Thank your own personal deity—possibly C-3PO as worshipped by Ewoks—it’s Friday! Obviously, the two biggest headliners are those freebies—LEGO Star Wars III and Tomb Raider [2013]. Whip up a free (and easily ditched) Amazon Prime Gaming subscription to have and to hold them forever in your GOG library. I recently replayed Lara’s reboot as part of the ongoing gaming education of my eldest. Still stands up as a well-Crofted action adventure.

In retro news, I’m honouring the 17th birthday of God of War II, a phenomenal sequel to a surprise hit. My fondest memories of this vast improvement are of increased setpiece scale, surprising Panzer Dragoon-esque Pegasus rides, a steamy Rhodes Bathhouse, and the highly ridiculous unlockable fish costume called Cod of War. Truly, a top three jewel in the crown for the best-selling console of all time.

This Day in Gaming

Aussie birthdays for notable games.

– Wave Race: Blue Storm (GC) 2002. Ebay

– Elite Beat Agents (DS) 2007. Ebay

– God of War II (PS2) 2007. Ebay

– Final Fantasy III (DS) 2007. Get

– Valkyrie Profile (PSP) 2007. Sequel

– Mario Golf: World Tour (3DS) 2014. Sequel