Microsoft is expected to unveil its latest roster of Free Games with Gold for July in just a few days. At this point, no one is expecting huge changes coming to the Xbox Live Gold service, given that Microsoft has focused much of its attention on Xbox Game Pass, and the unveiling of its plans for the future of the service and all the games announced at E3 2021 that are coming to it, is proof of that.
Still, there is a slight possibility that Microsoft could release a slightly better selection of Free Games with Gold, especially since every other roster this past year has consistently disappointed its longtime subscribers. In anticipation of Microsoft's announcement, here is a wish list of Free Games with Gold for July 2021.
Hollow Knight (Xbox One)
Headlining this wishlist is Hollow Knight, which was first released in 2017 to the Xbox One. The game centers around the story of a nameless knight as they explore the ancient, plague-infested kingdom of Hallownest. For the uninitiated, Hollow Knight is a 2D Metroidvania-action adventure game that combines the elements of games such as Super Metroid, Celeste, and Dark Souls. Hollow Knight received favorable reviews upon its release in 2017. Developer Team Cherry is currently working on a sequel called Hollow Knight: Silk Song.
Unfortunately, Hollow Knight: Silk Song was not presented by the studio at E3 2021, and players now wonder when the sequel will be released. Given its absence at E3 this year, it is likely that Hollow Knight: Silk Song won't see the light of day this year and will probably release sometime in 2022. Interestingly enough, Aeterna Noctis, another game by Team Cherry that is heavily inspired by Hollow Knight, is expected to release this year, which could tide over players waiting for any updates on the upcoming sequel to Hollow Knight.
Forza Horizon 4 (Xbox One)
Next up is Forza Horizon 4, which is the 2018 installment of the Xbox-exclusive franchise, Horza. Although Microsoft released an Xbox Series X/S optimized version of Forza Horizon 4, it may be asking too much for the studio to include that version on Xbox Live Gold. Nonetheless, the Xbox One version of the game still holds up in terms of graphics and gameplay, making it a perfect addition for next month's Free Games with Gold. While the game retains all elements that made the racing series popular among Xbox gamers, Forza Horizon 4 introduced the changing of seasons for the first time in the series. At E3 2021, Microsoft revealed Forza Horizon 5, described as the "largest" game in the series to date.
Fable 3 (Xbox 360)
Unfortunately for Fable fans, Microsoft did not mention anything on the development of the new Fable game at E3 2021. While this may be disappointing to fans, its absence is not at all surprising, given that its release is not expected for a few more years. Microsoft could hold over fans who were disappointed with the lack of updates on the new game by releasing Fable 3 for free to Xbox Live subscribers. Originally released in 2010, Fable 3 centers on the player character's story who struggles to overthrow their brother, the King of Albion. Fable 3 received mostly positive reviews at launch thanks to its unique humor and personality, which many hope will be carried over to the new Fable game.
Bastion (Xbox 360)
Last on this wish list is Bastion, an action RPG developed by SuperGiant Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2011. In Bastion, players control the character only known as "The Kid" as he traverses a floating, fantasy world filled with various enemies for players to defeat. Upon its release, Bastion received favorable reviews, and the majority of the copies sold at the time were for the Xbox Live Arcade. Bastion was praised thanks to its deep narrative, unique art direction, narration, and soundtrack.