If the January Games with Gold started 2021 hard, then the February Games are keeping the party going. For starters, forget about the usual four titles – if you have an Xbox Series X | S or an Xbox One, you’ll get five this month. Even more remarkable is the incredibly strong mix, with classic, well-reviewed and engaging titles from across the spectrum of the Xbox library.
Of course, it is quite initial. You’re starting with one of last year’s prominent shooting games and one of the survival horror titles they define, but ending the month with a killer indie platformer and a classic 360 third-person shooter is nothing to sneeze at. As always, these games are available to Xbox Live Gold members through a limited window, but once claimed, they are free to maintain and play as long as your Xbox Live Gold account is active.
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GEARS 5
An iconic title since the Xbox 360, Gears of war overcame the chances of remaining in the public eye by slowly reformulating itself over time. 2019 Gears 5 focused on a female character for the first time in history, putting players in the boots of COG Soldier Kait Diaz as she deals with her legacy as the daughter of the Locust Horde Queen.
Gears 5 it was well received on its initial release, with criticisms oscillating between calling it the best of the series so far and a solid progression that stopped just shy to capture the original Gears of warto feel. Xbox Game Pass owners have taken advantage Gears 5 since launch, but will be available throughout the month to all Gold subscribers who have not yet been involved.
Developed by The Coalition and published by Xbox Game Studios, Gears 5 will be free to buy on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One for Xbox Live Gold members from February 1st to 28th.
RESIDENT EVIL
Everyone is losing their minds Resident Evil VillageStunning aesthetics and impressive “Tall Lady”, but Xbox is giving Gold members a chance to get back to where it all started. The original resident Evil it has become a cult classic thanks to its captivating gameplay and ingenious style, as well as the tacky of its live intro scenes.
Today, resident Evil it is perhaps one of the easiest games to play in the world. The game was remade in 2002 for the GameCube as part of an exclusive deal with Capcom, but that remake has been released everywhere as the standard version of the title now. The remake is almost as beloved as the original, although the option of replacing tank controls with more modern analog controls can make zombie escape quite trivial. Still, this is the perfect chance to revisit the original before getting lost in Resident Evil Village still this year.
Developed by Capcom Production Studio 4 and published by Capcom, resident Evil 4 will be free to buy on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One for Xbox Live Gold members from February 1st to 28th.
DANDARA: TRIALS OF FEAR EDITION
Inspired by the legend of an Afro-Brazilian warrior, Dandara is an exclusive 2D platform game with Metroidvania elements. Holder Dandara moves not by walking or running, but by jumping between white platforms across the stage and attacking while standing still. The result is a darkly beautiful puzzle game with a unique and memorable trick.
Dandara was originally a 2018 release on multiple platforms, but many reviewers felt it was hampered by design choices that were clearly intended for the game’s original intent as a mobile title. Still, he was well received and a serious candidate for the game of the year. O Trials of Fear Edition expands the original title by adding three new areas, as well as a new boss, powers, mechanics and more.
Developed by Long Hat House and published by Raw Fury, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition will be free to buy on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One for Xbox Live Gold members from February 16 to March 15.
INDIANA JONES AND THE EMPEROR’S TOMB
If you’re excited by Bethesda’s teasing of a new Indiana Jones game, there is no better time than now to return to one of Indy’s best titles. Indiana Jones has an irregular history in the best of games; point and click on titles like Destiny of Atlantis have become classics, while more modern tours, such as The Staff of Kings were failures.
The tomb of the emperor falls right in the middle. This 2003 release for the original Xbox, PlayStation 2, Windows and Mac was praised for its tone and history, successfully capturing the franchise in a way that few expected after having been inactive for so long. Still, it is a 3D action and adventure title from the early 2000s based on a licensed property, so it suffers from the problems expected at the time with controls and graphics.
Developed by The Collective and published by LucasArts, Indiana Jones and the Tomb of the Emperor will be free to buy on Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One and Xbox 360 for Xbox Live Gold members from February 1st to 15th.
LOST PLANET 2
Set 10 years after the original Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, Lost Planet 2 returns players to EDN III. As the ice begins to melt and the dangerous planet begins to warm up, what you will find is not salvation, but a new terrifying jungle environment full of horrible monsters and huge bosses.
Lost planet was released as a large part of the seventh generation of game consoles for strong praise and criticism, but it never really seemed to catch on. Lost Planet 2 sits at a comfortable 68% at Metacritic, with follow-up Lost Planet 3 61% even lower. Still, it is a well-known franchise with a unique concept that lends itself to a strong multiplayer component. We can see a Lost planet sequel or revival soon?
Developed and published by Capcom, Lost Planet 2 will be free to buy on Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One and Xbox 360 for Xbox Live Gold members from February 15th to 28th.
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