Normally, the Epic Games Store gives away a free game every week. The store couples this release alongside an announcement of the following week's free title. That is, until the next set of free games. On April 15, the storefront will release three different story-based games. Despite occasional releases of multiple games, this is the first time in a while that Epic Games have been so generous with the number of titles given away free.
Last month's selection of free Epic Games Store titles was fantastic. It included game award winners, robot-sword-pinball, and a sci-fi city builder. A lot of these games were great examples of science fiction. The three games that will release free on the 15th may be establishing a similar strong theme, but this time focusing on narrative-driven games. Included in the line up next week is the full Deponia collection, The Pillars of Earth (based on an award-winning novel series by Ken Follett), and low-dialogue fox adventure The First Tree. Gorgeous aesthetics, a deep fascination with story, and a deep commitment to tone unify these narratively intricate games.
These three free Epic Games Store titles follow up the current free game. 3 Out of 10: Season 2 actually debuted free on the Epic Games Store. An intriguing narrative game experience, the title blends minigame puzzling with a fully animated sit-com. The serialized nature plays into this format, with the follow-up to the first 3 Out of 10 season introducing rogue AIs and other sci-fi elements. Deponia being free next week follows up the science fiction trend from March, but the other narrative games show that many other directions are also possible for April's possible theme. In short, releasing these story-rich games really opens up the possibilities for what could become free next in April 2021.
Deponia: The Complete Journey
Initially released in 2012 as a tiny German point and click by Daedalic Entertainment, the Deponia series sold over 2.2 million units by 2016. The game blends absurdist comedy, charming art style, and quirky point-and-click gameplay. While attracting some criticism for some poor pacing, it was generally praised by reviewers at the time. A strong sense of wit running straight through the series' core keeps it united and on track as a cohesive narrative experience.
Drawing from the likes of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett, the storytelling tone of this title is definitely tongue-in-cheek. Similar to last week's free title 3 Out of 10, the presence of a funny plot is essential. Both are driven by moment-to-moment humor, and ultimately a decisive sense of fun. Even the game's title, Deponia, thrums with wit. The grand-sounding name comes from the German word "Deponie," which roughly translates as "landfill site." "Junk, junk, and even more junk" awaits players on the eponymous "trash-planet" as an interstellar romance of bizarre and unexpected proportions unfolds.
When Deponia: The Complete Journey releases for free on April 15th, Epic Games Store customers can pick up the entire four part series for free. It traces the romance of Rufus and Goal across the stars, from the lowly start of the eponymous Deponia to the staggering heights of Elysium. Deponia stands as a great, light-hearted example of romance in gaming. It should be noted that the game may contain content unsuitable for under 18s, which is also true of another game that is releasing free next week.
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is another more mature game. This one has a basis in award-winning literature. The Pillars of the Earth as a novel is an unusual piece from bestselling author Ken Follett. Normally known for the moment-to-moment tension in the 170 million copies of his books sold worldwide. Instead, The Pillars of the Earth concerns itself with a monk trying to build a monastery in 12th century England.
Another Daedalic title, The Pillars of the Earth also exists as a point-and-click adventure. Despite being drastically different in tone to Deponia, the game adaption by Daedalic of Ken Follett's work is just as gorgeously written. It also has fantastic art direction. Over 200 unique backgrounds exist in the game's incredible art style. These backgrounds are host to some wonderful 2D animation, giving Follett's tale some real vibrancy.
Alongside all of this art, the game is fully voice-acted with a special appearance from the bestselling author himself. The game boasts an impressive voice cast (cameos notwithstanding)m including Glen McCready and Naomi Sheldon. With three different playable characters, the game really captures Follett's style of multi-perspective storytelling. If players want a deep dive into a slow, but engrossing adaptation of a bestselling novel, this title is a perfect one to pick up. Furthermore, any gamer excited for the upcoming Gollum video game should check out these free offerings from Daedalic Entertainment, one of the teams working on the new game.
The First Tree
A stark departure from the other two games being made free next week, The First Tree is "not a fox simulator", according to its creator. In this case, "creator" is entirely singular, as the title is another example of a brilliant game created by one person. The First Tree is the product of developer David Wehle's labor. This game started life as part time hobbyist project, but rather than facing abandonment due to its ambitious scope, its creator simply decided to become a full-time developer. Building on themes and tone first explored in Wehle's 2015 walking simulator Home Is Where One Starts, The First Tree is a gorgeous parallel story. As a fox searches for her missing family, her voyage intersects with the tale of a son trying to reconnect with his estranged father across Alaska.
The First Tree is a great example of a short form game. It takes approximately an hour and a half to complete, a shorter taste of a gameplay style offered by other experiences like Journey, Firewatch and Shelter. However, for a shorter title, it has an awful lot of attention to detail, and is perfect for a short dip into an immersive narrative experience. In particular, the game's lighting plays delightfully off the simplistic, cell-shaded aesthetics of The First Tree's vision of Alaska. With a similarly contemplative, but much lighter tone than The Pillars of the Earth, this title makes a neat accompaniment to the other games on offer next week.
Deponia: The Complete Journey, The Pillars of the Earth, and The First Tree will be free on the Epic Games Store from April 15th.