A big welcome back to all Loot Happens subscribers. Loot Happens is a weekly newsletter that is emailed and posted on LootHappens.com.
It's important to note that for premium subscribers, game offerings, and in-game content, every week is different. Sometimes it's in-game codes, Steam keys, and giveaways, but premium members will always get something special every mailing. We also occasionally get mind-blowing early access or premium games that pay for an entire year's subscription.
Each newsletter is generally structured as Premium Loot > Free Sub Giveaways > Game Feature > Game discounts.
Key Giveaway For Premium Subscribers: DarkStone
Ah yes, a classic... Step into the perilous world of DarkStone, where the Evil Draak has joined forces with Death to bring chaos and destruction. Your quest: explore vast keeps and uncover the 7 Legendary Crystals to stop Draak's reign of terror. Surviving these hostile lands will be no easy task, as fierce battles await at every turn. Can you rise to the challenge and ensure the triumph of Good? Engage in randomly generated dungeons, quests, and loot across 4 difficulty levels. Join forces with up to three friends in cooperative mode, and choose from 8 unique characters across 4 classes. Upgrade skills, master 32 magic spells, and face off against Draak in 32 epic environments!
Strange Horticulture: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Step into the eerie world of Strange Horticulture, where plants hold the key to unraveling ancient occult mysteries. As the town’s Horticulturist, you run a small plant shop in the unsettling town of Undermere, nestled amidst haunted forests and towering mountains. Your journey will have you identifying strange plants, speaking to secretive covens, and unearthing secrets that stretch back hundreds of years. Venture beyond your store to explore dark, mysterious lands, but beware—the wrong path could drive you to madness. With your trusty plant encyclopedia and the clues you gather, you'll unlock the hidden powers of each plant to shape the fate of the story.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'horticulture'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Metal: Hellsinger: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Metal: Hellsinger throws you into the heart of Hell as The Unknown, a half-human, half-demon bent on vengeance. Battle through brutal realms to face the Red Judge, syncing your attacks to the beat of a metal soundtrack that intensifies as you stay in rhythm. Wield a skull-clad blade or deadly firearms, and unleash chaos with your ultimate abilities. Survive waves of demons in Leviathan mode, making tough upgrade choices to power up. With music from metal icons like Serj Tankian and narration by Troy Baker, this rhythm-based FPS delivers a unique, adrenaline-fueled journey through Hell’s darkest corners.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'hellsinger'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Skygard Arena: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Skygard Arena takes you to a shattered world where five factions fight for power and a mysterious crown. Choose from 12 unique Champions, each with two Personas and customizable skills. Engage in tactical skirmishes, capturing Pillars and unleashing ultimate spells to outmaneuver opponents. With a story-driven campaign of 25 missions and quick 15-minute PvP battles, the game offers endless team-building possibilities and fair competition without pay-to-win elements. Whether in casual or competitive mode, strategy is key to dominating the Grand Tournament and claiming the crown!
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'skygard'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Historically Low Prices
This Loot Happens section on our website records past discounts on games and current ones available in the gaming industry. Our web crawlers work tirelessly daily to find the best deals across the gaming landscape.
These games are not just any games, but titles we truly love and highly respect. You can purchase them at prices we have never seen before!
EcoGnomix [Steam]
A quirky combination of roguelike and city builder mixed into one!$21.53 $12.60
Pinball Spire [Steam]
It is a game unlike any other, a pinballvania blending classic genres.$16.55 $10.66
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH [PS5]
New adventures await in a vibrant and vast world.$69.99 $46.89
Medieval Dynasty [PS5]
Medieval Dynasty will captivate you with its unique genre combination for the ultimate medieval experience.$34.99 $20.99
Demon's Souls [PS5]
Those whose souls were stripped from them lost their minds – left only with the desire to attack the sane that remained.$69.99 $29.39
Alan Wake Remastered [Xbox]
Alan Wake Remastered offers the complete experience, with the main game and its two-story expansions.$29.99 $9.89
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [Xbox]
Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister.$69.99 $41.99
Assetto Corsa Ultimate Edition [Xbox]
Enjoy all the race modes in single-player or compete with friends in online multiplayer.$39.99 $9.99
Featured Game Review: EA Sports FC 25
Every year, with the launch of EA Sports FC, the same questions inevitably arise: what’s truly different this time around? Is it more than just a fresh set of features with catchy new names, or is it a repackaged version of last year's game? This year, the marketing machine rolls out terms like Hypermotion V, FC IQ, and the intriguing new Rush mode, promising exciting innovations. But beneath the surface, there’s often the familiar feeling that these enhancements are more cosmetic than transformative. While the changes bring a degree of novelty, they don’t represent a groundbreaking shift in the overall experience.
The most notable addition this year is the futsal-inspired mode, Rush. Fast-paced and full of energy, Rush delivers a fresh spin on the traditional gameplay, focusing on five-a-side matches with AI-controlled goalkeepers. Available in all major game modes—Kick Off, Ultimate Team, Career, and Clubs—Rush offers a welcome break from the usual grind, allowing players to dive into intense, quick matches without the need for a full squad. In Career Mode, for instance, Rush injects excitement into youth tournaments, offering high-pressure scenarios that test the skills of young talents. It's a breath of fresh air, but for seasoned fans, it still might leave the question: Is it enough to redefine the experience?
Rush games are fast and high-scoring
Rush mode brings a thrilling intensity to EA FC 25, turning matches into fast-paced, high-scoring spectacles. Set in the vibrant, neon-lit Nike Air Zoom Arena, the experience feels alive with energy. Modeled after Nike’s Mercurial football boots, the stadium itself is visually stunning, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. The high-octane commentary from Fernando Palomo further elevates the excitement. His signature “GOAAAAAL!” may be a bit overused as the season progresses, but in the heat of the moment, it perfectly captures the adrenaline of each match. Every play feels vital, and even the simplest tap-ins are celebrated like iconic moments of football brilliance.
The breakneck pace of Rush encourages aggressive, forward-thinking gameplay. Yet, those willing to take a more tactical approach will find great satisfaction in focusing on defense. The smaller pitch creates a sense of openness that rewards precise marking and quick decision-making. Defending in Rush can feel even more rewarding than in the traditional 11v11 modes. It’s not glamorous, but it plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. The balance between the frantic rush to score and the joy of a well-timed defensive move makes each game feel unpredictable and engaging.
Rush also stands out within Ultimate Team, providing a refreshing, fast, and fun alternative to the usual grind. Despite the absence of long-term objectives, the sheer joy of this mode keeps drawing players back for more. It’s easy to see why Rush is being hailed as one of the most significant additions to the series in recent years. It’s pure fun, and with hopes for new content and regular updates, Rush could easily remain a favorite for seasons to come.
Tweaks that really matter
When it comes to the on-field action in EA FC 25, there are a handful of tweaks that make a real difference, even if they don’t completely reinvent the wheel. One of the most notable is the introduction of FC IQ, which replaces the old, rigid work rate system with something more dynamic. Instead of simple descriptors for a player’s effort on attack or defense, FC IQ adjusts player movement based on their role and the focus assigned to that role. Each position now offers several role options, allowing players to tweak how they want each team member to behave. For example, a central attacking midfielder (CAM) might take on the role of a playmaker or shadow striker, shifting the player's offensive priorities throughout the match. It’s a more nuanced approach that offers flexibility, making tactics feel more customizable.
Passing, too, has been sharpened, especially with long balls zipping across the pitch with a satisfying crispness. Shooting feels responsive, with a smoother, more consistent weight behind each strike, adding to the overall fluidity of the gameplay. And then there are the weather effects, which introduce a layer of unpredictability—rain-slicked pitches can cause the ball to skid or slow unexpectedly, offering moments where the chaotic beauty of football shines through. These small touches give the game a more authentic feel, grounding the action in the delightful imperfections of the sport.
However, while offensive play sees these improvements, defense still struggles to keep pace. Speedy attackers can easily tear through backlines that seem slower than they should be, with defenders often left chasing shadows. This issue becomes particularly frustrating when FC IQ’s tactical depth doesn’t quite extend to defensive strategies as effectively. For instance, players can no longer instruct their team to press aggressively after losing the ball, leaving defense feeling like an afterthought. Whether set to a high or low-aggression style, defenders tend to respond sluggishly, and moments of tight control are few and far between. It's a glaring contrast to the improvements seen in the attack.
Bottom Line
EA Sports FC 25 delivers a familiar experience with a few notable tweaks, but it falls short of being the fluid, polished football simulator fans expect. While the new Rush mode injects fast-paced fun and some excitement into the game, the overall package remains largely unchanged from previous years. The flashy graphics can’t hide the sluggish UI and the ongoing frustrations with loose defensive mechanics. Features like FC IQ and evolving player roles offer potential but lack the depth needed to make a real impact. Ultimately, EA FC 25 plays it safe, and even with its fresh additions, it doesn’t quite elevate itself beyond the standard formula fans have come to know.
Next Week
There is a lot to look forward to in every newsletter, and we are in active communication with several developers and studios. More to come next week!
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