Web Games
Some of the most popular online games are those that run right in a Web browser. If your browser software and plug-ins are up to date, Web games are a quick, easy, and, in many cases, free form of entertainment.
Web and Text-based Games 101
From poker to roleplaying, there is a Web game for almost everyone. If you have no idea where to start, this is a quick summary of the types of games available and what you will need to join in the fun.
From poker to roleplaying, there is a Web game for almost everyone. If you have no idea where to start, this is a quick summary of the types of games available and what you will need to join in the fun.
Top Graphical Web Games
There are scores of graphical games available on the Web which can be enjoyed by anyone with a browser and the necessary plugins. These are some of the most compelling and innovative Web games currently available. Many of the sites offer downloadable versions as well.
There are scores of graphical games available on the Web which can be enjoyed by anyone with a browser and the necessary plugins. These are some of the most compelling and innovative Web games currently available. Many of the sites offer downloadable versions as well.
Playing Internet Pool
Pool has become one of the most popular free online games, with tens of thousands of players participating at any hour of the day or night. Now you can rack 'em up from the comfort of home, even if you don't have a table.
Pool has become one of the most popular free online games, with tens of thousands of players participating at any hour of the day or night. Now you can rack 'em up from the comfort of home, even if you don't have a table.
Top Free Online Pinball Games
They will never be quite like the old arcade pinball machines with roll digits, but Shockwave pinball simulations are getting incredibly realistic, and there are no quarters required.
They will never be quite like the old arcade pinball machines with roll digits, but Shockwave pinball simulations are getting incredibly realistic, and there are no quarters required.
Plug-Ins 101
Graphical Web games typically require a browser plug-in to run properly. Chances are you already have the most common plug-ins, but if you're having trouble running Web games, this is a quick explanation of browser plug-in software and how to find and install these tools.
Graphical Web games typically require a browser plug-in to run properly. Chances are you already have the most common plug-ins, but if you're having trouble running Web games, this is a quick explanation of browser plug-in software and how to find and install these tools.
Neveron Q&A
In the hex board games of old, it was necessary to put some thought into the strengths and weaknesses of your position, and plan your battles with care. If you long for a return to that sort gaming in a multiplayer online environment, you might enjoy Neveron. It's a free browser-based strategy game inspired by Battletech. I had a chance to discuss Neveron with developer Randy Shepardson.
In the hex board games of old, it was necessary to put some thought into the strengths and weaknesses of your position, and plan your battles with care. If you long for a return to that sort gaming in a multiplayer online environment, you might enjoy Neveron. It's a free browser-based strategy game inspired by Battletech. I had a chance to discuss Neveron with developer Randy Shepardson.
Adventure Quest RPG
Fight monsters and tackle quests in this free browser-based RPG. Although it is relatively simple, new content is added regularly, and it has that anime look many people find adorable.
Fight monsters and tackle quests in this free browser-based RPG. Although it is relatively simple, new content is added regularly, and it has that anime look many people find adorable.
Balance of Power
A free turn-based strategy game where players conquer countries, build cities and develop their territory to become a powerful ruler. It has both single and multiplayer modes, a graphical interface, and a high score list.
A free turn-based strategy game where players conquer countries, build cities and develop their territory to become a powerful ruler. It has both single and multiplayer modes, a graphical interface, and a high score list.
Carnage Blender
Carnage Blender is a free strategy RPG with a strong economic component. Players compete with each other to build the most powerful team.
Carnage Blender is a free strategy RPG with a strong economic component. Players compete with each other to build the most powerful team.
Chessopolis
A very comprehensive list of places to play chess online from Chessopolis.
A very comprehensive list of places to play chess online from Chessopolis.
Connect Four
Drop disks into the lowest empty square and align four or more disks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to win.
Drop disks into the lowest empty square and align four or more disks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to win.
Crea-Soft Jigsaw Puzzles
A professional jigsaw puzzle game with 400 beautiful images, having all the tools a complete jigsaw game should have, including a free online version.
A professional jigsaw puzzle game with 400 beautiful images, having all the tools a complete jigsaw game should have, including a free online version.
Dweebo's Stone Games
Play Pente, Keryo-Pente and Gomoku with players from around the world in your Web browser. Good player statistics and tournaments.
Play Pente, Keryo-Pente and Gomoku with players from around the world in your Web browser. Good player statistics and tournaments.
Falling Sand
An intriguing time-waster that lets you divert and alter streams of constantly falling sand by drawing on the screen with various tools. Although there are no objectives, it's a relaxing and fun distraction.
An intriguing time-waster that lets you divert and alter streams of constantly falling sand by drawing on the screen with various tools. Although there are no objectives, it's a relaxing and fun distraction.
FIFA Soccer 97 Gold Edition
This classic soccer title can now be enjoyed online at EA Sports. Noticeably dated graphics compared to recent releases of FIFA Soccer, but it makes for some great free entertainment just the same.
This classic soccer title can now be enjoyed online at EA Sports. Noticeably dated graphics compared to recent releases of FIFA Soccer, but it makes for some great free entertainment just the same.
Final Conquest
Final Conquest is a simple multiplayer strategy game very similar to the board game "Risk." It's free and it runs in a Web browser using Java.
Final Conquest is a simple multiplayer strategy game very similar to the board game "Risk." It's free and it runs in a Web browser using Java.
Fruits
An addictive free puzzle game that is easy to learn and looks great. The higher levels get quite challenging.
An addictive free puzzle game that is easy to learn and looks great. The higher levels get quite challenging.
Habbo Hotel
Habbo is a free online community where you can furnish your own room, adopt a pet, hang with friends, or play casual games. It runs in a Web browser using Shockwave, so there is no large download required.
Habbo is a free online community where you can furnish your own room, adopt a pet, hang with friends, or play casual games. It runs in a Web browser using Shockwave, so there is no large download required.
Hockey Showdown
Relive the U.S. vs. Canada rivalry in this slick 3 on 3 hockey game.
Relive the U.S. vs. Canada rivalry in this slick 3 on 3 hockey game.
Knockout Kings Web Boxing
An intense boxing game that looks great and is quite difficult to master. Fight as Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, or Joe Frazier.
An intense boxing game that looks great and is quite difficult to master. Fight as Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, or Joe Frazier.
Mah Jong Solitaire
Two good versions of this traditional tile game. Chat with others as you play.
Two good versions of this traditional tile game. Chat with others as you play.
NASCAR Web Racing
16 signature cars which you can race as on five different tracks from the NASCAR circuit. One of the best free racing games on the Web, it even has joystick support.
16 signature cars which you can race as on five different tracks from the NASCAR circuit. One of the best free racing games on the Web, it even has joystick support.
Network Slime
As crazy as it sounds, this site has everything you need to play Slime Volleyball over a Network. You know you want to!
As crazy as it sounds, this site has everything you need to play Slime Volleyball over a Network. You know you want to!
NHL 97
You may remember playing this hockey classic from EA on your Sega Genesis. Now you can get your team onto the ice right through your Web browser, with the same graphics and sounds as the original.
You may remember playing this hockey classic from EA on your Sega Genesis. Now you can get your team onto the ice right through your Web browser, with the same graphics and sounds as the original.
OGame
OGame is a real-time, strategic space simulation playable in a Web browser. Each player takes the role of an intergalactic emperor, trying to strengthen his influence throughout the galaxies. This is the English version of the game, which is available in 15 languages.
OGame is a real-time, strategic space simulation playable in a Web browser. Each player takes the role of an intergalactic emperor, trying to strengthen his influence throughout the galaxies. This is the English version of the game, which is available in 15 languages.
Pardus
Pardus is a graphical sci-fi game playable in browser. Set in outer space, the objective is to seek fame and fortune through combat, trade, piracy, bounty hunting, and other means.
Pardus is a graphical sci-fi game playable in browser. Set in outer space, the objective is to seek fame and fortune through combat, trade, piracy, bounty hunting, and other means.
Race3d
A fun racing applet, although I never could get used to steering with arrow keys.
A fun racing applet, although I never could get used to steering with arrow keys.
Renaissance Kingdoms
This free Web-based RPG is set in Western Europe at the end of the Middle Ages. The player attempts to rise from rags to riches, ultimately becoming a prominent member of the community that can influence the destiny of thousands of other players.
This free Web-based RPG is set in Western Europe at the end of the Middle Ages. The player attempts to rise from rags to riches, ultimately becoming a prominent member of the community that can influence the destiny of thousands of other players.
RuneScape
A Java-based 3D MMORPG adventure that you can play for free. As primitive as the graphics are, it's quite amazing and it's gathering a sizeable following.
A Java-based 3D MMORPG adventure that you can play for free. As primitive as the graphics are, it's quite amazing and it's gathering a sizeable following.
Soccer Slime
Slime-on-slime Java soccer for one or two players on the same computer.
Slime-on-slime Java soccer for one or two players on the same computer.
SoccerProject
Become the manager of a soccer team and take responsibility for everything from the players to the stadium. SoccerProject is free and runs in your Web browser.
Become the manager of a soccer team and take responsibility for everything from the players to the stadium. SoccerProject is free and runs in your Web browser.
Sunday League
Manage a football (soccer) team in Sunday League, a popular browser-based sports game. Prizes can be won by the season's top managers on certain servers.
Manage a football (soccer) team in Sunday League, a popular browser-based sports game. Prizes can be won by the season's top managers on certain servers.
The Doors
Can you find your way out of the house? The Doors is an unusual puzzle/adventure game that requires some imaginative problem-solving and perseverance. The lack of instructions is all part of the fun.
Can you find your way out of the house? The Doors is an unusual puzzle/adventure game that requires some imaginative problem-solving and perseverance. The lack of instructions is all part of the fun.
Ultimate Mah Jong
Play Chinese Classical Mahjong with people from Singapore and all over the world free of charge.
Play Chinese Classical Mahjong with people from Singapore and all over the world free of charge.