Xbox Games with Gold for March 2020 balances dark and light

Paying a monthly fee that includes getting access to some free games has seemingly become the new norm in the gaming biz. Streaming services like Google Stadia and new stores like Epic Games Store have recently joined that bandwagon but consoles have long been at the head of that line. In fact, Xbox has just announced the games that Xbox Live Gold subscribers will be able to get their hands on starting in a few days and they will have their choice of gritty dark action or lighthearted platforming fun.

Being the Caped Crusader isn't all fun and games that the 60s version made it out to be. Batman: The Enemy Within – The Complete Season takes you to the seedy parts of Gotham to fight crime, sometimes by forging alliances with people an upright citizen wouldn't even go near. From bat in name to bat in spirit, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 will put you in the cape of the most famous vampire of all and fight literal demons to take back your home.

Fortunately, Xbox does have less grim games for players next month though, make no mistake, they aren't to be taken lightly. Then again, what could be more fun than seeing Shantae use her hair and her hips to send enemies flying? And just in time for the movie, see not one but two Sonics roll their way to victory.

Xbox Live Gold members will have access to these games in March but not all on the same dates. Only Batman: The Enemy Within – The Complete Season will be available from March 1 to 31 while Shanta: Half-Genie Hero will be available for a month but only starting March 16 to April 15. Available on the Xbox 360 natively and via Xbox One backward compatibility, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 will only be available from March 1 to 15 while Sonic Generations will take up the other half of the month from March 16 to 31.

While getting free games for a limited time is one of the perks of the subscription, Microsoft also reminds players that there are others as well. Those include multiplayer services and discounts and if you upgrade to an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, access to over 100 titles.