Video games are more popular than ever with a very large fanbase. No longer is it only normal for children and teens to be enamored by them, but adults - once children who loved games and gaming years ago - are drawn to them as well. The gaming industry is highly competitive, as different companies work hard to put out the most up to date, high quality systems with the best capabilities and graphics. This gives us wonderful systems such as the Wii, X-Box 360, and Playstation 3, but these systems don't come cheap. Nor do the games and accessories.
Luckily, many up and coming game developers dedicate a lot of time creating games for the PC. Not only that, but they offer these games at a very affordable price - for free. It's easy enough to do a Google search and come up with freeware games for the PC and even the Mac, be they games you download to play, or flash games to kill time. Certain games do stand out as above average, however.
5. Lyle in Cube Sector
Developer: BogoZone
In this game you control Lyle, a boy who embarks on a quest to save his kitten. This game is an adventure game very similar to the popular Metroid series. You don't start out with many abilities for Lyle, but as the game progresses and bosses are fought you pick up more items and abilities that allow him to explore areas once unreachable.
The graphics are pretty simplistic and colorful, with darker schemes and the soundtrack to the game is pretty catchy. The replay value isn't that high, but it can be very entertaining to play through the game the first time.
Download here.
4. Guardian of Paradise
Developer: Buster
In Guardian of Paradise, you control Tela, a young boy who is searching for a cure for his sick sister. Also an adventure game, this one is more similiar to the Zelda series. Tela must find Paradise, and to do that, he has to seek out keys from the Guardians. Of course, he has to solve puzzles, and fight enemies and bosses along the way.
The music on Guardian of Paradise is high quality and lighthearted, matching the cute, simplistic graphics perfectly. It won't take a person long to beat this game, but it's a good, entertaning way to occupy a bit of time.
Download here. Translation patch is also included on the download page.
3. Akuji the Demon
Developer: Buster
Rather than control a hero that has to do battle with a demon in a typical battle of good vs. evil, in this game, you control Akuji, a demon who seeks revenge on a hero who had him and his powers sealed away. Akuji has to regain his various powers by seeking them out and sometimes fighting bosses for them so he can once again face the hero.
With a very catchy soundtrack and fun graphics, this game really stands out. Unfortunately, it's very short. After you play through it once, you can play again and try to beat it under a specific time to unlock various anime graphics, but after that there's not much else to do with it.
Download here.
2. La Tale
Developer: Actoz Soft
Unlike the other games covered, La Tale is a MMORPG. Players create characters, choosing between four initial classes, and customize their appearance. In the game itself, customization is a little more indepth, allowing players to 'unlock' more appearance choices and purchase fashion items. Quests, events, and a still expanding world keeps things interesting for players as they explore Jienda, seeking information about a mysterious girl named Iris.
Graphics and music both can likely be considered cute and lighthearted, but both are quite appealing. Beautiful backdrops make up the scenery as the player explores and discovers clues about Iris. As an MMORPG, La Tale can be quite time consuming, and will require some level grinding.
You can download La Tale from the official site.
1. Cave Story
Developer: Pixel
Cave Story is a game that's rather simple graphic-wise, with very cute environments, enemies, music, and characters. The darker storyline proves to be quite the contrast to all of that. The player controls Quote, a robot with no memory who finds himself in a position to have to protect the rabbit-like Mimigas from the evil Doctor who exploits their weakness. Quote has to explore a floating island and collect weaponry and items along the way to complete his task.
A game with multiple endings, this adds to the replay value. Challenging levels also adds incentive for the player to play and practice.
Download Cave Story and translation patches here.
