Microsoft Gives Away Free Games for Xbox 360, Xbox One in August

Aug 12, 2014 03:42 PM EDT

Microsoft is giving away free Xbox One and Xbox 360 games in the month of August. Each platform will be getting two games. Even so, the offer is only available to Xbox One Live Gold subscribers. A subscription requires $60 a year.

As a word of warning, those with Xbox Ones will lose their free games once their Xbox Live Gold accounts expire. Only Xbox 360 owners can keep their free games without needing to renew their Xbox Live Gold subscriptions.

Also, Microsoft changes the free game list every month. So, players can expect new game giveaways in September. Below is a brief guide of what is available for free in August, along with release date information:

Xbox One

Starting Aug. 1, players can download Strike Suit Zero and Crimson Dragon  to their consoles.

Developed by independent game studio Born Ready games, Strike Suit Zero is an arcade-style space shooter modeled after classics such as Freespace 2. The game offers four classes of spacecraft -- fighters, bombers, interceptors, or strike suits. During gameplay, players can alternate between third-person or first-person cockpit view.   

Crimson Dragon takes players to a planet inhabited by flying dragons. When human colonize the planet, they begin capturing and riding dragons. As part of the game's RPG element, players can recruit wingmen who will assist them in battle.

Xbox 360

On Aug. 1-15, those with Xbox 360 can download Motocross Madness onto their console. Afterwards on Aug. 16-31, the award-winning title Dishonored will be available to players.

Motocross Madness is a dirt bike racing game. The game allows customization including clothing and the choice of six different motor bikes. While racing, players can unlock tricks that include wheelies and aerial dance maneuvers. Each race brings either money or experience points. Money that players earn can be used to update bikes or buy new ones. The more entertaining aspect of the game is when players get into painful, but comical crashes.

Perhaps, the most exciting offer in August is the free-copy of Bethesda Games' Dishonored. This stealth action-adventure game takes place in the fictional city-state of Dunwall. Players take the role of disgraced royal bodyguard, Corvo Attano, who is framed for Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's murder. While awaiting execution, he is endowed special spiritual powers by a mysterious entity. Afterwards, Corvo escapes prison with the aid of loyalists who recruit him to their cause. Depending on their choices, player can affect the outcome of the story.