When it was announced during E3 that Xbox Live Gold members would start receiving two free games a month, many assumed that this was Microsoft's attempt to make Sony's PlayStation Plus' similar program. However, while some blockbuster titles were attached to Microsoft's program like Assassin's Creed 2 and Halo 3, many critics and fans pointed out those games were several years old and had several sequels available.
Now, Both Sony and Microsoft have announced which games will be available as part of their premium subscription program for July and this trend seems to be continuing.
Microsoft will have one game free to play until July 15, then switch to another game for the remainder of the month. This first free game for Xbox Live Gold members is "Defense Grid: The Awakening", according to Major Nelson. This four years old tower defense game is available on the Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points normally, saving Xbox users $10. The second free July game has yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, Sony has revealed their roster of free July games and they are much more impressive. Eurogamer is reporting that Uncharted 3, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Catherine, The Cave, Demon's Souls, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD, Kingdom's of Amalur: Reckoning and LittleBigPlanet Karting will all be available for free download for this month on the PlayStation 3, along with Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Gravity Rush, Rayman Origins and Sine Mora being available for the Vita.
Clearly, Sony has come up much bigger than Microsoft for this month's free titles. Uncharted 3, XCOM, and Demon's Souls are all critically acclaimed hits, and the Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection brings two of the best PlayStation 2 games to players for free as well. Meanwhile, the Xbox will have a game that has most likely been forgotten by the majority of gamers and another unannounced title. Microsoft will need to step it up if they are to truly compete with their free premium titles.