Today, we’re taking a look at all the free Playstation Plus and Xbox Live Games coming in February 2021 and if you should play them.
Playstation Plus
Destruction AllStars (PS5)
Destruction AllStars was first revealed as a PS5 launch title but as the release date has inched closer, Sony pulled a sneaky one on us and decided to give it away for free! Here, you’ll step into the shoes of one of 16 superstar competitors who bash their metal-crunching vehicles into each other to the cheer of the crowds. There are four dedicated game modes where you’ll use timing, tactics and skills to cause havoc behind the wheel. Being a launch title, Destruction AllStars makes full use of all PS5’s new features, including “Game Help,” adaptive triggers and, of course, the blazing fast SSD. Destruction AllStars will be free for PS Plus subscribers from February 2 all the way until April 5, 2021.
Control: Ultimate Edition (PS5 & PS4)
Coming from the makers of Max Payne and Alan Wake, Control is an action and narrative masterpiece that came out back in 2019. Thanks to its fast-paced action, a unique ability to stop time and malevolent corporation story, Control raked up dozens of top-notch reviews. Step into the shoes of Jesse Faden, Director of the Federal Bureau of Control and battle the malicious, yet ominous enemies that had breached the HQ. While the entirety of the game is set inside a Skyscrapper, don’t let outward appearances fool you. The inside is an ever-shifting labyrinth, where Game Help feature is bound to come in handy. The Ultimate Edition includes the base game as well as The Foundation and AWE expansions and can be availed on PS4 as well as PS5 from February 2 until March 1, 2021
Concrete Genie (PS4)
Concrete Genie is a BAFTA award-winning Indie game from Pixelopus, Sony’s smallest first-party studio The story follows Ash, as he returns to the polluted town of Denska. With the help of his magical paintbrush that brings anything he draws to life, Ash must fight back against bullies who pursue and bother him. The game also features a PSVR port that allows you to completely unleash your creativity through Ash’s paintbrush. Concrete Genie is a masterpiece that has earned a permanent spot on the list of best indie games. The fact that it is free until March 1, 2021, makes it a must-play.
Xbox Live Gold
Gears 5
Gears 5 is the latest entry in the long-running Xbox classic, Gears of War series. The story follows Kait Diaz, the daughter of the Gabriel Diaz the protagonist of previous Gears of War games, as she rediscovers her family history. The third-person shooter doesn’t dip on the adrenaline meter while shooting Locusts. Gears 5 was one of best Xbox One classics and now it has been enhanced for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, so you can expect better load times, HDR and 4K. The game will be free for Xbox Live Gold subscribers from February 1 until February 28, 2021.
Resident Evil
In order to build up the hype for the upcoming Resident Evil Village, Xbox is giving away the original remake of Resident Evil, the game that started it all. The remastered version of the PS1 classic puts you in the front line of special forces team, S.T.A.R.S., to investigate a mysterious mansion on the outskirts of Raccoon City. It will be free from February 1 until February 28, 2021, ahead of RE Village’s launch.
Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb
It’s been so long since a non-lego Indiana Jones games, but Bethesda’s announcement of their upcoming Indiana Jones games has filled us all with excitement. To celebrate the same, Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb is coming to Xbox Live. In epic, globe-spanning fashion, take on Nazis and the Asian underworld to track down the mysterious Heart of the Dragon before it falls into hostile hands. It’s a third-person title that was released for the original Xbox all the way back in 2003. While there are auto-HDR and improved load times on Xbox Series X, don’t expect modern graphics or 4K resolution here. Nonetheless, Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb is worth playing simply in anticipation of the upcoming game. Claim the game before it’s gone on 15th February 2021.
Lost Planet 2
Lost Planet 2 is a now-forgotten classic from the Xbox 360 era. The story returns to the troubled planet torn apart from the ongoing battle for thermal energy. Step into the shoes of an explorer and fight a variety of large creatures, and did I tell you that you pilot a mecha? While it may not be worth playing just for the story, the 4 player co-op and competitive multiplayer moods were jaw-dropping at the time. So, if you’ve got a few friends with Xbox Live Gold and some time to kill, then Lost Planet 2 is the way to go. The game can be availed from February 16 until February 28, 2021.
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition
Dandara is an interesting take on what a 2D pixel game can and cannot be. Players explore a large, expansive 2D world that gradually unfolds while fighting off enemies. The catch is that players can only move by teleporting between the white platforms, which safe to say, are quite scary in a world that’s on the brink of collapse. The game features stunning handcrafted pixel art and original soothing compositions that bring a visual and auditory wonderland of Dandara to life. You can get Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition for free from February 16 until March 15, 2021.
