No matter if you’re a hardcore gamer or you just want to play something cool online to pass the time, you are probably going to be interested in Games for Windows Live at one point or another. If you’re not already familiar with the concept, Games for Windows Live combines two brands (Windows PC and Microsoft Live) to offer an online gaming service. Designed by the Microsoft Corporation, Games for Windows Live takes the offline gaming experience and transforms it into a community activity in which you can interact live with other players via messaging, voice chat and many more. Even more so, you can track achievements and check out the status of other players, making gaming a social experience not only for the offline world, but also in the online one. We have prepared a list of 5 Great Games for Windows Live so you can figure out which one you will be having the most fun playing.
For the beginners here, we want to explain how to set everything up. First of all, you are going to need to download the Games for Windows Marketplace Client from the official Xbox website and begin the setup. Install Games for Windows Live by using the Installer and sign in with your user and password if you already have an account. If you forgot your password, reset it and login again. If you do not already have one, you can create one with Microsoft and Xbox. After you register, connect by signing in and you’re good to go! Just as a note, some users have recently mentioned that they cant sign in with their ID. If you face this problem, uninstall your current version of GFWL, reboot, download the client again from Microsoft.com, install, reboot, run, update and reboot, according to the Steam Users’ Forum. Now that we have the technicalities covered, check out 5 Great Games for Windows Live and have fun!
1. Grand Theft Auto 4 (GTA IV)
Who doesn’t love Grand Theft Auto? The fourth version of one of our favorite games of all time is available through Games for Windows Live and features main character Niko Bellic. You will be hustling to go from rags to riches in Liberty City, while facing debt, sociopaths, thieves and many more. Choose your favorite online mode, struggle to achieve the American Dream and enjoy awesome content with one of the most beloved games of its time. P.S. If your computer is working on Windows 10, make sure you have the most recent version of Games for Windows Live downloaded, otherwise it might not work.
2. Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition
Users were literally ecstatic when Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition came out, as it was the first Dark Souls game to be available on PC. The game itself has enjoyed fantastic reviews from users, with an 85 score on Metacritic. This particular edition is reported to offer an amazing experience for hardcore gamers and comes packed with an intricate, breath-taking and skillful design. Keyboard controls might be a bit difficult if you aren’t used to them, but many users have mentioned that this is not a problem when appreciating the game as a whole. Even though you might come across bugs and tweaks in this version, the entire experience is definitely worthwhile according to reviews.
3. Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection
Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection was launched in 2011 as a combo between Mortal Kombat (the classic version, released in 1992), Mortal Kombat II (the edition which followed in 1993) and the Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (launched in 1995). It is a super fun game for both hardcore players and casual gamers, as fighting games really never get old. Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection is available not only with Games for Windows Live, but also for PlayStation. Even though it doesn’t enjoy reviews as great as the two games presented up, Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection will definitely offer you a good time if you are into classic games. Let’s see that fatality!
4. Lost Planet 2
If you enjoyed playing the first Lost Planet, then you are certainly going to love its sequel. The action in Lost Planet 2 takes place ten years after the first adventure and the setting is completely different. We don’t want to spoil a lot of details about the plot or characters, but you should know that you’re in for an excellent gaming experience. We recommend that you play this game with more friends, as flying solo might reduce the impact of playing. For those of you out there who love action games, you have to check out Lost Planet 2 with Games for Windows Live.
5. DiRT 3
DiRT 3 is a super cool upgrade to its previous versions thanks to loads new of cars, routes, events and locations, among many other awesome features. Imagine accessing the game and having no less than 50 rally cars to choose from; how amazing is that? This is all great news for fans of the franchise, as their experience will be more diverse and action-packed than ever. Another nice addition is that players experience almost no potholes throughout the track, so you can race at ultimate speeds without getting stopped in the way. Reviews show that anybody should try a DiRT game at least once in their life for some high-speed, adrenaline-rush digital fun. If you love fast driving, racing and vibrant visuals all in the same game, than DiRT 3 is the Games for Windows Live choice for you.
* A few games such as Fallout 3, BioShock 2, Batman: Arkham City, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 have removed Games for Windows Live support.
Out of our 5 favorite Games for Windows Live, which one do you enjoy playing the most? Let us know in the comment section below and tell us if there is any other game that you would have added to the list!
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