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.
Update: We are still waiting to hear back from the publisher on the DLC Moto Racer 4 - Antique Antics that was sent out last week, as we are trying to obtain the core game for you. We will send them out as soon as we receive them.
Key Giveaway For Premium Subscribers: Chicago 1930: The Prohibition
We've got an old school game today, but it's a great one. Chicago 1930: The Prohibition spread thrusts you into the tumultuous era where the Mafia grips Chicago. Under the leadership of Don Falcone, the mob's influence spread across the city's districts, prompting the formation of a special police task force headed by Edward Nash. Engage in an all-out turf war, commanding a team of five with distinct RPG attributes—shooting, close combat, throwing, charisma, and first aid. Choose your allegiance, lead the mob or uphold the law, and strategically navigate conflicts using Slow Motion Mode. With sophisticated AI, every enemy reacts uniquely, adding depth and realism to your every move in the battle for Chicago.
Dragon's Dogma 2: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Dragon's Dogma 2 immerses you in an expansive fantasy world where every choice shapes your adventure. Customize your Arisen and select from various vocations to tailor combat to your style. Accompanied by Pawns—ethereal beings that enhance the single-player experience with multiplayer dynamics—you'll navigate a richly detailed world using advanced physics and AI. Encounter diverse monsters and interact with vivid characters on your journey, each influencing your path uniquely. Ready your weapons and magic, and dive into a story where strategy and action collide.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'dragon'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Tekken 8: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Tekken 8 launches into a new era with dramatically redesigned character visuals and high-fidelity graphics, pushing the boundaries of next-gen hardware. This installment adds depth to the ongoing Mishima and Kazama saga, continuing the intense family rivalries with fresh narrative twists six months after the previous events. The game introduces the new Heat battle system, enhancing the TEKKEN franchise's signature aggressive combat and strategic depth, paired with destructible stages that amplify the thrill of battle. The Arcade Quest mode also offers a personalized TEKKEN journey, allowing players to create avatars and progress through story-driven battles.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'tekken'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Historically Low Prices
The Loot Happens section on our website keeps a record of past discounts on games, as well as current ones available in the gaming industry. Our web crawlers work tirelessly every day to find the best deals across the gaming landscape.
These games are not just any games, but titles we truly love and highly respect. Currently, you can purchase them at prices that we have never seen before!
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl [Steam]
Take over the role of a lone stalker and explore the photorealistic and seamless open world.$̶̶63.15 $46.30
Metro Exodus Gold Edition [Steam]
Metro Exodus continues Artyom’s story in the greatest Metro adventure yet.$̶̶42.09 $3.74
Farm Together 2 [Steam]
Grow crops, plant trees, take care of the animals, and much more.$̶̶21.04 $12.62
Nobody Wants to Die [PS5]
Lose yourself in the world of New York, 2329, where immortality comes at a price that someone has to pay.$24.99 $17.49
Shadows of Doubt [PS5]
Become a private investigator and track down a serial killer.$24.99 $18.74
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown [Nintendo Switch]
Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world.$39.99 $19.99
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble [Nintendo Switch]
Join AiAi and friends in Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble.$49.99 $24.99
Featured Game Review: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl thrusts players back into the eerie and treacherous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, where survival hinges on navigating a world filled with lethal enemies and environmental hazards. This entry magnifies the survival essence of the original series, enveloping players in a deeply immersive atmosphere that’s both beautiful and deadly. However, the game’s ambition is frequently undercut by technical issues, ranging from minor bugs to severe glitches that disrupt progression and detract from the experience.
Despite these setbacks, the game excels in atmospheric design, with dynamic weather, radioactive storms, and the chilling quiet of pitch-dark nights that paint a stunning yet menacing picture of the post-apocalyptic landscape. For those willing to endure its technical flaws, STALKER 2 offers a compelling exploration of a hauntingly beautiful, dangerous world that remains true to the cult classic origins of the STALKER series.
STALKER 2 stays true to the core design principles of the series for better experience
In Heart of Chornobyl, the essence of survival and exploration that defined the original series is not only preserved but also intensified. The game starts somewhat tepidly with a narrative that might not immediately grab all players. Our protagonist, Skif, finds himself entangled in a complex web involving the scientific organization SIRCAA and the Zone’s military force, The Ward. Initially, the quests feel mundane—a seemingly endless fetch quest loop that has players tracking down one character after another. However, as the narrative unfolds, the game recaptures the thematic depth of its predecessors, delving into mysteries surrounding psi emissions, risky scientific endeavors, and clashes with cultish and governmental entities.
True to its roots, STALKER 2 doubles down on hardcore survival mechanics that challenge even seasoned gamers. Players must navigate a relentless environment with realistic dangers like gear wear, lethal combat, bleeding injuries, hunger, radiation, and a burdensome inventory system. This unpolished survival simulation, where nothing feels unnecessarily simplified, demands careful strategy and deliberate decision-making. The game's world is vast and merciless; there is no convenient fast travel, forcing players to either pay NPCs for quicker transport or undertake perilous journeys on foot, contending with hostile Stalkers, dangerous anomalies, and mutants. Combat in STALKER 2 varies dramatically—ranging from thrilling, high-stakes gunfights to frustrating encounters marred by erratic AI behavior, which can detract from the game's immersive potential.
The solid gunplay compensates for many of the shortcomings in the combat system
Despite the challenges posed by erratic AI and technical hitches, Heart of Chornobyl manages to deliver satisfying moments in its combat system, primarily due to its robust gunplay. The tactile feel of weaponry, from the precise snap of a red dot-sighted assault rifle to the resounding blast of a fully-modded shotgun, enriches the visceral thrill of the game's shootouts. These elements often redeem combat encounters, making each fight a tense and strategic endeavor where positioning and quick reflexes are key to survival. Engagements can rapidly escalate from peaceful dialogues to chaotic gunfights, demanding players adapt quickly and handle severe consequences if caught unprepared.
However, these combat highs are frequently marred by the game's less-than-optimal technical performance. Even on high-end PC setups, STALKER 2 struggles with frame drops and graphical stutters that can disrupt the immersive experience. The substantial day-one patch has alleviated some of these issues, improving stability and fixing numerous bugs that affected gameplay flow and mission progression. While non-critical glitches can sometimes add a quirky charm to the desolate setting of The Zone, the more severe technical problems often detract from the overall enjoyment. As the game continues to receive updates, the hope is that these fixes will help stabilize the performance and allow players to fully engage with the challenging, yet rewarding, combat dynamics that STALKER 2 offers.
Bottom Line
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl stands out as a remarkable achievement, showcasing a deep commitment to creating an engaging open world coupled with a morally complex narrative that allows for significant player agency. While not without its flaws, the game excels in areas where many others falter. The Zone is a masterfully crafted environment, rich in detail and atmosphere, offering a playground where every corner promises new challenges and adventures. The combat is thrilling and demanding, ensuring that there's seldom a moment of tedium as players navigate the treacherous landscape.
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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