The Epic Games Store continues its popular tradition of offering free games to PC gamers, with the latest promotion featuring the simulation game Turmoil. Available for download and to keep for free until January 16, users with an Epic Games Store account can claim this title during this promotional window, which means they can add it to their libraries permanently.
Turmoil, developed by Gamious, first released back in 2016, takes players back to the oil rush of the 19th century and challenges them to become successful oil entrepreneurs. Normally priced at $12.99, Turmoil offers players the chance to experience the thrill of drilling for oil, building pipelines, and engaging with rival oil barons as they compete for prosperity. It features vibrant, cartoonish graphics and has garnered positive feedback from users across different platforms.
According to various reviews, Turmoil has received favorable ratings, particularly on Steam where it holds a “Very Positive” feedback score with 92 percent approval based on over 11,000 user ratings. The game boasts a score of 73 on Metacritic, which some say doesn’t fully represent the engaging gameplay it provides. On Warehouse shaped landscapes, players are charged with leasing land at auctions and drilling for oil using various strategies to maximize profits, culminating in fixed resources and clever bidding techniques.
“Drill for oil like it’s 1899! Turmoil offers a visually charming, tongue-in-cheek simulation inspired by the 19th century USA oil rush,” notes the Epic Games Store's description of the game, which emphasizes the game's setting, quirky gameplay mechanics, and overall approach to the simulation genre. The goal is to earn wealth and grow one's oil business, making key investments and upgrades along the way.
Players can expect to invest about 10 to 12 hours to complete the game, including optional content for those wanting to explore every facet of the experience. For completionists aiming to tackle all challenges, the total playtime could extend to 20 or even 25 hours. This blend of strategic resource management and entertaining gameplay makes Turmoil appealing not just for casual gamers but also for fans of the simulation genre.
Looking forward, the Epic Games Store has already announced its next free title, Escape Academy, which will take the spotlight from January 16 to January 23. This upcoming game invites players to train to become ultimate escapists, solving puzzles and hacking servers. Like Turmoil, Escape Academy carries its own unique gameplay experience, featuring local and online co-op modes alongside thoroughly crafted puzzles.
Developed by Coin Crew Games, Escape Academy is described as providing fresh, hand-crafted escape room scenarios, and the excitement of potential team play adds another layer of immersion. “Welcome to Escape Academy. Train to become the ultimate Escapist. Solve Puzzles. Hack Servers. Meet the Faculty,” the promotional material states, showcasing the depth of activities players can expect.
The Epic Games Store's weekly offerings have drawn significant attention, generating excitement among gamers eager to claim freebies. This free game promotion strategy not only allows players to explore diverse titles but also enhances engagement with the Epic Games Store as a platform.
Other recent promotions, like offering Hell Let Loose, also highlight how successful these initiatives are at boosting interest and player numbers for newly introduced games. The strategic rollout of free titles has clearly been effective in maintaining user engagement and attracting new gamers to the platform. Earlier this month, Hell Let Loose, known for its tactical gameplay and multiplayer dynamics, experienced heightened interest as thousands of players took advantage of this offer.
The overall reception to these promotions remains overwhelmingly positive, with users giving feedback on various platforms to encourage continued giveaways. For those interested, Turmoil is currently up for grabs on the Epic Games Store, offering the perfect opportunity to experience this unique simulation adventure.