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: Escape Doodland
Escape Doodland is a wild arcade platformer set in a bizarre doodle world where survival is anything but easy. Outrun Omnomus, a ruthless monster, across chaotic levels filled with demanding obstacles. Choose your quirky Doodler, each with unique looks and explosive abilities, to boost your escape or stun the beast. Run, jump, and fart your way to freedom in this hilariously intense adventure!
Nine Sols: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Nine Sols is a hand-drawn 2D platformer that combines Sekiro-inspired combat with a captivating Taopunk setting. Embark on a vengeful journey through New Kunlun, where cyberpunk meets Taoist mythology. As Yi, a resurrected hero, you’ll deflect, slash, and unleash talismanic power to defeat the 9 Sols, formidable rulers guarding ancient secrets. Explore interconnected regions, uncover the mysteries of an alien race, and immerse yourself in a lore-rich world brought to life by stunning hand-drawn animations and manga-inspired cutscenes.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'sols'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
UFO 50: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
UFO 50 is a collection of 50 full games from the creators of Spelunky and Downwell. Featuring platformers, RPGs, puzzles, and more, each game combines 8-bit nostalgia with modern design. The collection includes single-player, co-op, and versus modes, offering hours of fun across genres. With a shared backstory and retro aesthetic, UFO 50 is a treasure trove for fans of classic and indie gaming alike.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'ufo'. 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!
DARK SOULS: REMASTERED [Steam]
Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all.$41.57 $16.22
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl [Steam]
The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone has changed drastically since 2006.$62.36 $40.53
Days Gone [Steam]
Step into the dirt-flecked shoes of former outlaw biker Deacon St. John.$51.96 $10.26
Silent Hill 2 [PS5]
Experience a master-class in psychological survival horror.$69.99 $48.99
Palworld [PS5]
Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you.$29.99 $22.49
No Man's Sky [Nintendo Switch]
No Man's Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore.$59.99 $23.99
Fae Farm [Nintendo Switch]
No Man's Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore.$44.99 $29.99
Featured Game Review: Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is a fresh contender in the hero shooter genre, blending superpowered action with classic gameplay mechanics. Launching with a roster of 33 characters drawn from Marvel’s iconic universe, the game delivers dynamic battles across vibrant maps inspired by beloved locales like Wakanda. Its emphasis on accessibility and variety ensures that players of all skill levels can find their niche in its Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist classes—analogous to tank, damage, and support roles in traditional hero shooters.
While Marvel Rivals doesn’t break new ground with its 6v6 gameplay, which includes staple modes like escort missions and point capture, it shines through its attention to detail and respect for its source material. Each hero retains their comic book essence, offering distinct abilities that make every match a superpowered spectacle.
The game bears many features of Overwatch
Marvel Rivals takes heavy inspiration from Overwatch, from its 6v6 team-based combat to the class archetypes of Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist, which mirror tank, DPS, and support roles. However, the Vanguard class struggles to shine as intended; these tanky heroes, like Iron Fist, often feel like damage-focused brawlers with large health pools rather than strategic anchors. The chaotic nature of battles, combined with the lack of emphasis on positioning and map control, makes their role less tactical and more about absorbing damage, which can feel unsatisfying.
The rest of the roster fares much better, with standout heroes such as Punisher, whose turret shreds enemies, and Star-Lord, a fast-moving hybrid of Tracer and Soldier 76. Each character is thoughtfully designed to stay true to their comic book origins while delivering unique gameplay experiences. The introduction of team-up abilities adds a layer of strategy, allowing heroes like Star-Lord and Adam Warlock to unlock bonuses such as self-revive, or Rocket Raccoon and Groot to combine into a mobile turret with damage resistance. These synergies encourage diverse team compositions without forcing rigid hero pairings.
Marvel Rivals also differentiates itself with its third-person gunplay, which maintains weapon diversity and satisfying feedback. The lack of stun-lock mechanics promotes smooth, dynamic combat, while the steep learning curve ensures depth for experienced players. While its foundations are firmly rooted in Overwatch’s formula, Rivals enhances the experience with innovative mechanics and a vibrant, well-rounded roster, setting itself apart in the competitive hero shooter space.
Unique features make Rivals feel different
Marvel Rivals introduces several innovative features that help distinguish it from other hero shooters, even as it borrows heavily from familiar gameplay formulas. One of its most notable departures is the absence of rigid roles and a role queue, allowing players the freedom to construct teams with any combination of characters. While this flexibility encourages experimentation, it also leads to imbalanced matches, often dominated by damage-focused Duelists. The result is fast-paced, chaotic battles where every character, including healers, is expected to contribute offensively. This lack of tactical depth at launch is a double-edged sword, creating constant action but diminishing the sense of teamwork.
Adding to the appeal are random map events that alter the battlefield mid-match. Wakanda, for instance, features mist walls summoned by the Wakandan goddess Mujaji, temporarily obscuring visibility and forcing players to adapt. Combined with comic book-inspired visual flourishes, such as Star-Lord’s frame-bursting blaster barrage or Hulk’s explosive transformation, these features ensure that Rivals feels dynamic and vibrant. Together, these unique elements give Marvel Rivals a distinct identity, offering a fast, visually stunning experience that is as unpredictable as it is entertaining.
Bottom Line
Marvel Rivals arrives at a time when both the MCU and the hero shooter genre are past their peak, yet it stands as a testament to how well-executed gameplay and a beloved universe can still shine. Balancing accessibility with depth, Rivals ensures every match is engaging, whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player. By embracing the foundations of its predecessors while adding distinct features like destructible environments and team-up abilities, the game establishes itself as a worthy competitor in the crowded field of hero shooters. While not revolutionary, Marvel Rivals is polished, entertaining, and poised to become a standout in its genre
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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