Looking for some fresh gaming experiences without spending a dime-freebies? Epic Games Store’s latest free offerings might just be what you need. This week brings us two distinct titles: the puzzle-packed “Escape Academy” and the upcoming narrative adventure “Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery.” Here’s what you need to know about these free games before you add them to your library.
Escape Academy: Put Your Problem-Solving Skills to the Test
Ever dreamed of becoming an escape room master? “Escape Academy” transforms that dream into a virtual reality, offering a unique educational twist on the escape room genre. Developed by Coin Crew Games, this title puts you in the shoes of a student at an unconventional institution where escape artistry isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life.
The game features over a dozen meticulously crafted escape rooms, each with its own narrative thread and distinctive challenges. What sets “Escape Academy” apart is its grounding in real-world escape room design principles. The development team includes actual escape room creators, bringing authentic puzzle-crafting expertise to the digital realm.
Players will find themselves tackling various scenarios, from defusing bombs to brewing the perfect cup of tea under pressure. Each room is timed, adding that familiar sense of urgency escape room enthusiasts know and love. But don’t let that intimidate you – the difficulty curve is well-balanced, gradually introducing new concepts and puzzle types as you progress.
A particularly noteworthy feature is the game’s cooperative mode. Players can team up with a friend either locally or online, creating an experience that closely mirrors the social aspect of physical escape rooms. The puzzles are cleverly designed to encourage communication and collaboration, making it an excellent choice for gaming sessions with friends or family.
Key Features of Escape Academy:
- Story-driven campaign with character development and world-building
- 13 unique escape rooms designed by industry professionals
- Local and online co-op functionality
- Adaptive hint system for various skill levels
- Approximately 6-8 hours of gameplay
- Regular free content updates
Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery – A Painted Journey of Discovery
Following “Escape Academy,” Epic Games Store will offer “Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery” starting January 23rd. This visually stunning game from Silver Lining Studio takes a completely different approach to puzzle-solving, wrapping it in an artist’s perspective and a touching story.
The game follows an aspiring artist in her quest to complete her masterpiece while uncovering the story of her mysterious neighbor. What makes this game special is its unique blend of puzzle-solving and painting mechanics, all presented in a beautiful art style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli animations.
Players interact with the world through the protagonist’s artistic lens, solving puzzles by painting, sketching, and observing their surroundings. The gameplay mechanics are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, making each puzzle feel like a natural part of the story rather than an arbitrary challenge.
The attention to detail in the visual presentation is remarkable, with each scene crafted to feel like an interactive painting. The game’s sound design complements the visuals perfectly, featuring a soothing soundtrack that enhances the contemplative atmosphere.
What to Expect from Behind the Frame:
- Roughly 2-3 hours of gameplay focused on story and atmosphere
- Interactive painting mechanics
- Mystery-driven narrative
- Studio Ghibli-inspired art style
- Original soundtrack
- Accessibility-friendly design
How to Claim These Games
To add these titles to your library, simply visit the Epic Games Store website or launch the Epic Games launcher on your computer. “Escape Academy” is available to claim until January 23rd at 11:00 AM EST. After that, “Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery” will become available for free.
Remember, once you claim these games, they’re yours to keep forever – even after the free period ends. However, you must claim them during their respective free windows.
System Requirements at a Glance and are Just Fine
For those considering downloading these games, here are the basic system requirements:
Escape Academy:
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 or equivalent
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
- Storage: 4 GB available space
Behind the Frame:
- OS: Windows 7 or newer
- Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000
- Storage: 3 GB available space
Whether you’re in the mood for intense puzzle-solving or a relaxing artistic adventure, this week’s Epic Games Store offerings provide an interesting contrast in gaming experiences. Both titles showcase the diversity of modern indie game design, from challenging escape room scenarios to contemplative narrative experiences.