I'm just wondering what games are currently on sale for cheap that I would like that I happen to have missed. Types of game I'm most interested in are:
* RPGs (turn-based only). Must either have magic, an unconventional growth system, or a way to improve your character without leveling up or finding equipment.
* 2D platformers, particularly Metroidvanias or similar.

With these constraints:
* Price: Currently $5 or less.
* No roguelike or souls-like saving mechanics. The game must not ever overwrite a save without the player's consent. (It's OK if the game is difficult, or if it's procedurally generated, but not if it messes with saving or loading.)
* No electric guitar in the soundtrack.

Edit: Why the low rating?

You may already be aware of ciemnogrodzianin's posts but they are very helpful. Other than price I can't help you with the specifics though.

A rough estimate but I think there may be over 750 games under $5 listed there.

Actually here, I think all these are platformers (just did quick checking though):
Jazz Jackrabbit 2 Collection
Jazz Jackrabbit Collection
Alien Rampage
Monster Bash HD
NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits
Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians
Giana Sisters: Rise of the Owlverlord
Crystal Caves
Secret Agent
Secret Agent HD
The Humans Bundle
Deadlight: Director's Cut
Stick it to the Man!
Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition
Dustforce DX

(the below might be more run n gun than platformer)
METAL SLUG
METAL SLUG 2
METAL SLUG 3
METAL SLUG X

Good way to figure that out:
- click on the "store" tab
>> "browse all games"
>> check "show only discounted" and "hide all owned products"
>> set the price range to "0.00 - 5.00"
>> check genres "role-playing" and "action"
>> sort results by "price (from lowest)"

Et voila: all games in your preferred genres, for cheap, that you might have missed so far.

That would yield too many games. In particular:
* The "Action" category includes more than just 2D platformers.
* The "Role-playing" category includes too many games that I don't consider to be RPGs in the first place.
* I have a few other criteria mentioned in the first post.
* It helps to hear from actual users here which games are actually worth the price and time.

A Legionary's Life

Ofc you have probably played this to death already, or at least died a 1000 times playing it, but Hollow Knight is cheap, especially on sale, and really good (but very difficult at times). A similar-ish game called Crowsworn had a very successful Kickstarter not long ago, and will get released in maybe two years. Won't cost as little as a fiver naturally, but something to keep tabs on.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mongooserodeo/crowsworn-a-dark-and-mysterious-action-packed-metroidvania

Take a look for Foregone:

https://www.gog.com/en/game/foregone

According isthereanydeal is historical low and is 4.74$.

I'm not sure what games you already have so....


Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
King's Bounty series
Star Crawlers (psionics is kind of like magic...right?)
Blackguards
Shadowrun series
Children of the Zodiarcs

I would mention games by Spiderweb Software, but you seem to be familiar with some, if not all of them already.

Looks interesting, except for the "permadeath" part, which implies that the game doesn't meet my criterion regarding saves. I've played most of the game, but it doesn't satisfy my criterion regarding saves.

(Also, I've died more times in Celeste than Hollow Knight; I'm pretty sure I haven't died 1000 times in HK, but I probably have in Celeste.)

nvm turn based only- missed that one