Freeware Files: Games, Games, and More Games--Five Graphics-Crazy Titles!

We begin another trip through the freeware files with a focus on graphics this time around--graphics and zombies. While a majority of the free games in this roundup feature some kind of interesting graphical treatment, there's one straggler that looks a bit like the sprites from SimCopter. But this little gem, of all the games on said list, features a healthy dose of zombie-killing. So for that, I can forgive its less-than-ideal looks.

But enough about that. You want to get to the games. I don't blame you. In fact, just to make sure I'm appeasing your interests, I'm taking a look at a number of different genres this time around. If zombies aren't your thing, or you can't stand the thought of an 8-bit, FPS-style puzzle title, then you'll surely find a winner in one of the other titles on this week's list. From marble-smashing arcade games to awesome little racecar rallies, you're guaranteed to find at least one gem amongst these super-fun freeware titles. 

Let's begin!

Q-Lat3

What is it: This one's a little crazy, so I'll try and make it really simple. You control a giant ball. The object of the game is to transform smaller balls into a single, unified color. You do this by smashing your giant ball into other balls--when a faster ball hits a slower ball, the slower ball turns into the color of the faster ball. By now, your mind is probably filled with the image of crazy chain-reactions and colors flying all over the place. That's good. You're now picturing what a typical game of Q-Lat3 is like--minus, of course, the three-minute timer that's continually counting down on each level! Smash faster!

Download it here!

Brain Cramp

What is it: Graphics? Eh. Zombies? Eh! What this game lacks in pretty visual treatments, it makes up for in limitless zombie-killing. While your arsenal isn't quite as extensive as other games in the zombie genre, notably Dead Rising, you can nevertheless extract your survivor's vengeance using the good ol' fashioned chainsaw, flamethrower, and plenty of bullet-based weaponry, amongst others. A neat little feature of Brain Cramp is the game's live stats-tracking, or LiveRank, which shows you just how well you're progressing in slaying undead compared to everyone else that's played the game. Awesome!

Download it here!

(author edit: name of game changed from the incorrect "brain camp" to the correct "brain cramp."  Who wants to go on a camping trip with zombies, anyway?)

GeneRally

What is it: This timeless classic is a pretty simple (and simply pretty) racing game. Drive by yourself or against up to six other people on the same computer, chugging through lap after lap in heated racing excitement. Due to the age of this title, it can be a little tricky when you try to mix it with the Vista operating system. Check out this handy forum post for some tips on how you can continue your racing career through OS upgrades--it sure would stink to miss out on such a fun little title just because you decided to jump up to Windows 7 or something. For that matter, be sure to check out the general community forum for links to new tracks!

Download it here!

Wings 2

What is it: Fly through lush backgrounds and landscapes in a little 2D fighter plane, shooting as many other people as you can get your sights on. The game supports online and hotseat gameplay, with split-screen capabilities that turn your monitor into one large panel of air-based chaos--there are more than 30 weapons in this game, after all. If you love the game, be sure to check out the additional map and music pack available for download on the site. And, yes, that huge update is just as free as Wings 2!

Download it here!

Judith

What is it: This is not a cop-out, I promise. Revealing any details of this unique, storytelling-driven adventure would surely spoil your enjoyment of the title. So that's all you get. If anything, this "game" will probably have you asking more questions about how plot and delivery could be rethought in modern titles. But even if you don't want to get all big picture, that's ok. Just enjoy the pixel-based adventure for what it's worth!

Download it here!