Ah, July. We’re preparing for a long firework-filled weekend here in the states as we celebrate our wonderful Independence Day. It’s a wonderful time where we all attempt to represent our country as best we can with some excellent pyrotechnics. If you aren’t planning on doing much or don’t celebrate the 4th, Microsoft has your back (PlayStation Plus games release the 7th of this month so no free games for the long weekend). Here are this month’s free titles provided by Games with Gold and Playstation Plus.

The Xbox lineup is looking good this month. It’s also the first month that will include two new free games for the the One, whereas previously one game would roll-over to the new month. Sailing the oceans of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is a great way to start off this new initiative from Microsoft.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (Xbox One)

Starting off the month of July with a bang is Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. More of a pirate game than an Assassin’s game, Black Flag is easily top three in the annualized franchise. It provides Edward Kenway’s epic tale and it features great ship battles. Prepare for some deep sea sailing.

It is 1715. Pirates rule the Caribbean and have established a lawless Republic. Among these outlaws is a fearsome young captain named Edward Kenway. His exploits earn the respect of legends like Blackbeard, but draw him into an ancient war that may destroy everything the pirates have built.

ORIGINAL PRICE: $29.99  INITIAL RELEASE: OCTOBER 29, 2014 AVAILABLE: ALL JULY

So Many Me (Xbox One)

No game on this list has the cuteness level of this puzzle platformer. Most of the gameplay looks like your standard platformer– that is until you start cloning yourself. That’s right, Filo, the little green fella uses his clones to save the world. This should prove to be an easier game when compared to Ori and the Blind Forest, which is basically the same type of genre.

A charming puzzle platformer starring Filo and his band of misfit clones as they attempt to save a world threatened by an ancient, malevolent evil. Using their combined powers, Filo and his fellow Me must puzzle their way through a land of exotic creatures, devious traps and evil minions.

ORIGINAL PRICE: $14.99 INITIAL RELEASE: JULY 27, 2014 AVAILABLE: JULY 16-AUGUST 15

Plants Vs. Zombies (Xbox 360)

Not a big fan of this game in Games with Gold. At this point, everyone has already played PVZ a million times. It’s been on your phone, tablet, and every gaming console you can possibly own. I guess if for some reason you’ve been able to avoid the PopCap Games invasion, now’s your chance to give it a shot.

Get ready to soil your plants in an all-new action-strategy game from PopCap! A mob of fun-loving zombies is about to invade your home, and your only defense is an arsenal of 49 zombie-zapping plants. Use peashooters, wall-nuts, cherry bombs and more to slow down, confuse, weaken and mulchify 26 types of zombies before they can reach your front door.

ORIGINAL PRICE: $14.99 INITIAL RELEASE: MAY 5, 2009 AVAILABLE: JULY 1-15

Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360)

No introduction needed. Let the Gears of War hype begin!

Gears of War 3 is the spectacular conclusion to one of the most memorable and celebrated sagas in videogames.

ORIGINAL PRICE: $19.99 INITIAL RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 AVAILABLE: JULY 16-31

One of the few times this year I have said this about an offering from Playstation Plus: meh. Nothing flashy, but some good games that might be worth a try with the Summer game drought coming up. Just keep in mind that Plus games are available the first Tuesday of every month, so unfortunately, that means next week.

Rocket League (PS4)

Do you like soccer? Do you like high-flying trucks? If you answered yes to both questions, this is the game for you. It looks to be a wacky multiplayer game that could provide some dumb fun with friends. Plus, it will include Sweet Tooth’s wicked ride.

An arena-based, futuristic vehicle sports game that will test your driving and stunting skills like never before. Take matters into your own hands in this visceral vehicle sports game. Soar high into the air to score amazing goals, perform incredible saves using the vehicles’ acrobatic abilities, and demolish enemy players at supersonic speeds.

ORIGINAL PRICE: N/A INITIAL RELEASE: JULY 7, 2015 AVAILABLE: All July

Styx: Master of Shadows (PS4)

Styx is one mean-looking goblin. This game will have you using stealth and RPG elements to take out your scariest of enemies. Fans of stealth should give this a shot. It may not be the best in the genre, but it’s free. Maybe it will even prepare your stealth skills for upcoming Metal Gear Solid V.

Embrace the shadows, reveal your past.
Styx: Master of Shadows is an infiltration game with RPG elements taking place in a dark fantasy universe. Guide the goblin assassin Styx through the vertical and multi-layered Tower of Akenash, home to the World Tree, source of the Amber – a powerful and magical golden sap – prowling through the shadows with aide of a host of special abilities refined throughout Styx’s 200 years of history.

ORIGINAL PRICE: $29.99 INITIAL RELEASE: OCTOBER 7, 2014 AVAILABLE: ALL JULY

MouseCraft (PS4,PS3, & Ps Vita)

I’m not a fan of rodents, but these mice are actually kind of adorable. The premise for this game is a bit on the wacky side, but that’s part of the charm. Gameplay is simple enough– solve puzzles as you try to nab some cheese. I’m a big fan of this, just aesthetically, so I’d say give it a shot.

Discover an epic tale of a crazy cat scientist who is striving to unlock the potential of a mysterious mouse-powered machine in this clever puzzle adventure.In MouseCraft, players help a group of mice in their relentless quest for cheese, guiding them to their goal by stacking different types of Tetrominos along their path. MouseCraft combines several elements of classic puzzle games to create something completely unique.

ORIGINAL PRICE: $14.99 INITIAL RELEASE: JULY 8, 2014 AVAILABLE: ALL July

Entwined (PS4, PS3, & PS Vita)

This is definitely one of those artsy types of games. Gameplay is simple enough, but hard to master. Control two different characters with both sticks to try to bring the souls together. It’s fun, sometimes challenging, simple, and hypnotic.

Entwined™ is a beautiful game about a bird and a fish that are in love but can’t be together. Learn to guide these two souls simultaneously then unite and transform them into a magnificent Dragon.

ORIGINAL PRICE: $9.99 INITIAL RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 AVAILABLE: ALL JULY

Rain (PS3)

It’s hard to put this game into words. The story is definitely on the stranger side of the spectrum, and I think that’s exactly what it wants to do. Just prepare yourself for some puzzles and a great art style. Remember, if you pick this up, follow the rain.

Rainâ„¢ is the enchanting tale of a boy who embarks on a journey to save an invisible girl from ghostly creatures. Upon entering the world he discovers that he has also become invisible and must learn to navigate through the unknown, using the rain to guide and protect him.Key Features:• Unique Puzzles – Control an invisible boy who can only be seen in the rain. Use the surrounding environment to create cover or distract enemies.• A Fully Immersive Experience – Picture book art style, speechless narrative, expressive sounds of rain, and atmospheric music all combine to truly immerse players in the world of rainâ„¢.

ORIGINAL PRICE: $14.99 INITIAL RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 AVAILABLE: JULY 16-31

Geometry Wars (PS Vita)

Now onto Sony’s legacy platform. Geometry Wars is an awesome arcade experience. Out of all the free games on the PlayStation platforms, this is the one you should most certainly play. It’s wild arcade-blasting fun. Seriously, go play this now.

Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!

ORIGINAL PRICE: $14.99 INITIAL RELEASE:NOVEMBER 25, 2014 AVAILABLE: ALL JULY

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If you’re a proud owner of both of these home consoles, you’ll have a great month. It’s a nice mix of strange smaller games on the PS4 and some big hitters on the Xbox side. Make sure to play some of these great games on this long weekend and stay safe on this holiday, my friends.

Editor’s note: All game descriptions come from the PlayStation Blog and Xbox.com