Power Downloader plays a free online multiplayer game

(Credit: CNET Networks)

With Thanksgiving over and the biggest shopping day of the year under way, Power Downloader decided he would avoid the throngs of people and have a quiet day at the Powerlair. After going through his usual maintenance tasks to speed up his computer and check for spyware, Power headed over to Download.com to find a new game to play.

Explore beautiful 3D worlds as you upgrade your ship and weapons for battle.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

After a little searching through the various categories of games, Power Downloader settled on checking out a massive multiplayer online game called AstroN online. Once Power launched this free MMO, he was immediately impressed with the 3D graphics and the way AstroN online made it easy to get started right away with helpful tips. He was able to choose from three different types of ships each with different strengths and weaknesses. Once he settled on a ship type, AstroN online helped him get acquainted with the opening base city where he would be upgrading his ship and weapons. Once Power got accustomed to the controls, he decided it was time to enter battle. Power immediately liked the ability to fire different weapon types from each wing of his ship. With a combination of quick maneuvering and using his different weapons, Power made it to the end of the first section and headed back to the base city. He quickly realized how this game would become extremely addictive with the ability to upgrade his ship with more powerful weapons.

Knowing that he would be playing awhile, Power Downloader settled in and started checking out possible upgrades and new ships he could purchase once he earned enough gold. With so many options, it would be tough to make a decision. But one thing was certain: With AstroN online on his hard drive, he would always have a great game to come back to when it was time for a break.