August's standout Games with Gold title is meant to prepare you for Xbox's biggest release of 2019

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Start revving that Lancer

It’s nearly time again to turn the calendar, which means it’s time to turn our attention to a new slate of Xbox Games with Gold. The headliner comes just in time for Xbox’s biggest exclusive of the year.

The star attraction in August’s Games with Gold is most certainly Gears of War 4. The timing isn’t a coincidence. Gears 5launches early in September, and the messaging seems clear: “Play Gears 4now and then jump right into Gears 5.” It’s a viable way of drumming up some extra attention for one of Xbox’s most prolific franchises.

Joining Gears of War 4on the Xbox One side, Forza Motorsport 6will be available midway through the month. It’s not the latest and greatest that Forza Motorsporthas to offer; FM6launched in 2015, whereas the more-recent FM7released in 2017.

The Xbox 360 titles shouldn’t be overlooked either, as they’re a couple of quality offerings. For the first half of August, Torchlightis the free game. For the latter half, Castlevania: Lords of Shadowtakes over. Interestingly, this is the second consecutive month where Games with Gold featured a Castlevaniagame. As always, the Xbox 360 titles are available on Xbox One through backward compatibility.