The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as Epic Games Store makes a generous offering to horror aficionados: The Evil Within is now available for free. Directed by Shinji Mikami, the man behind classics like Resident Evil, The Evil Within has its own share of cult following despite some controversial gameplay decisions. With Halloween around the corner, Epic Games Store’s decision to offer the game for free seems like a calculated move to engage gamers. In this article, we delve deep into this move by Epic Games, the game itself, and its ensuing sequel.

Why Epic Games Chose to Offer The Evil Within for Free

Epic Games Store has a consistent history of offering free games every Thursday. Although the practice has been taxing on the company’s financials, their focus on customer retention has never wavered. They continue to feature two sets of new games that they haven’t offered for free before. Starting October 19, users could claim the first installment of The Evil Within, a decision likely influenced by the approaching spooky season. This move serves as a valuable addition to their weekly offerings and is expected to drive engagement on their platform.

How to Claim The Evil Within on Epic Games Store

To take advantage of this generous offer, you’ll need an Epic Games Store account. Once logged in, you can claim the game and it becomes a permanent part of your digital library. However, this offer only includes the base game, not the three DLCs, which you will need to purchase separately. Furthermore, this game will be available for free up until October 26, after which its sequel, The Evil Within 2, takes its place.

What Sets The Evil Within Apart

The game’s storyline is immersive and rich, with players taking on the role of detectives who are entrapped in a constantly shifting world. Their mission is to catch a supernatural serial killer. The game embraces its cinematic side, opting to use letterboxing and other features typically seen in movies. It’s a unique blend of gaming and cinematic experience, which has resonated well with its fan base.

The Sequel: The Evil Within 2

While Shinji Mikami didn’t direct the sequel, John Johanas took the helm and continued the narrative arc of the first game. The storyline follows Sebastian Castellanos as he ventures into a chilling landscape to catch another serial killer. Unlike the first installment, the sequel lacks DLCs, offering gamers the complete story right out of the gate.

The Cultural Impact of The Evil Within Series

Both the original game and its sequel have succeeded in achieving cult status among survival horror fans. Whether it’s cosplaying as characters or discussing intricate plot points, the fan community around The Evil Within is active and passionate. The game has had an undeniable impact, finding its own unique space in the saturated horror game genre.

The Future of The Evil Within Series

Given that The Evil Within 2 will also soon be available for free on the Epic Games Store, interest in the series is likely to experience a resurgence. This could be the push needed for a third installment or additional downloadable content, although that remains speculative at this point.

Final Thoughts

Epic Games Store’s decision to offer The Evil Within for free has reinvigorated interest in a series that holds a unique place in the survival horror genre. As the series gains more exposure, one can only wonder what the future holds for this cult classic.

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