Let’s be honest, if we were to give 2019 a premature end and roll on into 2020 now, we’d hardly be looking back with displeasure. Sure we’ve not yet had the chance to go toe to toe in the latest FIFA title, we haven’t blasted away the enemy in the return of Modern Warfare, and we’re still yet to learn the story of the rather exciting Gears 5, but we’ve still seen some pretty damn incredible titles arrive on Xbox One. And that’s without mentioning we had the chance to take in a rather exciting E3 to give us all something to shout about. Whilst remembering we have all that still to look forward to, what if I were to tell you that the next batch of free Xbox One and Xbox 360 titles coming our way thanks to the Games With Gold scheme for August 2019 may just be the best we’ve seen yet? Well it’s true, and so without any further ado, let’s jump straight into our thoughts on how good the free games are this coming month.
Gears of War 4 – Xbox One – August 1st – 31st – Instant Download!
What’s that you say? A first-party exclusive being handed out via Games With Gold? You’re damn right it is! And what a title it is too.
If you’ve ever played a Gears title, then you’ll know first-hand that you can expect to see some of the finest cover-shooting – this is the series that kickstarted it after all – and a story that will grip you on its non-stop action filled roller coaster journey, all whilst barely giving you enough time between stops to reload your lancer!
The story of Gears of War 4 takes place 25 years after the events of Gears of War 3, and after the success at destroying all Imulsion on the planet Sera, the Locust and Lambent were finally beat. With this came a new threat however, and with powerful windstorms known as ‘Windflares’ now bringing destruction to the planet, the reformed COG’s latest objective sends them back in to save humanity once again. Only this time, they didn’t expect a new non-human threat known only as The Swarm to stand against them.
Regardless of whether fighting an all-new threat appeals to you, it’s hard to argue that Gears of War 4 isn’t a game you want in your library. With a satisfying story, gorgeous visuals and a Horde mode that could qualify as a game all on its own, this is one title you should immediately add to your download list.
Forza Motorsport 6 – Xbox One – 16th August – 15th September – Instant Download
Yep, you should be quite excited about now, as this is what you think it is – another incredible first-party exclusive being given away for no extra cost to Xbox Gold members!
Okay, now you’re excited, I’ll use this moment to be a little controversial, as I’m probably going to divide a few people here. Forza Motorsport 6 is the best Motorsport title in the entire series. It beats 5, and it beats 7. How does it do it? Well it has it all! – Pitchforks down!
When it comes to a Forza Motorsport title, what are you looking for? A deep and lengthy Career mode, complete with exciting series events? Check! Are you looking for an incredible catalogue of the worlds most incredible vehicles that can be fully tuned and customised? Check! How about some silky-smooth multiplayer that feels competitive yet accessible? Check! Yep, like I say, Forza Motorsport 6 has it all!
Yeah okay it’s probably nothing that you can’t now find in Forza Motorsport 7, but when a game comes along and just throws all that at you without needing to be asked, you know you’re onto a winner and for me, when I want a tense and exciting racing experience, Forza Motorsport 6 is certainly one I’ll head back to. It’s one you should too, delivering pure racing at its finest.
It looks the part, it sounds the part, it plays the part. Download Forza Motorsport 6 for free thanks to the Xbox Games With Gold scheme for August 2019 and see for yourself!
Torchlight – Xbox 360 – 1st – 15th August – To Be Considered
I’m not sure whether it’s the excitement of two incredible games being given out, or just the fact that I feel a little sorry for this one, but we see it time and time again these days. A smaller title arriving on the Xbox Store at the same time as ginormous triple-A blockbuster, and as expected, the smaller title is pushed to the side and forgotten. In a month that sees both Forza and Gears of War titles being given away for free, there is every chance of that happening here too.
For those yet to hear of Torchlight, this little adventure is an action role-playing hack and slash dungeon crawler. It’s a fantasy-themed game and from within the town of Torchlight, you’ll be set out on an adventure that will see you exploring expansive caverns and dungeons, collecting valuable loot, and heading into battle against the ferocious monsters that lurk amongst the land.
If you’re a fan of Diablo, then chances are you are going to love this one, especially given it comes from the creative minds behind the co-designers of both Diablo and Diablo II. Admit it, a little excitement is brewing now.
Even if it’s not your go to game for the month, it’s certainly worth a look, and given you’ll be waiting a good few hours for the 100+ GB of downloading to get both Forza and Gears installed on your Xbox, this is something that can certainly fill that wait time.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Xbox 360 – 16th – 31st August – Instant Download!
Honestly, I think the Xbox team feel bad. Either that or they are buttering us up for some super sad news as Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is yet another incredible title being given away for no extra cost to Xbox Live Gold members this month.
Now I’ll admit it, before the Lords of Shadow games, Castlevania was something I would quickly breeze by without a care in the world. I know it’s a cult hit, and I know it’s probably got good reason for that, but it wasn’t for me.
This soft reboot entry certainly changed all that though, and after jumping into this adventure, it’ll easily be enough to convert any other non-Castlevania fan too. And if you already love it? Then start screaming as you’re about to get a cracker!
So Castlevania: Lords of Shadow takes place at the end of days. The Earth’s alliance with the Heavens has been threatened by a dark malevolent force, the Lords of Shadow, and now darkness has taken over the world. With the souls of the dead unable to find peace and left wandering the earth amongst the evil creatures that live to wreck the lives of the living, the land is in need of a saviour – so what do you say? Think you can do it? Think you can protect and defend the innocent against the evil supernatural forces of darkness?
I thought so! Go on, get it downloaded and appreciate what is easily the best month of free Xbox One and Xbox 360 games we’ve had in a long time!
So, there we have it. The latest thoughts on the latest Xbox Games With Gold titles for August 2019 and whether or not they are actually any good. Which ones are you most excited about playing? Let us know in the comments below or via our usual social channels.
