Games with Gold: February 2014

Effective February 1, Xbox Live Gold gamers with an Xbox 360 can pick up a free copy of "Dead Island" on their consoles as part of Microsoft's ongoing Games with Gold promotion. And then on February 16, "Toy Soldiers: Cold War" becomes available for free.

As you may recall, Microsoft promised at last year's E3 conference that it would be giving Xbox Live Gold subscribers two free Xbox 360 games each month. But it was originally supposed to be an offering that ended after the launch of Xbox One back in November. Microsoft decided, however, to make it an ongoing offering.

Each Games with Gold giveaway is a time-limited download. So you can download the first of this month's offerings from February 1 (last Saturday) through February 15. And then the next from February 16 through February 28. (I guess there's no schedule change despite the short month.)

Starting February 1: Dead Island

Normal price: $19.99
Original release: 2011
IGN rating: 8/10 "Great"

Microsoft description: "Experience a holiday paradise gone mad after a zombie outbreak in “Dead Island,” where the player’s only chance to survive is to escape from the island! “Dead Island” combines first-person action with a heavy focus on melee combat, character development and customization of a vast array of weapons. All of these features are presented in a dark zombie story with a campaign that can be played with up to four players in co-op mode."

Download Dead Island

Starting February 16: Toy Soldiers: Cold War

Normal price: $14.99
Original release: 2011
IGN rating: 8.5/10 "Great"

Microsoft description: "Light up the toy box alone or jump into the fray with friends in a co-op campaign, enjoy hours of intense first-person combat combined with addictive action strategy gameplay. In this playful homage to '80s action toys and films, take control of a full arsenal of U.S. and Soviet units, base defenses, combat vehicles, jet fighters, assault helos and even commando action figures. “Toy Soldiers: Cold War” will keep you on the frontlines of frenetic fun as you battle to best your friends' scores in intense mini-games, test your mettle against waves of enemies in Survival mode or just have a blast blowing stuff up!"

Download Toy Soldiers: Cold War