Playing For Free
Have recession fears put the squeeze on your gaming budget? Play these great games for free.
By Mike Smith
http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/playing-for-free/1183474Everybody likes to get something for nothing, and gamers are certainly no exception. Fortunately for you, we've taken it upon ourselves to sort the wheat from the chaff and present 14 of the best free web-based and downloadable games around, from the simple to the complex, the casual to the ****, and the high-budget to the bedroom-developed. There are only two things they all have in common: they're all free, and they're all awesome.
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RuneScape
Do you yearn to join the ten million players of World of Warcraft, but can't stomach the $15/month fees? Check out RuneScape instead. Just as complex and huge as Warcraft, RuneScape features both free and paid membership plans, so you can sink your teeth into its virtual world without expense. It also runs in your web browser, so there's no need for specialized gaming hardware, either.
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N
Second only to pirates in the hearts of game fans worldwide, ninjas are inarguably cool. The ninja star of N is just a few pixels tall, but thanks to a detailed physics system he's completely realistic. N's fiendish levels will have you bouncing all over the place as you try to snag the gold squares that (for some reason) litter N's world before you miss a jump and plummet to your death. It's so good, it's on its way to handhelds and Xbox Live Arcade as a full release later this year, but you can play it right now for nothing. You will die. Oh yes, you will die. But you'll like it.
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Desktop Tower Defense
You haven't lived until you've experienced the crippling compulsions of a fully-fledged Tower Defense addiction. Oddly, this desktop delight evolved from a Warcraft 3 map into a web-based tower-placing, creep-fighting game that's a cinch to learn and harder to quit than meth. No, we're not exaggerating. Like all good drugs, the first hit's free - but like no good drugs, all the other ones are, too.
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Psychonauts
Very likely one of the best Xbox games you've never played, the PC version of this 2005 classic is available for free through the GameTap service. It's a bizarre platform game where you delve into the depths of other characters' minds, attempting to fix their innumerable (and inevitably serious) psychological problems. It's designed by master craftsman Tim Schafer (Grim Fandango, Monkey Island), and absolutely drips with his trademark offbeat wit. Sounds odd? You should try playing it. And because it's free, there's no reason not to.
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Perfect Pizza
Can you make the perfect pizza? Find out with this addictive, quick-to-play hit. It's simple: just drop the toppings onto the pizza as accurately and as quickly as you can. Hit your targets and you'll be rewarded - fail, and you'll, well, fail. It's the perfect way to fill in a few spare minutes at work. Unless you work at a pizza joint, of course.
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Reflections
Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest. Reflections will take you back to your physics class, but in a good way: it's a puzzle game featuring lasers, mirrors, and bulbs. All you have to do is arrange the mirrors so that the lasers light up all the bulbs. Sound easy? Ha! Try playing it first. If you're looking for something to get your brain working, Reflections is the perfect choice - and did we mention it's free?
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Rose & Camella
"The womanly battle begins!" You're a young woman who just married into a rich family only to have your new husband drop dead. Challenged for your right of inheritance, there's only one way to settle matters: a slap fight. That premise hides an elegant game of attack, evasion and counter-attack that would do a pro fencing match proud. With its mouse-driven gesture-based controls, it's more like playing a Wii or DS game than a browser-based one - you'll need serious dexterity to keep up with the higher difficulty levels.
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>> Dwarves, bicycles, and fancy pants! No, the circus isn't in town, but seven more brilliant free games are.
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Posted: 1 Feb 2008