Network games for freeYes, you can go to CompUSA and plunk down $30, $40 or $50 for a computer game. And if you have older kids (10-17) who have the time to seriously play the games that might be worth it. But if you're like us and just like to have an occasional quick game of something, you will never...never...get into the depth of the game. If that sounds right, then you are perfect candidate to take advantage of demos. That's right...not the whole game, but just a piece of it. In many cases, the demo plays just like the real game but limits play to only the first level or two, or only has limited options. Unfortunately, one of the main options often left out of demos is the network capability. That is, the ability to hook up with another player on another computer on your home PC network and play against them or work with them against some other "enemy." But fear not, there are several demos that DO include the network capability. We have a blast playing these and they cost practically nothing. I say practically, because we decided to take the more convenient, but slightly more expensive way to get the demos. Namely, we subscribe to the monthly magazine PC Gamer. The magazine comes every month with a CD-ROM chocked full of demos. For $20-30 a year, we think it's worth the money. But many of these game demos are also available for download over the internet and that makes them...you guessed it...absolutely free. So here are a list of network capable demos and, when available, the link to a download site. Please, if we've missed any, send us an e-mail or leave a comment on our Forums page.
Games for free with network capability Leadfoot - This is a simple but very fun racing game that uses off-road vehicles on an enclosed stadium track. The action is very fast, but still thrilling as you round the last corner side by side with your opponents over the LAN. Download is available here. 4x4 Evolution - A neat, off-road racing game with some of favorite SUVs, the Nissan Pathfinder and Xterra. Get more information and the link for the download over at Avault.com's download page here. NASCAR Racing 4 - This is one of the most anticipated racing sims and now you can get the multiplayer-capable demo for free. Granted this is one long download (we suggest overnight) at 70megs, but the graphics are great and the multiplayer worked first time for us. http://www.papy.com/ NASCAR Racing 3 - Another installment in this great car racing series. This is a great free demo with network support and two tracks to race on. It's another big download, but well worth the wait. http://www.papy.com/ Return to Castle Wolfenstein -- Many of you may remember Wolfenstein, one of the classic 3D shooter games that "started it all." Now Activision brings back a sequel built on the Quake III graphics engine. This is definitely a game for mature audiences. If you like the "shooter" category, you may want to try out this multiplayer test. http://www.activision.com/games/wolfenstein/ Quake III Arena - The third chapter in this classic "first-person shooter" will be a bit too violent for some folks. Still, if you want a great game to test your network setup and the 3D capabilities of your computer, set your computer to download this large demo overnight. http://www.quake3arena.com/ Heavy Gear II - The latest "mechanized warrior" game. Great graphics but you'll need some souped up hardware to play this demo. And the language is not for the young kids. Get the demo from Activision at http://www4.activision.com/games/heavygearii/ Descent 3 - If you have a computer with some power and a 3D graphics card, this free demo really rocks. You fly a small hover craft deep into mine shafts on distant planet and blast robots...all in search of a virus. The demo has two multiplayer options: capture the flag and a free-for-all. This might be a bit brutal for young kids (lots of lasers, explosions, etc) but only robots get blown up. http://www.interplay.com/descent3/fdemos.html Crimson Skies - A 1930s-era flying simulation with an interesting, fictional premise. http://www.microsoft.com/games/crimsonskies/downloads.asp Hellbender - A simple but fun futuristic aircraft, shoot 'em game http://www.microsoft.com/games/hellbender/default.htm Monster Truck Madness - Yep, race monster trucks around a track http://www.microsoft.com/games/monster1/eula_trial.htm Monster Truck Madness II - Better than the first, but you need computer horsepower (166MMX or better) http://www.microsoft.com/games/monster/ Motocross Madness - A pretty neat motorcycle sim that includes multiplayer capability in the demo. http://www.microsoft.com/games/motocross/ From Accolade: Redline -- This "shoot 'em up" is probably not the best choice for the kids, but we understand the demo includes multiplayer capability so it fits our criterion. Get the demo from Accolade at: http://www.redline2066.com/downloads.htm From Blue Byte Software USA Settlers III - We don't have personal experience with this game, but the demo does have multiplayer capability. The publisher calls this game "an immense god sim with a real-time, strategic simulation of prosperity, tactics, combat and growth. Control the full cycle of your civilization's evolution, from the initial planning and building of its infrastructure, to the full-blooded conflict of race against race in the quest to expand your power and domination." Get the demo from the game "welcome" page at: http://www.settlers3.com/gindex.htm
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