Twenty years ago, people used to buy CDs to play the type of game that kids of today would define as simple blocks of colour moving around on a screen. Gamers have it far better nowadays, with the option to play online opening up a whole new range of opportunities.
From free games that would have cost over $50 back in the day to huge MMORPG brands such as Blizzard, we’ve put together a diverse collection of the best (and often free) online games that will redefine your understanding of procrastination. It’s cool, that essay that you’ve got due or work project that’s giving you a migraine can wait till tomorrow, right?
MS-DOS Library of Games
Yes, these are the oldest games you’ll find in this collection, but we wager that they’re still amongst the best. This nifty archive of old MS-DOS games gives retro gamers the opportunity to play over four thousand classics. We’re talking the big names, such as Wolfenstein 3D.
Those of you who grew up in the 80s and 90s will be amazed by the fact you can load up and play in a matter of seconds. These games are all playable directly from your browser and don’t require any additional plugins or downloads. Waste your lunchtime at work fighting off the Nazis, travelling the world, or getting the Prince of Persia out of yet another jam.
DOOM
This game is such a classic in its own right that it deserves a special mention. Forget the Hollywood flop by the same name (even though it does star ‘The Rock’) and enjoy one of the most playable games ever made. The first episode/chapter of Doom is available without limitations. Banish your demons by killing them with a machine gun in this quality FPS. Play an hour of Doom and you’ll inevitably join the legion of old timers that complain gaming isn’t what it used to be.
Join a Virtual Casino (without paying!)
If you fancy joining a blackjack table or putting your (virtual) money on red without having to actually gamble, there are plenty of free online casinos out there. They work in exactly the same way as the paid versions, so if you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas but you want some practice before you go, this is ideal preparation. So why not join and get your basic strategy down?
If the classic table games aren’t your thing, you can also play free slot games. These are often the exact ones you’ll find in physical casinos, but you can also opt to play for money on the online varieties. These days, slot games are far more exciting than their counterparts of yesteryear – they’re full of cool visuals, animations, and sometimes even an actual storyline.
League of Legends
Also known as LoL, League of Legends is, well, truly legendary. It puts your right in the middle of a ginormous MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena), where you’ll get the chance to pitch your champion into battle against other players from all over the planet.
Photo credit: Flickr
League of Legends was released almost a decade ago in 2009 and has gathered a loyal following of over seven million concurrent players. The thing we like about this game is that it’s heavily tactically-focused while still retaining strong playability for newer players. The creators are always releasing new patches and features, ensuring the game is kept fresh at all times. The only critique is that the existing community of players can be a little insular and inward looking, which means brand new players can be left feeling a little isolated and unwelcome. One you’ve earned your chops, however, it’s a fantastic place to be.
World of Warcraft
This game is single-handedly responsible for creating an army of hermits, all of whom are more acquainted with the virtual world than the physical one. While it’s a number of years old now, it’s still one of the more popular MMOs out there. Blizzard has done an excellent job at keeping World of Warcraft fresh and playable amidst increasing competition. The downside is that it’s not free to play (the trial version is so limiting it’s hardly worth it) – you’re going to have to fork out $15 per month to slay orcs while others sleep.
