The Epic Games Store has unveiled its final free game for 2023: the 2022 reboot of Saints Row. Despite its troubled history, the game's availability as a complimentary offering should spark considerable interest among gamers.
This announcement comes as part of the Epic Games Store's ongoing tradition of offering daily free mystery games throughout December.
The promotion has featured a mix of titles, ranging from smaller-budget games to major AAA releases representing diverse genres.
The Epic Games Store concludes 2023 with Saints Row as a controversial freebie, stirring interest despite its rocky launch and subsequent improvements.
A Controversial Game Reboot
The choice to offer Saints Row, a game marred by controversy upon its initial release, has raised eyebrows within the gaming community.
The reboot faced significant backlash from fans and critics alike due to various issues that plagued its launch.
ComicBook.com highlighted the game's trailer as one of the most disliked in gaming history, citing discontent among fans who yearned to return to the series' roots, only to be disappointed.
The game's reception, with a "Mixed" rating on Steam and a Metacritic score of 65, reflects dissatisfaction with formulaic gameplay, outdated design, subpar writing, and technical deficiencies, including bugs and performance issues.
Despite its tumultuous debut, the Epic Games Store's decision to make Saints Row available as a freebie has generated curiosity among players.
For those intrigued by this polarizing title, the game offers an immersive narrative centered around building a criminal empire. The sprawling open world of Santo Ileso serves as a backdrop for an array of thrilling side activities, criminal ventures, and missions that promise a wild, larger-than-life sandbox experience.
According to the game's official description, players assume the role of the Boss and lead The Saints in their quest for dominance over the streets of Santo Ileso. The main campaign offers approximately 13 hours of gameplay, while completionists can expect a lengthier journey spanning around 50 hours.
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Get the Game Now
One significant aspect that has drawn attention is the game's availability without subscription requirements or time limitations.
Gamers with an Epic Games Store account can claim Saints Row for keeps, provided they do so before the specified deadline, ensuring their ownership of the title.
Beyond its troubled beginnings, Saints Row has undergone substantial post-launch improvements. GameRant noted that the developers released multiple updates and DLCs, addressing some of the game's initial drawbacks while introducing new content.
Nearly a year after its release, additional DLCs like The Heist and the Hazardous, A Song of Ice & Dust, and Doc Ketchum's Murder Circus have expanded the game world and narrative, enhancing the overall experience.
Furthermore, Epic Games Store users interested in delving deeper into the Saints Row universe can take advantage of ongoing discounts during the Epic Games Store Holiday Sale. Various DLC packs, including the Expansion Pass and individual content expansions, are currently available at reduced prices.
While the Epic Games Store Holiday Sale extends until January 10, the fate of the free mystery game offering beyond this period remains to be determined. Fans eagerly await further announcements regarding potential future freebies.
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