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There are thousands upon thousands of free games on the internet, and most are quite, quite awful. However, all the free games or sites we list here are top quality. Remember even a half star rating on Online Games Network means a site in the top 10% of its genre. All these games are entirely free to play, though some may ask for optional donations in one form or another. One or two require subscription for on-going involvement with the same character or handle, but we judge that they give enough free 'sample' time to be listed here. Please don't submit beta versions of commercial games for inclusion here, the very nature of beta versions means they are not polished enough to be included in this directory.
One outstanding source of high quality, professional standard free games are online casino and online poker sites. Many casino and poker sites allow users to try games for free using play tokens instead of money. They hope that you will be inclined to play for money at a later date, of course, but there should be no obligation even though most sites will require you to register. Both online casino sites and specialist online poker rooms tend to make a lot of money and their implementation usually reflects this giving you the user a very smooth and polished playing experience. This is great fun when to have access to real casino games such as roulette, craps and blackjack and a really good way to learn how to play them without committing any real money.
The main draw-back with playing poker for free online is that the best nuances of the game are removed along with any risk to your own finances. This is particularly obvious in high skill 'big bet' poker games (especially Pot Limit Omaha and Pot limit or No Limit Texas Hold Em) where you will find other players who are also playing their poker for free will 'bet the farm' on every hand rather than taking things seriously. However, an OGN top tip is to avoid such pit-falls by playing freerolls. For more information see our section on Poker Freerolls.
| Site Title and Rank |
Description |
Multiplayer Monopoly  |
Check out this very good implementation of the classic Monopoly board game. Play alone against up to 3 AI programmed robots or with up to 3 other live players, or any combination of the two. Multiplayer Monopoly, the 'World Version' can be found on Pogo games and is available free to non-members. |
Rinkworks Adventure Games Live
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Several 'live' and online adventure games with a simple to use point and click interface requiring only your mouse and web browser and no java required! There is a 'Trainer' adventure to get you started and several other games of varying difficulty. Not multi-user or truly interactive but a nice idea well executed. The games can be played for free with a little advertising for sponsorship, or a modest subscription can be made to have this removed, though it is far from over-obtrusive. |
Yahoo!  |
Jack-of-all-trades but master of none, the Yahoo games section still deserves to be mentioned. It does have reasonable implementations of many games (such as chess, reversi and backgammon, card games like blackjack, bridge, canasta and other games like mah jong and even pool). It is free and the site is extremely popular and consequently suffers from all the frustrations that go along with that scenario. If two of you are looking for a quiet game of something then using a private table at Yahoo can be an easy answer, otherwise there is most probably another site offering a better implementation of your chosen game which may take some setting up but will ultimately be more worth while for it. |
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Discworld
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An interactive interpretation of Pratchett's Discworld books. Lots of fun and wit in the absence of any serious role playing or the usual mud combat, something which can be quite refreshing from time to time, especially considering the choice of code base in use here. This game is well established and lovingly maintained and must be a contender for the longest running non-commercial MUD, maintained by voluntary contributions and the generous permission of Terry Pratchett to use his intellectual copyright free of charge. |
The Mysteries of Time and Space
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Award winning, web browser based single use adventure game, but with a chat facility combined for communicating hints to other players. Graphical click and point play and very well presented though with no great depth of game play. Still, it is free to play and well worth a look at a fairly unique approach to online adventure games. |
The Wheel Of Time MUD  |
Based on the series of books by Robert Jordan, this MUD attempts to create a world which fans of the series will recognise and be able to interact within. Expect a lot of combat and not too much help unless you have read it for yourself on the web site first or you quickly make a friends with someone more experienced (always good advice!). This is the best of the Wheel of time MUDS that are to be found out there and has been established since 1993. |
Segmation  |
A truly unique site that is more an entertainment than a game site. Basically a site that allows you to play with images and colour through a java applet with no special plug-ins required. You can challenge yourself by trying to beat the clock also. The site is currently expanding but shows much potential and to our knowledge is quite unique on the web. Free to play. |
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