In the last chapter you learned how to use Linux to help you work; in this chapter you’ll learn how to use Linux to help you play. A variety of challenging and exciting games is available for Linux; many of them are free. In addition, you can use WINE to run a variety of commercial games originally written for Microsoft Windows.
Linux includes several popular games. In addition, many Linux games are available on the Web. Table 9-1 lists some of the most popular sites offering Linux games and Table 9-2 describes some of the most popular Linux games. However, you’ll find almost every game you could want on the Debian web site, http://www.debian.org/.
Table 9-1. Popular Linux Game Web Sites
Web Site |
URL |
---|---|
Freshmeat | |
Linux Game Tome | |
Linux Games Page | |
Linux Quake Page | |
linuxquake.com | |
Loki Games | |
Slashdot |
Table 9-2. Some Popular Linux Games
Game |
Type |
Description |
---|---|---|
BZFlag |
Action |
Multi-player tank battle game. |
Civilization: Call To Power |
Strategy |
A commercial Linux version of the sequel to Micropose’s Civilization. Supports network play. |
CrossFire |
Role Playing |
Resembles Rogue. Supports multi-player network play. |
DOOM |
Action |
Classic action game. Requires |
Freeciv |
Strategy |
Resembles Microprose’s Civilization. Supports network play. |
Illust Logic |
Puzzle |
A paint-by-numbers puzzle, wherein you strive to paint cells of a canvas. |
Koules |
Arcade |
Multi-player action game. Supports console or X11 play. |
NetHack |
Role Playing |
A quest game resembling Rogue. Supports console or X11 play. |
Netrek |
Arcade |
Multi-player 2-D battle simulation with a Star Trek theme. |
PySol |
Card |
Twenty different versions of solitaire. |
Quake |
Action |
A Linux version of the commercial game Quake. Requires the PAK file from the game CD-ROM diskette. Supports console or X11 play. |
Quake II |
Action |
In the opinion of many, the definitive multi-player 3D action shoot ‘em up. Requires license fee. Supports console or X11 play. |
Snes9X |
Utility |
A portable, freeware emulator of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Allows you to run Nintendo64 games on a PC. |
Starcraft Linux-installation HOWTO |
Document |
Describes the procedures for installing and running the commercial game Starcraft on a Linux system using WINE. |
XBomber |
Arcade |
Resembles the classic Bomberman game. |
Xmame |
Arcade |
Emulator for popular arcade games. Requires ROM image from the original game. |
XPat2 |
Card |
An assortment of solitaire games. |
XShipWars |
Action |
A graphical MUD (multi-user dungeon) with a space exploration theme. |
As you can see, many types of games are available, including action games, arcade games, card games, puzzles, role playing games, and strategy games. Some Linux games can be played from the console; others require X. Many Linux games let multiple players compete at separate computers connected via a network, such as the Internet. Linux games may be freeware, shareware, or commercial software. In addition, Linux software such as Snes9X and WINE lets you play games originally written for systems other than Linux.
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