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Get Nox for free through Origin's current 'On the House' offer

One of the best 'Diablo clones' of its era is available at no cost on Origin for a limited time.

David Craddock

May 31, 2016 1:20 PM

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Once every month or so, Electronic Arts offers a free game, and usually an expansion for another game, for absolutely free through its Origin digital games platform. The publisher's latest offering is Nox, one of the standout Diablo clones of the early 2000s and, in fact, one that beat Diablo 2 to the punch, shipping five months ahead of Blizzard North's juggernaut.

Nox was released in January 2000, developed by the Command & Conquer maker Westwood Studios and published by EA. Unlike Diablo, Nox gives you control over a specific character named Jack, but the class you choose at the beginning of the adventure dictates the abilities at your disposal as you progress.

Nox was a step or two ahead of Diablo 2 in several ways. Many items could only be equipped by specific classes, a feature that didn't make it into Blizzard North's genre-defining sequel until its 2001 expansion pack, Lord of Destruction; and your energy system—used for casting spells—regenerates automatically rather than leashing you to potions and other methods of replenishing mana.

Like every other Origin On the House title, Nox is available until it's not. "Grab full games, expansions and more at absolutely no cost. Just make sure to act fast because On the House specials can appear and disappear at any time," per Origin's website.

If action-RPGs aren't your speed, Origin's also offering Getaway, an expansion for Battlefield Hardline, for free via On the House.

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.