Tag: Steam

March 18, 2025
Steam Game Demo Contains Malware, Raising Security Concerns for Valve
Key Takeaways
1. A malware-infected game called PirateFi was found on Steam, linked to a demo for Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution.
2. Valve removed the game from the Steam Store but it remains visible on the website with limited information about its developers.
3. The malware discovered aims to steal sensitive data and bypass Windows security, with one antivirus failing to detect it.
4. Gamers who downloaded the demo are advised to change their passwords and monitor their accounts for suspicious activity.
5. The incident highlights ongoing challenges for Valve in maintaining a secure platform, especially with external links and support for smaller studios.
Last month, Steam found itself in hot water when a malware-ridden game called PirateFi appeared on its platform. Recently, a player discovered an infected demo linked to the Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution page on Steam. In this case, Valve did not host any harmful file. Instead, the user spotted a dubious external site that only provided a demo link. Users on Reddit looked into it and uncovered signs of malware in the download.
Valve’s Response
After receiving several complaints, Valve took the game down from the Steam Store. However, Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution is still visible on Steam’s website. This title appears to be a standard first-person shooter created by Sierrasixstudios, which has no available information about its creators. While there’s no conclusive evidence, gamers are suggesting that the developer might be using stolen or fake screenshots.
Malware Investigation
While exploring the demo, a Reddit user found a standard Unity game folder layout. Nevertheless, some files attempting to circumvent Windows security were present in the folders. The malware also seems to open a browser window, potentially leading to cookie hijacking. The ultimate aim appears to be stealing sensitive data from users’ computers. One popular antivirus program failed to identify issues during a malware scan. Any gamer who attempted to install this demo should consider changing their passwords and keeping an eye on their accounts for any unusual activity.
Ongoing Challenges for Valve
The recent Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution incident underscores the challenges Valve faces in ensuring Steam is a secure environment for gamers. Allowing external links has always posed a risk. Last summer, Steam introduced stricter rules for linking to websites and social media. Unfortunately, these regulations do not apply to the official links section, which is often used to advertise a game’s official website or its publisher.
Valve aims to support smaller studios by simplifying the game submission process. However, this also leaves room for hackers to exploit Steam pages of unknown developers, putting unsuspecting players at risk.
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Tags: malware, Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution, Steam
March 14, 2025
Greatest FPS Game Ever Only $1.99 in Limited-Time Steam Deal
Key Takeaways
1. Doom is currently 90% off on Steam, priced at $1.99 instead of $19.99.
2. The game revitalized its genre with fast-paced combat and a focus on movement and aggression.
3. Doom has over 200,000 reviews on Steam, with a 94% positive rating, showcasing its lasting appeal.
4. The current deal includes all updates and three DLC packs, enhancing gameplay and replay value.
5. The discount lasts until March 20, making it an excellent opportunity for both new and returning players.
If you’re looking for a great bargain on a fast-paced shooter game, now is the time to act. Doom, a modern first-person shooter that has become a classic, is currently 90% off on Steam, lowering the price to only $1.99 from its regular price of $19.99.
A Game That Changed the Genre
When it was first released, this game really brought new life to its franchise with its quick combat, unyielding enemy encounters, and a straightforward approach to shooting. Players are thrown into thrilling battles where the main focus is on movement and aggression to stay alive. Forget hiding; you’ll be sprinting, leaping, and smashing through countless foes with a collection of powerful weapons.
Timeless Appeal
Even years after its debut, Doom remains one of the finest in its category, boasting more than 200,000 reviews on Steam and a whopping 94% positive rating. The current deal includes all updates released after launch, which enhance multiplayer experiences and introduce new game modes. Additionally, it comes with three DLC packs that offer extra maps, weapons, and arcade-like modes, boosting the game’s replay value.
Unmissable Opportunity
Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just jumping into the series, this is a fantastic chance to grab Doom for your collection. This discount lasts until March 20, making it one of the lowest prices ever seen for this title. If you want a top-tier FPS at an unbeatable price, this is your moment before the cost goes back up. You can also check out our benchmarks for the game linked here.
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Tags: Doom, FPS, Steam
March 14, 2025
Get Your Mother Game with 20% Discount on Steam Today!
Key Takeaways
1. Game Overview: “Your Mother” is a quirky point-and-click adventure game by M for Mother, filled with humor and a silly storyline, currently available at a discounted price of $0.79.
2. Language Learning: Players can learn various languages from the mother character, including Japanese, English, Cantonese, Min Nan, and Shanghainese.
3. Multiplayer Fun: The game allows remote interactions, enabling players’ mothers to interact with each other’s mothers for a unique experience.
4. Player Feedback: The game has received over 2,000 reviews on Steam, with a “very positive” rating from players.
5. System Requirements: It has minimal system requirements, only needing a 64-bit processor and operating system to run smoothly.
As if it wasn’t already tough to hear your mom’s nagging in person, now there’s a new game that brings that experience right to your screen! Joking aside, Your Mother, created by the German indie studio M for Mother, is a quirky point-and-click adventure game filled with humor and a silly storyline. The game cleverly plays on well-known clichés and is currently offered at a 20% discount, costing $0.79 instead of the regular price of $0.99.
A Unique Twist for Gamers
Are you looking to baffle your friends on Steam with a message saying “Person X is playing your mum”? This is the perfect title for that! Within the game, you can learn various languages from your mother figure, including Japanese, English, Cantonese, Min Nan, and Shanghainese. Plus, you can encounter some entertainingly mysterious mothers, like a Japanese Yakuza mom.
Fun with Friends
The game also allows for remote interactions with multiple players, meaning your mom can interact with your friend’s mom for a memorable experience. While the character design is adorable, your mother mainly just follows the cursor and chats endlessly—making it more of a desktop application than a traditional game. She can be an amusing sidekick while you dive into your favorite first-person shooter, cheering you on or asking if you’re winning.
Player Feedback and System Requirements
The game has already received over 2,000 reviews on Steam, boasting a “very positive” rating from players. However, it’s worth noting that the game utilizes ray tracing and frame generation through Unreal Engine 5, which may not work on every PC—just kidding! The system requirements are actually quite minimal, with a 64-bit processor and operating system being more than adequate.
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Tags: M for Mother, Steam, Your Mother
March 12, 2025
Limited Time: Action-Adventure Steam Game with 100K+ Reviews for $4.50
Key Takeaways
1. Adventure in Siberia: Players join Lara Croft on a quest in the harsh landscapes of Siberia, searching for the legendary city of Kitezh while facing dangers from nature and the Trinity group.
2. Exploration and Survival Mechanics: The game combines open-world exploration with survival elements, allowing players to discover hidden tombs, tackle climbing challenges, and solve puzzles, alongside a crafting system for weapon upgrades and tool creation.
3. Franchise Legacy: The Tomb Raider series began in 1996, and to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the special edition Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration was released, including additional content like Blood Ties and Lara’s Nightmare DLC.
4. Positive Reception: Rise of the Tomb Raider has received around 108,000 reviews on Steam, with a 94% positive rating, and holds a Metascore of 88 on Metacritic, praised for its graphics and gameplay, but criticized for some control issues and a weak storyline.
5. Limited-Time Discount: The game is currently available for $4.50, an 85% discount from its regular price of $30, valid until March 14. The Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy is also on sale at 78% off, priced at $11.
In Rise of the Tomb Raider, players join Lara Croft on a treacherous quest through the frigid landscapes of Siberia, all in pursuit of the fabled city of Kitezh. Throughout her adventure, she faces the brutal elements, dangerous creatures, and the mysterious group known as Trinity, which seeks a powerful artifact. Gamers can choose to fight using various weapons such as pistols, shotguns, and rifles or opt for a stealthy method with melee tools and a bow.
A Blend of Exploration and Survival
Rise of the Tomb Raider merges an open-world design with survival mechanics, receiving acclaim for its breathtaking representation of Siberia. Beyond just combat, Lara has the chance to explore hidden tombs, navigate dynamic climbing challenges, and solve complex puzzles. There’s also a crafting system that boosts survival, letting players improve their weapons, create ammunition, and fashion helpful tools from collected materials.
The Legacy of Lara Croft
The Tomb Raider franchise kicked off in October 1996, establishing Lara Croft as a legendary figure in video gaming. To mark its 20th anniversary, the special edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration, was launched in October 2016. This edition encompasses the main game along with the Blood Ties and Lara’s Nightmare downloadable content (DLC) and extra Season Pass material like additional missions, challenges, and gear.
As per the most recent information, Rise of the Tomb Raider has received approximately 108,000 reviews on Steam, with 94% of them being favorable. On Metacritic, it boasts a Metascore of 88 and a user score of 8.0. The German publication GameStar commended its beautiful open world, intricate graphics, and varied gameplay but pointed out some occasionally awkward controls and a lacking storyline.
Special Pricing Offer
Typically, Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration is priced at $30 on Steam, but it is currently offered at an impressive 85% discount, reducing the price to just $4.50. This special offer is valid until March 14 at midnight, so interested players should hurry to grab it.
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Tags: Lara Croft, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Steam
March 11, 2025
New Strategy Card Game Free on Steam Due to Developer Error
Key Takeaways
1. Mistaken Launch: Scrap Collector was mistakenly released as a free-to-play game on Steam instead of its intended price of $4.99.
2. Gameplay Overview: The game combines strategic card play with resource management, crafting, and automated combat, featuring unique cards for exploration and combat.
3. Player Feedback: Initial reviews are mixed, with praise for the gameplay mechanics but criticism regarding bugs and balance issues.
4. Low System Requirements: Scrap Collector has very low system requirements, making it accessible for most PC users.
5. Limited-Time Free Offer: Players can add the game to their Steam library for free before the pricing error is corrected, after which it will revert to its original price.
A new indie game called Scrap Collector, which is a deck-building title, is available for free on Steam – but this was not planned. The creator of the game mistakenly launched it as a free-to-play option and later clarified on Reddit (and Steam) that it was supposed to be priced at $4.99. After noticing the error, they asked Valve to change the game back to a paid version quickly. However, anyone who adds the game to their Steam library before this adjustment will keep it for free forever.
Game Overview
Launched on March 7, Scrap Collector is a strategic card game that combines resource management, crafting, and combat. Players utilize card stacks to create new items, construct buildings, and automate the gathering of materials. The game features “Explore” cards, which allow players to discover new territories, resources, and foes, while combat involves deploying bots and player units to face threats in an automated battle format. As gamers advance, they can unlock blueprints and gain levels, which improves their deck-building possibilities.
Player Feedback
Initial reviews on Steam have been mixed. Some players raved about the chill gameplay and distinct mechanics, while others were (rightfully) quick to highlight bugs and balancing concerns, mainly in combat and card arrangement. Additionally, Scrap Collector has very low system requirements, making it easy for most PC users to play. It needs a 2 GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and just 200MB of storage space.
Limited-Time Offer
With the developer working to correct the pricing mistake, this is a rare chance for players to snag the game without spending anything. Once Valve updates the game listing (which could occur anytime), Scrap Collector will revert to its original price.
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Tags: indie game, Scrap Collector, Steam
March 11, 2025
Mythological Open-World RPG Sale: Now Only $4 (Was $40)
Key Takeaways
1. Players control Fenyx, a demigod, battling Typhon and legendary beasts in a chaotic world inspired by Greek mythology.
2. The game features a vibrant open world with a cartoonish art style and allows players to use Daedalus’ wings for flying and exploration.
3. Engaging combat mechanics and inventive puzzles enhance gameplay, though some character and enemy designs are seen as repetitive.
4. Immortals Fenyx Rising received a positive reception, with 71% of 3,366 reviews on Steam being favorable and a Metascore of 79 on Metacritic.
5. The game is currently available at significant discounts on Steam, with the standard edition priced at $3.99 and the Gold Edition at $8.99 during the Ubisoft Publisher Sale.
In Immortals Fenyx Rising, gamers take on the character of Fenyx, a demigod from the realm of Greek mythology. On the Golden Isle, they encounter Typhon, the formidable Titan who has usurped the gods and thrown the world into disorder. To bring back harmony, players must engage in combat against legendary beasts like Cyclopes and Minotaurs, utilizing a combination of melee and ranged weapons alongside divine powers. A notable ability is Daedalus’ wings, which allow Fenyx to fly and evade foes, making battles more dynamic. This engaging combat system has received positive feedback from the gaming community.
A Colorful Adventure
Immortals Fenyx Rising features a lively open world with a cartoonish art style that brings to mind Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Players have the ability to tame and summon mythical mounts, which greatly enhances their exploration experience. With Daedalus’ wings, Fenyx can jump from towering heights and glide gracefully across the terrain. The game is also notable for its inventive puzzles that promote exploration and reward players for their cleverness.
Reception and Availability
Produced by Ubisoft Quebec, Immortals Fenyx Rising was released on Steam in December 2022. The game has since received 3,366 reviews, with a positive rating from 71% of players. On Metacritic, it has a Metascore of 79 and a user rating of 7.5. In a review by the German gaming site GameStar, the enjoyable combat mechanics and immersive game world are highlighted. However, it points out the repetitive nature of character and enemy designs, along with a lackluster story. While the game world is creatively constructed, the typical Ubisoft open-world formula is still quite visible.
The game is currently being sold on Steam at a great discount during the Ubisoft Publisher Sale, which runs until March 13. The standard edition is marked down by 90%, reducing the price from $39.99 to $3.99. The Gold Edition, which includes all released downloadable content, is available at 85% off, dropping the cost from $59.99 to $8.99.
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Tags: Immortals Fenyx Rising, Steam, Ubisoft
March 11, 2025
Top Steam Deck Action Games Up to 90% Off for Limited Time
Key Takeaways
1. Several highly-rated action games on Steam are currently on temporary discount.
2. Discounts end on March 13, after which original prices will return.
3. The highlighted games work well with the Steam Deck and other gaming handhelds, PCs, and laptops.
4. Price accuracy may change, and Notebookcheck is not responsible for retailer price alterations.
5. The RTX 4060-equipped ROG Zephyrus G14 is an example of a compatible gaming laptop priced at $1,199.99 at Best Buy.
There are plenty of highly-rated games on Steam that are currently on a temporary discount. We’ve highlighted a selection of titles that gamers should definitely check out, especially those who prefer action games that are confirmed to work with the Steam Deck.
Important Discount Dates
It’s important to remember that most of these discounts will end on March 13, after which the original prices will be reinstated until the next sale comes around. Also, aside from the Steam Deck, these games should perform well on many gaming handhelds, PCs, and laptops that have decent specifications, like the RTX 4060-equipped ROG Zephyrus G14, which is priced at $1,199.99 at Best Buy.
Price Changes and Availability
Please note: Notebookcheck cannot be held accountable for any price alterations made by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned here was accurate at the time of writing and could be subject to time limits and/or limited stock availability.
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Tags: ROG Zephyrus G14, Steam, Steam Deck
March 7, 2025
Post-Apocalyptic FPS with Stunning Visuals Now 75% Off on Steam
Key Takeaways
1. Metro Exodus is the latest installment in the Metro series, continuing the story from Metro Last Light and available at a 75% discount on Steam.
2. To fully enjoy Metro Exodus, it’s recommended to play Metro 2033 and Metro Last Light first; a bundled deal for all three games offers an 85% discount.
3. The gameplay features a somewhat open world where players guide a train through different regions, with a concealed morality system affecting endings and companion outcomes.
4. The Gold Edition includes two DLC packs, The Two Colonels and Sam’s Story, which provide additional gameplay and character backstory but are not essential to the main plot.
5. Metro Exodus has modest system requirements, and players with RTX cards can experience enhanced graphics with the separate Enhanced Edition included in the Steam bundle.
There’s a wide variety of post-apocalyptic games available today. Among them, Metro, inspired by Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, stands tall alongside titles like Fallout, even though it has fewer installments. The newest (and possibly final) addition to the series, Metro Exodus, is currently available with a 75% discount on Steam.
Continuation of the Story
Metro Exodus continues the storyline from 2014’s Metro Last Light. To fully appreciate the narrative, it’s better to play Metro Last Light and Metro 2033 first. If you have the time, you’re in luck! There’s a bundle with all three games that has also been marked down by 85%.
Gameplay Experience
In Metro Exodus, you explore a somewhat open world, traveling from one region to another as you attempt to guide your train through different sections of the game’s universe. The game features a concealed morality system that influences the ending you receive and the outcomes for various companions you meet along the way.
Additional Content
The Gold Edition grants you access to two downloadable content packs: The Two Colonels and Sam’s Story. These expansions delve deeper into the backgrounds of two of your companions, adding several hours of gameplay each. While they aren’t crucial to the main plot, they provide some closure for players seeking to resolve lingering questions.
Metro Exodus has fairly modest system requirements (Core i7-4470K, GTX 1070/RX Vega 56, 8 GB RAM), but players with more powerful RTX cards can enjoy the game with full ray tracing through its Enhanced Edition. This version requires a separate installation from the standard game due to its improved textures, and it’s included in the Steam bundle.
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Tags: GTX 1070, Metro Exodus, Steam
March 6, 2025
Bloodborne and Sekiro Inspired Souls-like Game 40% Off on Steam
Key Takeaways
1. Neither Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice nor Bloodborne will have sequels soon, if ever.
2. Lies of P is a blend of elements from both games and is currently 40% off on Steam.
3. The game features a health-regain mechanic after blocking attacks, requiring precise timing for effective defense.
4. Players can break enemy weapons, and the game has a linear map design for exploration and quest completion.
5. Lies of P offers multiple endings, a 30-hour playtime, a New Game Plus mode, and an upcoming story-driven DLC titled Overture.
Neither Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice nor Bloodborne will be receiving a sequel in the near future, or possibly ever. If you’re looking for a combination of the two games all wrapped up in a single package, then Lies of P could be the perfect fit for you. Right now, it’s been marked down by 40% on Steam. The game boasts over 45,000 positive reviews on the platform and has also received favorable feedback from critics.
Gameplay Mechanics
Lies of P incorporates a mechanic similar to Bloodborne, allowing players to regain health after successfully blocking an attack. However, this can only be achieved during a short time frame, which discourages players from simply playing defensively. While this defensive strategy can be effective, it becomes less useful as the game progresses. Eventually, players must master the timing of perfect deflections against enemies, much like in Sekiro.
Exploration and Combat
With enough practice, players can even break their foes’ weapons, which significantly lowers the damage they deal. Lies of P features a clear, linear map design, enabling players to return to earlier areas to complete any missed quests. Technically, the game doesn’t have traditional ‘classes’; instead, it allows you to select from three different weapon types.
Replayability and Future Content
Based on your choices during gameplay, Lies of P provides the option for multiple endings. Completing the game once, including all side content, should take around 30 hours. Additionally, there’s a New Game Plus mode that allows you to carry over your progress while unlocking new content, dialogue, and interactions.
Furthermore, Lies of P is set to receive a story-driven DLC expansion later in the year. Titled Overture, it was announced last month and will reveal the backstory leading up to the events of the main game. This promotion is available until March 11, giving you time to check out some reviews before deciding whether to make a purchase on Steam.
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Tags: Bloodborne, Lies of P, Steam
March 5, 2025
Detroit: Become Human 70% Off Now on Steam! Limited Time Offer
Key Takeaways
1. Detroit: Become Human is currently 70% off on Steam until March 10th.
2. The game has sold over 9 million copies and has an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam.
3. Players control three androids, exploring multiple narrative paths and outcomes.
4. The game encourages replayability by allowing players to explore different endings through a timeline feature.
5. Detroit: Become Human is designed for casual gamers and shares similarities with Quantic Dream’s previous titles like Beyond: Two Souls and Heavy Rain.
Quantic Dream’s celebrated sci-fi thriller, Detroit: Become Human, is currently available at a 70% discount on Steam until the 10th of March. Originally launched in 2018 for Sony’s PlayStation 4, it was later brought to Windows PCs in 2020, featuring upgrades such as 4K resolution, 60 fps, along with various enhancements.
Critical Acclaim and Sales Success
This game has been praised by critics and has sold more than 9 million copies globally. It holds an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam. In the game, you take on the roles of three androids during your journey, and the story offers numerous paths to explore. The game visually represents this through a timeline that allows you to see all possible outcomes.
Explore Multiple Outcomes
A significant part of the experience is finding these different paths, which motivates players to replay sections for alternate endings. The narrative can move forward even if one of the main characters meets their end, encouraging exploration of the timeline feature.
Casual Gaming Experience
That said, this game is designed for more casual players and can be seen as a walking simulator with aspects reminiscent of adventure and point-and-click games, depending on your perspective. If you liked Beyond: Two Souls or Heavy Rain, then this game should definitely appeal to you.
In addition, you might want to look into Quantic Dream’s previous game, Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered, which is 80% off until the 10th of March. The remastered version enhances the textures, supports HD resolutions, and is based on “the uncut and uncensored international version of the game.”
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Tags: Detroit: Become Human, Quantic Dream, Steam