Friday, October 28, 2011

Cultris

Genre: Miscellaneous
System: Windows
# Players: 1-10


Overview:

Cultris is, essentially, multiplayer Tetris. You and your opponents race to finish as many lines as possible, and by clearing multiple lines at once or earning "combos" you can send them garbage blocks. The game is very fast-paced, with the ability to instantly drop the current block. If you are looking to play online, try the sequel, Cultris II, instead.

Cultris Homepage
(Scroll down for free download link).
Note: the homepage urges you to download Cultris II instead. However, Cultris II does not have a LAN option--each player must have an internet connection.
Also, you may get an error about missing Microsoft C Runtime DLLs. For instructions and a download link to these DLLs, try this blog post.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Tribes 2


Genre: Shooter
System: Windows
# Players: 1-64

Overview:

Tribes 2 is a commercial game that was later released as freeware. Players can choose from three different armor classes and a variety of "packs" that give them special tools such as explosives, shields, or a cloaking ability. The game also includes land and aerial vehicles, mobile bases, and the ability to destroy opposing bases and structures. The online player will find a fair amount of servers and players.

Tribes 2 Homepage
Tribes 2 Free Downloads Page

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Alien Arena

Genre: Shooter

System: Windows, Linux (Note: the website claims that Mac users can compile and run the game,barring some performance issues.)
# Players: 1-30

Overview:

The description "Quake meets Unreal Tournament" seems to fit this game quite well. Alien Arena features the standard run-around-shooting type action you would expect from those games. The game is recently updated, and the online player will easily find servers and opponents.

Alien Arena Homepage
Alien Arena Free Downloads Page

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Enemy Territory


Genre: Shooter
System: Windows, Linux, Mac
# Players: 6-64 (Technically, you can play with fewer, but it won't be very interesting since there are no bots.)

Overview:

Enemy Territory is a WWII-themed FPS. Instead of the typical deathmatch or CTF game modes, players attempt to complete a mission.. Players can choose from a variety of classes (e.g. Medic, Engineer) that have unique abilities. Also, throughout a campaign, players can gain experience points in each class to make certain abilities better. And although the game is now rather old, it is easy to find many online servers and players.

Enemy Territory Homepage
Enemy Territory Free Download Page

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Driving Speed 2

Genre: Racing
System: Windows
# Players: 1-8



Overview:

Driving Speed 2 is a racing game that strives for realism, in both car performance and physics. It also features a single player mode against bots. The realistic driving physics makes this game challenging, especially if you want to drift around corners. The online player will have some difficult finding opponents, since there is no Master Server in the game.

Driving Speed 2 Homepage (Scroll down for free download link)

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Friday, October 21, 2011

Sauerbraten

Genre: Shooter
System: Windows, Linux, and Mac
# Players: 1-128



Overview:

Cube 2: Sauerbraten is a fast-paced first-person shooter. The game features a variety of weapons and game modes, including a mode where players can create their own maps, together. This game does not strive for realism as do some other FPSes, but rather for a fun time. And if you want to play online, you'll find a large amount of active servers and players.

Sauerbraten Homepage
Sauerbraten Free Downloads Page

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Scorched3D


Genre: Artillery, Strategy
System: Windows, Linux, and Mac
# Players: 1-24


Overview:

Scorched3D is an artillery game, similar to "Tanks" and "Worms." Each player controls a tank and tries to destroy the other players. Players shoot projectile weapons, trying to hit their target by adjusting the angle and power of the shot. After each round, players can buy new weapons and defensive items to help them defeat their opponents. An online player will able to find a good amount of active servers.

Scorched3D Homepage
Scorched3D Free Downloads Page

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Armagetron Advanced

Genre: Racing Strategy (?)
System: Windows, Linux, and Mac
# Players: 2-16



Overview:

Armagetron Advanced is based on the light cycles game from the movie Tron. Players race around a grid on motorcycles, but their bikes leave behind a wall in their wake. The goal is try to force other players to crash. This game faithfully recreates the light-cycles game in 3D and features easy-to-learn controls and gameplay. Besides the classic grid game, there are other game modes available, including team-based variants such as "Fortress." And if you want to play online, there is no shortage of players available.

Armagetron Homepage
Armagetron Free Download Page

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Tremulous


Genre: Shooter
System: Windows, Linux, and Mac
# Players: 2-64



Overview

Tremulous is a team-based FPS set in the future. Players can be either the aliens or the humans, and must work together as a team to advance. The game has elements of an RTS, with players being able to build structures to make themselves stronger or defend their base. The goal in each game is to destroy the opposing team completely. There are many active players available for online play.

Tremulous Homepage
Tremulous Free Download Page

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Teeworlds


Genre: Shooter
System: Windows, Linux, and Mac
# Players: 2-16



Overview


Teeworlds is a fast-paced 2D sidescrolling shooter. The players may look like Kirbies, but this game is full of shooting and explosions. It has three game modes (CTF, Deathmatch, and Team Deathmatch), and players can make their own maps. The online scene is active, with plenty of servers available, and the game itself is actively maintained.

Teeworlds Homepage
Teeworlds Free Download Page

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Soldat

Genre: Shooter
System: Windows
# Players: 1-32

Rating: Excellent


Overview:

Soldat is a side-scrolling multiplayer shooter game. Players can choose from a variety of weapons, and play different game modes including the classics--Capture the Flag, Deathmatch, and Team Deathmatch--as well as unique modes such as "Rambomatch." With an active online community, you can find new maps, mods&scripts, and servers easily.


Review

For my first review I decided to start with a classic. Soldat is a game I used to play all the time, and I'm glad to see that it's still alive.

This game is fabulous. To FPS fans, playing a 2D, side-scrolling shooter may seem odd at first, but don't worry--this game has all the killing-people-blowing-stuff-up action you crave.

Controls are pretty standard: move with WASD, use your mouse to aim, click to shoot. You can also crouch, go prone (that's "lay down" for those unfamiliar with the term), and throw grenades. [These controls are all customizable.]

Oh wait--did I mention you have a jetpack? By right-clicking, you can fly around the map, dropping death on your enemies from above! Jetpacks are awesome.

Setting up a server for your LAN party is pretty easy. You can choose all the options in-game, and then simply start the game. For more advanced options, such as using scripts to modify the gameplay (Check out Pirates v. Ninjas), you can also download a command-line, dedicated server program.

If you're not LANing, Soldat also has an active online presence, and joining an online server is easy. Simply choose "Internet" as your source, and hit "Request Servers." Then pick one and play. New players be warned: some people are really, really good at this game! Don't be surprised if you get pwned at first.

All in all, Soldat is a great time, and sure to be a blast at any LAN party. I consider it an excellent game.

Cons:
  • Some of the customization features of the game require paying for a license. However, you can still get the full experience for free, and if you like the game, then you should definitely consider supporting it!
Pros:
  • Fun, fast-paced gameplay
  • A variety of weapons, game modes, and maps to choose from 
  • Actively updated and played


So here's the links. Go download it.

Soldat Homepage
Soldat Free Download Page

Let me know if you played Soldat at your LAN party, and if you like the review!


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About this blog

LAN Parties.

That's a big one.

Pretty sweet, right? Get together with your friends, hang out, and play games until your eyes roll out of your head.

What you need for a LAN Party:

  • People (you and your friends)
  • Computers (who doesn't have one these days?)
  • Router(s) (you probably already have one of these too)
  • Time (a precious resource. Hint: sacrifice sleep, gain more time!)
  • Space (usually a basement)
  • Games
That last one is where I come in. You can't have a LAN party if you don't have games to play! And games cost money (usually).
Fortunately, there are many free LAN party games available. All you have to do is download them, install them, and let the LAN party begin!

On this site, I will try to give you a list of the free game options you have, organized by genre. Also, I will give you my opinion on the games, to help you figure out what's worth the time and what's not.

Let the games begin!