Update: Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox free Games with Gold for December 2021 are The Escapists 2, Tropico 5, Orcs Must Die, and Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet.
Original story follows.
November’s almost over, which means fans are looking forward to learning about free games in their subscriptions in December. Whatever Xbox Games with Gold and PS Plus bring, they’re going to be the games to close out this year and set the tone for 2022. And, according to a recent leak, it appears Games with Gold will be much of the same in December.
All leaks and rumors live and die by their source, so it’s worth mentioning that this leak comes from Dealabs. For what it’s worth, every single PS Plus free game leak from the past few months has been from Dealabs and has been 100% accurate on the games. Obviously, fans should still take this Xbox Games with Gold leak with a grain of salt, but assuming it’s true, The Escapists 2, Tropico 5 Penultimate Edition, Orcs Must Die, and Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet will be the games for next month.
The Escapists 2 will be available from December 1 through December 31, and players attempt to escape the toughest prisons in the world. It’s actually got a solid, cult-like following, and with its 77% Metacritic score, it’s a good addition. Tropico 5 Penultimate Edition will be added on December 16 and run through January 15, with this specific version of the game coming with 5 DLC packs and 5 exclusive bonus maps. It currently sits at 75% on Xbox via Metacritic.
Orcs Must Die will be available from December 1 and December 15, and it’s a classic arcade game that actually has a higher Metacritic score than these other two titles, if only by a few points (79%). Players will use traps and weapons to fight off an endless army of orcs, as suggested by the title. Finally, Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet will be available from December 16 – December 31; despite the odd complexity of its name, it’s pretty straightforward and simple. Players will explore the aforementioned Shadow Planet in a 2D action-adventure game, solving puzzles and upgrading the ship with alien tech along the way, all in order to save their homeworld.
Overall, this leak seems rather reliable and legit, following many of the typical intricacies of Xbox Live Gold to the letter. Should it be fake, it’s a good fake. Nonetheless, given the time of the month, it stands to reason fans will know for sure sooner rather than later.
Xbox Live Gold subscribers get a handful of free games every month.
Source: Dealabs