No, this isn't a copy of my freeware list. This is a much smaller list of games that I think that you should seriously play rather than a comprehensive list of them. Anyway, uhhh... enjoy! Oh and yes, you are free to contribute on what you think is a good free game.
Platformer
1213
Within a Deep Forest
N
Roguelike
NetHack
Simulator
WWI Medic
Black Shades
Walaber's Trampoline
Puzzle/Strategy/Adventure
Cave Story
The Ur-Quan Masters/Star Control II
Warzone: 2100
Neverball
Penumbra
Ground Control
Crack Attack
Beneath a Steel Sky
Curator Defense
Narbacular Drop
Vantage Master Online
Racing
Trackmania Nations
GeneRally
Rhythm
osu!
Frets on Fire
Shooter
Soldat
F.E.A.R. Combat
Grand Theft Auto 2
Tribes
SHMUP
Fraxy
Torus Trooper
Raging Skies
Tyrian 2000
Other
Little Fighter 2
Gunbound
Clonk Planet
The Desolate Room
Platformer
1213
SPOILER
1213 is an excellent science-fiction platformer, split into 3 episodes, that plays out a bit like the original Prince of Persia. The gameplay itself is rather simple and the only real challenge are the boss fights. You platform around the facility, shoot up some baddies, and solve puzzles. Fortunately, the gameplay isn't what's going to keep you playing. The game's story is about an amnesiac lab rat, refered to by the mysterious facility's staff as 1213, who wakes up in his cell remembering nothing. Harassed daily by a mysterious member of the facility, one day his door opens with no one there. The story may not seem much at first, but there's plenty of twists and turns.
If you're a fan of classic games like Prince of Persia, Flashback, or Out of This World/Another World, then 1213 will not disappoint. It's a well-made game with solid gameplay and excellent writing.
Oh, and if blood phases you, stay the hell away from this game!
http://www.fullyramblomatic.com/1213/
1213 is an excellent science-fiction platformer, split into 3 episodes, that plays out a bit like the original Prince of Persia. The gameplay itself is rather simple and the only real challenge are the boss fights. You platform around the facility, shoot up some baddies, and solve puzzles. Fortunately, the gameplay isn't what's going to keep you playing. The game's story is about an amnesiac lab rat, refered to by the mysterious facility's staff as 1213, who wakes up in his cell remembering nothing. Harassed daily by a mysterious member of the facility, one day his door opens with no one there. The story may not seem much at first, but there's plenty of twists and turns.
If you're a fan of classic games like Prince of Persia, Flashback, or Out of This World/Another World, then 1213 will not disappoint. It's a well-made game with solid gameplay and excellent writing.
Oh, and if blood phases you, stay the hell away from this game!
http://www.fullyramblomatic.com/1213/
Within a Deep Forest
SPOILER
Within a Deep Forest is a Metroid style game with a unique twist... You play as a ball that can only bounce. No attack, not nothin'. Just bouncing. Surprisingly, it's actually really good! You use your amazing bouncing powers to explore the world and collect different ball materials to get into more areas and so on and so forth. Also, the game has some really neat music that will immerse you into the game. It's all electronic but it gives the game a really nice atmosphere.
If you're looking for a challenge, you've found the right game.
http://withinadeepforest.ni2.se/
Within a Deep Forest is a Metroid style game with a unique twist... You play as a ball that can only bounce. No attack, not nothin'. Just bouncing. Surprisingly, it's actually really good! You use your amazing bouncing powers to explore the world and collect different ball materials to get into more areas and so on and so forth. Also, the game has some really neat music that will immerse you into the game. It's all electronic but it gives the game a really nice atmosphere.
If you're looking for a challenge, you've found the right game.
http://withinadeepforest.ni2.se/
N
SPOILER
Being one of the most frustrating and mind-blowingly difficult games that I've ever played in my entire life, N manages to be very likable in a punishing way. You control an agile, yet pacifistic ninja (WHAT KIND OF OXYMORON IS THIS???) whose life goal is to collect gold and, well... live to get to the next level. There are more ways to die in N than there is atoms in the galaxy. Now, if I wasn't just clear - you're going to die a lot, but it's quite a good feeling when you actually manage to beat a level.
N is worth a download. However, after a while you won't be able to play anymore because you lit your keyboard on fire due to frustration. I recommend you have some music playing in the backround or else the silence will get on your nerves.
The game also has a built level editor, but I forgot how you unlock it. Look on the N forums or something.
http://www.harveycartel.org/metanet/downloads.html
Being one of the most frustrating and mind-blowingly difficult games that I've ever played in my entire life, N manages to be very likable in a punishing way. You control an agile, yet pacifistic ninja (WHAT KIND OF OXYMORON IS THIS???) whose life goal is to collect gold and, well... live to get to the next level. There are more ways to die in N than there is atoms in the galaxy. Now, if I wasn't just clear - you're going to die a lot, but it's quite a good feeling when you actually manage to beat a level.
N is worth a download. However, after a while you won't be able to play anymore because you lit your keyboard on fire due to frustration. I recommend you have some music playing in the backround or else the silence will get on your nerves.
The game also has a built level editor, but I forgot how you unlock it. Look on the N forums or something.
http://www.harveycartel.org/metanet/downloads.html
Roguelike
NetHack
SPOILER
As I'm sure you can tell by the screenshot that NetHack is certainly NOT about the graphics. No. No, it's not. Luckily, NetHack makes up for this minor downfall with incredibly deep, and addictive gameplay. You control an adventurer who has gone into a randomly-generated dungeon to claim the Amulet of Yendor. When you first load up the game, I wouldn't blame you if you thought the game was overly simple. After you check the manual, however, you will probably drop your jaw at the list of commands at your disposal. Seriously, there's a command for just about everything! Name another game that has a command for writing something in the dust on the floor. That's right. You can't.
It may take you a while to figure out how to use all the commands, and the lack of mouse support doesn't help. If you take the time to do so, however, you have one hell of a game. Every time you play the game will be different!
http://www.nethack.org/
As I'm sure you can tell by the screenshot that NetHack is certainly NOT about the graphics. No. No, it's not. Luckily, NetHack makes up for this minor downfall with incredibly deep, and addictive gameplay. You control an adventurer who has gone into a randomly-generated dungeon to claim the Amulet of Yendor. When you first load up the game, I wouldn't blame you if you thought the game was overly simple. After you check the manual, however, you will probably drop your jaw at the list of commands at your disposal. Seriously, there's a command for just about everything! Name another game that has a command for writing something in the dust on the floor. That's right. You can't.
It may take you a while to figure out how to use all the commands, and the lack of mouse support doesn't help. If you take the time to do so, however, you have one hell of a game. Every time you play the game will be different!
http://www.nethack.org/
Simulator
WWI Medic
SPOILER
Oh boy! It's another war game! Looks like I'm going to be shooting random soldier #38219... again! Wait, you don't shoot guys in WWI Medic? Say what! That's right! In WWI Medic, instead of shooting people, you save them, all while you try to avoid gunfire, grenades, and various other things that you really don't want to get hit with. The game is done in a style that reminds me of old arcade games, such as Robotron: 2084. It's actually fairly obvious that this is what they were going for. To make the game even MORE like an arcade game, they made the game hard as hell! I would consider you either lucky or incredibly skilled if you lived for more than five minutes on average. Unfortunately, this game only gives you one quarter. In other words, if you die, you need to start from the beginning.
This game, while fun, is not without its flaws. First off, the graphics almost make the NES seem like a powerful machine. Usually graphics don't bug me, but the people who made this game made a poor graphics design choice: the bullets are nearly impossible to see! Second of all, whenever you die the game shows you your overall score, including bonuses. When it does this, it causes your computer to beep, which I find really annoying and stupid. My final gripe with this game is the controls. If you press a direction, your character will keep walking. In order to stop him, you need to hit that direction again or hit a different direction. I have always hated this style of control, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Those things aside, this game is generally entertaining. This game won't be for everyone, but if it is your thing, then have fun saving lives then getting yourself killed in process!
http://www.bay12games.com/ww1medic/
Oh boy! It's another war game! Looks like I'm going to be shooting random soldier #38219... again! Wait, you don't shoot guys in WWI Medic? Say what! That's right! In WWI Medic, instead of shooting people, you save them, all while you try to avoid gunfire, grenades, and various other things that you really don't want to get hit with. The game is done in a style that reminds me of old arcade games, such as Robotron: 2084. It's actually fairly obvious that this is what they were going for. To make the game even MORE like an arcade game, they made the game hard as hell! I would consider you either lucky or incredibly skilled if you lived for more than five minutes on average. Unfortunately, this game only gives you one quarter. In other words, if you die, you need to start from the beginning.
This game, while fun, is not without its flaws. First off, the graphics almost make the NES seem like a powerful machine. Usually graphics don't bug me, but the people who made this game made a poor graphics design choice: the bullets are nearly impossible to see! Second of all, whenever you die the game shows you your overall score, including bonuses. When it does this, it causes your computer to beep, which I find really annoying and stupid. My final gripe with this game is the controls. If you press a direction, your character will keep walking. In order to stop him, you need to hit that direction again or hit a different direction. I have always hated this style of control, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Those things aside, this game is generally entertaining. This game won't be for everyone, but if it is your thing, then have fun saving lives then getting yourself killed in process!
http://www.bay12games.com/ww1medic/
Black Shades
SPOILER
Black Shades is just about anything but your standard FPS game. First off, it has the blockiest graphics I've seen since the original Star Fox. Some people may be turned off by this, but I like it because it brings me back to a time when games weren't all about graphics. You're a psychic bodyguard whose goal is to protect the VIP (guy in white) by any means necessary from various kind of assasins and zombies. Even though there's almost absolutely no variation in the environment whatsoever, Black Shades somehow manages to keep things fresh by mixing up the enemies you fight and the weapons you can use.
Not only do you get a variety of weapons to protect the VIP, you also get some useful psychic powers! You have the ability to increase your thinking speed momentarily (bullet time), or you can use Soul-release to get a view of the situation.
The only problem I have here is that there's no save feature, so it's either you use the debug mode to skip levels or you start at the beginning.
http://wolfire.com/blackshades.html
Black Shades is just about anything but your standard FPS game. First off, it has the blockiest graphics I've seen since the original Star Fox. Some people may be turned off by this, but I like it because it brings me back to a time when games weren't all about graphics. You're a psychic bodyguard whose goal is to protect the VIP (guy in white) by any means necessary from various kind of assasins and zombies. Even though there's almost absolutely no variation in the environment whatsoever, Black Shades somehow manages to keep things fresh by mixing up the enemies you fight and the weapons you can use.
Not only do you get a variety of weapons to protect the VIP, you also get some useful psychic powers! You have the ability to increase your thinking speed momentarily (bullet time), or you can use Soul-release to get a view of the situation.
The only problem I have here is that there's no save feature, so it's either you use the debug mode to skip levels or you start at the beginning.
http://wolfire.com/blackshades.html
Walaber's Trampoline
SPOILER
Walaber's Trampoline is probably the first of it's kind. In my opinion, it's kind of like a Tony Hawk Pro Skater game, but instead of skateboarding, you're on a trampoline. The gameplay is physics driven, so expect your character to injure himself even though when in real-life it could easily be avoided. Aside from that, though, it's pretty awesome. Very fast paced and challenging, and if it's TOO fast paced for you, you can slow things down in the options menu.
If you're up for something slightly different, you should check this one out.
http://walaber.com/index.php?action=showitem&id=12
Walaber's Trampoline is probably the first of it's kind. In my opinion, it's kind of like a Tony Hawk Pro Skater game, but instead of skateboarding, you're on a trampoline. The gameplay is physics driven, so expect your character to injure himself even though when in real-life it could easily be avoided. Aside from that, though, it's pretty awesome. Very fast paced and challenging, and if it's TOO fast paced for you, you can slow things down in the options menu.
If you're up for something slightly different, you should check this one out.
http://walaber.com/index.php?action=showitem&id=12
Puzzle/Strategy/Adventure
Cave Story
SPOILER
Cave Story is an amazing old-school side-scrolling adventure that is reminiscent of games like Castlevania or Metroid. Created by some Japanese guy who calls himself Pixel over the course of the years, his hard work and creativity has come together to create a game of utmost quality. I'm not just speaking for myself here, this game has quite a cult following.
If you're into old-school games at all, you should download this game. If you're not, you should download it anyway.
The game doesn't really have an official site so the only places it can be downloaded are third-party sites. I recommend the following because it already has the english patch installed. Oh, and having a gamepad wouldn't hurt, but I've beaten the game on a keyboard so it's not impossible.
http://www.caiman.us/scripts/fw/pageN.php?...f=CaveStory.zip
Cave Story is an amazing old-school side-scrolling adventure that is reminiscent of games like Castlevania or Metroid. Created by some Japanese guy who calls himself Pixel over the course of the years, his hard work and creativity has come together to create a game of utmost quality. I'm not just speaking for myself here, this game has quite a cult following.
If you're into old-school games at all, you should download this game. If you're not, you should download it anyway.
The game doesn't really have an official site so the only places it can be downloaded are third-party sites. I recommend the following because it already has the english patch installed. Oh, and having a gamepad wouldn't hurt, but I've beaten the game on a keyboard so it's not impossible.
http://www.caiman.us/scripts/fw/pageN.php?...f=CaveStory.zip
The Ur-Quan Masters/Star Control II
SPOILER
So anyway, The Ur-Quan Masters is a mixed-genre space adventure (originally released retail in 1994) that many (including myself) claim to be one of the greatest games of all time. You're the captian of a potentially powerful spaceship and it's up to you to free Earth and the universe from the grasps of an evil, catipiller-like race called the Ur-Quan. To do so you will need to do many things, including: Talk with many interesting alien races to get them to join your ranks, slaughter those who refuse, collect minerals to build more ships or upgrade your flagship, and rely on information you get from aliens to complete tasks and solve puzzles.
All and all, Star Control II is an excellent, lengthy game that has a great story and over 20 different ships to fly in combat, each different in almost every way.
http://sc2.sourceforge.net/
So anyway, The Ur-Quan Masters is a mixed-genre space adventure (originally released retail in 1994) that many (including myself) claim to be one of the greatest games of all time. You're the captian of a potentially powerful spaceship and it's up to you to free Earth and the universe from the grasps of an evil, catipiller-like race called the Ur-Quan. To do so you will need to do many things, including: Talk with many interesting alien races to get them to join your ranks, slaughter those who refuse, collect minerals to build more ships or upgrade your flagship, and rely on information you get from aliens to complete tasks and solve puzzles.
All and all, Star Control II is an excellent, lengthy game that has a great story and over 20 different ships to fly in combat, each different in almost every way.
http://sc2.sourceforge.net/
Warzone: 2100
SPOILER
At the beginning of the campaign mode, you start with hardly anything besides contruction units and basic tanks. As you move throughout the map, you find artifacts that you can research that allow you to build different kinds of units. And I do mean 'build', because you construct your units yourself by connecting different parts.
If you like strategy games, you should find some fun in Warzone: 2100. Oh, and the game appears to be missing it's Cinematics.
Go to downloads and download the Warzone: 2100 source code, the game will be inside.
http://warzone2100.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/
At the beginning of the campaign mode, you start with hardly anything besides contruction units and basic tanks. As you move throughout the map, you find artifacts that you can research that allow you to build different kinds of units. And I do mean 'build', because you construct your units yourself by connecting different parts.
If you like strategy games, you should find some fun in Warzone: 2100. Oh, and the game appears to be missing it's Cinematics.
Go to downloads and download the Warzone: 2100 source code, the game will be inside.
http://warzone2100.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/
Neverball
SPOILER
If you've played Super Monkey Ball or Marble Madness, you know what you're getting into. If you haven't, you don't know what you're getting into. Basically, you try to get your ball to the goal by tilting the playfield. Sounds easy, right? Well, it really isn't, I'm afraid to say. There's plenty of things out there that can cause your innocent little ball to fall of a ledge. Games like this can get really challenging, but for some reason you won't stop playing!
I can really only see someone getting a whole lot of satisfaction out of this game if they have a joystick. Controlling with the mouse seems a little bit troublesome, but I only tried using it for about a couple of seconds so I don't know. I'd also like to let you know that the production value here is spectacular!
http://www.icculus.org/neverball/
If you've played Super Monkey Ball or Marble Madness, you know what you're getting into. If you haven't, you don't know what you're getting into. Basically, you try to get your ball to the goal by tilting the playfield. Sounds easy, right? Well, it really isn't, I'm afraid to say. There's plenty of things out there that can cause your innocent little ball to fall of a ledge. Games like this can get really challenging, but for some reason you won't stop playing!
I can really only see someone getting a whole lot of satisfaction out of this game if they have a joystick. Controlling with the mouse seems a little bit troublesome, but I only tried using it for about a couple of seconds so I don't know. I'd also like to let you know that the production value here is spectacular!
http://www.icculus.org/neverball/
Penumbra
SPOILER
One thing I can't believe is that there are people out there who think Resident Evil 4 is scary. Apparently they've never played games like Silent Hill, Fatal Frame, or Penumbra. Penumbra is not your standard survival horror game. It's all about puzzle solving since you don't actually get a gun. That's not to say there aren't monsters though. The game has some pretty kickin' graphics for a freeware game which certainly adds to the horror.
Are you man or woman enough to play? Of course you are!
http://frictionalgames.com/?q=penumbra
One thing I can't believe is that there are people out there who think Resident Evil 4 is scary. Apparently they've never played games like Silent Hill, Fatal Frame, or Penumbra. Penumbra is not your standard survival horror game. It's all about puzzle solving since you don't actually get a gun. That's not to say there aren't monsters though. The game has some pretty kickin' graphics for a freeware game which certainly adds to the horror.
Are you man or woman enough to play? Of course you are!
http://frictionalgames.com/?q=penumbra
Ground Control
SPOILER
Ground Control is an RTS game that's all about combat. You don't even get any workers! No resource gathering, no building contruction. Pure combat. You're probably wondering how that works and I don't blame you. Ground Control is all about using everything you've got to your advantage. Everything from the environment to the lighting in an area will have an affect on combat.
The game is extremely unique as far as RTS games go, if you're sick and tired of the run-of-the-mill RTS experience, look no further.
http://www.fileplanet.com/promotions/groundcontrol/
Ground Control is an RTS game that's all about combat. You don't even get any workers! No resource gathering, no building contruction. Pure combat. You're probably wondering how that works and I don't blame you. Ground Control is all about using everything you've got to your advantage. Everything from the environment to the lighting in an area will have an affect on combat.
The game is extremely unique as far as RTS games go, if you're sick and tired of the run-of-the-mill RTS experience, look no further.
http://www.fileplanet.com/promotions/groundcontrol/
Crack Attack
SPOILER
If you've played Tetris Attack on the SNES, you'll feel right at home with Crack Attack. It's pretty much just a bare-bones version of Tetris Attack but even then it's still a damn fun puzzle game. You move blocks left and right to try make combos and whatnot. In my opinion, it's the best tetris-esque game you're going to get on the PC, even if it lacks any sound whatsoever. You have music to listen to right?
There's online play aswell, but there's no master server or anything so if you plan to play online with anyone you're going to have to kick it old-school by entering in his/her IP. If you're not planning to, there's some AI you can play against but it doesn't seem to show what they're doing.
There's not much meat here but it's an alright clone of one of the best puzzle games ever made.
http://www.aluminumangel.org/attack/
If you've played Tetris Attack on the SNES, you'll feel right at home with Crack Attack. It's pretty much just a bare-bones version of Tetris Attack but even then it's still a damn fun puzzle game. You move blocks left and right to try make combos and whatnot. In my opinion, it's the best tetris-esque game you're going to get on the PC, even if it lacks any sound whatsoever. You have music to listen to right?
There's online play aswell, but there's no master server or anything so if you plan to play online with anyone you're going to have to kick it old-school by entering in his/her IP. If you're not planning to, there's some AI you can play against but it doesn't seem to show what they're doing.
There's not much meat here but it's an alright clone of one of the best puzzle games ever made.
http://www.aluminumangel.org/attack/
Beneath a Steel Sky
SPOILER
These days point-and-click adventure games are few and far between, but back then they were all the rage! In Beneath a Steel Sky, dystopian-future story revolves around a guy named Robert Foster and his snappy robotic companion, Joey. In the beginning, Robert is kidnapped and brought to Union City. He manages to escape and now he's going to have to use his smarts to make it out of this mess. The story is serious but the game's dialogue is funny and interesting.
In order to play, you're going to need to download SCUMMVM: http://www.scummvm.org/
And the game itself. I recommend you download the CD verson, which has voice overs. The sound quality is poor, but the voice acting itself isn't bad.
http://www.scummvm.org/downloads.php
These days point-and-click adventure games are few and far between, but back then they were all the rage! In Beneath a Steel Sky, dystopian-future story revolves around a guy named Robert Foster and his snappy robotic companion, Joey. In the beginning, Robert is kidnapped and brought to Union City. He manages to escape and now he's going to have to use his smarts to make it out of this mess. The story is serious but the game's dialogue is funny and interesting.
In order to play, you're going to need to download SCUMMVM: http://www.scummvm.org/
And the game itself. I recommend you download the CD verson, which has voice overs. The sound quality is poor, but the voice acting itself isn't bad.
http://www.scummvm.org/downloads.php
Curator Defense
SPOILER
Curator Defense is more or less a free version of those defense games that you've probably played 1000 times before in Starcraft or Warcraft III. For those of you not in the know, the goal of these kinds of games is to build stationary defenses to prevent enemies from getting to the other side of the map. Obviously, unlike the maps in StarCraft or WarCraft II, the game is centered around this entirely, opening up more options than either of the games would probably be able to offer.
The game has a weird story though. You own a musuem and it's under attack by armies of modern art. You need to destroy the crappy modern art before it replaces the masterpieces you have hanging on your wall. Yeah...
Yeah, it's pretty fun though. The only thing it doesn't have that Starcraft or Warcraft would would be multiplayer.
http://www.davidbhowe.net/cd/main.htm
Curator Defense is more or less a free version of those defense games that you've probably played 1000 times before in Starcraft or Warcraft III. For those of you not in the know, the goal of these kinds of games is to build stationary defenses to prevent enemies from getting to the other side of the map. Obviously, unlike the maps in StarCraft or WarCraft II, the game is centered around this entirely, opening up more options than either of the games would probably be able to offer.
The game has a weird story though. You own a musuem and it's under attack by armies of modern art. You need to destroy the crappy modern art before it replaces the masterpieces you have hanging on your wall. Yeah...
Yeah, it's pretty fun though. The only thing it doesn't have that Starcraft or Warcraft would would be multiplayer.
http://www.davidbhowe.net/cd/main.htm
Narbacular Drop
SPOILER
While Narbacular Drop might look like a platformer, it's actually the spiritual predecessor to Valve's Portal. Like Portal, you place down portals on any stone surface, and when you walk into one, you will come out of the other. It's a very awesome concept and it works well. It's a pretty tough game, too, which really requires you to think about how you're going to complete the level.
Narbacular Drop doesn't really have too much in terms of high-intensity action, and it's also really short (however, you can download custom levels which are also on the website), but it makes up for both of those things in total awesomeness.
http://www.nuclearmonkeysoftware.com/narbaculardrop.html
While Narbacular Drop might look like a platformer, it's actually the spiritual predecessor to Valve's Portal. Like Portal, you place down portals on any stone surface, and when you walk into one, you will come out of the other. It's a very awesome concept and it works well. It's a pretty tough game, too, which really requires you to think about how you're going to complete the level.
Narbacular Drop doesn't really have too much in terms of high-intensity action, and it's also really short (however, you can download custom levels which are also on the website), but it makes up for both of those things in total awesomeness.
http://www.nuclearmonkeysoftware.com/narbaculardrop.html
Vantage Master Online
SPOILER
Turn-based strategy games along the lines of Final Fantasy Tactics or Fire Emblem are a true rarity among PC games, but luckily there's Vantage Master Online. The game is Japanese developed, so it'd be a good idea to expect some engrish. Hell, some of the game's cutscenes are in japanese... but the game's not about the story, it would seem, since it throws you right into the game.
You control a 'Master', or one who is capable of summoning monsters to do your bidding. Your goal for each mission is to kill your opponent's Master before he kills yours. Unlike most tactics RPGS, the only character that seems to level up permanently is the master. If you're into tactics games, you will definitely find fun in Vantage Master. If you're only into fast-paced action fests, then you can skip this one.
By the way, the game doesn't appear to have any sort of manual, so learning what everything does might involve some trial and error.
http://www.falcom.co.jp/vantage/index_e.html
Turn-based strategy games along the lines of Final Fantasy Tactics or Fire Emblem are a true rarity among PC games, but luckily there's Vantage Master Online. The game is Japanese developed, so it'd be a good idea to expect some engrish. Hell, some of the game's cutscenes are in japanese... but the game's not about the story, it would seem, since it throws you right into the game.
You control a 'Master', or one who is capable of summoning monsters to do your bidding. Your goal for each mission is to kill your opponent's Master before he kills yours. Unlike most tactics RPGS, the only character that seems to level up permanently is the master. If you're into tactics games, you will definitely find fun in Vantage Master. If you're only into fast-paced action fests, then you can skip this one.
By the way, the game doesn't appear to have any sort of manual, so learning what everything does might involve some trial and error.
http://www.falcom.co.jp/vantage/index_e.html
Racing
Trackmania Nations
SPOILER
Racing doesn't really get too much more off the wall than Trackmania Nations. Trackmania Nations is really just about anything but your standard racing game. Break-neck speeds, huge jumps, loops, wall-riding... Yeah, I think you get the point, it's crazy! One of the odd things, however, is that in online play you don't collide with other cars. I know why they did this, but it would be nice to at least have it as an option.
Racing game fan or not, this game is likely to please. Also, it comes with a track editor so that sends the replayablity through the roof!
http://www.trackmanianations.com/indexUk.php
Racing doesn't really get too much more off the wall than Trackmania Nations. Trackmania Nations is really just about anything but your standard racing game. Break-neck speeds, huge jumps, loops, wall-riding... Yeah, I think you get the point, it's crazy! One of the odd things, however, is that in online play you don't collide with other cars. I know why they did this, but it would be nice to at least have it as an option.
Racing game fan or not, this game is likely to please. Also, it comes with a track editor so that sends the replayablity through the roof!
http://www.trackmanianations.com/indexUk.php
GeneRally
SPOILER
Does anyone remember classics like Super Sprint, Micro Machines, or RC Pro-AM? ... No? Uhh, well okay. In GeneRally you control a little car from a bird's eye view and, obviously, your goal is to get the best time or beat the other little cars. The game is more challenging than other games of the sort because your car actually takes damage when it crashes. When you ram yourself right into a tree, you better hope your not too far from the pit stop because that's the only place that's going to fix you up. There's plenty of different vehicles to choose from and it even comes with a track editor so you can make the race track of your dreams!
If you have fond memories of the games above, this is at least bound to keep you entertained for an after-noon or so. If not, it might.
http://generally.rscsites.org/
Does anyone remember classics like Super Sprint, Micro Machines, or RC Pro-AM? ... No? Uhh, well okay. In GeneRally you control a little car from a bird's eye view and, obviously, your goal is to get the best time or beat the other little cars. The game is more challenging than other games of the sort because your car actually takes damage when it crashes. When you ram yourself right into a tree, you better hope your not too far from the pit stop because that's the only place that's going to fix you up. There's plenty of different vehicles to choose from and it even comes with a track editor so you can make the race track of your dreams!
If you have fond memories of the games above, this is at least bound to keep you entertained for an after-noon or so. If not, it might.
http://generally.rscsites.org/
Rhythm
osu!
SPOILER
For justice, osu! may be obvious (you're on the official site now), it's a PC remake clone of the DS game Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (Elite Beat Agents in Western sides). The gameplay consists of three things, Circles, Sliders and Spinners, and the whole community is big and you can also make your own beatmaps and stuff.
http://osu.ppy.sh
For justice, osu! may be obvious (you're on the official site now), it's a PC remake clone of the DS game Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (Elite Beat Agents in Western sides). The gameplay consists of three things, Circles, Sliders and Spinners, and the whole community is big and you can also make your own beatmaps and stuff.
http://osu.ppy.sh
Frets on Fire
SPOILER
If you own Guitar Hero, you can probably pass on this one. Frets on Fire is an very unique and entertaining Guitar Hero clone for PC. To play, you actually hold the keyboard like the guy in the image above. Or if you have a Guitar Hero guitar and a PS2/USB adapter you can hook it up to play. While the game only comes with 3 songs, there's plenty of custom songs that you can download. Sadly, the quality of play you'll get out of each custom song varies heavily. You can also take one of your favorite songs and put in your own frets if you'd like.
http://louhi.kempele.fi/~skyostil/uv/fretsonfire/
If you own Guitar Hero, you can probably pass on this one. Frets on Fire is an very unique and entertaining Guitar Hero clone for PC. To play, you actually hold the keyboard like the guy in the image above. Or if you have a Guitar Hero guitar and a PS2/USB adapter you can hook it up to play. While the game only comes with 3 songs, there's plenty of custom songs that you can download. Sadly, the quality of play you'll get out of each custom song varies heavily. You can also take one of your favorite songs and put in your own frets if you'd like.
http://louhi.kempele.fi/~skyostil/uv/fretsonfire/
Shooter
Soldat
SPOILER
I had a game just in Soldat in my head for many years and when I finally discovered that such a game existed, it was hard to hold in my excitement. Soldat is an online deathmatch game that's like a mix of Unreal Tournament, Counter-Strike, and Contra. You would think you would be fairly limited in movement in a 2D game, and you would be right were it not for jetpacks. Shootin' bitches up AND flying?! Does it get any better? Yes! Shootin' bitches while flying around with the enemy flag! There's enough variation in modes to keep you playing Soldat for a while.
The site looks kind of shoddy, but you can rest assured that the game itself is quality!
http://www.soldat.pl/main.php
I had a game just in Soldat in my head for many years and when I finally discovered that such a game existed, it was hard to hold in my excitement. Soldat is an online deathmatch game that's like a mix of Unreal Tournament, Counter-Strike, and Contra. You would think you would be fairly limited in movement in a 2D game, and you would be right were it not for jetpacks. Shootin' bitches up AND flying?! Does it get any better? Yes! Shootin' bitches while flying around with the enemy flag! There's enough variation in modes to keep you playing Soldat for a while.
The site looks kind of shoddy, but you can rest assured that the game itself is quality!
http://www.soldat.pl/main.php
F.E.A.R. Combat
SPOILER
What's that? You never got around to buying F.E.A.R.? Well, isn't today your lucky day?! Not all that long ago, the multiplayer portion of F.E.A.R. was released for free! While F.E.A.R. multiplayer has never been the best multiplayer around, it's far from the worst. Fatal clost combat moves, intense gunfights, on the fly grenades, a fair assortment of maps and weapons, and mind-blowing graphics make the game one of the best free online shooters available. If you already own F.E.A.R. already, however, there's nothing new to see here.
http://www.joinfear.com/main
What's that? You never got around to buying F.E.A.R.? Well, isn't today your lucky day?! Not all that long ago, the multiplayer portion of F.E.A.R. was released for free! While F.E.A.R. multiplayer has never been the best multiplayer around, it's far from the worst. Fatal clost combat moves, intense gunfights, on the fly grenades, a fair assortment of maps and weapons, and mind-blowing graphics make the game one of the best free online shooters available. If you already own F.E.A.R. already, however, there's nothing new to see here.
http://www.joinfear.com/main
Grand Theft Auto 2
SPOILER
If you call yourself a gamer, you know about the GTA series. If you're not a gamer, you probably know about the GTA series also because of all of the controversy. You play as some random thug who is dropped into a large open-ended world to do as you please. Complete missions that you get from different gangs, reek havok on the hapless citizens of the city, or just drive around... whateva. In my opinion, GTA 2 has held up rather well over the years even though the series has been 3D-ified for a while.
http://www.rockstargames.com/classics/index.html
If you call yourself a gamer, you know about the GTA series. If you're not a gamer, you probably know about the GTA series also because of all of the controversy. You play as some random thug who is dropped into a large open-ended world to do as you please. Complete missions that you get from different gangs, reek havok on the hapless citizens of the city, or just drive around... whateva. In my opinion, GTA 2 has held up rather well over the years even though the series has been 3D-ified for a while.
http://www.rockstargames.com/classics/index.html
Tribes
SPOILER
Tribes used to be a game that was far ahead of it's time. Released in the same year as Half-Life, the game featured vehicles, huge maps, highly customizable load-outs, and jet-packs! The real downfall of the game is that it lacks almost any sort of singleplayer whatsoever besides the tutorial missions. But of course the singleplayer was never the point, it was all about the multiplayer. Now you might have some trouble locating servers with people in them, but it would be great for LAN parties!
http://www.fileplanet.com/140246/140000/fi...ribes-Full-Game
Tribes used to be a game that was far ahead of it's time. Released in the same year as Half-Life, the game featured vehicles, huge maps, highly customizable load-outs, and jet-packs! The real downfall of the game is that it lacks almost any sort of singleplayer whatsoever besides the tutorial missions. But of course the singleplayer was never the point, it was all about the multiplayer. Now you might have some trouble locating servers with people in them, but it would be great for LAN parties!
http://www.fileplanet.com/140246/140000/fi...ribes-Full-Game
SHMUP
Fraxy
SPOILER
This game is just so different and awesome that it's awesome! How many games let you make your own bosses without knowing how to code? Well, Fraxy is the only game that I can think of. Fraxy is Japanese developed arena space shooter that's highly customizable. You can make enemies, scenarios, and all kinds of awesome stuff! And even without all of that, it's still a really great game.
I do have a few complaints, but they're nothing major. For one, you can't make the resolution higher than 640x480, making the game look really pixelated if you full screen it. Also, you can't make any of the bosses you create any other color than, well... gray.
I really recommend you check this one out!
http://mokeron.hp.infoseek.co.jp/zg/fraxy_main.html
This game is just so different and awesome that it's awesome! How many games let you make your own bosses without knowing how to code? Well, Fraxy is the only game that I can think of. Fraxy is Japanese developed arena space shooter that's highly customizable. You can make enemies, scenarios, and all kinds of awesome stuff! And even without all of that, it's still a really great game.
I do have a few complaints, but they're nothing major. For one, you can't make the resolution higher than 640x480, making the game look really pixelated if you full screen it. Also, you can't make any of the bosses you create any other color than, well... gray.
I really recommend you check this one out!
http://mokeron.hp.infoseek.co.jp/zg/fraxy_main.html
Torus Trooper
SPOILER
Basically, Torus Trooper has that 'techno music + simple graphics = zen state' kinda thing going on. And uh... you shoot enemies and stuff.
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~cs8k-cyu/windows/tt_e.html
oh and the rest of their games. Which is also good. http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~cs8k-cyu/index_e.html
Basically, Torus Trooper has that 'techno music + simple graphics = zen state' kinda thing going on. And uh... you shoot enemies and stuff.
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~cs8k-cyu/windows/tt_e.html
oh and the rest of their games. Which is also good. http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~cs8k-cyu/index_e.html
Raging Skies
SPOILER
Raging Skies is a challenging and fun Shmup (Shoot-em up) where you play as some guy named Cliff Spoon who is an arrogant yet highly skilled fighter pilot and Earth's final hope against the Talon Lords. Unlike most shmups, combat takes place on an open 360 plane where you can fly anywhere. You also earn cash from every enemy you kill which you can use to buy better parts for your ship.
The game's dialouge is extremely humorous and will keep you playing, the music is pretty darn good, and the combat is fast-paced and challenging. The only problem I had was in the intro when I saw some text that wasn't aligned correctly. That's a real pet peeve of mine in freeware games. Raging Skies is certainly worth a download, if you're into shmups or not.
There's more than one game on the downloads page. You're free to try them but Raging Skies is the only one I've tried.
http://www.darthlupi.com/?page_id=4#
Raging Skies is a challenging and fun Shmup (Shoot-em up) where you play as some guy named Cliff Spoon who is an arrogant yet highly skilled fighter pilot and Earth's final hope against the Talon Lords. Unlike most shmups, combat takes place on an open 360 plane where you can fly anywhere. You also earn cash from every enemy you kill which you can use to buy better parts for your ship.
The game's dialouge is extremely humorous and will keep you playing, the music is pretty darn good, and the combat is fast-paced and challenging. The only problem I had was in the intro when I saw some text that wasn't aligned correctly. That's a real pet peeve of mine in freeware games. Raging Skies is certainly worth a download, if you're into shmups or not.
There's more than one game on the downloads page. You're free to try them but Raging Skies is the only one I've tried.
http://www.darthlupi.com/?page_id=4#
Tyrian 2000
SPOILER
Tyrian 2000 kicks ass! It's more-or-less your standard shoot-em-up fare, but you can upgrade your ship inbetween missions from money you get from killing enemies and collecting bonuses. If that isn't quite your style and you'd rather cut the crap and just blow stuff up, there's the arcade mode, which turns the game into a more standard shmup. It's still fun, though. Another plus of this game is that it has a fairly decent soundtrack. I mean, c'mon, let's face it, what's a shmup without good music? However, the graphics could be better, but vertical shoot-em-ups are rarely about the graphics.
From my experience, the game will run under XP, however the game will run quite slowly, and there will be no sound or music. In order to play the game the way it was meant to be played, you'll need to get DOSBox, a DOS emulator. If you're still not getting music or sound, open up the setup.exe through DOSBox and mess around with the audio settings.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~vanneva...downloads.html
http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/download.php?main=1
Tyrian 2000 kicks ass! It's more-or-less your standard shoot-em-up fare, but you can upgrade your ship inbetween missions from money you get from killing enemies and collecting bonuses. If that isn't quite your style and you'd rather cut the crap and just blow stuff up, there's the arcade mode, which turns the game into a more standard shmup. It's still fun, though. Another plus of this game is that it has a fairly decent soundtrack. I mean, c'mon, let's face it, what's a shmup without good music? However, the graphics could be better, but vertical shoot-em-ups are rarely about the graphics.
From my experience, the game will run under XP, however the game will run quite slowly, and there will be no sound or music. In order to play the game the way it was meant to be played, you'll need to get DOSBox, a DOS emulator. If you're still not getting music or sound, open up the setup.exe through DOSBox and mess around with the audio settings.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~vanneva...downloads.html
http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/download.php?main=1
Other
Little Fighter 2
SPOILER
Little Fighter 2 has a couple different modes and I'm not really sure which one is supposed to be the main one. My personal favorite mode is the one that plays like Streets of Rage or Final Fight. The game throws generic enemies your way and it's your job to beat the everloving snot out of each and every single one of them. Then there's the mode where you fight characters that are just as powerful as you are. Each character is fairly different and has a couple different special attacks which you need to look up how to do on the main website. It's also possible to play online so you can knock the stuffing out of some dudes you totally don't know!
http://lf2.net/
Little Fighter 2 has a couple different modes and I'm not really sure which one is supposed to be the main one. My personal favorite mode is the one that plays like Streets of Rage or Final Fight. The game throws generic enemies your way and it's your job to beat the everloving snot out of each and every single one of them. Then there's the mode where you fight characters that are just as powerful as you are. Each character is fairly different and has a couple different special attacks which you need to look up how to do on the main website. It's also possible to play online so you can knock the stuffing out of some dudes you totally don't know!
http://lf2.net/
Gunbound
SPOILER
While I'm not into Gunbound anymore like I used to be, I have to admit that I used to be somewhat addicted to it. It's a team-based multiplayer semi-clone of Scorched Earth/Worms. You get to select from a variety of vehicles at the start of a round, and the one that you pick you're stuck with unless you're playing tag mode. The game also has an upgrade system, where you can buy different clothing for your avatar which looks cool/adds to your stats in some way. This portion of the game can be quite annoying because I recall these items of clothing to be really expensive.
Also, the game can be very luck dependant. The teammates that you're randomly matched up with when you play, and where you spawn can make all the difference in match.
Overall, though, Gunbound is not a bad game. Not the best, but it should keep you entertained if you're looking for some Worms action and you don't have any worms games.
http://www.softnyx.net/
While I'm not into Gunbound anymore like I used to be, I have to admit that I used to be somewhat addicted to it. It's a team-based multiplayer semi-clone of Scorched Earth/Worms. You get to select from a variety of vehicles at the start of a round, and the one that you pick you're stuck with unless you're playing tag mode. The game also has an upgrade system, where you can buy different clothing for your avatar which looks cool/adds to your stats in some way. This portion of the game can be quite annoying because I recall these items of clothing to be really expensive.
Also, the game can be very luck dependant. The teammates that you're randomly matched up with when you play, and where you spawn can make all the difference in match.
Overall, though, Gunbound is not a bad game. Not the best, but it should keep you entertained if you're looking for some Worms action and you don't have any worms games.
http://www.softnyx.net/
Clonk Planet
SPOILER
Clonk is like a mix of Worms and an RTS game. You control these little guys named Clonks who can perform a variety of tasks. You can get them to gather minerals, build structures, blow stuff up, command vehicles, etc.. There's a variety of different single-player missions to play, as well as online multiplayer. While my time with the game has been limited, I can assure this is quality stuff.
There's some other Clonk games to download there as well which, of course, you're free to try.
http://www.clonk.de/contents_en.html?/classics_en.html
Clonk is like a mix of Worms and an RTS game. You control these little guys named Clonks who can perform a variety of tasks. You can get them to gather minerals, build structures, blow stuff up, command vehicles, etc.. There's a variety of different single-player missions to play, as well as online multiplayer. While my time with the game has been limited, I can assure this is quality stuff.
There's some other Clonk games to download there as well which, of course, you're free to try.
http://www.clonk.de/contents_en.html?/classics_en.html
The Desolate Room
SPOILER
An RPG where all the characters are robots? Who would have thunk'it? The weird thing about this game is that the first five or ten minutes of the game are quite boring. You walk around a maze-like landscape searching for objects without a map. After you get past that point, it's all good! If you're a fan of turn-based RPGs, this game is likely to please. There is many, many different ways to upgrade your characters. The game has some pretty nice pre-rendered 3D graphics. Coming from me, that's strange, since I usually hate pre-rendered 3D graphics with a passion! The music and sound aspects of things are pretty decent. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of variation in the soundtrack, though. Really, if you like turn-based RPGs, check this game out!
http://www.scottgames.com/
An RPG where all the characters are robots? Who would have thunk'it? The weird thing about this game is that the first five or ten minutes of the game are quite boring. You walk around a maze-like landscape searching for objects without a map. After you get past that point, it's all good! If you're a fan of turn-based RPGs, this game is likely to please. There is many, many different ways to upgrade your characters. The game has some pretty nice pre-rendered 3D graphics. Coming from me, that's strange, since I usually hate pre-rendered 3D graphics with a passion! The music and sound aspects of things are pretty decent. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of variation in the soundtrack, though. Really, if you like turn-based RPGs, check this game out!
http://www.scottgames.com/
