While the big-budget leaks continue to fall flat, Epic is handing out a genuine gem for anyone who grew up with monster-collection games but wants something with more mechanical grit. Today, December 27, you can claim Cassette Beasts for free. If you happen to miss the 24-hour Epic window, don’t worry because there is a second chance to snag it at a deep discount. The Steam Store currently has the game at 60% off through January 5, but the even bigger deal is on G2A (affiliate link) where you can pick it up for just $1.55, which is a massive 92% discount compared to its standard price. Whether you want it for free right now or for a couple of coins later, it is an essential addition to your JRPG library.
Transforming the Genre Formula
The central hook here is that you don’t just “summon” monsters; you record them onto tapes and then play them back to transform into those creatures yourself. It creates a weirdly personal connection to the roster because your character is the one doing the fighting. The game also features a massive Fusion System that allows you to combine any two monster forms into a unique, fully-animated hybrid. This isn’t just a cosmetic change either—there are thousands of possible fusions that impact your stats and movesets. It encourages you to experiment with your human companions, as the strength of your relationship directly influences how powerful your fused forms become during combat.
Exploration and Elemental Chemistry
Unlike the linear paths found in typical monster catchers, the island of New Wirral is a true open world. You’ll need specific monster abilities to navigate, such as gliding through the air, swimming across lakes, or using magnetism to solve environmental puzzles. The combat itself is built on a chemistry-based elemental system that goes beyond simple “type advantages.” For example, hitting a plastic-type monster with fire will melt it, changing its attributes and creating new tactical problems to solve. It is a smart, resourceful system that rewards players who actually read the status effects instead of just spamming their strongest attack.
Why It’s Worth the Download
Cassette Beasts is a 2023 release that usually retails for $19.99, and it has maintained a high reputation for its incredible synth-pop soundtrack and its willingness to let the player break the game with clever builds. You have until December 28 at 11:00 AM ET to claim it for free on Epic. Whether you are in it for the 80s aesthetic or the deep tactical combat, it is one of the most refreshed takes on the genre we’ve seen in years.
