Top 10 Free PC Games 2011 [1]
Go to No: 10 game [6]
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
These 3 games just missed the coveted top 10 slot. I should say that they are equally good compared to the ones which made it onto the list. Some of these games missed the list for this year because they are still in alpha/beta stages. So, I thought it would be better to give them the real recognition they deserve when they are out of this phase. (Probably during next year?)
KING ARTHUR'S GOLD
KAG is one the first build'n'kill games in the world. It's a game about mining, building castles, destroying your enemies and collapsing their castle. It is a side-scrolling 2D action multiplayer war game with focus on building, constructing siege machines and intense PvP combat. Some inspirations for the game are Soldat, Minecraft, Dungeon Keeper & Ace of Spades. Currently available for Windows, Linux & Mac OS X. The game is currently in alpha stage and so, there is a lot more to come in this already incredible game. To find out what these are: What's Planned in KAG [7]
[8]Home: http://kag2d.com/ [9]
Download: http://kag2d.com/download [10]
Genre: 2D, Action, Building, Side-scrolling, Mining, Multiplayer, War
THE CAT AND THE COUP
The Cat and the Coup is a documentary video game in which you play the cat of Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. During the summer of 1953, the CIA engineered a coup to bring about his downfall. As a player, you coax Mossadegh back through significant events of his life by knocking objects off shelves, scattering his papers, jumping on his lap and scratching him. The Cat and the Coup is one of the most unique games I've found; play it now!
[11]
Home: http://coup.peterbrinson.com/ [12]
Download: http://coup.peterbrinson.com/ [12]
Genre: Documentary, History, Politics, Puzzle
WAY
Way is a 2 player co-op platformer game crafted by Coco & Co, and won the Best Student Game at the Independent Games Festival. Way is still in its infancy alpha stage. In Way, 2 strangers learn to speak, in this unique and bizarre adventure.
[13]
Home: http://www.makeourway.com/ [14]
Download: http://www.makeourway.com/ [14]
Genre: 2 Player, Co-op, Platformer
Now go on to find the top ten games of 2011
Go to No:10 Game [15]
10. MOMODORA II
[16]
Momodora II was developed by rdein, which is a sequel to Momodora. The sequel continues from where Momodora has left off: the previous protagonist, who had been cursed into an underworld queen, has now returned and is causing problems for a nearby village. You play as Momo, a shime maiden of Koho village, on a mission to defeat the new queen.
Momodora II has a metroidvania style, the graphics closely resembling to that of Pixel's Cave Story, with a fitting and atmospheric soundtrack. You start with a basic maple leaf as your attack and you go on to attain new abilities such as double jump, missiles and dash power-up during the short adventure. The difficulty factor ramps up pretty quickly as you gain new skills. You'll also achieve hearts during the course of the game to replenish your lost health. There's also an in-game map to help you if you get lost.
All fans of its predecessor should certainly love this sequel with its varied world locations, mini boss battles and map exploration, and in addition, the better gameplay mechanics and graphics in this explorative and enjoyable platformer.
Download: Softpedia [17]
Genre: 2D, Action, Explorative, Platformer
Honourable Mentions9. HYPER PRINCESS PITCH
[20]
It's the Princess vs Santa showdown! Wait, is it Christmas at this time of the year? Who cares! Santa hadn’t given her the presents that she deserved when she was young, and now she’s back to take revenge on Santa and all his helpers, in this amazingly fun game.
The game was just an unexpected delight from creator of Hero Core and Iji. Hyper Princess Pitch is a remake of Dos Operation:Carnage. With its fast paced arcade style of gameplay, snappy music, old fashioned yet detailed graphics, a bunch of cheesy characters and incredible replay value; Hyper Princess Pitch brings out the best even though it’s a very short game.
There are only a few levels and you’ll be facing a boss during each of these levels. The reason why this game should be played again and again is because of the alternative endings, and specifically the intensity of the bosses, in the highest difficulty setting. This is where they get a whole final phase, and there’s also a secret bonus level. Play this game right now, if you don’t want to be haunted by the 3 ghosts of Christmas during the festive end of the year. Shoot ‘em up!
Home: http://www.remar.se/daniel/pitch.php [21]
Download: http://www.remar.se/daniel/pitch.php [21]
Genre: Action, Arcade, Shooter
8. Nitronic Rush
[23]
Digipen is always known for creating innovative games and that too by amateurs. How about an arcade style survival racing game that has neon lit, futuristic style race tracks, Tron like visuals and electro-house music? Nitronic Rush has it all.
Nitronic Rush has 7 well designed story levels along with 5 unlockable hardcore challenge modes. The innovative design and controls produces the best original gameplay that lets you use NR to boost your speed, constantly change your center of gravity, and glide across gaps. You can also use buzzsaws and grinders, jump between elevated platforms and abysses using wings that spread out from your racing car, as well as move vertically up walls and swirl your car to a perfect landing. This is arcade racing at its best. There's also ghost runs of other players as well as online leaderboards.
Nitronic Rush created a wave at Digipen by winning the game of the year for good reason. With its amazing graphics and sound design, this unique and challenging racing game puts other commercial games in the shade. I would love to see more maps and modes, and even a multiplayer mode. Are you hearing me developers?
Home: http://nitronic-rush.com/ [24]
Download: http://nitronic-rush.com/download-game/ [25]
Genre: Experimental, Racing, Survival
7. Don't Take It Personally Babe, It Just Ain't Your Story
[28]
I have been a fan of visual novels ever since I played 999: 9 hours, 9 persons, 9 doors, a Nintendo commercial game. Christine Love, first created magic with her critically acclaimed game, "Digital:A Love Story" and continues it with DTIPB. Her writing weaves an engrossing drama with, surprises and twists, natural and believable dialogue sequences and like her name, has an element of love.
DTIPB is an interactive visual novel, all about love, sex, trust, guilt, internet, sexuality and privacy. You are John Rook, a high school teacher, handling a class of socially networked hooked students in the year 2047. At school, the students and teachers are equipped with a tablet, and the students use AmieConnect on this tablet. This is very similar to Facebook, and is used to interact with their other classmates, to post their status on their profile and wall; make gossip, send private messages, argue with each other and even to flirt.
This very interactive novel becomes really interesting when you, as John Rook, have access to all the messages that students post, including their public and private conversations which the students are not supposed to know about; thereby, breaking every moral of privacy. As the story progresses there are elements of tension and drama created; not only do you get to know about the good, the bad and the ugly sides of these teenagers, but also the problems they face in their personal life and how to help them if needed. The game has 3 different endings, depending on the choices you make, thanks to the smart and creatively told piece of narration.
Home: Scoutshonour [29]
Download: DTIPB [29]
Genre: Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel
6. SuteF
[32]
This is one of those games, that if you pass on playing, you will do an injustice to yourself because this is a worthwhile experience. SuteF is the successor of Ted Lauterbach's previous work Fetus (spelled backwards SuteF). At first look, it may appear similar to any standard puzzle platformer, but this one surely makes a difference by being both unique and bizarre.
Aramas, a soggy little man, has 3 measly abilities (jumping, crate pushing and grappling), that you have to use to progress through 5 sets of exceptionally good puzzles, which become increasingly complex. You'll have to save him from this hellish dimension by using his paltry abilities in a plurality of ways, using your brains. You will have to exploit the spatial impossibilities, of the falsified dimension that SuteF brings, to reach your goal.
If there is any game that makes you feel that you've spent your time well, then it must be SuteF. As the developer says, play it unless you are allergic to bright flashes.
Home: http://rottentater.com/sutef/ [33]
Download: http://gamejolt.com/freeware/games/puzzle/sutef/4195/ [34]
Genre: Platformer, Puzzle
5. Nous
[37]
Have you ever wondered what would happen, if one day after waking up, you discovered that you had no clue about your identity and also no idea about your whereabouts? Could there be anything worse than this? Well don't despair because there is a computer analysis program or "Nous", that will tell you about yourself and come to your rescue.
Nous takes you on a journey into your own mind. In a nutshell, it works on the principle of artificial intelligence. According to your response, Nous shapes the experience, which in turn changes the game world around you. Is it really trying to help you for nothing? Heck, Nous doesn't even know what it is. Through the assistance that it provides you, it tries to fathom its own purpose and identity. Nous in essence is actually a top down, wave based action shooter/art game.
The compelling narrative will guide you throughout the game, as you become more curious and try to unravel various mysteries. Apart from its shooter type of gameplay, the narrative is actually a tutorial based type, the questions being put in such a manner to see your reactions, and as Nous learns more about you, the experiences become more personal and challenges grow evermore intense. The game is just amazing and delivers something entirely exceptional.
Home: http://www.whatisnous.com/ [38]
Download: http://www.whatisnous.com/ [38]
Genre: Action, Chase, Experimental, Narrative, Wave Based, Unique
4. Viriax
[41]
Human anatomy and molecular biology were quite boring during my biology classes in freshman year. That lasted only until Locomalito offered his freeware game Viriax. You and I have suffered from the common cold, fever and various other infections. But have you ever wondered what really happens inside our body during all those times of illness?
Wow, you get to experience just that, while playing Viriax! And I just love playing bad guys because here you are a virus attempting to infect your host, a human! You're inside his body trying to infect different body parts across various stages, starting from Heart to Lungs, Intestine, Stomach, Brain and finally N.A.S
So, there you're, swimming up inside the body collecting coins (RBC's?) or rather "life" to preserve yourself because you lose health after each move; to make a move upwards you need good strategy. Infecting the host isn't easy, as there are various antibodies fighting against you, and you'll need to fight and kill them and scoop up their leavings during your journey inside the organs. There are power-ups and power-downs across the levels. The levels are randomly generated every time and therefore, paves the way for an amazing replay value. By the way the included soundtrack is a treat for the ears!
Home: http://www.locomalito.com/viriax.php [42]
Download: http://www.locomalito.com/viriax.php [42]
Genre: Arcade, Medical Terror, Random
3. Stealth Bastard
[45]
Stealth games always keep you on your toes. You need precise timing, good eyesight and not to mention great hearing. But why should they always be slow and patient? Stealth Bastard redefines this genre with a fast paced chaotic style of gameplay, but still sticks to the core basic concept i.e Stealth. With its incredible background music, and well designed levels and cool graphics, it makes me wonder why in the world is this game free?
**** READ OUR FULL REVIEW [46] ****
Home: http://www.stealthbastard.com/ [47]
Download: http://www.stealthbastard.com/ [47]
Genre: Action, Platformer, Puzzle, Stealth
2. Treasure Adventure Game 
[50]
One word that came into my mind after I saw the trailer of TAG was... massive. TAG is the fulfillment of 3 long years of development by Robert Studios. It might be more than 7 years since the classic Cave Story was released, but you're about to see the same spell of magic cast upon us when you're playing TAG. The game is stocked with treasures, secrets, puzzles, characters, quests and a whole lot more during this exciting platforming adventure.
The world in TAG is so huge and open, you'll definitely fall in love with the adventure and the exploration of TAG's rich environments. You're a sailor searching for 12 enchanted items with the treasure maps and compass coordinates. The storyline is amazing. It's slow paced at first but steadily builds up when you are exploring the world; talking to characters and performing quests, finding hidden crests on land, underground or underwater. The weather might be rainy with lightning bolts at times and clear during the other, a day-night cycle, where different stores open only at certain points of the day, the same applies to the characters. TAG is pure genius!
The game is so captivating that it will keep you both engaged and intrigued, you may get frustrated at times while finding hidden secrets, you may get lost or wander hopelessly on what to do next, but everything ties together so well, you'll just have to expect the unexpected at times.
Download: Gamefront [52]
Genre: Adventure, Open World, Platformer
1. TEAM FORTRESS 2
[55]
And the Number 1 Free PC Game of 2011 is...Team Fortress 2! Come on, it was released in 2007, why is it in the list now? Well, you are in for a surprise. This smash hit game from Valve is now free to play! Seriously? You mean the same team who made Counter Strike, Left4Dead, Half Life and the Portal series is offering a free game! Look no further, because as of June 2011, TF2, one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, is free to play!
**** READ OUR FULL REVIEW [56] ****
Home: http://www.teamfortress.com/ [57]
Download: http://www.tf2.com/freetoplay/ [58]
Genre: Action, FPS, Multiplayer, Team Based