If January's Games with Gold started 2021 strong, then February's are keeping the party at an all-time high. For starters, forget the usual four titles -- if you've got an Xbox Series X|S or an Xbox One, you'll be getting five this month. Even more notable is the mix is incredibly strong, with classic, well-reviewed and engaging titles from across the spectrum of the Xbox library.
Sure, it's pretty front-loaded. You're starting with one of last year's preeminent shooters and one of the defining survival horror titles, but wrapping up the month with a killer indie platformer and a classic 360 third-person shooter is nothing to sneeze at. As always, these games are available to Xbox Live Gold members for a limited window, but once claimed, they are free to keep and play so long as your Xbox Live Gold account is active.
GEARS 5
A flagship title since the Xbox 360, Gears of War has beaten the odds to remain in the public eye by slowly revamping itself over time. 2019's Gears 5 focused on a female player character for the first time ever, placing players in the boots of COG Soldier Kait Diaz as she grips with her legacy as the daughter of the Locust Horde's Queen.
Gears 5 was well-received upon its initial release, with reviews waffling between calling it the best of the series to date and a solid progression that stopped just shy of capturing the original Gears of War's feel. Xbox Game Pass owners have been enjoying Gears 5 since launch, but it'll be available all month long for any Gold subscribers who have yet to dive in.
Developed by The Coalition and published by Xbox Game Studios, Gears 5 will be free to own on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One for Xbox Live Gold members from February 1st through February 28th.
RESIDENT EVIL
Everyone's currently losing their minds over Resident Evil Village's gorgeous aesthetic and the striking "Tall Lady," but Xbox is giving Gold members a chance to go back to where it all began. The original Resident Evil became a cult classic thanks to its endearing gameplay and slick style, as well as the cheesiness of its live-action intro scenes.
Today, Resident Evil is perhaps one of the most easily playable games in the world. The game was remade in 2002 for the GameCube as part of an exclusivity deal with Capcom, but that remake has been released far and wide as the standard version of the title now. The remake is nearly as beloved as the original, though the option to replace tank controls with more modern analog controls can make avoiding zombies fairly trivial. Still, this is the perfect chance to revisit the original before losing yourself in Resident Evil Village later this year.
Developed by Capcom Production Studio 4 and published by Capcom, Resident Evil 4 will be free to own on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One for Xbox Live Gold members from February 1st through February 28th.
DANDARA: TRIALS OF FEAR EDITION
Inspired by the legend of an Afro-Brazilian warrior, Dandara is a unique 2D platformer with Metroidvania elements. The titular Dandara moves not by walking or running but by leaping between white platforms throughout the stage and attacking while stationary. The result is a darkly beautiful puzzle game with a unique and memorable gimmick.
Dandara was originally a 2018 release across multiple platforms, but many reviewers felt it was held back by design choices that were clearly intended for the game's original intent as a mobile title. Still, it was well-received and a serious game of the year contender. The Trials of Fear Edition expands on the original title, adding three new areas, as well as a new boss, powers, mechanics and more.
Developed by Long Hat House and published by Raw Fury, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition will be free to own on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One for Xbox Live Gold members from February 16th through March 15th.
INDIANA JONES AND THE EMPEROR'S TOMB
If you're excited about Bethesda's tease of a new Indiana Jones game, there's no better time than now to go back to one of the better Indy titles. Indiana Jones has a spotty at best history in gaming; point and click titles like Fate of Atlantis have become classics while more modern outings like The Staff of Kings have been duds.
The Emperor's Tomb falls squarely in the middle. This 2003 release for the original Xbox, PlayStation 2, Windows and Mac was praised for its tone and story, successfully capturing the franchise in a way that few were expecting after it had laid dormant for so long. Still, it is an early '00s 3D action-adventure title based on a licensed property, so it suffers from the eras expected issues with controls and graphics.
Developed by The Collective and published by LucasArts, Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb will be free to own on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Xbox 360 for Xbox Live Gold members from February 1st through February 15th.
LOST PLANET 2
Set 10 years after the original Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, Lost Planet 2 returns players to E.D.N. III. As the ice begins to melt and the hazardous planet begins to warm up, what you'll find is not salvation but a new terrifying jungle environment filled with horrifying monsters and massive bosses.
Lost Planet was launched as a huge part of gaming's seventh generation of consoles to praise and strong reviews, but it never seemed to really catch on. Lost Planet 2 sits at a comfortable 68% on Metacritic, with follow-up Lost Planet 3 at an even lower 61%. Still, it is a known franchise with a unique concept that lent itself to a strong multiplayer component. Could we see a Lost Planet sequel or revival soon?
Developed and published by Capcom, Lost Planet 2 will be free to own on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Xbox 360 for Xbox Live Gold members from February 15th through February 28th.