Best Starter Pack For Steam

[isiolia]

You may also want to get acquainted with GoG if you're interested in older PC games. Not managed like Steam, but made compatible with newer Windows versions, DRM-free, with bonus content (wallpapers, etc). I think the only thing over $9.99 on their site is the Witcher 2 (which they sell due to GoG being a product of CD Projeckt, which also makes the Witcher games).

If you want to get back to some adventure gaming, Steam and GoG both have a fair selection. The Longest Journey was an outstanding entry for the genre (it is older, but not really an all-ages game that you would have played at 5 years old), and is available on both services - I think the (considerably less well regarded) sequel (Dreamfall) was on consoles, but not the first one.

[lisalover1]

You may also want to get acquainted with GoG if you're interested in older PC games. Not managed like Steam, but made compatible with newer Windows versions, DRM-free, with bonus content (wallpapers, etc). I think the only thing over $9.99 on their site is the Witcher 2 (which they sell due to GoG being a product of CD Projeckt, which also makes the Witcher games).

If you want to get back to some adventure gaming, Steam and GoG both have a fair selection. The Longest Journey was an outstanding entry for the genre (it is older, but not really an all-ages game that you would have played at 5 years old), and is available on both services - I think the (considerably less well regarded) sequel (Dreamfall) was on consoles, but not the first one.

I have definitely been considering GOG, and I will likely buy some game's from them, but one of the main draws to Steam for me is the community.

[J T]

I have definitely been considering GOG, and I will likely buy some game's from them, but one of the main draws to Steam for me is the community.

A lot of people on Steam are assholes. Unless you mean the community features for chatting with friends, starting group events, etc. Then yes, Steam is better suited for that. If you are talking about people to chat with in forums though, GoG's community is much more hospitable.

[irixith]

If you are talking about people to chat with in forums though, GoG's community is much more hospitable.

I find the complete opposite. Far too many elitist snob assholes there. The only way to fit in is to be the same, and that's just not attractive. It's a sickness that infects almost every forum that 'retro' touches. This one seems to be relatively immune, except for a small handful, and that's tolerable.

I have used GOG to purchase games, but never again will I venture into their forums. The same applies to Steam. I purchase tons of games from there, and the only reason I ever venture into the forums is for troubleshooting if necessary. Chances are 50 people have already solved the problem by the time I get there.

[fastbilly1]

I have used GOG to purchase games, but never again will I venture into their forums. The same applies to Steam. I purchase tons of games from there, and the only reason I ever venture into the forums is for troubleshooting if necessary. Chances are 50 people have already solved the problem by the time I get there.

Same.

As for Lisalover, wait for the sale. I know you are looking for more indie games but to give you an example of what goes on in a sale - for Christmas my little brother bought me the THQ pack off of Steam. It was $50 and had the following:
Company of Heroes
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
Frontlines: Fuel of War
Full Spectrum Warrior
Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights
Red Faction
Red Faction Guerrilla
Red Faction II
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
Saints Row 2
Titan Quest
Titan Quest – Immortal Throne
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Gold Edition
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Soulstorm

I had another friend buy three of the company packs and ended up with more games than he will play in a year for $160ish. It gets really hard to say no when for the price of one new title, I can get 12 games with all of their current expansion packs - even if I will never finish Full Spectrum Warrior...

[AmishSamurai]

Complete packs to look for when the summer sale arrives

2K- contains gems such as Borderlands, most of the Civilization games (this year it may include 5), and the X-COM games

THQ- contains the STALKER series, Titan Quest series, Company of Heroes series, Red Faction series, and the Dawn of War series.

iD- contains your Quakes, Dooms, Hexens, and Commander Keen.

I'd also grab the Orange Box- you'll get Half-Life 2 plus the episodes, Team Fortress 2, and Portal.

Look for Indie Packs and at Daily Deals when they arrive. You can find some real gems when they pop up.

Most importantly, welcome to the legions of those having Valve take their money.

[J T]

I find the complete opposite. Far too many elitist snob assholes there. The only way to fit in is to be the same, and that's just not attractive. It's a sickness that infects almost every forum that 'retro' touches. This one seems to be relatively immune, except for a small handful, and that's tolerable.

I have used GOG to purchase games, but never again will I venture into their forums. The same applies to Steam. I purchase tons of games from there, and the only reason I ever venture into the forums is for troubleshooting if necessary. Chances are 50 people have already solved the problem by the time I get there.

I like the GoG forums, but I do find them to be bull headed on issues of DRM and a fair amount cast dispersion on anything console related, but they are a good bunch otherwise and know a lot about PC history. I obviously spend more time on Racketboy though.

[lisalover1]

...Unless you mean the community features for chatting with friends, starting group events, etc. Then yes, Steam is better suited for that. If you are talking about people to chat with in forums though, GoG's community is much more hospitable.

Yeah, that is definitely what I mean; I know well enough that online gaming as a whole is a less-than-hospitable environment. But, I can't wait for Steam's next sale! I got a lot of gift money from graduation that is burning a hole in my virtual wallet! Also, does GoG ever have sales?

[fastbilly1]

GoG has sales every weekend and at Christmas. New games are typically released on Tuesdays and Thursdays

[J T]

The Summer Sale has started! The Summer Sale has started!

It's time to go nuts now lisalover!