ALIEN SWARM
What it is: Lead a squad of futuristic soldiers on a mission to clear out a hive of aliens infesting a human colony world in this action game. Up to four players can co-operate online to exterminate the bugs.
Where to get it: www.store.steampowered.com; PC, requires Steam to be installed
BATTLEFORGE
What it is: This real-time strategy game is set in a fantasy world where cards can be activated to create the units they represent. The free version of the game initially offers 32 cards, several for each of the game's four elements. Players may buy points to spend on more cards. Rated Teen.
Where to get it: www.battleforge.com;
PC CRANE WARS
What it is: This physics-based game from the makers of Off-Road Velociraptor Safari has players trying to construct buildings while fending off crane attacks from rival building sites and trying to throw a wrench (or exploding vehicle) into their efforts as well. A deluxe version is sold for $US3 ($NZ4).
Where to get it: www.blurst.com/crane-wars; Web browser game
DESKTOP DUNGEONS
What it is: A puzzle game in the shape of an RPG, Desktop Dungeons has players moving through dark dungeons and using attacks and spells to defeat the enemies that block the way to the exit of each randomly generated floor.
Where to get it: www.qcfdesign.com; Mac or PC
GOBLIN WAR MACHINE
What it is: Strike back at the hated humans with a slapdash contraption in this action game. The goal is to wipe out each village in the game with a war machine constructed from various parts. Quick and easy to play, and with a two-tone visual style similar to last year's eerie Limbo.
Where to get it: www.bigblockgames.com; browser game
THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE
What they are: Once a purely subscription-based game, The Lord of the Rings Online now allows free play up to level 65, with items available for purchase in an in-game store and special VIP content offered to those who decide to pay a monthly fee. Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited operates under a similar model. Both rated Teen.
Where to get them: www.lotro.com or www.ddo.com; PC
MINECRAFT CLASSIC
What it is: Minecraft recently sold its millionth copy - not bad for a game that isn't even finished yet. The game's site still hosts the free Classic version of the game, in which players can explore, build upon and destroy the terrain in a blocky world.
Where to get it: www.minecraft.net; browser game, Mac, PC or Linux
MECHWARRIOR 4: MERCENARIES
What it is: Pilot big, stompy robotic death machines in this futuristic simulation based in the "BattleTech" universe. The game, originally released in 2002, was made available for free download last year. Rated Teen.
Where to get it: www.mektek.net/projects/mw4; PC
OCTODAD
What it is: As a cephalopod stuffed into a suit (complete with a dashing tentacle moustache), players desperately try to perform tasks while avoiding suspicion from family members unaware of Octodad's aquatic nature. Designed by students of DePaul University in Chicago.
Where to get it: www.octodadgame.com; Mac or PC
ONE CHANCE
What it is: Players have exactly one chance to save all life on Earth from death in this indie game where choices are important and final. There are several alternate endings, and the game does not allow players to start over and try again for a different one.
Where to get it: www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/555181; browser game
PIRATES OF THE BURNING SEA
What it is: Set in the 1700s Caribbean, Pirates of the Burning Sea puts players in the boots of a pirate, naval officer or privateer, among other career paths, and allows them to partake in ship battles and on-land swashbuckling, and participate in a player-driven economy to amass a fortune. Premium content is available through a paid membership. Rated Teen.
Where to get it: www.burningsea.com; PC
QUAKE LIVE
What it is: This free-to-play, ad-supported online game is a browser-based version of venerable competitive shooter Quake III: Gold (1999). Fast-paced and fun after all these years, if a bit dated on the visual side. Rated Teen.
Where to get it: www.quakelive.com; browser game
THIS IS THE ONLY LEVEL
What it is: The title says it all about this game. The goal of the single level is always to guide a little elephant past some spikes and into the exit pipe, but the game adds new ways to complicate that task with every victory.
Where to get it: http://armorgames.com/play/4309/this-is-the-only-level; browser game
WORLD OF TANKS
What it is: Still in its beta stage, World of Tanks offers a wide array of World War II-era American, German and Russian tanks with which to blast other players on various maps. The game is free to play with the option to buy in-game currency for use in purchasing new vehicles and upgrades.
Where to get it: www.worldoftanks.com; PC.
