After spending quite a few years going through multiple free games, I've decided to compile a list of what I thought were the best ones. The rules for this list are as follows:
- it cannot require an online connection (so no mmos)
- it has to be free
- it has to be able to run on systems that aren't super current. (surprisingly, there are some that can't)
- it can't be based on an existing property (no streets of rage remakes or D&D games here)
- it can't be a mod of another game, free or otherwise. (if there's a cool mod available it will be mentioned)
Number 5: Iji by Daniel Remar
A level-based platformer with rpg elements, Iji has a surprising amount of content. each level can be beaten in different ways, and allows for exploration while never forcing too much of it on the player. the game can be played as either pacifistic (no kills, stealth focused) or murderous, and it will affect the ending along with several scenes. The only game on this list with animated cutscenes and moral choices, the only thing keeping it on the bottom of the list is the relative lack of content and slow start-up.
Number 4: Cave Story by Studio Pixel
This game should be plenty familiar. It's gotten a release on wiiware, DSiware, and the 3DS, on top of getting an updated commercial version for the PC. While I will concede that the plus version is better, the original holds up insanely well in comparison, with a lot of people preferring the original art style and music to the enhanced stuff. People love it for it's SNES style atmosphere, intriguing story, and fast paced run and gun gameplay, and the free version has all that in spades.
Number 3: Spelunky by Mossmouth
Another game with a commercial release, but this time only available on the 360, meaning this is still the only version for pc players. an adventure platformer with permadeath and randomly generated levels (don't call it a roguelike, you'll incur the wrath of the genre's fans), spelunky is often called "the best indiana jones game". With things like snake pits of death, giant boulders, and deadly bats, that is an accurate description. it's insanely hard, and has a generous amount of levels. between the excellent aesthetic, good amount of replay value, and insanely tight platforming controls, it's a tough contender to beat. however, there are two...
Number 2: Dwarf Fortress by Bay12games
(no picture here, it has no title screen)
One of the most famous free PC games and for a damn good reason. Dwarf fortress might not have much in the way of presentation (the game is ascii without any mods), and it may have a huge learning curve, but if you can get past all that you can do utterly insane things that no other game could ever support. one need not look any further than stories like a dwarf fighting through hell with a pair of underwear to understand why this game is on the list.
So, you may be asking yourself, what could possibly top all the excellent games listed here? It would have to be something that looked great, played great, offered an excellent story and offered a good amount of playtime. Wonder no longer, because the answer is...
Number 1: Barkley, Shut up and Jam: Gaiden by Tales of Games
This game is amazing. one of the best I've played, free or otherwise. Set in the same universe as Space Jam, this game is infinitely more serious, with a storyline set in a post-basketball dystopian society. You play as famous basketball player Charles Barkley as he tries to clear his name and uncovers a vast conspiracy in the process. The gameplay is like a suped-up paper mario, with turn based mechanics that have special attacks based on timed button presses. The presentation is nothing to sneeze at either, voice acting is limited and graphically you can tell it's an RPGmaker game, and in fights you get mortal kombat style sprites, but when all of it comes together it draws you in and doesn't let go.
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