Xbox Games with Gold: Free games for February 2022 revealed

Xbox Games with Gold has been slacking of late. Most of last year’s offerings felt largely underwhelming and it hasn’t gotten much better to start the new year. While there’s no lack in variety of games being offered, there is an absence of blockbuster titles (probably because a lot of them are already offered through Xbox Game Pass).

In any case, Microsoft has revealed February’s free Games with Gold and, once again, it’s an eclectic batch of titles. And again, it’s lacking that high profile title.

Kicking things off on February 1 is Broken Sword 5: The Serpent’s Curse. In this point-and-click adventure, that released over five years ago, you play as “intrepid American George Stobbart an sassy French journalist Nico Collard on the trail of a stolen painting and a murderous conspiracy.” This game will be available until February 28.

Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield is a little more of a newer title, having released last year. This 3D side-scroller plays similarly to classic endless runners. It’s both perfect for those who love speedrun games as well as those who just want to play casually. Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield will be available from February 16 to March 15.

Hydrophobia is a third-person survival adventure offering fast-paced action and emergent gameplay. Set in a floating city, our heroine Kate has to overcome her haunting childhood memories to fight back against the terrorists who have taken control. Hydrophobia released over a decade ago on Xbox 360 to pedestrian reviews, but it’s definitely a guilty pleasure for some. Hydrophobia will be available for the first half of February, from the 1st through the 15th.

Closing out the month is Band of Bugs, a fast-paced tactics strategy game in which you fight against various bugs and spiders. Another Xbox 360 title, this game offers deep tactics gameplay, but will also appeal to casuals as well. There’s even up to eight player multiplayer in Spider Hunter mode. Band of Bugs will be free from February 16 through February 28.

All in all, February’s Games with Gold totals to $62 in value. That, of course, assumes you’re paying full price for these games.