Epic Games Store is expanding its free game lineup, offering the Russian indie adventure card game Black Book and the charming platform title Dodo Peak at no cost. The promotion runs through August 24, inviting players from Canada and the United States to claim both titles before the deadline.
Black Book follows the story of a young girl named Vasilisa who longs to restore a lost love by crossing into the world of the dead. Created by Perm studio Morteshka, the game weaves rich Slavic folklore with eerie spirits and memorable monsters. It has drawn praise from critics and appears on many lists as one of the standout releases of 2021, thanks to its atmospheric storytelling, inventive card mechanics, and distinctive art style. Players can add Black Book to their library from a Russian account, and once the promotion ends, those who claimed it will keep it in their collection as part of their Epic library, provided they already redeemed it during the free period.
Dodo Peak is a playful platformer where players guide a determined dodo on a mission to reunite with its lost offspring. The game emphasizes tight movement, clever level design, and a cozy, adventurous vibe that appeals to both casual players and platforming enthusiasts. Despite the title’s broad appeal, Dodo Peak does not appear in the Epic Games Store catalog for users residing in the Russian region, reflecting regional licensing considerations that affect availability in some markets.
Looking ahead, Epic Games Store is slated to feature Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak, a real-time strategy title and the prequel to the beloved Homeworld series. This next giveaway will give players a chance to dive into a strategic, resource-management-focused campaign that expands the franchise’s lore while offering a different kind of gameplay challenge than the currently free titles.
In related retro gaming news, enthusiasts recently demonstrated impressive technical feats by achieving 60 frames per second in 4K on PC for Red Dead Redemption, a reminder of the ongoing efforts within the PC gaming community to optimize and push classic games toward modern performance standards. These demonstrations underscore the broader interest in high-fidelity gameplay and the enduring appeal of well-crafted experiences across genres, platforms, and regions.