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November's Xbox Games with Gold take a trip in time with backward compatibility

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Microsoft announced November’s downloadable freebies for Xbox Live Gold subscribers, revealing that the service’s first-ever batch of backward-compatible Xbox 360 games will be given away starting next month.

The lineup effectively gives Xbox One owners access to four free games in total throughout November, doubling the platform’s previous monthly allotment.

Starting on November 1st, Xbox Live Gold subscribers can download the Xbox One version of Pneuma: Breath of Life free of charge. Originally released in February, Pneuma is an existentialist first-person puzzler that puts players in control of a witty god, Pneuma, who is able to shape his surroundings using psychic powers.

Also on tap for next month’s giveaway is Knight Squad, a multiplayer action game that makes its Xbox One debut as part of the Games With Gold program. Described by creator Chainsawesome Games as “Bomberman meets Gauntlet,” Knight Squad is a hectic, overhead-view arena combat game with multiple cooperative and competitive versus modes of play.

Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners alike can also download Codemasters’ rally racer Dirt 3 for free starting next month via Games With Gold. Released in 2011 as part of the Colin McRae Rally series, Dirt 3 features detailed physics simulation and realistic drifting action across multiple racetracks in Europe, Africa and the United States.

Dungeon Siege III is the last featured title in next month’s Games With Gold lineup. Developed by Fallout: New Vegas and South Park: The Stick of Truth studio Obsidian Entertainment, Dungeon Siege III boasts an in-depth combat system and several different character classes, ensuring a lengthy quest.

Pneuma: Breath of Life and Dirt 3 will be available as free downloads for Xbox Live Gold subscribers starting on November 1st. Knight Squad is up for grabs from November 16th through December 15th, and Dungeon Siege III is free to download from November 16th through the end of the month.

Danny Cowan
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