There are many so-called budget titles that start off just under $20. Yes, most of these budget titles aren't worth your money or the effort to learn how to play them. There certainly are games under $20 that are buying, you just need to do a bit of research before going shopping. Many of the games on my list were well over $30 (some over $40) when they were first released. The hype has died down and the price followed.
1. "Plant Tycoon"
Screenshot © Last Day of Work.
I know, I know, growing plants? Watching plants grow? Sounds a lot like watching paint dry. "Plant Tycoon" is not the boring game it sounds. Breeding and cross-breeding plants is far more entertaining than I imagined. The big puzzle of "Plant Tycoon" is to find the 6 magic plants. You don't have to sit and wait for the results of crossing breeding. Real-time play means that the plants grow while you are away from the game.
2. "The Movies"
Hire actors, build sets, release movies, and help the actors become stars. "The Movies" is detailed orientated throughout the movie's creation. Not only will you run your own movie studio, you will be making your movies right in the game. The movie making part lets you create movies using sets within your studio, scripted scenes, and customize audio. If you aren't into the idea of making movies, managing the actors and buying new studios will keep you occupied.
3. "SimCity 4 Deluxe"
Box Cover © Electronic Arts.
"SimCity 4 Deluxe" includes "SimCity 4" and its expansion "Rush Hour." Every city building sim fan should own this pack. "SimCity 4" is loaded with new features, including new terrain building tools, regions, and updated graphics. If you only own one city building game this should be the one.
4. "Black and White 2"
Box Cover © Lionhead.
Ever want to play God? In "Black and White 2" you do just that. A village of people need a leader to guide them. You can give them what they need and want, you can make them work and have miserable lives. You decide between good and evil!
5. "Zoo Tycoon 2: Zookeeper Collection"
Courtesy of Pricegrabber.
"Zoo Tycoon 2" is a good choice for both children and adults. Gamers have to create an individual environment for each animal, so knowledge of the animal's natural habitat has to be known or searched out using the knowledge files within the game. The "Zookeeper Collection" comes with 2 of the expansion packs - "Zoo Tycoon 2 Endangered Species" and "Zoo Tycoon 2 African Adventure."
6. "IL-2 Sturmovik 1946"
Courtesy of Pricegrabber.
"IL-2 Sturmovik" is WWII flight sim game (dogfighting anyone?) first released in 2001. Since then there have been multiple versions and expansion packs. "IL-2 Sturmovik 1946" brings all the "IL- Sturmovik" games together in one collection, including "Pacific Fighters." The campaigns cover historical battles and hypothetical situations. If you haven't gotten in on the "IL-2 Sturmovik" series yet, now is a great time to do this. In this latest installment, all the previous content is included with dozens of new fighters and bombers and missions. Previous owners will have to decide if the price tag is worth 32 more fighters and new missions.
7. "Freestyle Street Basketball"
Courtesy of Pricegrabber.
Instead of playing with a predictable computer AI opponent, you can log onto "Freestyle Street Basketball" to play 1-on-1, 2-on-2, or 3-on-3. Your team is pretty much fully customizable in terms of appearance and clothing. After choosing a position and getting your look just right, you have a chance to practice before joining a team or playing a game of 1-on-1.
8. "Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004"
See the world from the sky by putting yourself in the pilot seat of a plane. For jets and small planes, "Flight Simulator" has continually been the best choice. "Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004" may not be the latest version available ("Microsoft Flight Simulator X is), but it is a good stepping stone for those thinking of trying out a flight sim without having to pay a high price for it. The new features of the 2004 version are: dynamic weather system, weather "themes" that create challenging flying, enhanced interactive air traffic control, and new and expanded lessons and ground school topics.
9. "Sim Mania 3"
"Sim Mania 3" is a collection of Maxis sim games - games you can usually never go wrong with. The pack includes: "Sim City 3000," "Sim Theme Park," "Sim Coaster," "SimSafari," "SimCopter," and "Sid Meier's Sim Golf." The games by themselves are worth $20, making "Sim Mania 3" a bargain you shouldn't miss if you love Maxis' simulations. There are hours packed into this game box.10. "Tycoon City: New York"
Rebuild New York City your way while meeting the objectives given to you in "Tycoon City New York." The scenarios are not difficult to beat, since the gameplay focuses more on designing the city rather than solving its problems.11. "Heroes of the Pacific"
"Heroes of the Pacific" brings us battles and trials that we must overcome during World War II. The skies of "Heroes of Pacific" will be filled with up to 150 authentic planes. You will be able to switch your position from the pilot's and bomber's seats as you try to win in the dogfight.12. "RollerCoaster Tycoon 3"
The "RollerCoaster Tycoon" series continues to be the best among rollercoaster games. With "Rollercoaster Tycoon 3," games can ride the coasters, customize the food stalls and shops, create your own family of visitors, and of course enjoy the new 3D graphics.