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: Woodle Tree Adventures
Back in early 2026, we gave away Woodle 2, and we heard from some of you that you wanted the first one too. So we talked with the publisher and here you go! Woodle Tree Adventures is a cheerful 3D platformer that channels the relaxed charm of classic collectathons like Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64. Playing as the wooden hero Woodle, you explore colorful worlds, collect magical water drops, and restore balance through light platforming, exploration, and simple puzzles. Its peaceful soundtrack, vibrant art style, and family-friendly design make it less about difficult challenges and more about enjoying a calm, nostalgic adventure.
Empulse: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Empluse is a fast-paced multiplayer shooter where movement matters just as much as aim, encouraging players to chain wall-runs, grappling hooks, jetpacks, and boost abilities into fluid parkour-inspired combat. Every 6v6 match revolves around controlling powerful mechs that can completely shift the momentum of a battle, while customizable movement tools and weapons reward creative playstyles. Built as an Early Access community project, it combines high-speed gunfights with constant experimentation and competitive teamwork.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'empulse'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Farever: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Farever is an open-world action RPG that focuses on freedom, letting you carve your own path across the sprawling land of Siagarta instead of following a traditional chosen-one narrative. Between climbing mountains, gliding across valleys, exploring hidden caves, and tackling dungeons solo or with friends, the world constantly rewards curiosity. Deep class customization, cooperative combat, gathering professions, and crafting systems give every adventure a personal touch, making progression feel shaped by your own decisions rather than a fixed build.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'farever'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Historically Low Prices
This section of Loot Happens currently tracks historical discounts on games and throughout the industry. Our tireless web crawlers scour the web daily, sniffing out the best deals across the gaming landscape.
These aren't just any games – they're titles we adore and highly respect. And right now, you can grab them at prices we've never seen before!
DELTARUNE [Nintendo Switch]
The next adventure in the UNDERTALE series has appeared.$24.99 $19.99
Featured Game Review: Star Fox
Few games defined the early days of 3D console gaming quite like Star Fox. Powered by Nintendo's groundbreaking Super FX chip, it delivered polygonal space battles that looked unlike anything seen on the Super Nintendo at the time. Decades later, its visuals may feel primitive, but the fast-paced arcade action, memorable characters, and tightly designed missions still reveal why this became one of Nintendo's most influential series.
Fast, focused, and endlessly replayable
Star Fox wastes no time getting players into the cockpit of the Arwing. Each stage lasts only a few minutes, but they're packed with enemy formations, environmental hazards, branching routes, and memorable boss encounters. Rather than encouraging exploration, the game focuses on precision flying, quick reactions, and constantly chasing higher scores, making every run feel satisfying even after multiple playthroughs.
The branching campaign also adds surprising depth for a game of its era. Different routes dramatically change the difficulty, introduce new levels, and alter the story's progression, giving players plenty of reasons to replay the campaign. Combined with hidden shortcuts and score-based medals, Star Fox rewards mastering its mechanics instead of simply reaching the ending.
A technical milestone that shows its age
Even today, it's easy to appreciate how ambitious Star Fox was. The Super FX chip allowed Nintendo to create fully polygonal environments years before 3D graphics became standard, and the sense of speed remains impressive. The energetic soundtrack and iconic radio chatter between Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy also give the adventure far more personality than many shooters of its generation.
Its biggest weakness is simply time. The low frame rate, sparse visuals, and basic enemy AI can make the action feel rough compared to modern rail shooters. The controls also require some adjustment, especially during more demanding stages. Yet beneath those aging technical limitations lies a remarkably polished arcade shooter whose gameplay remains surprisingly engaging.
Bottom line
Star Fox is a landmark of Nintendo's history that still delivers fast, rewarding arcade action despite its aging presentation. Its branching missions, addictive score chasing, and memorable cast helped establish a franchise that would influence 3D shooters for years to come. While the technology inevitably shows its age, the core design remains every bit as sharp as the Arwing itself.
Next Week
Every newsletter has a lot to look forward to, and we are in active communication with several developers and studios. More to come next week!
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