Some platformers don't aim to "deliver an experience" or "challenge the player"—they exist to torture you, throwing you into an endless grind that demands perfect reflexes and flawless maneuvers. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, you're in luck: Super Meat Boy Forever is your free game of the weekend on the Epic Games Store. Technically a sequel, its story is simple: Dr. Fetus has kidnapped Meat Boy's son, Nugget, and it's up to you to correct his mistake—with extreme violence.
A Tale of Rescue and Revenge
Certain genres instantly put veteran players on alert: bullet hell, Souls-likes, Metroidvanias. Many use the term "Masocore" to place these titles in a subcategory, but beyond the jargon, the core idea remains: The game is not your friend, and it will make you suffer.
What's most impressive is that these games are favorites among speedrunners—they not only endure the torture of the levels but aim to beat them as quickly as possible. The Super Meat Boy series fits perfectly here, and if you're thinking of giving it a try, today is your golden opportunity: Super Meat Boy Forever is free on the Epic Games Store this weekend.
Live, Die, Repeat
The game opens in the best way possible: Meat Boy, his partner Bandage Girl, and their new bundle of joy, Nugget, are enjoying a beautiful day. But Dr. Fetus—who is not a real doctor, I might add—is determined to ruin Meat Boy's happiness. He attacks our heroes with a shovel and kidnaps poor Nugget. Naturally, this cannot stand, and the child's parents set off on a rescue mission.
If you've never played Super Meat Boy before, don't worry: You'll learn quickly. First, you need to grasp the speed at which levels unfold. Then you must master basic moves, like throwing punches to cover distances or crouching at the perfect moment. From a certain perspective, Super Meat Boy Forever is parkour at 500 kilometers per hour, and any misstep will turn our heroes into pulp.
Persistence Is Key
To finish, you'll have to fail and try again. Rescuing Nugget is crucial, and you'll likely reach the final level, but Super Meat Boy Forever will put immense pressure on your patience. What seems like a great level at first can be ruined in less than a second. Time limits and the requirements to unlock the Dark World levels only crank up the intensity.
Super Meat Boy Forever will be available until next Thursday. It downloads fast and requires very little hardware. Don't miss out!
