A list of free games to keep you occupied until Christmas
The month of December always lightens the bank account, and many PC gamers may feel withdrawal symptoms as they wait for the month-end present harvest. In an effort to stave away the gaming blues, we’ve rounded up a list of free games.
Synaesthete (https://typo3.digipen.edu/index.php?id=986)
Synaesthete puts you in control of Zaikman, who has to navigate the game world – the collective unconscious – and zap monsters using his affinity with the musical soundtrack and a number of power-ups. The game features original compositions of music ranging from ambient trance to regular trance. The entire game world is a visualisation which pulses and animates to the beat of the music.
FreeCiv (http://freeciv.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page)
One for the strategy buffs, FreeCiv is pretty much a recreation of the original Sid Meier classics, Civilization 1 and 2. The game is open source, and is constantly being tweaked, refined, and updated. There are numerous player created rule sets that can be used, and up to 30 players are supported over TCP/IP.
UFO: Alien Invasion (http://ufoai.sourceforge.net/?page=Home)
The year is 2084 and of course, the human race must defend itself against a terrifying alien enemy. Inspired by the X-COM, UFO: AI is a squad based tactical strategy game. The game has two main modes of gameplay, a base management and research mode, and a tactical combat mode. The game was developed on the Quake 2 engine and has some snazzy 3D graphics. The game supports up to 6 players over TCP/IP.
Scorched 3D (http://www.scorched3d.co.uk/)
This is the modernisation of a classic DOS game - Scorched Earth. That game was so classic, it was yelling at those darn Worms to get off its scorched lawn. Scorched 3D is a turn-based artillery combat game in which players must manage their ammunition, weaponry and economy during a battle of wits and skill in which there can only be one victor. The game supports multiplayer over TCP/IP, with a number of Internet servers up and running.
Nifflas' Games (http://nifflas.ni2.se/index.php?main=02Knytt)
Not a game, but a game developer, with three really cool 2D side-scrolling platform games available to play - Knytt, Knytt Stories, and Within a Deep Forest. All the games feature colourful and detailed pixelart, clever animations and intriguing storylines. Definitely worth checking out.
Alien Arena (http://icculus.org/alienarena/rpa/)
One for the FPS fans, this is a retro Sci-Fi deathmatch arena game that feels like the lovechild of Quake 3 and Unreal Tournament. The game also boasts some pretty impressive visuals considering it is an open source project. There is a single player campaign, but the multiplayer is the real attraction. Unfortunately there are no dedicated South African servers, but it could make for a refreshing change at LANs.
Secret Maryo Chronicles (http://www.secretmaryo.org/)
A platform game that runs and jumps, barely avoids some sort of copyright infringement, and defeats an assortment of enemies . Developed in the spirit of another popular platform game, Secret Maryo should satiate a craving for retro platform action, with a modern flavour. The game comes with a full featured level editor for those who feel the need to fiddle.
Planeshift (http://www.planeshift.it/)
This is a truly free MMORPG. This means that there will never be any surprise premium content, or gameplay limitations. All the servers and bandwidth needs are sponsored. The developers are going for a strong emphasis on the role playing element of the game, encouraging players to really 'act out' their decided character traits. The game is currently in the open public testing phase, so it will undoubtedly be a bit buggy. But it is still worth checking out for the MMORPG lovers on a budget.
Source: MyBroadband.co.za
MARIO
Mario has been all time favorite game for many people. We have seen this game in number of forms and avatars. Checkout free Mega Mario computer game in which you help Mario free his brother Luigi. It has usual color splash with exciting background music.
This version has little more blood red splash while you kill crawling creatures or get killed (this option can be turned OFF). It has number of levels to keep you hooked for long time while you find your way and collect coins. Download Mega Mario game (Windows & Linux), it is a portable game, just download and start playing (no install!)
Source: ToThePC
KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange. 
APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke. 
STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals. 
ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer. 
WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher.. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium. 
GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes. 
