Protoculture: Gaming For Free

Every year, there seems to be a weird summer lull where no big video game titles come out. While this trend doesn't really seem to affect me much--as I spend a majority of my money on video games, many of which I don't have time to play (except during these dry release periods)--I'm sure there are more than a few of you out there that are a bit more careful with your game purchases.

So, given the economic times and shortage of traditional, full retail releases, I figured I could help out anyone that still wants to play new games, but can't find or afford the right ones. So, before you make a trip over to the Gamestop bargain bin to try your luck and drop some cash, check out these ways to find free games from the comfort of your own home.

No Downloads
Kongregate.com
While there are many websites that offer free flash games, Kongregate seems to prove time and time again that it has the best collection. Games include anything ranging from simple puzzle games to even complex RPGs. Out of the 16,393 games hosted on the site, my favorites have included the zombie RPG Sonny 2, the short-but-sweet robot adventure known as Little Wheel, the conceptual platformer Hunted Forever, and the adorably violent puzzler Bloody Fun Day. If you enjoy the site and think you’ll be visiting it often, I highly recommend registering with the site so you can take advantage of all of Kongregate’s features, like user reviews and achievements. UPDATE: Kongregate just added Street Fighter II Championship Edition!


Minimal Download (<15mb)
Quake Live
One of the most popular multiplayer first-person shooters ever, Quake, has undergone many iterations throughout the years, but none have been quite as impressive or convenient as Quake Live, a free downloadable version of Quake III Arena that can be run through your internet browser of choice. I wasn't too sure how well a fast-paced game like that would perform through a browser, but it actually seems to run perfectly. So, if you're still into old-school deathmatches and arena shooters, Quake Live is a perfectly free way to scratch that itch.


Soldat
Don't like shooting people in the first-person? Maybe you should try the classic, side-scrolling variety with Soldat. It may not be the prettiest game out there, but it has very solid mechanics and a healthy online community that has made it such an enjoyable game for all the years it has been around. Plus, you get rocket boots!


Konjak.org
Konjak.org is a peculiarly titled website that hosts the art and games of a (surpise!) artist and game designer named Joakim Sandberg. The 22-year-old has posted quite a few games on his site and all are delightful because they each offer unique gameplay experiences while retaining unity with Sandberg's signature art style. Legend of Princess, Chalk, Noitu Love, and Tripline are all fantastic games that I recommend you try at least once. And, if you liked those games, perhaps you may support the artist/game designer and pick up his latest work Noitu Love 2 for $10. It's a really neat game that continues the story of the first Noitu Love game while also incorporating game mechanics from most of the other free ones he hosts on his site.


Download (>15MB)
Battlefield Heroes
EA’s Battlefield Heroes is a cartoony, simplified iteration in the Battlefield series. The good news though is that it’s free, and it doesn’t feel entirely like a stripped down version of a game you may have already played before. With its unlock system and persistent character creation, Battlefield Heroes adds an extra layer of depth not found in other Battlefield games. So, even though the game plays like a simpler, arcade-y version of Battlefield 1942, Heroes manages to successfully bring something fun and unique to the table.


Home of the Underdogs
Looking for an old PC game that seems to be out of print? Instead of scouring eBay or Craigslist, why not check out Home of the Underdogs, the website that hosts tons of PC games considered to be “abandonware” (or rather, a game that has long been taken off retail shelves and is no longer supported by its developers). So, if you find yourself looking to dust off your old copy of Dune or Lode Runner, only to find it lost or unplayable, head on over to the Home of the Underdogs and you can get download another copy, free of charge.


If none of those satisfy you, then I guess you might have to drop some dough for a game you will enjoy. And, if you are looking to keep up with cool places to find free games, I suggest digging around on video game blogs like Kotaku, as they post about free games from time to time. In fact, they posted about this free PC fighting game a couple of days ago, maybe you should check it out. I know I’m going to… right now as a matter of fact.

UPDATE: I just found a cool place where you can play Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne against other people for free too: http://games.asobrain.com/

ANOTHER UPDATE: In the near future, you will also be able to play MechWarrior 4 for free. Make sure to check out MekTek.net to snag yourself a copy of this mech simulation game.