All I want for Christmas is a bunch of video games for no additional cost because I've spent all my money on presents I can't afford for my friends and family. If you're in the same boat, then I've got a real treat for you: my excellent picks for the best games you can play right now either for free or with a subscription service you might already have.
Hopefully, they're enough to play during those quiet times around the onslaught of Christmas movies your mum makes you watch. I've hopefully seen my last showing of Elf ever, and will keep you updated if that changes due to circumstances outside my control.
Anyway, here are some freebies for you.
Welcome Back, Master Chief
Oh, nothing much. Only the Halo series making its triumphant return to Xbox and PC Game Pass. If there was ever a reason to get into the Xbox's seminal FPS series, here it is. Earlier in 2021, Dean said Halo Infinite would be a vital make-or-break game for the series, and it looks like it's largely met the fans’ most optimistic expectations, as the very same Dean also thoroughly enjoyed it in his review.
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Halo Infinite is a game that has managed to survive the intense scrutiny inevitable with any title of its magnitude, and hopefully, it'll continue to improve as time goes on.
"Overall, Halo Infinite is definitely the game that will make 343 Industries,” Dean wrote. “After a few rocky attempts, this is a fun and much-needed return to form for the franchise. While the campaign feels a little empty, there’s huge potential for things to come in DLC; and despite some of the issues with multiplayer, the core gameplay itself is extremely enjoyable. I look forward to seeing where 343 takes the series from here."
With Xbox and PC Game Pass, players can play the campaign right now, as well as enjoy the wildly entertaining multiplayer mode that's been available for a few weeks already. It's such a delight, let me tell you. The dev team is constantly fixing issues with the game, too, so any bumps or bugs are likely to be squashed sooner rather than later.
No Escape
Ever wanted to play Zoo Tycoon or The Movies, but with a horrible, dystopian, prison-industrial complex backdrop? Prison Architect is the game for you, then.
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Apparently, only the most ruthless wardens can deal with the most ruthless prisoners. Will you be building horrendous, human rights-abusing hellholes, then? Or will you try a reformative system that offers a healthier atmosphere? Will you keep that up when scraps start breaking out?
Prison Architect is a super-complex game that can have you hooked for hours on end, building the perfect penitentiary; and then you can enter Escape Mode to try to break free of your establishment. It's a huge undertaking, but it's worth a try at the right price, isn't it?
Oh, would you look at that! It's available right now for free on the Epic Games Store for PC. And while you’re there, Godfall: Challenger Edition is also free to download. Both games are available from December 9 to December 16, and then they’re gone.
Organ Trading Simulator?
Fancy something a bit more ethical than running a prison? I've found just the game for you. Why not sell the organs of aliens on the black market?
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"Buy, sell, and trade organs in a strange and evolving universe. Dive into the quivering innards of alien capitalism in the sci-fi body horror market tycoon game you didn't know you needed."
To be honest, Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator is the game I'm most excited to try from this week's selection of freebies. I've never played a game where I dissect and flog the dripping innards of otherworldly creatures and terrifying traders who'll try to sneak in and undercut me for that delicious spleen. I loved Hypnospace Outlaw and Can Androids Survive, and Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator is written by the lead writer on those games - so I’m anticipating a real treat.
Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator is free with Xbox Game Pass on both Xbox Series S|X and PC right now.
December's PS Plus
December has some really solid PS Plus offerings for you. From DC comic villains to punishing soulslikes, there's a solid chance you'll find what you're after here.
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Mortal Shell is a game that's featured on my Free Games column in the past, for the Xbox Game Pass version of the game. Well, PlayStation owners, now it’s your turn to punish yourself in an attempt to survive in a world that desperately wants you dead. The PS4 version of Mortal Shell is available on PlayStation Plus right now.
For something a little more chill, how about giving LEGO DC Super-Villains a shot? I remember playing Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy with my little brother way back in our childhoods, sharing a keyboard on our mum's Windows XP PC. Hopefully, the kids these days will be able to replicate those wholesome memories themselves.
Finally, there's Godfall. Yes, the same one that’s on the Epic Games Store. It's a controversial one, too. According to Ewan, "players will get access to three modes and a handful of endgame content, with the option to upgrade to the full version". So it’s not the complete game then, but it'll provide players with a bit of an idea of what it’s all about - and if you’re already paying for PS Plus, what do you have to lose?
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I hope you enjoy the festive treats I've delivered down your e-chimney today. If you need me, I'll be trading intestinal stonks and murdering Spartans in Halo Infinite. I'm excited.
What are you most excited to jump into for free? There's a sweet level of variety this week, so hopefully, you can find something that'll tickle your fancy. Anyway, I'm off. My housemate's put on a Transformers movie on Film4, so I'm outta here.
Topics: Free Games