Every month, Microsoft gives away two Xbox One games and two backward-compatible Xbox 360 games for any player with a current Xbox Live subscription through its Xbox Free Games With Gold program. Each game is only free for a limited time, but once players claim the games they can access them as long as their subscription is active. This makes the program a great way for Xbox players to grow their library and check out games that they normally might not be interested in.
However, the program has not always offered the most exciting titles, which has led to some Xbox players being concerned about the future of Xbox Games with Gold. These complaints have come up more following the success of Xbox Game Pass and how much Xbox has invested in great new games being added to it every month. However, Xbox has voiced its commitment to Games with Gold, and recently announced the games players can get their hands on for free this September.
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Warhammer: Chaosbane (September 1 – September 30)
Warhammer: Chaosbane is an isometric action-RPG set in the deep Warhammer universe. The game has five different classes for players to level up and customize, and can be played in its entirety in both online and with local co-op. It also is the first hack-and-slash game set in the Warhammer universe, which makes it a perfect way for fans of games like Diablo or Torchlight to check out the universe for themselves. Warhammer: Chaosbane only touches on a fraction of the lore and detail in the Warhammer universe, but it still has a massive variety of enemies and locations that serve to give players a good look at some of what it has to offer.
The game also features a full story mode accompanied by a boss rush, numerous dungeons, and 10 difficulty levels that encourage players to replay and keep collecting gear. Warhammer: Chaosbane received a decently warm reception, with outlets like IGN giving it an 8.7 at release. It has received numerous updates that added content and fixed some of the issues players had at launch, making now the perfect time to pick up the game and try it out, especially for fans of isometric action-RPGs.
Mulaka (September 16 – October 15)
The second Xbox One game for September is Mulaka, an indie title based on the cultures and mythologies of Northern Mexico, particularly of the indigenous Tarahumara people. The game features fast-paced 3D action that allows players to perform a variety of different attacks to battle creatures pulled from real-world mythology. It also allows players to travel and explore the game's beautiful environments by taking advantage of powers gained from various demigods. Mulaka's world is visually similar to the beautiful world of Journey and has plenty of beautiful vistas for players to discover.
Mulaka is also a fantastic way to experience the Tarahumara culture. The game went to great lengths to ensure its representation of the culture was accurate, including narration in their indigenous language and music that is unique to that region of Mexico. The developer Lienzo also donates 10 percents of the game's earnings to charities dedicated to helping the Tarahumara. The game is an excellent way to experience a part of Mexico and could be a good primer for players excited to head to Mexico in Forza Horizon 5.
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Zone of the Enders HD Collection (September 1 – September 15)
Zone of the Enders HD Collection is the first Xbox 360 game to be free for Xbox Live Gold members this September. The collection includes remasters of two games originally released on the PlayStation 2. The games combine the iconic storytelling of Hideo Kojima with interplanetary battles between giant robots. It features fast-paced action that sees mechs flying about, slashing at one another with massive weapons, and shooting a variety of ranged weapons.
The story follows a young man named Leo Stenbuck who survives an attack on his home colony and comes in possession of the mech known as Jehuty. He embarks on a journey to try and return the mech to Space Force, while also trying to save as many people along the way as possible. The HD Collection enhances the visuals of the two games and gives both of them new introductions. There has been speculation of a new Zone of the Enders being developed at Konami, and if that's true then the HD Collection is a great way for new players to check out the series.
Samurai Shodown 2 (September 16 to September 30)
Samurai Shodown is one of the oldest fighting game franchises in the industry. The franchise quickly found a fanbase for its high-stakes fights that saw players wielding a variety of samurai weaponry. Many feel Samurai Shodown 2 was when it really started to find its stride with new fighters, a multitude of moves, and an emphasis on more responsive controls. It is also the first game to have included a parry system that allowed players to block attacks at the last second and leave their opponents vulnerable. The newest Samurai Showdown is one of the best fighting games currently on the market, and jumping into Samurai Shodown 2 is a great way to test the series out, or to just take a peek at its history.
Samurai Shodown 2 is also a great game for fans of games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter because of its fast, 2D-based action. The game was well received at the time of its release, with the later Xbox 360 port also receiving high scores such as IGN giving it an 8/10. It's considered by many to be one of the better fighting games of all time, so it is definitely worth downloading as part of Xbox Games With Gold for September 2021.
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