5 Awesome Free Games

Soldat 1.5 - Official site 

Soldat has been a stalwart multi-player action-platformer since 2001. It receives a mention here because it was recently updated to version 1.5 bringing numerous bug fixes and new features, such as lobby chat, TeamSpeak2 integration, and animated scenery. 

The basic gameplay is that of a side-scrolling competitive shooter. The player is in command of a soldier with jet boots, which allow the soldier to fly for a short period before having to land while the boots regenerate. The soldier’s load-out is customisable by the player, with ten primary and four secondary weapons to choose from. 

Player and projectile momentum, as well as gravity, play a core role in the gameplay. There are a variety of free-for-all and team based modes to choose from, and finding an active server through the official site is a breeze. Although a free game, there are some adverts built into the installer (the developer has to earn a crust after all) – fair warning to those who rush through installations.

Illuminator - Official site

This action platformer follows the story of a boy who must rescue his sister whom was kidnapped by ghouls. The ghouls travel from house to house by tearing through the fabric of space. The player must find in each house the torn space fabric and then defeat enough ghouls to weaken the stitches holding it closed.

To combat the nightmarish fiends, the player is armed with a ghoul dispelling flashlight. The flashlight must be charged for a couple of seconds before each attack. To help prepare for the ghoulish onslaught, the player must set up lights which cast a warning shadow as the ghouls pass by.

Fault Line  - Official site

Fault Line is a puzzle platformer with a refreshing concept at its gameplay core. The little robotic player avatar must navigate through levels filled with dangers. To help it along its way, the robot can shoot its arms off, and latch them onto special nodes on the level. The two arms then draw the nodes together, connecting previously unreachable areas of the level. With 30 levels to complete, the puzzles can become quite challenging toward the end.

Coma – Official site

Coma is slightly surreal experience – the player takes on the role of Pete, a featureless little guy exploring a twisted world. Whilst the platforming and puzzle elements are rather straightforward, it’s the experience of running through the game world and soaking in the visuals and ambient soundtrack that make it worthwhile. This one shouldn’t take too long to complete – perfect for a coffee break.

Cellcraft – Official site

Cellcraft is a pretty nifty example of an educational title done well. The game revolves around the life of a cell, with the goal of evolving an organism that can save the Platypus species. The game is somewhat of a strategy and tower-defense hybrid.

As the player progresses, they will unlock and learn about various functions of a living cell, with the concepts neatly worked into the gameplay mechanics. At certain points in the game, viruses attack and must be defended against. Aside from being packed full of interesting information, the game is also quite a bit of fun to play.

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