The Funky-Fresh Freeware Gaming Roundup!

Posted 03/09/2009 at 11:00am | by David Murphy

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It's hard to find good freeware games that are original, but not overly wacky.  A lot of the more unique titles can tend to be a little esoteric--they don't offer your traditional platform gaming or simulated RPG, instead opting for a crazy mix of minimalist design and weird gameplay.  It sometimes works, but more often than not, these games fall to freeware's version of the bargain bin.

That's not the case today, however!  We've scoured the Web to find some awesome free hits that represent a good mix of zany and traditional gameplay elements.  In this roundup, you'll become a historian, play a card game, recreate your favorite Steam experiences in 2D, and shoot down enemy planes.  It's a tall order, but we think that you're up for the task.  Click the jump and check out the unique titles we're showcasing in this five-game freeware roundup!

Opera Omnia

What it is: Well...  this game is a little bit more avant-garde than what you might expect.  In it, you play as a historian, attempting to trace connections throughout a period of history.  Your goal is to reach an overall historical event in every level--say, one city gaining a population of 800,000. You can affect the migratory pattern of people in similar cities by drawing paths to determine how and when everyone travels.  Give the game a few levels for the plot to cycle up, and you'll be hooked.

Download it here!

Gubs

What it is:  This card game is similar to titles like Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon, only it's a lot easier to master than these complicated titles.  While the game itself is something that you can actually purchase and play with your family and friends, this version pits you against computer opponents and is every bit as fun as sitting down at the table for real, human interaction.  Fire up your Gubs and get winnin'!

Download it here!

Battleships Forever

What it is: Tired of real-time strategy games that require you to mange resources and an army?  Want to just focus on the tactics of space-based, ship-to-ship combat?  Give Battleships Forever a try.  It's hardcore on tactics and minimal on the more typical RTS elements that pull you out of the fighting and into base management.  We love the game's wireframe graphics combined with its neat special effects--a great example of how to make a strategic title that still looks good.

Download it here!

Gang Garrison

What it is: Sound familiar?  Team Fortress?  Gang Garrison?  Team Fortress?  Yep.  This is a picture-perfect, 2D recreation of the popular Team Fortress 2 first-person shooter.  It's hilarious, as the pixelized version of the game actually attempts to stay as true to the fun and functionality of the original--spies can cloak, heavies get miniguns, and scouts bounce and run around like crazy. It's a great way to waste some time if you don't want to jump into a "real" TF2 match.  But you might want to watch out.  Play Gang Garrison too much, and you have the potential to swear off TF2 forever

Download it here!

A New Zero

What is it: This fun simulation lets you extract three-dimensional revenge on your computer opponent using either a plane or boat.  The controls are slightly more realistic than your average run-and-gun title, although the graphics are a little underwhelming compared to other games we've played.  Still, we like zooming around and shooting things--for that, this game is an ideal choice.  And it's fun too, did we mention that?

Download it here!