The most common thing most people will miss the most when switching from a Windows operating system to a Linux one is the games and the amount of malware that can run on their computer. Well, I seriously doubt they’re going to miss the malware, but there are common misconceptions about Linux, that is for sure. For one, the need for an anti-malware or anti-virus, because Windows is so widely used and infected. The truth with Linux is that being open source makes it a powerful asset in removing powerful malware off a Windows computer, as well as being immune to the malware itself. But there is admittedly less firewalls, which isn’t so much a bad thing when you realize that that allows for better support of the current firewalls and strengthening of them.

No, the most common complaint of most people I know of that have made the switch fully from Windows to Linux is the lack of games. And while I do admit, there is a huge lack of games when you compare it to Windows, that’s not to say that there is none at all. So I feel it should be my duty for every Saturday for the next few weeks to cover some free games for the Linux based operating systems. To those using Windows, chances are good the games I’m naming have been ported to your platform as well, so this also works out for the Windows users. Please keep in mind that each game has it’s own site linked, so you can check out the system requirements. So let’s begin.

– Sauerbraten –

If you’ve never tried Sauerbraten under Windows or Linux, let me just say this: you’re missing out on one of the best first person shooters that was ever created. Sauerbraten itself has no official story line but has lots of shooting action for any fan of first person shooters. It’s varied weapons interact with each other perfectly as they would in real life, the machine/chain gun is perfect for automatic take downs but is inaccurate if sprayed, the sniper is great for a long distance shot but useless up close, the shotgun is the reverse, being only useful close up but useless at a far distance, with the pistol being a nice mid-ranged weapon and the rockets being a “blast” (pardon the pun). The monsters are also varied, ranging from Bauul who you will be cursing every time you see one, with their 500 HP and their rockets able to do upwards of 50 points of damage with each blast, to the HellPig whom you’ll simply laugh at as it’s weak 50 HP and 12 points of damage don’t seem that bad when you’re running from that Bauul…

Any way you cut it, Sauerbraten is a rather amazing game, with both single and multiplayer options and a free download for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.

– OpenArena –

OpenArena, while lacking the finesse of Quake 3 Arena, which it’s based off of for gameplay, still has it’s strengths. For one, it’s a free game. For another, it’s like playing Quake Arena. And for a third thing… it still is very actively played online and offline. There is a campaign mode which while can be dead simple on the easiest modes, can work you into quite the sweat in the harder levels. Then if that weren’t enough, the multiplayer faction is quite an unusual way of working, with new maps available only to be played online. If you ever see someone fragging you with the name of HellNoire666 under OpenArena, chances are good that’s yours truly. Just remember one tip while rocket jumping… always look before you leap.

OpenArena does have some small flaws, but the solid gameplay makes up for it. It is both single and multiplayer friendly, and works with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.

– Urban Terror –

Urban Terror’s graphics might look even more dated then Sauerbraten and OpenArena, but don’t let the graphics fool you: Urban Terror is a great game. It’s a somewhat more realistic version of Counter Strike 1.6, in that you can run and jump, but unlike Counter Strike or any other FPS that I know of, these take away from your stamina, as does being shot by bullets. And if you aren’t careful, you can also bleed to death from your wounds! While these might sound like bad things, I personally believe it adds a unique gameplay element to the already worn thin FPS genre. While I don’t play it the most often, it’s still certainly worthy of a look if you’re looking for something to be like Counter Strike in a sense. And at the same time, the unique elements certainly will add a challenge to anyone who’s great at Counter Strike or any other first person shooter. Oh, and did I remember to mention you can wall jump and slide?

Urban Terror is multiplayer only and works with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.

I’ll be writing up on more games next week, I just felt that since Sunday is considered a rest day for many people, it would be the best day to post up on games for all the operating systems that I know of. Remember, less then 24 hours left for WinPatrol, so if you’d like the chance to win it, it’s still open!