So this is an interesting month for PlayStation Plus vs. Xbox Live Games with Gold. What I figured would be an easy win for Microsoft has turned into a real fight with Sony’s reveal of some awesome free games. And there are the usual pluses and minuses for each side, with more games on PS Plus, but backwards compatibility making it so all the Xbox Live Games with Gold titles are playable on Xbox One, sometimes in an improved state. Simply put, this is gonna be a tough month to judge, but just keep in mind that this is simply my opinion based on the factors at play, it’s not an objective science. If you disagree please say so in the comments. So, who wins PlayStation Plus vs. Xbox Live Games with Gold for September 2016?
PlayStation Plus Free Games for September 2016
Lords of the Fallen for PS4 – 68%
Journey for PS4 and PS3 – 92%
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands for PS3 – 75%
Datura for PS3 – 57%
Badland for PS Vita, PS4, and PS3 – 76%
Amnesia: Memories for PS Vita – 72%
MetaCritic Average Score – 73.3%
Oldest Title – 2010
Newest Title – 2015
Xbox Live Games with Gold for September 2016
Earthlock: Festival of Magic for Xbox One – No review, brand new
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China for Xbox One – 67%
Forza Horizon for Xbox 360 – 85%
Mirror’s Edge for Xbox 360 – 79%
MetaCritic Average Score – 77%
Oldest Title – 2008
Newest Title – 2016 (brand new game)
The Winner Is…
As I said, tough month to judge. The numbers point to the Xbox Live Games with Gold side, but Journey is literally one of the greatest games ever made, according to many. But, of course, a large portion of the PS Plus subscriber base has likely already played Thatgamecompany’s masterpiece. Also, Microsoft tossed in a brand new game, which is always a plus for these selections. So who wins?
To me, Sony still pulls this one out, both for having the single best title, and for including some hidden gems that a lot of players could enjoy, but might not have played yet. There are some stinkers, with Dakura easily being the worst reviewed game of the entire bunch, but there are also some really good games here, even taking Journey out of the equation.
Microsoft still killed it though, with Forza and Mirror’s Edge being great inclusions. Of course, they too have likely been played by most who were already interested, with them having been significantly discounted at different times. And if you want a totally fresh experience, Xbox Live Games with Gold is the only one to offer that this month. So while I gave the nod to PlayStation Plus, Games with Gold is still a fine offering, and will likely be preferred by many players.
