Microsoft has announced titles that will make up Xbox Games With Gold August 2019. As ever, members are treated to 2 games for the Xbox One and two backwards compatible games for the Xbox 360. And, as ever, two are available for download immediately at the beginning of the month with two more to follow on the 16th.
August 1st
Gears Of War 4
Gears of War 4 is the first Gears game made by The Coalition, which is Microsoft’s in-house team of developers. While it has been developed by a new studio, however, most of the classic elements of the franchise remain.
There are new baddies to mow down, and there’s even an introduction to a new slew of heroes that will feature in later games, but many people have compared this to the original Gears title. This is by no means a bad thing, being the best title in the series so far. Just don’t expect any groundbreaking changes.
You’re no longer fighting Locusts, but will come up against DeeBee robots and Seran Swarm enemies. They do require the use of different tactics, which means that the combat sometimes feels a little different to earlier games. But, this is Gears of War, and it feels like it.
If you enjoyed earlier games in the series then this will be a welcome addition to Xbox Games With Gold for August 2019.
Torchlight (Xbox 360)
Also available to download at the beginning of the month is Torchlight on the Xbox 360.
This action-RPG might be better described as a hack and slash. Combat is heavily restricted to a couple of buttons, although you will be frantically mashing them at times, and although there are only 3 classes of hero to choose from, they do at least offer some variety.
You also get to choose and level up your sidekick. As well as carrying your items when you’ve filled your own inventory, your feline or canine sidekick can autocast spells and scavenge items for you.
Level advancement and stats are also basic, but if you love playing through level after level of dungeon in the hope of getting increasingly better loot, you will enjoy Torchlight despite its simplicity.
August 16th
Forza 6 (Xbox One)
On Augusts 16th, motor racing lovers are in for a treat as Forza 6 is added to the roster of Xbox Games With Gold for August 2019.
Forza 6 offers nearly 500 distinctly different cars, from wrecks to hypercars. There are 27 tracks to choose from, too, including 7 that are entirely new to the franchise. As well as the single player campaign mode, which includes showcase races that let you get behind the wheel of some of the more impressive motors in the game without having to buy them, the multiplayer performance is excellent.
There’s also split screen racing; it can be cumbersome at times, but there is little as enjoyable as the thrill of beating your mates when you’re sat next to them. Forza lovers and motor sport lovers will appreciate this addition.
Castlevania: Lords Of Shadows (Xbox 360)
On its launch, way back in 2010, Castlevania was billed as being a reboot by its publishers but accused of dragging the game away from its heritage by reviewers.
In terms of combat, you will be given dozens of combos to master over time, although it’s likely that you’ll pick one ow two and stick to them: at least until you break a button from heavy mashing. Although they do look a bit dated after all this time, the visual appeal of the Castlevania title won over a lot of gamers back in the day, and there are certainly worse looking games still doing the rounds.
Lords of Shadows could keep you entertained for a while, but don’t expect much depth or replayability from this linear action game.
What Is Xbox Games With Gold?
The above titles make up Microsoft’s August 2019 Games With Gold lineup. Games With Gold offers two free Xbox One and two free Xbox 360 titles every month to Xox Live Gold subscribers. Microsoft recently increased its subscription prices. Members now pay £6.99 per month, £17.99 per quarter, or £49.99 a year to access these games and enjoy online multiplayer gaming.
