The growth of casual gaming has spawned an unprecedented variety, and quality, of free web-based games. And as the development quality gets ever higher, it attracts more talent, bigger budgets, and more ambitious scopes. Here are five terrific games from independent developers you might have missed the first time around. All of these can be played in your browser, with Flash. Go on, it’s Sunday — waste a little time!
GrowCube: This and the other equally gorgeous puzzles on EyezMaze require imagination, trial and error, and maybe even some note-taking. Patience will be rewarded by lovely animations and transformations in the game world. The unique gameplay requires you to think several steps ahead.
Tanks: It’s simple, and addictive — shoot various types of missiles at the enemy tank, judging angles and mass to score direct hits. The best part is that it can be played multiplayer, for up to five players, or just play the AI alone.
Warbears: Another puzzle game, with an utterly charming design and engaging sense of humor. Aid the bears in their mission by choosing the order of their actions — or watch as they hilariously meet failure.
Dai Pai Dong: Cooking Mama meets the classic Diner Dash — in Hong Kong! Try to keep up with the picky customers’ demands by cooking to order and serving up beers. Warning: playing before lunch may make you hungry for sauteed crab.
Sprout: The hand-drawn art sets this puzzle game apart, as does the creatively told story of one lonely seedling far from where it sprouted. By planting the seed and growing a new plant, with new properties, guide the seedling home.
And one extra, Scrabulous on Facebook: It’s simply Scrabble, online, with friends, through Facebook, and that’s simply it. And it is indeed fabulous — as well as a great way to stay in noncommittal contact with friends. And of course you already know about Desktop Tower Defense, right? Good.
23 comments so far
12:18 PM PT
[...] 5 Great (And Free) <b>Games</b> Youre Not Playing Now [...]
12:38 PM PT
I’d add kdice and duels.com to that list.
1:19 PM PT
Does anybody know of any Spanish supported free sites?
Thanks
1:41 PM PT
i like duels.com too. awesome time waster.
1:51 PM PT
No WeeWar? Psssh.
5:18 PM PT
[...] need a way to release some stress, then casual games are for you. Jane Pinckard at GigaOM lists her top 5 favourite online Flash games. I don’t really like Flash, but I have to admit the games are quite [...]
12:52 AM PT
What? No Weewar??
5:07 AM PT
I agree with Michael kdice and duels.com needs adding to that list
9:53 AM PT
You can play for free at Playzi.com or give back to the world at gameforcharity.com while potentially winning cash and prizes
1:44 PM PT
And dont forget albatross18 and rumble fighter.
Ogplanet is a great casual gaming site
2:06 PM PT
Great article! I definitely enjoyed the tank game. :)
I also know of another tank game which is free and multiplayer that some people might be interested in playing. It’s called BattleCity Classic. You can find it at:
http://www.looble.com/bcc/
2:25 PM PT
Those games are great. I’mma little surprised Harmotion isn’t on there. Harmotion.com
3:36 PM PT
For those who enjoy poking fun at pop-culture and online fantasy roleplaying, the Kingdom of Loathing is simply fantastic.
It’s available for free play at http://www.KingdomOfLoathing.com
There are no advertisements, no popups, tons of different in-game stuff…. I’ve been playing for almost a year. I very strongly recommend it.
5:49 PM PT
You missed Quadradius.com one of my most favorite strategic games.
It’s the next generation of Chess and Checkers
6:24 PM PT
160 million global players @ http://www.kartrider.com
3:16 AM PT
come on how could you leave Maplestory.com out of that list
10:27 AM PT
I want to add the free FPS WarRock…
5:59 PM PT
I’m really liking this free Platform game at the moment:
http://www.platformthegame.com/
It has a cool story and they put up a new level every week.
http://www.platformthegame.com
10:03 PM PT
awesome list of games. i am persuaded to try “tank”.
9:37 AM PT
great list…thanks
1:07 PM PT
wow 5 great games and very addictive too.
4:20 PM PT
Here is a big list of open source games.
http://fossgamer.110mb.com/index.html
4:16 AM PT
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