The Epic Games Store has released some excellent free titles this year. Starting withCrystal Dynamics’Tomb Raidertrilogy, the Epic Games Store has continued to offer great experiences. Along with big-hitters likeTotal War: Warhammer,XCOM 2, andAmnesia: Rebirth, the Epic Games Store has also given away some smaller titles, with a few being real hidden gems such asParadigm.
Hitting theEpic Games Store’s free giveaway cycle on April 29,Paradigmis a weird and surreal point-and-click game that wears its influences on its sleeve, managing to be one of the most unique, original indie games in recent years. Developed by just one person,Paradigmis a truly impressive feat of artistry and engineering, and is absolutely worth a go - especially coming at no cost.
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Paradigm’s Unique Tone and Story
Immediately evident from the game’s promotional art,Paradigmis an incredibly weird but engrossing game. Heavily inspired by classicLucasArts titles likeThe Secret of Monkey IslandandFull Throttle,Paradigmtakes the meta comedy and satirical tone of these games, and turns them all the way up to 11 to create a fun, dream-like experience that’s unlike anything else.
Set in a post-apocalypticEastern European countryduring the now less-distant year of 2026, players assume the titular role of Paradigm, the product of a designer baby experiment gone wrong. Abandoned in the Neo-Soviet town by the genetics lab, Paradigm has been fending for himself ever since. Over the years, Paradigm developed a deep love for electronic music and desires to be the best electronic musician in the world. On his journey to achieving this lofty goal, Paradigm will come into contact with a number of bizarre faces, including a glam rock pug and an evil sloth wearing a toupee.
Paradigm’s Classic Point-And-Click Gameplay and Art Style
Paradigmdoesn’t just borrowMonkey Island’s tone, but also its intuitive point-and-click gameplay. WithParadigmbeing released in 2017, the controls are even more accessible than ever, making it a perfect starting title for those looking to get into the point-and-click genre. In classic fashion, players will be guiding Paradigm through every step of his bizarre adventure, solving complex puzzles and engaging in a variety of humorous conversations. Players will likely be hooked thanks toParadigm’s cast of quirky characters.
Paradigmalso boasts a wonderfully intricate art style that really does capture thatLucasArts golden agefeeling, while keeping everything sufficiently original. The art direction ofParadigmis also impressive, with each setting and character being heavily influenced by 1970s or 80s sci-fi. Players should expect to hear plenty of dial-up sounds while they’re at it.
Paradigm’s Reviews
Right now,Paradigmis sitting at85 percent on Metacriticwith a total of eight critic reviews. The lowest critical review forParadigmon Metacritic still gives the game a 70/100, claiming that its absurdist humor is a massive highlight, only overshadowed by some lackluster puzzles.
On the whole,Paradigmhas received some glowing critical reviews. The likes of IGN and Destructoid heavily praised its humor, voice acting, and distinctive narrative and setting. IGN even statesParadigmwould be a “fresh and memorable” experience for anyone looking to try the point-and-click genre for the first time. By all accounts,Paradigmis a hidden gem, and is definitely worth picking up on April 29 when it’ll befree on the Epic Games Store.
Paradigmwill be available for free on the Epic Games Store between April 29 and July 13, 2025.
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