This week’s exciting offering from the Epic Games Store is the dynamic beat-’em-up title River City Girls, developed by WayForward. Launched in 2019 as a spin-off to the popular Kunio-kun franchise, this vibrant game is known for its eye-catching retro graphics and engaging gameplay that set it apart from other brawlers in the genre.
In addition to River City Girls, mobile users of the Epic Games Store can also claim Bridge Constructor: The Walking Dead and the Astarion Champions of Renown Pack for Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms. It’s important for players to act swiftly, as these three games—River City Girls, Bridge Constructor, and Idle Champions—will be available for free only until April 17.
There’s trouble again in River City, and this time only the girls can save the day! 👩🎤 Grab River City Girls for FREE this week: https://t.co/bQvZp1KGvv pic.twitter.com/ZINMlO9ALI — Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) April 10, 2025
Reasons to Experience River City Girls
A Unique Brawler Experience
Set against a lively backdrop, River City Girls follows the adventure of two teenage protagonists, Kyoko and Misako, who are on a mission to rescue their missing boyfriends, Kunio and Riki. Taking charge, the girls forge ahead to confront various adversaries, showcasing their strength and teamwork throughout the journey.
What distinguishes River City Girls from other brawler games is its inventive art style. The game fuses retro graphics with stunning anime-inspired cutscenes and dynamic manga panels, offering players a fresh perspective. Unlike many titles that emphasize destruction, this game captivates with an engaging storyline and a nostalgic appeal, despite some polarizing narrative choices. Featuring both single-player and multiplayer modes, it allows gamers to delve into the streets of River City solo or alongside a friend. With its zero-cost entry, it’s an ideal opportunity to explore this unique gaming experience.
WayForward: Pioneers of Classic-Inspired Gaming
Decades of Innovation Under Their Belt
In the current gaming landscape, where many studios pursue the latest trends and technologies, WayForward stands out as a refreshing force committed to retro-inspired design. Established in the 1990s, this developer is renowned for its success with the beloved Shantae platforming series, along with titles based on popular children’s franchises like Barbie and SpongeBob SquarePants.
WayForward’s rich catalog of games includes recent hits like Clock Tower: Rewind and Retro Realms, the former of which revived a previously Japan-exclusive mystery game for a wider audience. Their dedication to quality and originality ensures that even titles released a few years back, such as River City Girls, continue to attract new players. With its temporary free offer on the Epic Games Store, it’s a perfect opportunity for gamers to connect with WayForward’s creative legacy.
For more details, check out the official announcement from Epic Games.