Games with Gold: January 2014

Effective yesterday, January 1, Xbox Live Gold gamers can pick up a free copy of "Sleeping Dogs" on their Xbox 360s as part of Microsoft's ongoing Games with Gold promotion. And on January 16, "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" becomes available for free.

I've not played either title.

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 this month. Microsoft recently 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 January 1 (yesterday) through January 15. And then the next from January 16 through January 31.

So what are this month's games?

Starting January 1: Sleeping Dogs

Normal price: $19.99

From Xbox: "Sleeping Dogs" will take you to Hong Kong, a vibrant city whose exotic locations hide one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in the world: the Triads. You'll play Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to take down the Triads from the inside. You'll have to prove yourself worthy as you fight your way up the organization, taking part in criminal activities without blowing your cover. In time, you will risk everything as the lines between truth, loyalty and justice become permanently blurred.

Sleeping Dogs in the Xbox Store

Starting January 16: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Normal price: $14.99

From Xbox: Team up with a friend or go at it alone as you traverse and solve deadly traps, fight hordes of undead enemies, and collect over 60 artifacts and relics. "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" offers fast-paced action and breathtaking visuals shown through an isometric view.