A big welcome back to all Loot Happens subscribers. Loot Happens is a weekly newsletter that is emailed and also gets posted to 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.
Stranded Sails - Explorers of the Cursed Islands: Giveaway For Premium Subscribers
Stranded Sails - Explorers of the Cursed Islands invites players into a captivating single-player adventure set in a serene Caribbean environment, perfect for all ages. Embark on a captivating journey with a compelling storyline that unfolds through a series of quests, while leaving plenty of room for exploration and delightful surprises along the way. Build your base camp and cultivate your farm, carefully managing your energy levels and culinary skills to ensure a well-stocked pantry.
Seablip (Beta): Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Set sail for adventure with Seablip, a thrilling open-world experience brimming with uncharted islands, formidable foes, and hidden riches waiting to be unearthed. Embrace the life of a daring pirate as you navigate treacherous waters, engaging in epic battles and seizing enemy ships to cement your reputation as a feared captain.
Uncover the secrets of the sea as you explore each island, delving into ancient mysteries and uncovering valuable treasures along the way. Your ship is your lifeline in this perilous journey, and enhancing its size and capabilities is paramount. Upgrade your vessel with over 48 customizable features, from powerful cannons to mystical defenses like fire, poison gas, and magical shields. We have an early key for the game, which will grant the winner early access!
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'sea'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours.
Historically Low Prices
This 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!
Crusader Kings III: Royal Court [Xbox]
Step into your own fully immersive throne room with Crusader Kings.$29.99 $20.99
Featured Game Review: Stellar Blade [PlayStation 5]
Stellar Blade is a visually stunning and well-made action game. While its story and characters fall flat, the combat shines. Borrowing heavily from Sekiro, the core mechanics provide a rock-solid foundation for thrilling battles against a bestiary of grotesque foes. Exploration is further encouraged by the abundance of hidden secrets scattered throughout the world.
Combat system makes the game feel fresh
Instead of a straight Sekiro copy, Stellar Blade injects its combat with a unique twist: Beta Skills. These are four special attacks that redefine the flow of battle. Eve can unleash a devastating whirlwind to cleave through hordes, or a punishing triple-stab for pinpoint takedowns. The true stars of this combat ballet, however, are the enemies themselves. Stellar Blade boasts a monstrous menagerie – over 48 unique Naytiba to conquer.
The combat in the game remained exhilarating throughout my 30-hour playthrough, thanks in part to the diverse range of enemies and the continuous introduction of new tools and mechanics at key points in the campaign. One standout addition was the wrist-mounted drone, capable of unleashing various types of ammunition from a distance, adding a strategic layer to combat dynamics. Additionally, the introduction of Burst Skills marked a significant shift in gameplay, requiring players to manage resources more tactically, especially during challenging encounters.
Burst Skills, akin to Beta Skills but more potent, demand energy expenditure and deliver impactful attacks that can incapacitate foes. However, building Burst Energy is a challenging task, necessitating precise dodges, skillful use of abilities like blink or repulse, or even sacrificing Beta Energy through a Beta Chain maneuver to fuel Burst Energy. This decision-making process adds a dynamic element to gameplay, forcing players to weigh the trade-offs between immediate power and long-term strategic advantages.
Soundtrack - exceptional feature of Stellar Blade
The soundtrack in Stellar Blade stands out as a truly exceptional feature. When you're not engaged in intense battles against the nightmarish Naytiba creatures, the game offers a mix of light RPG activities to immerse you further into its world. Exploring Xion, the last stronghold of humanity, visiting shops, customizing your appearance, and taking on quests from bulletin boards or NPCs are all part of the gameplay experience. While these tasks don't always contribute significantly to the game's narrative depth, there are occasional gems that stand out, like a quest involving a man's affection for a malfunctioning singing android.
Bottom Line
Stellar Blade shines with gorgeous visuals, excellent character and monster design, and thrilling combat that evolves throughout the 30-hour adventure. During the development stages, SHIFT UP Corporation prioritized creating a visually stunning experience. While the story and light RPG elements don't quite match the level of the combat (character development could be deeper), Stellar Blade's focus on thrilling action makes it a worthwhile experience.
Next Week
Lots 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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