Jan 23, 2017 07:49 AM EST By Dan Camins, UniversityHerald Reporter

Microsoft makes two games available each month free for Xbox Live Gold members, available for download for a limited time for both Xbox One and Xbox 360.

All games made available since November 2015 free for the Xbox 360 have backward compatibility with the Xbox One. Effectively, Xbox One owners can get four free games each month according to The Mirror. Additionally, the games are for users to keep even if a subscription to Xbox Live Gold is dropped.

Moreover, users can avail of the free games even if they do not own an Xbox One, the only condition is, that they should have an Xbox account. All they have to do is sign into the Xbox website and redeem the offer from there.

Xbox One games

For January 2017, Microsoft offers "World of Van Helsing: Deathtrap" from Jan. 1 to Jan. 31. Van Helsing is an action RPG from Neocore is a tower defense spin-off. Accordingly, it is part "Diablo," part "Defence Grid."

The other free offer for this month that will overlap to February is "Killer Instinct Season 2." It will be available free from Jan. 16 to Feb. 15. The game is an update/add-on to Xbox One-exclusive free-to-play fighting game. It features nine new characters including additional story content.

Xbox 360 games

"The Cave" available from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, is a Metroidvania-style platform game from Double Fine. It features a cast of seven playable characters, each with different abilities and storylines.

"Rayman Origins," explores the humble beginnings of Rayman. The 2D platformer can also be played with a partner for a 2-player co-op play, with completely new levels to explore and unlock. The game is available free from Jan. 16 to Feb. 15.

Other free games

The Xbox One also has several games in its library that are essentially free. Players can access these games without spending a single cent. The games are simplistic but are perfect substitutes when players are bored or taking a breather from what they are currently playing.

Here are seven notable games from Microsoft's free-to-play library; Digital Spy suggested Pinball FX, Project Spark, Smite, World of Tanks, Killer Instinct, Powerstar Golf, and Warframe.

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