Many gamers were disappointed when Microsoft announced that the first of two free games that Xbox Live Gold members would receive as part of their new rewards program was the four year old downloadable title Defense Grid: The Awakening. The game was met by a lukewarm response by Xbox 360 fans, but now Microsoft has revealed a much bigger title will be available for free download in the second half of July.
Assassin's Creed 2 will become available for Xbox Live Gold members starting July 16, according to Gamespot. The game starts a trilogy of Assassin's Creed titles focused on Enzio in the Renaissance period in Europe. While this certainly is a much bigger title than Defense Grid: The Awakening, it still pales in comparison to some titles that have been available on PlayStation Plus.
While Assassin's Creed 2 is a quality game, the game is on sale on Amazon.com for slightly more than $5 used, and has been available for years. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus is offering for free in Europe Uncharted 3, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Little Big Planet Karting, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, ICO and Shadow of the Colossus Classics HD, Demon's Souls, Catherine, Malicious, Lord of the Rings: War in the North, and The Cave. There is no comparison to which service gives the best bonuses.
In addition, Microsoft has only promised that the free games that come will Xbox Live Gold will continue until November when the Xbox One launches. It is unknown if these free games will continue on the Xbox One, or if it may continue on the Xbox 360 after its successor is launched. What also is in question is whether Microsoft will listen to fans and bring more recent titles to the service, rather than classic games that have been available for some time. Look out for more Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus news as it develops.
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