Let's be honest, Boxing Day sales can be an absolute minefield. It's a chaotic mess of flashy banners and discounts that often feel more like marketing tricks than genuine savings. You know the ones—the so-called "deals" that just tempt you to add another game to the backlog you'll never touch. So this year, I decided to cut through all that noise. I've sifted through the mountains of digital promotions to find the handful of gems that are genuinely worth your time and money.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Incredible 90% discounts on classics like Mass Effect Legendary Edition and Kingdom Come Deliverance.
- ✓ A nostalgic look back at the 26th anniversary of the N64 shooter, Turok: Rage Wars.
- ✓ Modern blockbusters like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Dragon's Dogma 2 see major price drops.
- ✓ PC gamers can grab the stunning Monument Valley 1 & 2 completely free on the Epic Games Store.
- ✓ Deep cuts on beloved indies, including INSIDE, Unpacking, and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe.
- ✓ LEGO deals for gamers, featuring sets from Horizon, Lord of the Rings, and Super Mario.
These are the games I'd recommend to a friend without any hesitation. They're priced right, the experiences hold up brilliantly, and they represent real value, whether you're gaming on a Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. So grab a coffee, and let's dive into the deals that actually matter.
A Blast from the Past: Happy Birthday, Turok!
Before we get into the discounts, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Today marks the 26th anniversary of Turok: Rage Wars on the Nintendo 64. Now, I have to admit, this one didn't completely redefine my world back in 1999. It was a multiplayer-focused spin-off that dropped most of the story and exploration that the main series was known for. In an era dominated by the undisputed king of four-player split-screen, GoldenEye 007, a plotless arena shooter had a tough hill to climb.
But what Rage Wars lacked in narrative, it made up for with pure, unadulterated chaos. My friends and I still sank countless hours into its Frag Tag mode, where one player would randomly transform into a monkey. The real star of the show, though, was the weaponry. The Turok series always had a flair for the dramatic, and this game doubled down on it. We're talking about the "Inflator," which shot compressed air needles to make enemies explode, and the gloriously unsubtle "Chest Burster" rifle, which did exactly what it sounds like. It was creative, a bit gruesome, and peak late-90s game design.
The Golden Age of Couch Co-op
Looking back, Rage Wars was a perfect product of its time. The Nintendo 64 was built for local multiplayer, with four controller ports right on the front of the console. Games like this, Mario Kart 64, and GoldenEye defined an entire generation of gaming that revolved around friends huddled in a basement, trash-talking over a tiny slice of a CRT screen. It’s a kind of magic that online gaming, for all its convenience, has never quite replicated.
Nintendo Switch: Unbelievable Deals for Handheld Heroes
The Switch eShop can be a tricky place to find deep discounts, but this Boxing Day has some absolute steals. The one that immediately jumps out is Kingdom Come Deliverance: Royal Edition for a mind-boggling A$8. That's a 90% discount on a massive, brutally realistic medieval RPG. When I say "brutally realistic," I mean it—the game doesn't hold your hand. You have to learn to read, fight, and even eat properly. It’s janky and unforgiving, but for anyone craving a deep, immersive experience, this is an absolute gift.
Another standout is No Man's Sky, down 60% to A$32. This game represents one of the greatest redemption arcs in gaming history. After a notoriously rocky launch, Hello Games spent years adding massive, free updates that transformed it into the sprawling space exploration sim it was always meant to be. Seeing its near-infinite procedural universe running on the portable Switch still feels like some kind of dark magic. You can check out the incredible journey of updates on the official No Man's Sky website; it's truly remarkable.
And you simply cannot ignore BioShock: The Collection at A$18 (80% off). This is a masterclass in game design, all in one package. You get three of the most influential shooters ever made, including the iconic trip to the underwater city of Rapture. The opening sequence of the first BioShock is still analyzed in game design courses today, and its narrative twist remains one of the best in the medium. For less than the cost of a couple of coffees, you get dozens of hours of landmark gaming history.
Xbox Bargains: Entire Sagas for Pennies
If you're an Xbox owner, the deals are just as wild. Topping the list has to be Mass Effect Legendary Edition for a staggering A$10. That's a 90% discount. Let that sink in: you get the entire, remastered trilogy of one of the greatest sci-fi RPG sagas ever created for the price of a sandwich. This is hundreds of hours of incredible storytelling, character development, and universe-building. The series pioneered narrative choice and consequence in modern gaming, and people *still* passionately debate the decisions they made and the controversial ending a decade later.
For something a bit more recent, Persona 3 Reload at A$65.70 (-34%) is a fantastic pickup. This is a full-blown remake of a beloved PlayStation 2 classic, and it’s been executed beautifully. It modernizes the combat and quality-of-life features while preserving the uniquely dark and melancholic tone that made the original so special. It’s the perfect entry point into a series that masterfully blends social simulation with deep, turn-based RPG combat.
And here's a hidden gem for you: Wild Hearts is down to just A$18.50 (an 83% discount). This game was EA's answer to Monster Hunter, and honestly, it deserved so much more attention than it got. Its unique "Karakuri" building mechanic, which lets you construct traps and traversal tools on the fly, adds a layer of creative, fast-paced strategy to the monster-hunting formula. Its commercial struggles mean it's now available at a bargain price, making it a perfect time to discover this underrated title.
PlayStation Picks: Blockbusters and Indies on the Cheap
PlayStation fans are eating well this Boxing Day, with some of the platform's biggest titles seeing significant price drops. A 50% discount on Marvel's Spider-Man 2, bringing it to A$62.40, is huge for a first-party blockbuster of this caliber. This game is pure, unadulterated fun and a technical showcase for the PS5. The seamless web-swinging across a bigger New York and the ability to instantly switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales make for an exhilarating experience that feels truly next-gen.
Another must-buy is Dragon's Dogma 2 for A$43.10 (-60%). This game is a beautiful, chaotic mess in the best way possible. It’s a prime example of a "systems-driven" fantasy, where the fun comes from the unpredictable stories that emerge from its complex mechanics, especially the unique Pawn system. A griffin might suddenly swoop down and carry a goblin off into the sky while your companion accidentally sets the forest on fire. It’s a game that thrives on unscripted mayhem, and at this price, it's an adventure worth taking, despite some of its launch quirks.
The Power of Small Packages
Beyond the big names, there are some incredible indie deals. INSIDE, from the creators of Limbo, is down to just A$2.90. This isn't just a game; it's an experience. It's a short, haunting, and utterly wordless journey through a dystopian world that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Its minimalist art direction and chilling atmosphere are second to none. Similarly, Inscryption at A$12 is a genre-bending masterpiece that starts as a creepy card game and spirals into something far more bizarre and unforgettable. Don't spoil it for yourself; just play it.
PC Gaming: The Home of the Deepest Discounts
When it comes to sales, the PC platform is often where things get truly wild. The biggest news is that you can grab both Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 for absolutely free from the Epic Games Store. These aren't just mobile ports; they are gorgeous, meditative puzzle games built around impossible, M.C. Escher-style architecture. They're like interactive art pieces, perfect for unwinding during the holiday chaos. There's literally no reason not to claim these.
For shooter fans, Halo: The Master Chief Collection for A$14.90 is an insane value proposition. You get six classic Halo games, all preserved and beautifully updated for modern hardware. It’s a monumental slice of gaming history, from the revolutionary gameplay of Combat Evolved to the bombastic action of Halo 4. Its journey from a buggy launch to this definitive collection is a testament to the developers' dedication.
Finally, if your rig can handle it, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart at A$34.10 is a visual spectacle. This former PS5 exclusive was built to showcase the power of next-gen hardware, with its dimension-hopping mechanics and stunning, cartoon-like visuals. It's a joyful, explosive adventure that feels like playing a Pixar movie, and seeing it run on a powerful PC is a treat. It's a perfect example of a top-tier console exclusive making a brilliant transition to a new platform.
Bonus Round: LEGO Deals for the Inner Builder
It's not all digital deals! There are some excellent discounts on LEGO sets that will appeal to any gamer. The Horizon Shell-Walker & Sawtooth set, down 40% to A$41.90, is a fantastic build that perfectly captures the unique machine designs from the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. It's a surprisingly intricate and satisfying model that looks amazing on a shelf.
For fantasy fans, the Lord of the Rings Balrog Book Nook at A$126.70 is a showstopper. This isn't just a LEGO set; it's a piece of art designed to sit between books on your shelf, creating a diorama of the epic "You shall not pass!" scene. It’s a brilliant, creative use of LEGO that goes way beyond a simple model. These kinds of sets show how much LEGO has embraced its adult fanbase, creating display pieces that are as much a part of home decor as they are toys.
Conclusion
Navigating the digital chaos of Boxing Day doesn't have to be a chore. While the sheer volume of "sales" can be overwhelming, there are true diamonds in the rough if you know where to look. From entire RPG trilogies for less than a movie ticket to visually stunning puzzle games available for free, the value on offer is genuinely incredible. These deals aren't just about saving a few bucks; they're an opportunity to dive into legendary series you may have missed or discover an indie gem that becomes your next favorite game.
The bottom line is to be selective. Ignore the filler and focus on the games that offer a truly substantial and memorable experience. Whether it's reliving the saga of Commander Shepard, exploring the unsettling world of INSIDE, or building a mechanical beast from Horizon out of LEGO, these are the deals that will give you the most joy long after the sales have ended.
About the Author
This article was written by the editorial team, dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights. We're passionate gamers who love finding great deals just as much as you do.
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