Multiplayer Browser Games Online, Free Java Game

The potential for browser based games, and even multiplayer browser based games, is now absolutely huge with the advent of faster online connections, faster browser software and the blossoming of java as a source for online games creation. As a result browser games have exploded in popularity with online poker and casino sites often leading the way by making especially good use of the technology with very professional versions of just about every casino game you can name.

Disappointingly, to date, many online browser game authors have stuck to the rather simple arcade style. While there are some excellent examples of retro arcade games out there, when all is said and done they are still re-workings of 80s games and tend to be a little superficial, though some are still very, very playable games.

The more innovative have used Java to allow instant browser access to more expansive multiplayer games. That is to say, sophisticated multiplayer online games without the need for software download and installation. Again, a good exampleof this would be a browser based poker site allowing multiple users to be 'seated' at one table playing games such as texas hold'em with nine or even ten players present. Roulette, blackjack and progressive slots are further examples where the profit motive has pushed quality up and up to the point where browser based multiplayer game implementations rival those that requirte software client downloads.

Online browser games clients can now be both very fast and functional, allowing the creation of online communities of a more discerning quality. If it's puzzles and arcade games that you're into, then some of the very best are implemented in java; Pogo Games being a leading example. The most highly ranked games below are those that tend to be more expansive and complex in their overall gameplay - not just their use of java and the browser interface.

Site Title and Rank

Description

Online RPG

Avalon; The Legend Lives is a beautifully written fantasy role playing style world of enormous depth and complexity, yet with comprehensive help and guidance for the absolute novice. It is totally original in its conception and creation and has spawned many imitators over its twenty years plus development; though none have come close to matching Avalon's depth of features and evocative textual descriptions. Avalon provides an expansive web site for additional help plus detailed history of the land. There is also an advanced Java client for instant play from your web browser.

Pannerotto

An interesting and fast loading arcade style Java game. There are many of this type out there, this is probably the most stable and playable. The objective of the game is to clear all stages by positioning all of the solid squares inside a corresponding coloured outlined square by rotating the outer cells within the movable yellow panel.

The Mysteries of Time and Space

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.

First Age

After the apocalytptic divine war, the continent of Avalon is bathed in a new dawn where you the mortal can play a major role. This is the original format of the classic Avalon role playing game before civilization evolved and removed the rough edges. Expect blood and gore once you are through the initial new player support and you had better be on your mettle. First Age provides a java client for immediate play from your browser.

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.

Udder Insanity

A rather distraught cow, from this hilarious online Java game.

Perhaps one of the most simple, yet hilariously addictive games on the internet. In this online Java game you are a dairy farmer, trying to eke out a meagre living from your herd of dairy cows. Things wouldn't be so bad, except that your cows have a tendency to produce too much milk and explode. The key to this game is purely down to the sense of humour that the designers possess. Not only do you have to run around the herd desperately milking the cows so they don't explode, but you have to run back to your shotgun now and then to keep away the milk moon-lighter.
To play java games online you will generally require more advanced browsers such as Explorer or Firefox. Some of the older games will allow for older browser versions but its always a good idea to keep up to date with your latest browser updates.

Java Game Play

A long-standing site that has changed its outlook much over the years. One of the more recent offerings is an off-road rally game running purely as a browser game and is very well worth checking out.

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.