The Epic Games Store, known for games like Fortnite and a vast collection of others, has a weekly promotion where users can enjoy one or two games at no cost. These free games are released every Thursday at 10 AM CT, and the upcoming week's game is revealed in advance. On August 31, Epic Games Store players eagerly visited the page to discover the current offering.
Presently, players can acquire the highly acclaimed Cave Story+, a remake of a classic Metroidvania game, for free. It is guaranteed to be a valuable experience for numerous players. Additionally, the free game for September 7 has been announced. This time, Tactical RPG enthusiasts may find interest in Free Range Games' less known title, Spelldrifter.
Epic Games Store Free Game Spelldrifter Explained
Spelldrifter, originally funded on Kickstarter under the name "Labyrinth," builds upon the success of its predecessor and makes its exclusive re-release on Apple Arcade. The game later became available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Spelldrifter is a tactical turn-based RPG where players create a card battle deck during their gameplay.
Once players engage in battles in Spelldrifter, they will notice similarities to other well-known RPGs. Fans of Fire Emblem will feel right at home with Spelldrifter's map and movement system, as the characters in both games function in similar ways. Moreover, the battles in Spelldrifter may evoke memories of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories' card battles, but with simplified mechanics.
Spelldrifter challenges players to create a deck of cards to strategically aid their units in battle, providing both defensive and offensive capabilities. Success in defeating maps and enemies rewards players with new cards, enhancing their deck for future challenges. This unique blend of gameplay genres offers a captivating and exhilarating experience, greatly enjoyed by early Apple Arcade adopters.
However, Spelldrifter's exclusive availability on Apple Arcade somewhat hinders its overall presentation. Certain aspects of the game may feel more fitting for a mobile release rather than a fully-fledged game on platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. Despite these minor flaws, overall reception towards Free Range Games' creation has been predominantly positive, suggesting that fans will find great enjoyment in giving the game a chance.
Players may have reservations about picking up Spelldrifter due to their past experiences with card-based battles in RPGs. However, Free Range Games has successfully utilized turn-based RPG mechanics in Spelldrifter, making it easy for players to grasp. The timing between player and enemy moves gives it a similar feel to Fire Emblem with Baten Kaitos' battle system, without overwhelming the players.
As always, with the Epic Games Store's free game promotions, if players are not interested in the current week's offering, they can always look forward to the next week's selection or change their minds before the deal expires. While it can be disappointing when the Epic Games Store's offerings don't align with players' preferences, it's refreshing to see a variety of deals that give numerous gamers the opportunity to discover hidden gems they may have otherwise overlooked. All of this is made possible by the Epic Games Store offering these games free of charge for players to try.