into mystery thriller territory sooner than you’d expect.

Nine Sols is a metroidvania action title featuring the forgotten hero 'Yi' on a quest for vengeance against the nine rulers of a kingdom. Since its release last May, it has garnered an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' reception (32,571 reviews, 95% positive) as of September 30, and is now available for 16,000 won at a 50% discount.

The developers cite Sekiro as a primary inspiration, so expect parrying to be the heart of the combat loop. You build up 'Qi' through perfect parries and unleash it for devastating damage via talismans. With top-tier art, story, and mechanics, it’s a stellar package, and the early localization woes have been largely ironed out through consistent updates.

Melatonin is a rhythm-action game released in December 2022. Currently holding a 'Very Positive' rating (7,384 reviews, 94% positive) as of September 30, it’s available for 8,250 won at a 50% discount for the Autumn Sale.

True to its name, the game acts like a sleep aid; the lo-fi beats and pastel-toned visuals create a dreamy, tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Beyond the vibe, the gameplay loop—whether you’re shooting aliens, operating a crane machine, or collecting coins in the sky—is surprisingly engaging.

If you prefer your games with a side of masochism, Super Chicken Jumper is the one for you. Released in September 2021, this platformer holds an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating (4,645 reviews, 96% positive) as of September 30. You play as a tiny chicken standing against an evil force hell-bent on destroying the planet.

The rules are simple: sprint through the map, dodge obstacles, and reach the finish line. However, the blistering pace combined with a gauntlet of birds, frogs, and toxic mushrooms makes for a brutal challenge. The controls are tight, and the 'instant reset' mechanic keeps the frustration at bay while fueling your addiction to try again. With an 83% discount, you can pick it up for a paltry 930 won.