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: Random
This week, we're adding mystery to our premium subscribers' giveaway. This time, we have a group of random games, most of them are indie games with positive reviews and a fan base. By following the link below, you can claim one of the best free games we have in the database.
It can be anything, from a premium indie game, an old reboot, or an indie that just released this week. Tons of variety as always!
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales blends gorgeous HD-2D visuals with fast-paced action RPG combat in a time-traveling adventure spanning four distinct eras of history. Fighting with multiple weapon types while using fairy companion Faie's magical abilities creates dynamic battles and environmental puzzles, while customizable magicite lets you tailor Elliot's fighting style to your preferences. Between its exploration, satisfying combat, and intriguing thousand-year story, it feels like a natural evolution of Square Enix's signature HD-2D formula.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'elliot'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Slime Rancher 2: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Slime Rancher 2 expands the cozy farming formula of the original by sending Beatrix LeBeau to the colorful Rainbow Island, a mysterious paradise filled with new slimes, hidden secrets, and ancient technology. Exploring, capturing adorable creatures, and building up your conservatory create an endlessly relaxing gameplay loop, while upgraded tools and ranch customization give you plenty of reasons to keep expanding. It's a charming blend of exploration, resource management, and creature collecting that's as calming as it is addictive.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'slime'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Historically Low Prices
This section of Loot Happens tracks historical discounts right now 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!
DOOM: The Dark Ages [Steam]
Become the slayer in a medieval war against hell.$̶̶91.18 $22.66
Stardew Valley [PS4]
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley.$14.99 $7.49
Featured Game Review: Rhythm Heaven Groove
After years of silence, Rhythm Heaven Groove finally revives one of Nintendo's most beloved rhythm franchises, and it feels like the series never skipped a beat. Rather than chasing flashy gimmicks or cinematic storytelling, it sticks to the formula that made the originals so memorable: simple controls, infectious music, and wonderfully bizarre microgames that constantly surprise you. Every few minutes you're thrown into another absurd scenario, but beneath the quirky humor lies a rhythm game that quietly demands sharp timing, careful listening, and plenty of practice. The result is a sequel that's instantly approachable yet remarkably difficult to truly master.
Every song brings something new
The greatest strength of Rhythm Heaven Groove is its incredible variety. Every minigame introduces a fresh concept, whether you're filming a car commercial, bouncing frogs into space, or matching strange creatures to increasingly complex beats. Since there are no traditional note highways to guide every input, success depends on recognising visual cues, musical rhythms, and subtle audio signals. It creates a satisfying learning curve where each successful run feels earned rather than automatic.
The soundtrack deserves just as much praise. Tracks constantly shift between genres and tempos, keeping every stage unpredictable without ever feeling unfair. The remix levels are particularly impressive, combining multiple games into seamless musical medleys that test everything you've learned. By the time muscle memory takes over and you clear one nearly flawlessly, the payoff is immensely satisfying.
Not every addition reaches the same high notes
Outside the main campaign, the package offers plenty of extra content, including multiplayer games, collectible challenges, and the new Beatspell RPG mode. The cooperative minigames fit naturally into the series' chaotic charm, especially the competitive ones, which turn simple timing challenges into hilarious contests between friends. They're easy to pick up but surprisingly addictive, making them a welcome addition rather than a throwaway side mode.
Beatspell, however, never feels quite as inspired. While mixing rhythm mechanics with RPG battles is an interesting idea, combat becomes repetitive far too quickly, and the pacing lacks the constant creativity found throughout the campaign. It's far from a bad mode, but compared to the endlessly inventive rhythm games surrounding it, it feels more like an enjoyable experiment than an essential feature.
Bottom Line
Rhythm Heaven Groove is a fantastic return for one of Nintendo's most distinctive series. Its wonderfully strange humor, outstanding soundtrack, and endlessly inventive rhythm challenges make nearly every stage memorable, while the simple controls hide an impressive level of precision and depth. Although Beatspell falls short of the main campaign's brilliance, the core experience is so consistently entertaining that it's easy to overlook. Whether you're chasing perfect scores or simply enjoying its infectious charm, Rhythm Heaven Groove delivers one of the most satisfying rhythm games in years.
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!
The Eighth Inc. c/o LootHappens.com
46 Plains Road
Essex, CT 06426
©2024 Loot Happens | hi@loothappens.com | Privacy Policy | Terms
