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Filed under: Fun, Games, Time-Wasters

Number Ninjas is an addictive, equation-solving Time Waster

Time Wasterby Lee Mathews Nov 6th 2009


Everybody loves a good Time Waster. Everybody loves ninjas. And everyone loves solving mathematical equations, right? Number Ninjas is all this goodness rolled up into one slick little Flash game!

You play the number one, armed with a ninja's favorite projectiles: throwing stars. And by "stars" I mean +, -, /, and *. To complete a level, you've got to defeat enemy numerals using the correct operator to satisfy the equation in the bottom right corner.

Sure, nailing this eight with a + would do the trick, but who knows what other numbers lurk around the next corner? Perhaps there's a two waiting to pounce? Who knows how many other nasties this guy brought to the fight. Getting the correct mix may take you a few tries on some levels, but I didn't find the process frustrating.

If you want a good way to keep your brain limber for a few minutes, Number Ninjas is a good way to do it.

Tags: casual, flash game, FlashGame, gaming, math, ninja, ninjas

Filed under: Games

Which came first, our love of video games -- or ADD?

by Sebastian Anthony Oct 25th 2009

Here's a meaty issue -- a meaty, contemporary issue. Go back fifty years, before video games, before ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) was 'discovered', and such a story couldn't even exist.

But here we are: modern day. Love it or hate it, we inhabit a world where vast and incredible leaps in the realms of technology and science occur on a daily basis. We're now, as a result, one very big international community full of gamers, where the person sitting next to you on the train is more likely to be a fellow gamer than not. And apparently -- and this might not be a shock to some of you -- according to a new report, we're picking up new and freshly-labeled psychoses from our rampant, reckless, just-one-more-hour gaming habits. Apparently.

CNET breaks down the conclusion of the report:
"A new study out of Iowa State University finds that people who play video games for 40-plus hours a week have a harder time focusing on certain tasks than those who play just a few hours a week."

You should probably read the findings of the study yourself and draw your own conclusions, but I do have one thing to add:
Considering the complexity and involvement of video games, maybe gamers just don't find real life quite as interesting by comparison?

If I could choose between going to the office and focusing on a word processor for 8 hours a day, or playing a 32-player video game that involves pixel-perfect hand-eye coordination and one-hundred percent, focused concentration all the time -- well, I think I'd choose the game. Is it any surprise that we gamers find our mind wandering when turned to the menial, humdrum tasks of the real world?

[via CNET]

Tags: addiction, gamers, gaming, hardcore, psychology, report

Filed under: Fun, Games, Internet

Civilization is coming to Facebook

by Sebastian Anthony Oct 23rd 2009

Well, that's that then.

Gone are the days when you actually did stuff.

Forget actually getting work done in the office.

You've turned your last steak in CafeWorld and milked your last cow in FarmVille -- because ladies and gentlemen, Sid Meier's Civilization will soon be available on the world's largest social network: Facebook. (In fact there's already a Facebook group that you can join for up-to-date news!)

I don't expect this to appeal to all of you -- in fact, those of you under 20 probably haven't even heard of the Civ franchise, but for those of you that have played it, you'll understand the awesomeness of this release.

I leave you with Overlord Meier's own words:
"Civilization Network will allow you to join together with your friends to create the world's most powerful, richest, smartest, or just plain coolest civilization."

[via CNET and Gamasutra]

Tags: casual games, CasualGames, civilization, facebook, facebook apps, FacebookApps, games, gaming, sid meier, SidMeier

Filed under: Games, Video, Features, Microsoft

Windows 7 and DirectX 11 - not just good news for gamers!

by Sebastian Anthony Oct 23rd 2009



Let me begin with some common knowledge to put us on some common ground. Vista sucks. By association, DirectX10 sucks. In fact, you might not even know what DirectX is -- and you would be forgiven!

DirectX is the piece of software that sits between your computer, and your video games. If you don't play games, you won't have heard of it. When you play a game on your PC it goes through DirectX. And until now, that's all DirectX did.

It's true: DirectX 10 premiered some nice new technologies. But because they were only available on Vista, which as we all know sucked more than a Hoover with a fresh, high-suction bag, DirectX 11 will be the first time most of us get to experience these new, funky technologies.

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Tags: directx, directx11, dx11, games, gaming, graphics, technology, windows 7, windows-7, Windows7

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Filed under: Games, Linux, Open Source

Off the Clock: djl is a must-have app for Linux gamers

Linuxby Lee Mathews Oct 10th 2009


Now that I've managed to pick up a spare laptop on the cheap, I finally have a dedicated Linux machine to experiment with. Priority number one since I'm Off the Clock for the weekend: get some games installed that are more fun than the ones Ubuntu ships (sorry Nibbles and Gnometris).

Enter djl. Think of it as a kind of FOSS version of Steam. Except, of course, that all the games are totally free. Currently, djl's repositories warehouse about 120 games -- all of which can be installed with just a few painless clicks. New games are submitted frequently, and you can read about them on the app's news tab.

Just about every popular game you can think of is available: Battle Tanks, Cube, Hedgewars, Numptyphysics, OpenArena, Urban Terror, Warsow, and many more. If it runs on Linux, you can probably install it with djl. Games you download are added to the -- you guessed it -- games tab. Uninstalling and updating is also a breeze, making djl an awesome way to manage your collection.

There's even a built-in chat where you can talk to other djl users: find out what they're playing, or maybe find yourself an opponent for some head-to-head combat.

[via Unixmen]

Tags: djl, downloader, games, gaming, installer, linux, manager, off the clock, off-the-clock, OffTheClock, ubuntu

Filed under: Mozilla, Browsers

WebGL support makes first appearance in latest Firefox 3.7 nightly builds

by Lee Mathews Sep 20th 2009


Google Chrome and other WebKit-based browsers aren't the only ones getting improved 3D graphics handling capabilities. As of September 18th, Firefox trunk builds include support for WebGL.

Developer Vladimir Vukićević refers to the project as "essentially a way of accessing OpenGL from within the browser, through the HTML5 canvas tag." Together with the recent leaps in Javascript performance, it's hoped that WebGL can a whole new - pardon the pun - dimension to our experience of 3D graphics on the web.

Progress is coming quickly, but there are still plenty of issues to address before WebGL support is ready for prime time. Vukićević cites security and portability issues with shaders, as well as the problem of what to do on platforms where OpenGL is not available. He also promises some simple demos that will arrive in the near future. If you've seen some already, we'd love to hear about them in the comments! Apart from the Webkit globes, cube, and teapot, that is.

The Minfield (currently Firefox 3.7) builds are available from the Mozilla FTP. To enable WebGL support, head to about:config and change the webgl.enabled_for_all_sites value from false to true (double-clicking the value will change it).

Tags: 3d, firefox, gaming, graphics, opengl, web-browsers, webgl

Filed under: Games, Windows, Macintosh, Linux

Quake Live goes cross-platform, adding Mac and Linux support in update

WindowsMacLinuxby Lee Mathews Aug 15th 2009


Buried way, way down at the bottom of an ID Software press release, there's some exciting news for Linux and Mac users who have been waiting to join the fray at Quakelive.com.

This Tuesday's update will bring with it a number of fixes and improvements. Leaderboards will be returning, but the most noteworthy change is that the browser-based FPS will finally support all three major platforms.

You'll need Firefox installed on your Mac or Linux box to get in on the action. Apart from IE, no other browsers are supported yet. If you don't use Firefox and you've been anxiously waiting to try Quake Live, that's a small price to pay.

As Download Squad regular Kenn will tell you, "Free is good." Head on over to Quakelive.com on August 18 and sign up.

Tags: browser-based, cross-platform, fps, gaming, id-software, quake-live, quakecon

Filed under: Fun, Games, Linux, Open Source

Supreme SuperGamer packs tons of Linux gaming onto a dual-layer DVD

Linuxby Lee Mathews Jul 24th 2009

While you might not be able to play all the latest major release games on Linux, there are still plenty of excellent games that will work on the OS. I ran down 25 cross-platform titles a while back, many of which began as Linux-only games.

Want an easy way to try out a whole slew of 'em? Take the Supreme SuperGamer distro for a spin.

It's built on top of Vector Linux, a speedy little Slackware-based distro. What games are included? There's Doom 3, Quake Wars, Urban Terror, Soldier of Fortune, Postal 2, Nexuiz, America's Army, Torcs, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, Unreal Tournament, Chromium B.S.U., Frets on Fire...and a whole lot more.

The ISO download is for a dual-layer DVD, so you'll need to have a compatible burner and the right media handy. If you're underquipped or just don't feel like torrenting 7+ gigs of data, you can pick up a DVD from On-Disk for $15.99.

note: screenshot is from an older version. my download hasn't quite finished yet...

[via DistroWatch]

Tags: americas-army, gaming, linux, nexuiz, postal, quake, slackware, vector-linux, wolfenstein

Filed under: Games, Web services, Social Software

Twitter's new frontier: World of Warcraft?!

by Jay Hathaway Jul 6th 2009


With Twitter catching on around the globe, it's probably not surprising that it's starting to turn up in virtual worlds, too. TweetCraft is an in-game Twitter client for World of Warcraft, allowing WoW players to tweet from the game, and even auto-tweet in-game events. Hey, people cover professional sports live on Twitter, so why not WoW, too?

WoW is known for its extremely dedicated players, so TweetCraft is actually a line to the outside world for people who are playing the game full-screen all day. It can automatically tweet when you log on, and automatically post new in-game achievements to Twitter, which is really no different than what FourSquare does when you check in or get a new badge. Even better, you can send screenshots to Twitter using TwitPic. Again, people TwitPic things they see in real life all the time, so an in-game analogue totally makes sense.

Tags: gaming, tweetcraft, twitter, world-of-warcraft, wow

Filed under: Fun, Games, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Freeware, Open Source

25 awesome Cross-platform games you can download for free

WindowsMacLinuxby Lee Mathews Jun 20th 2009

Regardless of what operating system you run on your computer, it doesn't have to be all work and no play. Heck, that could turn you into some kind of axe-wielding homicidal maniac bent on destroying your own family while watching over a remote resort hotel in the dead of winter.

I'd certainly never want that to happen to any of our DownloadSquad readers, so here's a list of games that you can install on Windows, Mac, and Linux (and some even on BeOS and BSD). Enjoy!

...And, as usual, if there's a particularly killer cross-platform game that I didn't include, feel free to post it in the comments -- and tell us why you love it!
Battle for Wesnoth - One of the best known open source games around, Wesnoth is an excellent fantasy-themed turn-based strategy game. There's plenty here to keep you busy - multiple campaigns and large maps, and online multiplayer for when you grow weary of playing on your own.

Battle Tanks - It's got colorful, cartoonish graphics, massive explosions, tanks....And best of all, it's got multiplayer. What could be more fun than blowing up your friends while causing immeasurable damage to an unsuspecting city?

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Tags: cross-platform, download, free, games, gaming, joystiq, list, open-source, oss

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Filed under: Fun, Games, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Freeware, Open Source

25 awesome Cross-platform games you can download for free - pg 2

WindowsMacLinuxby Lee Mathews Jun 20th 2009


Cube2: Sauerbraten - Another excellent open source FPS. One of the coolest things about it is that you can build and edit levels while you're in the game. There's also Quadropolis, a massive repository of goodies for the Cube engine including maps, scripts, and mods.

Eat the Whistle - If you're into uber-realist sports games, go ahead and scroll right past this one. If, however, you enjoy a little bit of humor and some old-school visuals, Eat the Whistle is a must-have download. Features sim, career, and arcade (complete with power-ups) modes.
FreeCiv - Another cornerstone of open source gaming. Inspired by Sid Meier's classic series, FreeCiv challenges you to develop your civilization from primitive roots into a thriving, modern society. Multiplayer mode support up to 30 (yes, 30) players. With more than 100 playable nations and 29 translations, FreeCiv is a truly international Time Waster.


FreeDroid - A modern take on the C64 classic Paradroid. It's a rich, futuristic RPG with plenty of robot butt kicking. In addition to dozens of different weapons, there's also a wide range of magic attacks, and you can even take control of your enemies and use them against each other.

Frets on Fire - If you've been looking for an excuse to rock out with your keyboard, go download Frets on Fire now. Tell your office mates your learning to play like Vadim Pruzhanov. Sure, he plays a different kind of keyboard, but it's still badass.


Tags: cross-platform, games, gaming, open-source, oss

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Filed under: Fun, Games, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Freeware, Open Source

25 awesome Cross-platform games you can download for free - pg 3

WindowsMacLinuxby Lee Mathews Jun 20th 2009



Glest - This fantasy themed RTS pits the opposing factions of magic and technology against each other. Do battle with mages, dragons, archers, horsemen, ornithopters, and more. If you grow weary of Glest itself, there are plenty of mods you can download to breath new life into the game.

Globulation 2 - A slick RTS that lets you focus on the "S" by intelligently handling part of the nettlesome micro-management this type of game usually requires. The game's built-in tutorial will help you learn how to build a powerful creature civilization that will be the envy of...er...other creatures.

Grid Wars 2 - There are times when playing this game makes you feel like you're trying to take on Asteroids, Tempest, and Gyruss all at once. If you like space shooters, bright, stunning visual,s and frantic gameplay, Grid Wars 2 will keep you riveted.

Hedgewars / Wormux - Two different takes on the turn-based goodness inspired by Worms. Both games feature awesome, cartoony graphics and fun gameplay, though I'm partial to Wormux (it may have something to do with the Gnu cannon).

LinCity - This popular open source city simulation hit version 2.0 this year, and it's looking better than ever. Manage your resources, keep people happy, and watch your creation grow into a booming metropolis - or cram everyone into spaceships and get the heck out of dodge - either way, you win!

Tags: cross-platform, games, gaming, open-source, oss

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Filed under: Fun, Games, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Freeware, Open Source

25 awesome Cross-platform games you can download for free - pg 4

WindowsMacLinuxby Lee Mathews Jun 20th 2009


Neverball - If Marble Madness was cool, Neverball is absolute zero. Use your mouse to tilt the playing surface and manouver the ball to collect coins and reach the goal marker. The download also includes Neverputt, which is exactly what you think it is - a tilt-and-roll miniature golf game.

Phun - Two-dimensional physics sandbox tomfoolery! Create all kinds of crazy arrangements then turn Phun loose and see what happens. Objects can be made out of different materials, and they react in different ways. See how gravity, friction, and wind affect things. If only grade 12 physics had been this much fun...

Scourge - Scourge bills their project as a "graphical Rogue-like game." If that's true, think of Rogue as the plate and Scourge as a multi-layer, fancily decorated cake piled atop it. It's packed with open source Dungeons and Dragons style action. The project has some ambitious goals and is looking for contributors - if you enjoy playing it and can offer your skills, find the team on the #scourge IRC channel on Freenode.

Smokin' Guns - Take a Quake3-powered FPS, slather on some Briscoe County, Jr., and you've got Smokin' Guns. You can almost smell the black powder and road apples. It's good, old-fashioned, Wild West fun.

Vacuum Magic - If Luigi's Mansion left you thinking all vacuum-based games sucked, give this 2d side-scroller a try. It's just you and your mystical 'vacuum field' against all manner of nefarious critters. Suck in certain beasts and food items and you can spit 'em back out to inflict damage.

VDrift - Ever wished you could be just like Vin Diesel? I wouldn't go sharing that with too many people. On a related note, VDrift is an awesome 3D drift racing sim. The latest version boasts a smarter AI, better physics, new sounds, and improved overall performance.

Tags: cross-platform, games, gaming, open-source, oss

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Filed under: Fun, Games, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Freeware, Open Source

25 awesome Cross-platform games you can download for free - pg 5

WindowsMacLinuxby Lee Mathews Jun 20th 2009

Vega Strike - VS provides the backbone for a number of remix projects (like Pi Armada, Privateer Gemini Gold, and Parallel Universe). Explore space, build a trading empire, and blast your opponents to space dust. Plus, they just got their 'Super Ultra Cool Sound Systems' (SUCSS?) working last month.

Warsow - Warsow's developer credit Quakeworld, Quake CPMA, Jet Set Radio, and Speedball for inspiring aspects of their game, and it's a combination that really works. The game's fast pace and cell-shaded graphics work well together. Other cool features: dual firing modes (weak and strong) for weapons, wall jump, ramp slides, dashing, and dodging.

Widelands - If you enjoyed playing the Settlers games and haven't tried Widelands yet, now's the time. Lead your tribe to glory in single-player mode, or go multiplayer on your LAN or over the Internet. You and your friends can unite to form glorious new empires - or just try to kick the snot out of each other.

Wolfenstien: Enemy Territory - Mein Leben! Ok, so that was from the old, old Wolfenstein. The idea is the same: shoot all the bad guys or they'll shoot you (or blow you up). The links will take you to Planet Wolfenstein where you'll find downloads for all three OSes, map editors, source code, and more.

Yo Frankie! - Built on the Blender Game Engine, Yo Frankie is as good a 3d platformer as you'll find for free. There's lots of lighthearted action to enjoy, and new levels are constantly being developed by an enthusiastic community.

Tags: cross-platform, games, gaming, open-source, oss

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Filed under: Games, Utilities, Windows, Freeware, Windows x64

Game Booster auto-tweaks Windows for better performance

Windowsby Lee Mathews Apr 7th 2009


There are plenty of hardware-free solutions for squeezing a little bit more gaming performance out of your Windows system. Heck, there are even a number of tools built right in to Windows that you can use to cut down on background performance drains before you fire up your favorite game - like services.msc, for example.

Still, it's kind of pain to go in there and selectively turn off unwanted services all the time. Game Booster makes the process totally painless. It's similar to AMD's Fusion tool: when activated, Game Booster will turn off any unnecessary Windows services, do a quick RAM sweep, and offer to close any other programs that are currently running.

Game Booster is useful in non-gaming situations as well - keep it handy to quiet background process noise whenever you're firing up any processor-hungry application.

Game Booster is a free download, and it's compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and even Windows 7 - good news for those of you who are beta testing and looking for compatible tweaking apps.

Tags: gaming, performance-tuning, services, tweaking, windows

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Graveyard Shift - zombie-busting Time Waster

With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet. They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...

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