Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair returns for free on the Epic Games Store next week

I love a good platformer, so much so, that sometimes, I close my eyes at night and hope I can get a really great one for free. When I opened my eyes this morning, my dreams had come true, as the Epic Games Store will give away Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair for free next week. Okay, I don’t really do all that, but I’m not lying. The smash platforming hit from the Donkey Kong Country team will indeed be free next week.

Every week, the Epic Games Store gives away a full game for free to anyone who has its launcher installed, and next week is no different. Those who grew up playing side-scrollers like Super Mario World or Donkey Kong Country should take a dive and download the launcher. Side-scrolling platformers are a rarity nowadays, so getting Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair free on the Epic Games Store is a chance for you to relive your childhood a bit.

Side-scrolling fun

This 2.5D platformer (3D graphics with a 2D perspective) isn’t just your run-of-the-mill platformer, though. There’s a big 3D overworld, and alternate level stages where you can drastically change the way a level works. I always loved the branching routes and secret exits you could find in a Super Mario World level, so this fits right into my wheelhouse.

This week, the Epic Games Store is also giving away Daemon X Machina for free, an action RPG where you jump into a mech straight from Gundam. The giveaway is a great deal, as the game is normally priced at $49.99 USD, so be sure to pick it up if you haven’t already. Otherwise, look out for Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair when it goes free next week on the Epic Games Store. The giveaway will last from February 3 – February 10.