The lights are on
This weekend, our North American readers will join the GI staff in celebrating Labor Day, a day off to reflect on all the hard work we've been doing. What's the best way to reflect? VIDEO GAMES. Rather than force you outside for even a second of your much-deserved weekend of rest, I've put together a list of free games that you can check out from the safety of your computer. From Flash games to free MMOs, there's something for everyone and plenty to help whittle away your weekend.
Downloadable/Flash Games
Charles Barkley's Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden
This traditional turn-based RPG calls to mind 16-bit Square classics such as Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger. Except it stars Charles Barkley. And it takes place in Neo New York after The Great B-Ball Purge of 2041. I'll let the website's description speak for itself:
"A tale of zaubers, b-balls, and atonement; brave dangers unheard of, face spectacular challenges that even the greatest ballers could not overcome, and maybe... just maybe... redeem basketball once and for all."
Evacuation
This clever puzzle game tasks you with sucking aliens out of your ship and into the cold depths of space while saving as many crew members as possible from a similar fate. GI's Jeff Marchiafava loves it for the old-school graphics and sci-fi aesthetic. And, hey, if you really like it, you can pick it up on iPhone/iPod Touch for $1!
Every Day The Same Dream
If you want a more mature Flash game that helps make the argument that games are art, look no further than Every Day the Same Dream. This simple title uses its stylish visuals and infectious soundtrack as a gateway to a strange world where you must figure out a way to escape your mundane office job existence.
The Linear RPG
Whether you view it as a damning revelation of how stale linear RPGs can be or just a fun distraction, you've got to admit that The Linear RPG totally nails the core elements of the genre it's playing with. You move in a straight line from town to town. You grind. You level up. And during it all, an epic plot unfolds in the background. Make sure to read the ridiculous text scrolling behind your character as you play.
Robot Unicorn Attack
The Cartoon Network has done a great job of bringing their quirky Adult Swim brand of late-night weirdness into the Flash games space, and Robot Unicorn Attack is probably the best example. It's one of the simplest games ever -- you only need to figure out two buttons -- but the bright colors, addictive scoreboard, and terrifying soundtrack can easily suck up hours of high score hunting.
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Charles Barkley's Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden is nothing short of amazing.
Don't *** your pants looks awesome. I'm going to check it out right now :)
it was quite possibly the greatest game ever
Don't forget Cave Story! Amazing platformer/shooter that costs money on Wii, but is free on PC!
www.miraigamer.net/cavestory
don't forget crush the castle!
I'm liking all the lists that've been coming out lately on GI. Informing people of free or low-cost game options that they havent considered(or may have missed) is a great way to keep us going between the big name releases. Thanks!
Altitude is free on Steam for the weekend - great 2d flight shooter.
And you can get your Beta Keys now - most of the traffic died down.
gameinformer.com/.../ffxiv-how-to-download-the-beta-fast.aspx
Super Mario Crossover is a good one. I can't believe it isn't on the list.
I've played Mardek once long ago, and it was awesome! But you should've included Super Mario Crossover.
Oh man, Bloons Tower Defense is so addicting!
And OOOH! A online card game similar to Magic! I wanted to play Duels of the Plainswalkers, but for some reason it won't work on my computer. This is great!
What is wrong with you?! Where is Achievement Unlocked, Exit Path, or This is the Only Level? They are my favorite flash games ever and completely out-rule all of the games you have mentioned, which I have all played. Seriously, go to Newgrounds for once, too! Anyways, now that I'm done ranting...good list.
So glad Everyday the Same Dream made the list. It's a beautiful experience.
Thanks! Will be playing lots since my 360 just died this weekend.
Evacuation looks pretty fun.
I have been playing champions and its alot of fun, i like it alot more then WoW
Lol i clicked on the link for robot unicorn attack took me 30mins to break away and read the rest of the article.
achievement unlocked 2 and Don't **** your pants = the best flash games ever.
I've played a good bit of these. I'll mostly be playing Elder Scrolls III (the best freaking game ever) and Diablo II. But, I'll probably check some of these out also.
I can't get to another page...... can someone do a conversation with me giving me the names or links to all of the games except for the ones on page one, please?
I just played Every Day The Same Dream and it was breathtaking.