By: Max Cannon
Every month Sony and Microsoft release a slew of "free" games on their respective platforms if you are already paying for an online subscription for either company. You don't need the newest console to take part as both PlayStation Plus and Xbox's Games With Gold offer games on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (and even PlayStation Vita.)
The New Games of PlayStation Plus
Starting Tuesday, January 2nd you can get these upcoming games for free if you have a PlayStation Plus subscription.
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (PlayStation 4)
- Batman: The Telltale Series (PlayStation 4)
- Sacred 3 (PlayStation 3)
- The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 (PlayStation 3)
- Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness (PlayStation Vita)
- Uncanny Valley (PlayStation Vita, Cross-Buy with PlayStation 4)
- Starblood Arena (PlayStation VR)
StarBlood Arena Launch Trailer | PS VR
Here's what PlayStation had to say about their big headliners on PS4:
"First up, we have Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. This sequel follows the immediate aftermath of the Aug Incident, the day when mechanically augmented citizens all over the world were stripped of control over their minds and bodies. This game mixes first-person action, stealth, and RPG-elements to make for an enthralling adventure."
You'll get all 5 episodes of Batman's first season this month.Courtesy of PlayStation
"Next, we have Batman: The Telltale Series. Take on the role of Batman, both as the hero and his alter ego [SPOILER] Bruce Wayne. Where every choice has a consequence, see what it really means to be the Dark Knight. Another hand-crafted adventure game by the fine folks at Telltale, it is sure to entertain."
Let's make sure to point out that both of PS4 headliners are rated M for mature by the ESRB. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided takes players into a cyberpunk world where humans augment themselves with special abilities. Batman: The Telltale Series brings players into Gotham City in a time where Batman is new to the world of crimefighting.
The PS4 games highlighting this month's Plus offerings.Courtesy of PlayStation
The New Game of Xbox's Games With Gold
Since Monday, January 1st you can access the first wave of games on Xbox One and Xbox 360 if you have a Gold subscription on Xbox.
- The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing III (Xbox One)
- Tomb Raider Underworld (Xbox 360 & Backwards Compatible with Xbox One)
The second wave of games begins on Tuesday, January 16th.
- Zombi (Xbox One)
- Army of Two (Xbox 360 & Backwards Compatible with Xbox One)
Xbox - January 2018 Games with Gold
Here's how Xbox described their big games of the month:
"Van Helsing III will make its debut on Xbox One and will be Xbox One X Enhanced upon release. In this final chapter of the trilogy, you’ll see Borgovia in its darkest state. The civil war may be over, but a strange cult is prophesizing the end of the world. [In Zombi] How long do you think you can survive in the streets of London, surrounded by the infected among the roads and underground canals? If you happen to fall victim to these mindless enemies, you’ll lose all your possessions. Start again as a different survivor and you can fight your way back to recover your stash. Plan well and you may make it out alive."
Xbox's Games with Gold lineup for Xbox 2018.Courtesy of Xbox
"[Tomb Raider: Underworld ] has you dive, climb, fight, and jump your way back into the world of Lara Croft as she travels around the world to uncover the mystery surrounding Thor’s Hammer. You’ll need all of your new combat options and gear to help prevent a forgotten power being unleashed that could destroy civilization. Army of Two includes combat, camaraderie, and cash. Bring your best buddy (or play with the AI) in this innovative co-op third-person shooter centered around the world of private military enterprise."
My Winner This Month:
We had such a hot streak going in the middle of last year that it was inevitable that we'd get a string of mediocre weeks in the mix. I'd lean Xbox for having more family-friendly titles in this month's batch of games but I won't deny that I'm excited to try StarBlood Arena with my PlayStation VR.
Have Your Say!
Are you going to give either platform a try this upcoming month? Which service do you like more? Comment below!
