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August 21st, 2003 05:05 AM |
ot- Wargammer Best Free Games
Quote:
http://www.wargamer.com/articles/raw_recruit_15/
Despite the general economic difficulties, the computer gaming industry still finds way to give away free games every now and then. Although there are always free computer games around in the form of chess and checkers or even the interesting Bejeweled, it's far, far more challenging to find a high-quality, serious game for free. Below is a short, but sweet list of the best free games to be had:
The Ardennes Offensive 2: In 1997 SSI published a game from Strategic Studies Group (SSG) called Decisive Battles of WWII: The Ardennes Offensive. Even though it was acclaimed, the title didn't generate enough feedback for SSI to support the authors' intention of continuing the series. Prompted and helped by a handful of enthusiasts and colleagues, Roger Keating of SSG decided to upgrade the game in his spare time, his effort resulting in the release of Version 2.0 in late 1999. It incorporated the quite significant changes that had been saved for sequel titles and was further improved (most notably introducing the play-by-e-mail turn replay feature) to Version 2.3.0 of early 2000. These Versions are all free, and more information on this Award for Excellence winner is available in our review. Of course, this game is the basis for the recently released Korsun Pocket and an upgraded Version of The Ardennes Offensive 2 is available in the retail box, but what's free is free.
Battalia: Created by Dr. Peter Turcan, this game uses an advanced game system that embodies his earlier work putting the wargamer back on to the battlefield to lead his virtual army through a 3D world in near real-time. Be sure to check out our preview by Chris Wilson to learn more about the title.
Steel Panthers: Main Battle Tank / Steel Panthers: World War II: These stand-alone modifications by the SPCamo Group offer an derivative game based on one of the best tank simulations ever created, Steel Beasts. As the titles of the two games suggest, the former is set in the modern era while the latter is set during World War II.
WarOnline: The world's first graphical, Online, web-based strategy game, WarOnline is managed by Alex Fielder, and is fully database-driven. This web-based game features command and conquer elements built around the classic resource gathering motif. The simulation is semi-realtime in that structures you build, land you acquire, army movements and even direct combat all happen immediately, but things like resource/population growth and defensive tower attacks only take place several times a day at timed intervals.
The American Civil War: One of the very few strategic-level war games covering the American Civil War, this free game designed and programmed by Frank Hunter of Adanac Command Studies. An excellent choice for those interested in the time period and/or the classic strategic-level wargame.
Counter-Strike: Yes, it has gotten a bad reputation in some circles for the decidedly juvenile community it seems to support, but it is the single most popular first-person shooter Online today and has defined the genre with superbly balanced gameplay and highly addictive gameplay. Although the overall level of skill in this competitive Online FPS may be a turn off to some, its popularity and its current price of $0 should encourage everyone to be a part of this moment in gaming history. For more, click on the game link to download the client or read through our review from a couple years ago.
Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory: I've discussed this free multiplayer standalone add-on before, and since it's been released, it has gained substantial popularity. The World War II-themed and Quake 3-powered first-person shooter is an expansion pack to 2001's Return to Castle Wolfenstein that was released for free, complete with six brand new multiplayer levels, new weapons and a host of significant multiplayer feature improvements. It's complexity makes it only recommendable to those with significant experience with the FPS genre, however.
America's Army: Your (U.S.) tax dollars at work brought to life this multi-million marketing tool for the U.S. Army to use and recruit young men. Frankly, if the government wants to spend my money this way, they should feel free to continue to do so. America's Army is a first-person shooter powered by the attractive Unreal 3D engine that successfully recreates the experience of becoming an Army soldier, virtually. Training is mandatory but is a great way for players not already accustomed to first-person shooters to familiarize themselves with the controls in this genre. Outside of the offline training, the game is mostly a multiplayer affair, and if you're having any doubts as to the connection requirements, yes, broadband is all but a necessity. The client is currently about 600 MB and does require some substantial hardware to properly enjoy. Nonetheless, we can't recommend this title enough, even to those that have never played a first-person shooter before.
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