So, April is here already and I’m betting that, much like myself, you’re sat there with a shameful backlog of games that you had hoped to have already cleared by this point. Well, just to confuse matters even more the free Xbox Games With Gold titles for April 2019 are here, and that can only mean one thing – more games for you, for free, to either add to your backlog or to jump right on into straight away. First though, let’s take a look at the Xbox games on offer to see just which ones are worth your time and which you’d be best off leaving for a rainy day.
The Technomancer – 1st – 30th April – To be considered!
So first up and we have The Technomancer on Xbox One, a game that many garnered huge excitement for, before it came and went without really giving anything to remember it by.
In this action-RPG adventure, players take on the role of a Mage Warrior whose development can be radically changed by way of three unique skill trees, catering to your chosen fighting style. On top of that are dynamic conversations and actions that can change the shape of the game, all of which on paper sounds absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately though, whilst it has a lengthy story that tells the tale of the War of Water some 200 years after colonizing Mars, and plenty of action to keep you going for several hours on end, The Technomancer somehow failed to impress.
It’s not a bad game per se, but it is one that lacks the necessary polish to stand out from the crowd, and with a ridiculous difficulty level proving the straw that broke the camel’s back for many, this one isn’t exactly the best freebie we’ve seen from Xbox Live’s Games With Gold scheme. There will rightfully be many that are happy to see such a game included, but it may not be one you remember for too long after it’s over and done.
Outcast – Second Contact – 16th April – 15th May – Ignore
Nope, I simply can’t do it. I can’t in any right mind tell you that this is going to be one you should be grateful to receive in April.
Why? Well, because Outcast – Second Contact on Xbox One is not a great game at all.
When you think back to the original Outcast, there is very little to remember besides it being hailed as one of the best action-adventure games of it’s time. Back in 2017 though, we were afforded the opportunity to jump in on a remastered version of that very same game, unfortunately it lacks polish in almost every area and is also one of the dullest adventures you’ll find on Xbox One; even a few hours will prove too much to bear. From horrid textures, to poor gunplay, and repetitive enemies to a boring story, it’s hard to see what made this game a cult hit in the first place.
On top of that, with vast open environments, you expect at least something exciting within them, however sadly for Outcast – Second Contact each open area is full of the same nothingness that makes this game such a drain to play. If you haven’t got the message yet, this one’s a thumbs down.
Star Wars Battlefront II – 1st – 15th April – Instant Download!
On the negative side it’s not the 2017 EA Star Wars Battlefront II that we’re seeing for free, but on the plus side it is the 2005 Star Wars Battlefront II that’s home to epic space battles and the truly enjoyable Galactic Conquest mode
This is one that many of us spent countless hours enjoying, and it is going to be available for absolutely no additional cost thanks to the Xbox Games With Gold scheme for April 2019. Whilst it’s hard to argue what is better over the rebooted Star Wars and the original Battlefront titles, one thing is certain, both deserve plenty of praise and with Star Wars Battlefront II from all those years ago having aged so beautifully, there is still plenty of hours to be enjoyed with this one yet. Especially when you factor in the 24 maps available in the Instant Action mode.
Can’t you just hear John Williams’ incredible music already! This is a must download.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 – 16th – 30th April – To be considered!
This is a difficult one to talk about. You see, on one hand you have us looking at a game from the incredible Tom Clancy library of titles that many have played and enjoyed for years on end, with Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter series being well up there amongst the best. On the other hand it’s hard to look at any Ghost Recon game the same after Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands changed the series so incredibly spectacular, with a gargantuan open world and ton of content.
Of course, If you’re still in the market for a linear shooter that can provide a decent campaign and some enjoyable combat then Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 isn’t a bad way to go and whilst the online play may be long dead and buried, the single player still has a lot to offer – particularly as you don’t have to pay for it.
So, there we have it, our thoughts on the free Xbox One and Xbox 360 games being given away via the Xbox Games With Gold scheme for April 2019. Which games will you be jumping in on this month? Do you think we should be happy with these games or are they a disappointment? Let us know in the comments below or via our usual social channels.
