By Peter Butler
(12/8/05)
The best things in life may be free, but most software isn't. Limited functionality, annoying adware, and pesky nag screens mean even most "free" software isn't actually without cost.
Nevertheless, amazing game designers from around the world create work solely for the love of it. These people might be few and far between, but their fabulous freeware games stretch the boundaries of conventional computer gaming and grab the attention of big-name publishers. For the best free games in the Download.com library, look no further than this stellar collection of no-cost heavyweights.
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It's "only" a Flash game, but the dynamic high scores, excellent level editor, and resultant contributions from gamers around the globe make this Lode Runner adaptation much more than the sum of its parts. A gradual learning curve through 500 original levels culminates in some insanely difficult trials.
Warning Forever
Whether it's the instant gratification of a quick game, the original space-age graphics, or the enormous explosions, something about this primitive shooter appeals to action fans everywhere. Take on bigger and bigger bosses until you can't take any more.
EclipseCrossword
Make your own crosswords in minutes with a tiny download that hides a full-featured puzzle designer. Simply enter your clues and answers to get an instant grid. Then, print the empty puzzle or the answer key, or save your masterwork as a Web page.
Ocular Ink
This unique adventure game stars a rolling eyeball and features a love-it-or-hate-it control scheme, creepily bizarre enemies, and hilariously themed minibosses. Smite your opponents with a magical paintbrush on your quest to save your hometown from a dreaded eye-pirate.
Little Fighter 2
In an age of Flash-based street-fighting titles, how can a downloadable 2D fighting game survive? Little Fighter's enjoyable retro graphics, as well as its wide variety of characters and special attacks, make it good fun for solo or network play.
The Ur-Quan Masters
Even if you've never heard of Star Control, you owe it to yourself--and video-game history--to check out this open-source adaptation of the strategy-RPG-shooter classic Star Control II. Diverse races, myriad spaceships, and multiple star systems made the original an all-time favorite, and the PC port is faithfully brilliant.
Scorched3D
Once you figure out the basic gameplay, this tank artillery game packs more options than you can imagine. Stock up on weapons and wage an epic two-player showdown, or play with up to 24 opponents online. A wide variety of environments helps keep the action fresh.
Pawn
If you're looking for a quick, down-and-dirty chess sim to respark your vague and passing interest in the game, fire up Thomas Starke's wonderful little application. At only 159K, it has all the customizable features you need, and you can force the CPU to make a few gameplay errors to increase your odds of winning.
Enigma
This clone of the classic Mac game Oxyd can provide puzzles until the cows come home. It has 120 original Oxyd layouts, Sokoban-style puzzles, and more than 700 levels--plus the ability to make your own.
Mono
Download.com's own Greg Penhaligon listed the bigger and better freeware shooter Duo in his selection of the best free developer tools (uh-huh), but artistically minded folks should check out this sister game from Binary Zoo. Blast colored blobs to turn the screen from black to white, or vice versa. It's not as simple as it sounds.
