Each month, Xbox Live Gold and Playstation Plus members receive a selection of free games alongside online multiplayer access. Each platform usually offers their users a completely different selection of games and experiences for $59.99 a year, per program.
Xbox owners can expect to receive up to four games for Xbox One and Xbox 360 through the Games With Gold Program, and PlayStation fans are offered up to six titles for PlayStation 3, 4, Vita and VR.
Both Xbox and PlayStation have recently announced Februarys free games. Heres a quick look at the description, critical score and ESRB rating of each title, as well as the average critical score and value of the free game programs.
PlayStation Plus
PS Plus games are made available on the first Tuesday of every month and can be downloaded for free throughout February. Unlike Xboxs free games, anything obtained through PS Plus will become inaccessible if your membership expires. Thankfully, your free games will be waiting for you should you choose to subscribe again.
"Knack"
Platform: PS4
Metacritic score: 54
ESRB rating: E10+ for fantasy violence
Team up with Knack to protect the world from an invading goblin army. Knack can grow and shrink to traverse the environment, collect ancient relics and defeat his foes in this family-friendly action-adventure from legendary video game developer Mark Cerny.
"RiME"
Platform: PS4
Metacritic score: 80
ESRB rating: E10+ for fantasy violence
RiME is a puzzle adventure game inspired by The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Ico, and follows a young boys journey to a mysterious tower. Players can explore and solve puzzles at their own pace as they discover the towers secrets.
"Spelunker HD"
Platform: PS3
Metacritic score: 56
ESRB rating: E for comic mischief
Play with up to six friends online to explore caves, dodge enemies, unlock vaults and collect treasure in this remake of the rogue-like Spelunker. Journey through 10 unique worlds and explore 100 caves filled with hordes of enemies and natural threats to gather as much wealth as you can.
"Mugen Souls Z"
Platform: PS3
Metacritic score: 57
ESRB rating: T for fantasy violence, language, partial nudity and sexual themes
Follow Lady Chou-Chou and her friends as they team up with the goddess Syrma to prevent an ancient threat from destroying their world.
"Exiles End"
Platform: PS Vita, PS4
Metacritic score: 63
ESRB rating: T for blood and violence
When the leader of a powerful corporation disappears on a remote planet, Jameson, a mercenary, is sent to find him. After Jamesons ship crash-lands on the planets surface, he must find his target and escape the hostile world alive.
"Grand Kingdom"
Platform: PS Vita, PS4
Metacritic score: 78
ESRB rating: T for fantasy violence, mild blood, mild language, suggestive themes and use of alcohol
Take control of a team of mercenaries and align yourself with one of four Great Nations in this tactical Japanese RPG.
Average Metacritic score: 65
Total value: $99.95
Xbox Live Gold
Xboxs free games are usually divided across both of Microsofts consoles, with two titles featured for Xbox One, and an additional two for Xbox 360. Its important to note Xbox One owners can also download the Xbox 360 titles, thanks to backwards compatibility. Additionally, any games downloaded as an Xbox Live Gold subscriber will stay in your digital library, even if your subscription lapses.
Shadow Warrior
Platform: Xbox One
Date available: Feb. 1-28
Metacritic score: 74
ESRB rating: M for blood and gore, intense violence, strong language and mild sexual themes
Shadow Warrior follows a disgraced shogun as he journeys to retrieve a powerful blade capable of defeating evil demon invaders in this reboot of 3D Realms cult classic shooter. Utilize a wide range of weapons and magic to defeat enemies in fast-paced combat.
"Assassins Creed Chronicles: India"
Platform: Xbox One
Date available: Feb. 16-March 15
Metacritic Score: 64
ESRB Rating: T for blood, sexual themes and violence
Assume the role of Arbaaz, an assassin from 19th century Colonial India as he embarks on a quest of vengeance. Use tricks, traps and the series signature parkour abilities to explore beautiful, sidescrolling environments and complete complex challenges.
"Split/Second"
Platform: Xbox 360
Date available: Feb. 1-15
Metacritic score: 82
ESRB rating: E10+ for violence
Set within a reality TV show, race through a dangerous city with ever-changing racetracks rigged to explode with you on them.
"Crazy Taxi"
Platform: Xbox 360
Date available: Feb 16-28
Metacritic score: 59
ESRB rating: E10+ for language and mild violence
Test your delivery driving skills in Segas chaotic cult classic. Deliver your passengers as fast as possible to receive lucrative tips by any means possible.
Average Metacritic score: 70
Total value: $69.96
Xbox owners can expect to receive up to four games for Xbox One and Xbox 360 through the Games With Gold Program, and PlayStation fans are offered up to six titles for PlayStation 3, 4, Vita and VR.
Both Xbox and PlayStation have recently announced Februarys free games. Heres a quick look at the description, critical score and ESRB rating of each title, as well as the average critical score and value of the free game programs.
PlayStation Plus
PS Plus games are made available on the first Tuesday of every month and can be downloaded for free throughout February. Unlike Xboxs free games, anything obtained through PS Plus will become inaccessible if your membership expires. Thankfully, your free games will be waiting for you should you choose to subscribe again.
"Knack"
Platform: PS4
Metacritic score: 54
ESRB rating: E10+ for fantasy violence
Team up with Knack to protect the world from an invading goblin army. Knack can grow and shrink to traverse the environment, collect ancient relics and defeat his foes in this family-friendly action-adventure from legendary video game developer Mark Cerny.
"RiME"
Platform: PS4
Metacritic score: 80
ESRB rating: E10+ for fantasy violence
RiME is a puzzle adventure game inspired by The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Ico, and follows a young boys journey to a mysterious tower. Players can explore and solve puzzles at their own pace as they discover the towers secrets.
"Spelunker HD"
Platform: PS3
Metacritic score: 56
ESRB rating: E for comic mischief
Play with up to six friends online to explore caves, dodge enemies, unlock vaults and collect treasure in this remake of the rogue-like Spelunker. Journey through 10 unique worlds and explore 100 caves filled with hordes of enemies and natural threats to gather as much wealth as you can.
"Mugen Souls Z"
Platform: PS3
Metacritic score: 57
ESRB rating: T for fantasy violence, language, partial nudity and sexual themes
Follow Lady Chou-Chou and her friends as they team up with the goddess Syrma to prevent an ancient threat from destroying their world.
"Exiles End"
Platform: PS Vita, PS4
Metacritic score: 63
ESRB rating: T for blood and violence
When the leader of a powerful corporation disappears on a remote planet, Jameson, a mercenary, is sent to find him. After Jamesons ship crash-lands on the planets surface, he must find his target and escape the hostile world alive.
"Grand Kingdom"
Platform: PS Vita, PS4
Metacritic score: 78
ESRB rating: T for fantasy violence, mild blood, mild language, suggestive themes and use of alcohol
Take control of a team of mercenaries and align yourself with one of four Great Nations in this tactical Japanese RPG.
Average Metacritic score: 65
Total value: $99.95
Xbox Live Gold
Xboxs free games are usually divided across both of Microsofts consoles, with two titles featured for Xbox One, and an additional two for Xbox 360. Its important to note Xbox One owners can also download the Xbox 360 titles, thanks to backwards compatibility. Additionally, any games downloaded as an Xbox Live Gold subscriber will stay in your digital library, even if your subscription lapses.
Shadow Warrior
Platform: Xbox One
Date available: Feb. 1-28
Metacritic score: 74
ESRB rating: M for blood and gore, intense violence, strong language and mild sexual themes
Shadow Warrior follows a disgraced shogun as he journeys to retrieve a powerful blade capable of defeating evil demon invaders in this reboot of 3D Realms cult classic shooter. Utilize a wide range of weapons and magic to defeat enemies in fast-paced combat.
"Assassins Creed Chronicles: India"
Platform: Xbox One
Date available: Feb. 16-March 15
Metacritic Score: 64
ESRB Rating: T for blood, sexual themes and violence
Assume the role of Arbaaz, an assassin from 19th century Colonial India as he embarks on a quest of vengeance. Use tricks, traps and the series signature parkour abilities to explore beautiful, sidescrolling environments and complete complex challenges.
"Split/Second"
Platform: Xbox 360
Date available: Feb. 1-15
Metacritic score: 82
ESRB rating: E10+ for violence
Set within a reality TV show, race through a dangerous city with ever-changing racetracks rigged to explode with you on them.
"Crazy Taxi"
Platform: Xbox 360
Date available: Feb 16-28
Metacritic score: 59
ESRB rating: E10+ for language and mild violence
Test your delivery driving skills in Segas chaotic cult classic. Deliver your passengers as fast as possible to receive lucrative tips by any means possible.
Average Metacritic score: 70
Total value: $69.96